The noble calling of governance

If we want a safe community, thriving arts, innovative social and health services, community support for the vulnerable and a thriving community to locate our business, we need to contribute to that goal. We are so fortunate to live in a country with one of the highest rates of volunteerism in the world. Yet, not-for-profit organizations continue to struggle to recruit board members, with many barely managing quorum at some meetings.

I encourage Chamber members who have considered volunteering on community boards to get involved. Volunteering on a board of directors or governance related committees allows us to leverage our business skills and gain incredible side benefits at the same time. Every enterprise is a business, regardless of status: for profit; not-forprofit; public; or private. When we volunteer our time to the noble calling of governance we commit to providing stewardship to an organization. Most importantly, we commit to applying all those lessons we have learned to the benefit of the organization and ultimately to our own community.

One of the most important elements of the not-for-profit sector is the role of the board of directors and supporting committees. Volunteers donate their time and skills to providing important stewardship to an agency or organization. They also provide input and reflect the community voice.

In volunteering for governance roles we force ourselves to look at our own business practices as well. Do we recognize and value our employees as well as a not-for-profit agency does its staff and volunteers (and on a shoestring budget to boot!)? Can we help maximize our own bottom lines by building more effective partnerships? Or, can we break down barriers in our own service delivery as City Kidz past chair Lynda Sohal, a police officer, has by helping children experience positive interactions with police officers.

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