Volunteer

Join OCTEVAW’s Board of Directors!

The Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) is seeking volunteers to join our Board of Directors and support the organization to fulfill its mission to unite organizations and individuals in the Ottawa region who are working to end violence against women and gender-based violence. 

We are seeking individuals that have experience / skills in Finance, Fundraising, Government Relations, Non-Proft Legal Expertise, and/or Governance. .We know that tackling the root causes of gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women (VAW) is only possible if it is led and informed by the expertise and lived experiences of survivors of violence, women, trans and gender diverse people and others who identify as 2SLGBTTIAQ+, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and racialized people. If you are a member of one or more of these groups, we would love to hear from you.

If you have caring responsibilities, we can work with you to figure out how to support your engagement, including covering caring costs. We are also committed to providing other accommodations, transportation costs, and beyond.

About OCTEVAW

OCTEVAW aims to end gender-based violence through prevention, awareness building and by amplifying the voices of those on the frontline. OCTEVAW works collaboratively with organizations, community members and institutions in accordance with feminist, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, 2SLGBTIAQ+ positive and pro-choice principles. OCTEVAW aspires to a future in which:

  • All members of the community, including individuals, organizations, policy makers, and the legal system are united in efforts to ensure a permanent end to all gender-based violence and discrimination.

  • Respect for the inherent worth and dignity of women, trans and gender diverse individuals is reflected in our public institutions.

  • Women, trans and gender diverse individuals can live violence-free lives rooted in autonomy and self-determination.

You are:

  • An intersectional feminist and have an enthusiasm for ending violence and engaging in community

  • An action-oriented person that wants to make things happen – you have an activist heart and want to contribute to creating systemic change

  • Interested in or have had previous board experience, front line, or non-profit experience; Either way, you are curious and eager to learn and contribute!

  • Able to engage in the Board working language of OCTEVAW – English – but it may not be your mother tongue

OCTEVAW can support new board members with mentorship and training in what it means to be on a board.

About the role

OCTEVAW has a small core staff. In addition to providing oversight of the organization, Board members play an important role in supporting some day-to-day work. This means that on joining the board of directors, OCTEVAW board members take on oversight responsibility for and provide leadership to a specific aspect of operations--a "portfolio", such as communications or member engagement. Members provide more hands-on assistance than they would if the organization had staff responsible for this area. As OCTEVAW’s staff grows, they may well transition to a more oversight-oriented role. We are currently seeking individuals that have an interest/skill in Finance, Fundraising, Government Relations, Non-Profit Legal Expertise, and/or Governance.

General Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the oversight and financial stewardship of the organization

  • Support and defend policies and programs adopted by the Board of Directors

  • Serve as voting member of Board of Directors

  • Provide updates / reports on your portfolio, in advance, for monthly board meetings

  • Lead and participate in a transition meeting with successor

  • Perform other duties that may be delegated by the Chair and/or Board of Directors

Attendance & Time Commitment:

  • Attendance at monthly Board of Directors meetings (2hours)

  • Attendance at Board retreats focused on strategic planning and organizational policy review

  • Attendance at the Annual General Meeting (2 hours)

  • Attendance at official activities and functions, when possible (2-3hours)

  • Serve a two-year term

Estimated time per month: 10-15 hours

To apply send your cv and cover letter to governance@octevaw-cocvff.ca