Volunteer Board Director

**Volunteer Board Director** The Women's Centre of Halton Halton, ON The Women’s Centre was founded in 1989, when it was realized that women leaving shelters urgently needed aftercare to successfully return to the community. The Women’s Centre is now the important first point of entry for services and programs for women in crisis or distress. There is a focus on the basic needs for safety, self-esteem and self-sufficiency through client participation in various programs and services. All programs and services are related to the Mission Statement and are offered in the spirit of “Women Supporting Women”. **Mission Statement** The Women’s Centre is dedicated to supporting women in crisis, distress or transition by providing programs and services to effect positive change. **Vision Statement** The Women’s Centre aims to be an exemplary leader in the development and delivery of quality programs and services for the benefit of those women accessing our Centre by being able: 1. To provide services in a secure, non-judgmental, caring environment. 2. To offer a "one-stop service" to support women in crisis, distress or transition. 3. To encourage women to be empowered in their own lives. 4. To maintain an environment where clients, staff and volunteers work as a team to perpetuate an atmosphere of support, heart and compassion. 5. To be leaders in the community, effecting positive change. **Values** The values that guide decisions and strategies include excellence, compassion, integrity, respect, empathy, innovation, collaboration, transparency and accountability. **Mandate** The Women’s Centre is open to all women regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or abilities. The Women’s Centre supports the needs of women through peer support, counselling, education, seminars and workshops. **Guiding Principles**: - Provide an environment and resources to support, educate and empower women. - Listen, understand and validate women in a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere. - Be sensitive to a woman’s choices and life circumstances. - Enable women to have a voice by providing support and resources. - Foster respect and confidentiality at all times for our clients. - Promote anti-discrimination policies on race, culture, sexual orientation, religion and ability. - Partner with other organizations to meet the needs of women in the community. **Strategic Directions** In order to responsibly address the immediate and long-term requirements of the Women’s Centre over the next three years, there will be a focus on the following four strategic directions: A. Organizational Development B. Partnership Development C. Marketing D. Programs and services **Board of Directors Opportunity** The Board of Directors oversees and guides the management of TWC in accordance with the established Mission, Vision, Values, Policies, and Bylaws. TWC is seeking **three (3) individuals** with expertise in one of the following areas to join the Board of Directors **by January 2026**. - Counselling/Therapy - Marketing - Fundraising - Local or Municipal Government - Real Estate - Women's Services - **All new Directors will be expected to contribute seasoned business leadership and governance expertise while demonstrating community-centric values.**_ **The Individual** **Overall Expectations** The new Board Directors will be expected to: - Support TWC’s mission, purpose, goals, policies, programs and fund development while knowing its strengths and needs. - Provide oversight of TWC’s strategy and mission through regular review of the strategic plan, Board policies, and monthly review of the financial statements. - Attend the monthly Board meetings in person or via Zoom. - Serve actively on at least one committee of the Board as requested by the Board Chair. - Act as ambassadors of TWC to engage target audiences. - Attend educational and community-based fundraising events sponsored by TWC whenever possible. **Meetings** - Attend _**ten (10) monthly board meetings**_ with pre-circulated agendas. - Attend _**six (6) to eight (8) board committee meetings**_a year. - Prepare for and participate in TWC’s Board meetings, scheduled committee meetings, and other appropriate activities. - Ask timely and substantive questions at Board and Committee meetings, consistent with personal conscience, convictions, and ethics, while supporting the majority decision on issues decided by the Board. - Maintain confidentiality of the Board’s sessions. **Director Qualifications** - Understands and commits to the Mission and Values of TWC - Understands the socio-economic climate and aspirations of the general public in the areas of Halton served by TWC - Understands the fundamentals of the social services sector within the Region of Halton - Understands principles of governance and management of charitable organizations - Understands By-laws, legal and fiduciary duties and responsibilities of directors Preferred Skills and Experience - Devel