At Flatwater North (a sprint canoe and kayak club based in Whitehorse, Yukon), a Member-at-Large (often listed generally as a “Director”) is a general member of the Board of Directors.
Unlike officers such as the President, Treasurer, or Secretary, a Member-at-Large does not oversee a specific designated department. Instead, they serve the organization as a whole.
The role typically involves the following responsibilities: Governance and Oversight: Attending board meetings to vote on club policies, financial spending, bylaws, and seasonal program planning.
Project Support: Spearheading or assisting with specific club initiatives, such as fundraising events, equipment storage expansions, or regatta planning.
Community Representation: Serving as a liaison between the general membership (parents, athletes, and paddlers) and the executive board. Safe Sport Compliance: Completing mandatory organizational requirements, such as the Canoe Kayak Canada Safe Sport training.
Strategic Governance: Attending board meetings, voting on official motions, and guiding the club’s seasonal paddling and sprint racing programs.
Safe Sport Compliance: Completing mandatory online Safe Sport training through Canoe Kayak Canada to maintain a safe environment for Yukon athletes.
Special Projects: Frequently taking on specific, flexible roles based on the club’s needs, such as acting as a designated screener for volunteer Criminal Record Checks or assisting with AGM and event planning.
Serving as a Director (Member-at-Large) on the board of Flatwater North—a non-profit sprint canoe, kayak, and dragon boat club based in Whitehorse, Yukon requires a balance of community governance, sports administration, and strategic oversight. Because the club serves everyone from young children in summer camps to elite athletes competing at the national level, a Member-at-Large plays a fluid role in supporting the club’s growth.
Time commitment: One meeting per month, with an estimated total of 4 to 5 hours of work monthly.
12 meetings a year.
Volunteer Benefits & Perks:
Fleet Access: Full recreational access to club watercraft, including sprint canoes, kayaks, surfskis, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).
Community Perks: Access to club social events, barbecues, and appreciation gatherings.
Skill Development: Hands-on experience in event logistics, safety protocols, and organizational leadership.
Saphan Swaleh, Managing Director
