Call for Candidates for CPAWS National Board

CPAWS is looking for potential nominees to its national Board of Trustees. The Board has ultimate responsibility for ensuring that CPAWS, as a federally-incorporated not-for-profit charitable organization, is financially sound, onside with relevant laws, and has the policies, plans and programs it needs to accomplish its conservation objectives.

The Board can have up to 16 members, generally elected for three-year terms beginning after the Annual General Meeting each fall.  There is currently one vacancy on the Board due to a resignation and seven positions expiring.

In order to restore a more even rotation, it is expected that six trustees will be nominated for three-year terms, one for a two-year term and one for a one-year term. Trustees are expected to prepare for and attend all National Board meetings and participate in committees and other tasks as required.

Requirements and Skills for 2011

• For geographic balance, we are seeking at least one candidate from Atlantic Canada.
• To make the Board more representative of Canada, we are interested in candidates who are under the age of 40 or from ethno-cultural communities.

Expertise in the following areas, as acquired in CPAWS or elsewhere, would add to or complement the Board’s existing legal and conservation strengths:

• financial management,
• development of individual, corporate or foundation donors,
• volunteer development and management,
• communications and marketing, including social media,
• social mobilization strategies, and
• partnerships with Indigenous peoples.

How to nominate a candidate:

For each candidate, please provide:

• name
• contact information (telephone and e-mail),
• a brief outline of their relevant background and skills (a paragraph or two is sufficient). The candidate signature or consent is not required.

Send your nominations by April 30, 2011 at the latest to:
Julie Davidson
Chair, CPAWS Governance Committee
Email:  2011board@cpaws.org

How Board members are selected

The Board committee responsible for nominations will contact candidates and inquire as to their interest and willingness. At the interview, a more detailed CV and information to meet Canada Revenue Agency requirements will be requested.

The slate of trustees recommended by the Governance Committee will be sent to members in early September.While the Committee makes every effort to put together the best slate, any member who feels that the slate falls short of the needs of CPAWS may submit alternative candidates who are supported by the signatures of 25 people who were members of CPAWS at the time of the call for candidates.