Boardvolunteeropportunity

Interested in being a PERC Board Member?

The PERC Board, which is structured and run in the same way as a PERC committee, acts on behalf of the PERC's members to implement and evaluate operating policy and govern the organization's operation.

In carrying out its mandate, the Board reviews PERC's strategic goals and the extent to which these are being achieved. Should the Board determine that there is a significant "gap" between what the PERC says it is trying to do and what is being done, it has the obligation to take appropriate action to address this discrepancy.

Part of the Board's responsibility to the PERC's membership is to ensure that the funds received by the PERC, though grants and donations are being spent appropriately.

In practice, the Board meets every 4-6 weeks. Meetings involve a review of current financial reports and presentation of reports on the activities of the various PERC committees and work of the Coordinator.

The Board also tries to discuss broader issues related to PERC policy and operations during its monthly meetings, but this is often not possible due to time constraints. If required, these issues are dealt with by sub-committees of the Board that meet between regular Board meetings. One of the projects currently being undertaken by a Board sub-committee is the development of an orientation manual for new Board members.

The Board looks for ways in which it can assist PERC committees to carry out their activities. Most frequently, this involves working with the Membership or Fundraising Committees on specific events. There is never a lack of interesting things to do on the PERC Board!

The PERC Board is currently seeking a number of new members to allow it to better meet its mandate. If the above description of the Board has piqued your interest, read on!

Following is an overview of the skills and attributes that the PERC is looking for in new Board members as well as the kind of work that needs to be done and expected time commitments.

Ideally, a Board candidate would possess the following qualities:

Skills & Attributes:

A PERC Board member is knowledgeable about peace and environment issues, with an understanding of, or a willingness to learn, about the PERC as an organization and the function and processes of its Board, including its mandate, bylaws and policies; has the ability to look at issues from both a long and shorter term perspective; is disciplined and able to self-evaluate; is a visionary and conceptual thinker; has the ability to follow up on his/her commitments; has the ability to understand other points of view and to work within a consensus framework of decision-making. PERC Board Members are expected to make the following time commitments:

Attend at least one Board meeting before being nominated. Complete the PERC Volunteer Orientation session (approximately 6 hours) after nomination. Make a minimum ongoing commitment of 12 hours per month (this includes one board meeting monthly as well as approximately 2 to 3 hours of work per week to carry out miscellaneous board-related tasks). Be flexible enough to accommodate Board-related tasks. Attend PERC events and get to know the PERC community. Participate in on-going Board-related training and development activities. Experience:

A PERC Board Member should have previous experience working on the Boards of Directors of not-for-profit organizations, or with community-based committees or groups.

If, after reading the above, you are still interested in becoming a PERC Board member, or would like more information about what Board membership would entail, please contact Mike Kaulbars by email at DQ430@freenet.carleton.ca to set up an appointment to discuss your interest. If there seems to be a mutual meeting of the minds, you would be invited to attend a Board meeting to see for yourself how it works, to meet the current Directors and to discuss your interest in working on the Board.