A board member for a BBBSY is a volunteer leader who provides strategic guidance, oversight, and support to the organization. They help ensure the agency fulfills its mission of mentoring youth by participating in governance, fundraising efforts, community outreach, and advocating for the program’s needs. Board members bring expertise, resources, and a commitment to fostering positive relationships between mentors and mentees to promote youth development and community well-being.
Up to but not limited to the following areas:
Governance and Oversight:
Provide strategic direction to support BBBSY’s mission.
Ensure the organization complies with legal and ethical standards.
Oversee organizational policies and procedures.
Financial Stewardship:
Approve and monitor the annual budget.
Ensure proper financial controls and accountability.
Support fundraising efforts and advocate for the organization’s financial sustainability.
Fundraising and Resource Development:
Actively participate in fundraising initiatives.
Leverage personal and professional networks to attract donors and partners.
Promote awareness of BBBSY’s mission and programs.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
Serve as ambassadors for BBBSY within the community.
Build relationships with stakeholders, including schools, corporations, and community groups.
Help expand the organization’s visibility and impact.
Program Support and Evaluation:
Stay informed about program effectiveness and outcomes.
Provide insights and guidance to enhance program quality.
Support recruitment and retention of mentors and mentees.
Attendance and Participation:
Attend regular board meetings and special events.
Be engaged and prepared for discussions and decision-making.
Volunteer for committees or special projects as needed.
Fundamentals of Commitment:
Uphold the organization’s values and mission.
Respect confidentiality and demonstrate integrity.
Dedicate time and resources to support BBBSY’s goals.
Nonprofit or Community Service Experience:
Prior involvement with nonprofit organizations, especially those focused on youth, mentoring, or education, demonstrates understanding of mission-driven work.
Fundraising and Development Skills:
Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or donor relations can help support the organization’s financial sustainability.
Leadership and Governance Experience:
Serving on other boards or advisory committees provides insight into governance, strategic planning, and organizational oversight. However, being part of multiple boards simultaneously may give us pause for concern about your ability to follow through on time commitments.
Financial Expertise:
Background in finance, accounting, or auditing can assist in overseeing budgets, financial reports, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Marketing and Public Relations:
Skills in communications, branding, or media outreach can help raise awareness and advocate for the organization.
Diversity and Inclusion Expertise:
Experience promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion aligns with serving diverse youth populations and community engagement. We deeply value or partnerships with local first nations, and we have strict non discriminatory policies related to the people we serve.
Professional Background in Education, Social Work, or Youth Development:
Knowledge of child development, education systems, or social services enhances program understanding and advocacy.
Local Community Ties:
Connections within the community can facilitate partnerships, outreach, and resource development as long as they don’t present conflict of interests as per our policy.
Commitment to Mentorship and Youth Development:
Personal passion or experience in mentoring can deepen understanding of the program’s impact.
Understanding of confidentiality and related policy:
As we serve a vulnerable population, it’s important to only discuss private matters with appropriate individuals within the organization, and to keep the private and public matters seperate.
Average of up to 5 hours per month,
-Attending 1-2 hours monthly meetings
-Participate in Community Engagement Events (2-4 hours)
-Assist in preparation and execution of fundraisers (Events can require up to 8 hours commitment)
-Attending Annual General Meetings yearly
-On average one Board only Meeting per year
Dale Abbott-Smith, Executive Director
