John Howard Society Board of Directors – Volunteer Opportunity

Do you have an interest in social justice issues and volunteerism?
Are you interested in joining a dynamic and supportive Board of Directors?

The John Howard Society of Niagara is seeking three volunteer board members to join our Board of Directors Members at Large.

About Us:

Founded in 1949, the John Howard Society of Niagara (JHSoN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing crime and supporting people affected by the justice system. We offer programs focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, reducing recidivism and promote safer communities.

As an Affiliate of John Howard Society of Ontario and 19 provincial offices, we operate out of St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls, and Fort Erie with a team of 65 staff. We’re proud to be a Living Wage Champion and are funded by various federal, provincial and municipal partners and private donations.

At JHS, our vision is to “ensure safe, compassionate, and just communities where everyone is supported and empowered. Through our mission of responsive and individualized service, the John Howard Society of Niagara is committed to facilitating positive personal growth through Justice, Prevention, Employment and Education programs that enrich the communities of the Niagara Region”.

We are seeking Board members to be a part of a diverse Board of Directors.

Previous governance experience will be considered a strong asset.

Commitment

Board members serve a 2-year term, with eligibility for re-appointment for additional terms. As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:

  • Leading on diversity: provide leadership on diversity for the organization
  • Ensuring strong financial stewardship: faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings
  • Executive Performance: selecting, supporting, and evaluating the performance of the chief executive
  • Quality Governance: assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization
  • Being an advocate: an active advocate for the organization and its mission, vision and strategic planning process and execution
  • Recognizing the need for commitment: prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings as well as participate fully in taskforces as required.
  • The Board meets 9 times per year with breaks over the summer. Approximate time commitment is 2-3 hours per month and attendance at the Annual General Meeting
  • Respecting all voices: respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization
  • Learning about the community: engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community the organization serves

You’re a fit with our culture if you mirror our values.
YOU…

  • Have a passion for advocating the highest quality of care for JHS clients, through responsive, innovative, and evidence-informed approaches.
  • Celebrate the uniqueness and lived experience of every person, and this conviction creates a sense of belonging, safety, and better outcomes for all.
  • Lead with compassion and care for others and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections.
  • Build meaningful connections that foster inclusion and empowerment with fellow board members and management.
  • Acknowledge that systemic inequalities exist, and that all people have the right to be treated with dignity, and to live free from discrimination.
  • Approach reducing harm to individuals and communities through a non-judgmental approach that builds resiliency and accountability.
  • Support the capacity of individuals and communities to adapt, change, and grow while promoting the conditions to inspire positive transformation.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of non-profit governance, social services, and the justice system
  • Strong Communication and collaboration skills
  • Knowledge of one or more of the following: Legal, Financial Stewardship, HR, IT, Strategic Planning, Compliance & Risk Management

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The John Howard Society of Niagara is guided by our collective desire to ensure that all staff, volunteers, clients, and community partners who engage with our organization feel welcomed, included and valued. We respect the diversity and unique experiences that each individual brings to our organization, and we strive to work and learn together with open minds. We recognize the importance of this work, and have a collective desire to do better. We will approach this work and each other with good minds and the understanding that we all have the very best of intentions at heart.

To express your interest through a CV, please submit to JHSNBoard@jhs-niagara.ca
If you have questions please contact our Executive Director (Interim),
Deanna Villella, DVillella@jhs-niagara.ca