The Elora Centre for the Arts is a Charitable Organization.  |  Charitable Registration Number: 86123 1314 RR0001

 

Call for new volunteer Board Members!

Are you passionate about the Power of Art? Creativity and community building?

Do you support equity, diversity, and inclusion in our community? 

Do you have skills, experience, or perspective to support the governance and financial sustainability of a charitable organization? 

Over the next two years, the Elora Centre for the Arts will be seeking volunteers to serve on its Board of Directors, which helps oversee and guide the organization in its mission to inspire and connect people through the arts. We are a not-for-profit charity, run by a Board of volunteers from our community and a small, committed staff team. It is for the love of art and creativity, and the ways we can nurture, heal and support each other through the arts, that we exist.

Situated in the former Elora Public School (circa 1912), the Elora Centre for the Arts features a main gallery space where artist exhibitions are featured throughout the year. A second gallery and artisan shop features unique and affordable handmade and artist-designed pieces. Live music performances and special events are hosted in the gallery or out in our yard and our classroom space is utilized for creative workshops for adults and youth, including several free community outreach programs.  

As we work to implement our new strategic plan and to offer thoughtful programming and exhibitions, we would welcome applicants with experience or expertise in the following areas:

• The Arts
• Board governance
• Community building
• Finance
• Fundraising
• Building operations

As ECFTA works to broaden its reach and impact, we are always grateful to have board members who are interested in helping the organization connect to new networks and financial resources.

 

Our current volunteer Board Members:

CLICK HERE TO MEET ALL OF OUR BOARD MEMBERS 

Position Description: ECFTA Board Member

Responsibilities of the Board

• Hires and evaluates the performance of the Executive Director 
• Ensures that a long-range strategic plan is in place and offers support in designing, monitoring and carrying out this plan
• Ensures strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
• Supports fundraising and resource development
• Approves and ensures that by-laws are being followed 
• Ensures that the Annual General Meeting is carried out each year 
• Ensures that Board meetings occur at least every four months 
• Assists with promotion of ECFTA
• Assesses its own performance as the governing body of the organization

 

Responsibilities of Individual Board Members

• Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs and needs
• Serve as advocate and ambassador for the organization and engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission through, for example:
  • A recommended annual cash donation of an amount that is “personally meaningful”
  • Actively facilitating introductions to new donors and partners
  • Attending and/or volunteering at ECFTA fundraising events
• Prepare for, attend, and participate in Board meetings 
• Read and understand the organization’s financial statements
• Serve a full term, or in the case that this is not possible, advise the Chair of the Board immediately 
• Uphold the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions
• Disclose potential conflicts of interest 
• Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization

Time Commitment

• The Board meets 5-to-7 times a year for approximately 2 hours every 6 weeks. 
• Attendance at ECFTA events such as the fundraising gala and gallery openings is optional but strongly encouraged. 
• Depending on additional committee involvement, board members may spend an additional 2-to-8 hours per month on ECFTA business. 

Criteria and Requirements

• According to our bylaws, Board members must be registered ECFTA members within 30 days of the AGM 
• Experience working or volunteering in a non-profit or charitable environment would be an asset
• According to Corporations Canada, Board Directors must be >18 years old and not be in bankrupt status
• Access to computer and internet for video-conference meetings

Selection Process

• We will be reaching out to applicants regarding the status of their application and to schedule get-to-know-you conversations on an ongoing basis.
• A slate of recommended nominees are typically presented to the ECFTA membership for election to the Board at the AGM each fall. Depending on board vacancies and need, the Board may appoint new Directors in the interim.

How to apply

Email Governance Committee member Melissa Watkins at ehmjaydub@gmail.com with a short expression of interest, telling us a bit about yourself and what you would like to contribute to, and get out of, this volunteer opportunity, outlining any anticipated barriers to your participation. You may also attach a resume or other document in support of your application.

 

Thank you for your interest in the Elora Centre for the Arts!

 

There are three principal documents governing the operation of the Elora Centre for the Arts:

• Letter Patent, which approves the incorporation of the ECFTA as a non-profit organization, and which constitutes the charter of the organization.
• The Notification of Registration of the Centre as a charitable organization.
• Bylaw #5, which describes the ways in which the affairs of the Centre should be conducted.