The decisions our governments make for the next few years are critical for a livable, safe climate. Are you ready to step things up and help build people’s power to push for dramatic climate action in BC? Are you looking for a way to put your commitment to decolonization and Indigenous rights into action? Dogwood is BC’s largest non-partisan citizen action network, and like all non-profit societies, Dogwood is governed by a volunteer board of directors. We are looking to add new members excited to guide this unique, values-driven organization.
Dogwood brings people together to transform our democracy, uphold Indigenous rights and defend the climate, land and water that sustain life in BC. Our supporters, volunteers, donors and staff value people, the environment, justice and democracy. With our allies, we work to break free from fossil fuels, supercharge decarbonization, and counter right-wing narratives. All of this work takes place on unceded, stolen Indigenous territories amidst ongoing colonial violence, racial injustices and profound wealth inequalities. Thus, Dogwood will contribute, always, to the generations-long project of repairing the injustices of colonialism and dismantling systems of oppression.
Dogwood currently has 16 staff members, anchoring volunteer organizing teams in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island and sustaining a network of over 100,000 supporters. In 2016, Dogwood switched from a traditional Executive Director hierarchy to an Executive Team that manages an organization of more distributed, but interconnected, team-based leadership.
Dogwood is currently seeking new board members who:
- Are motivated by Dogwood’s mission, values and principles, in particular the 3-D’s: decolonizing, decarbonizing, democratizing;
- Are excited to help transform the environmental movement in B.C. to become more just, equitable, inclusive and successful;
- Are committed to the important leadership work of board governance;
- Are able to attend at least four evening board meetings a year, either in person or virtually, and serve on at least one board committee;
- Are willing to work closely with staff at an annual planning retreat;
- Have skills, expertise or lived experience related to any of the following:
- Professional or community connections in Surrey/Fraser Valley and/or Northern BC (to inform Dogwood’s work in these regions)
- Experience working in or with government (elected or public service)
- Fundraising experience
- Can bring fun or team building to board meetings.
At this time, we are most in need of board members with financial oversight experience and/or residing in Northern BC (or who have strong relationships in Northern BC).
Dogwood is committed to becoming an organization where people of diverse identities, backgrounds and abilities want to work and feel safe working as volunteers and staff. We especially encourage people of equity-seeking identities to consider joining the board, including (but not limited to) Black, Indigenous and people of colour; people from a range of economic backgrounds; LGBTQ2S+; people from areas of the province outside the Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island; and young people.
A Board member’s major responsibilities include:
- Ensuring the society is properly managing its finances;
- Ensuring the society is satisfying its legal obligations;
- Ensuring the society is meeting its strategic goals;
- Overseeing the Executive Team which could include hiring, termination and conducting annual performance reviews;
- Reviewing all materials before meetings.
Time commitment: the board of directors meets at least once per quarter and participates in an annual staff/board retreat (2-3 days). Each board member is also expected to serve on at least one committee. Committees generally meet between quarterly board meetings.
If you are interested, please submit your application here by July 31, 2024. Dogwood’s board recruitment committee will review applications and respond shortly after.
Contact current board chair Ingrid Kastens at boardchair@dogwoodbc.ca to learn more.