Call for Volunteer Board Members, CMHA Ottawa

May 3, 2024

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The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Branch (CMHA Ottawa) is a community-based non-profit organization that provides services for eligible individuals in the Ottawa area with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorder, many of whom are experiencing chronic homelessness or are vulnerably housed. CMHA Ottawa is dedicated to promoting good mental health, developing and implementing sustainable support systems and services, and encouraging public action to strengthen community mental health services and related policies and legislation.

At CMHA Ottawa, we are currently seeking three new directors to join our talented and accomplished Board of Directors for a three-year term from June 2024 to June 2027. To help the Board provide the best guidance possible, we are looking for individuals from diverse backgrounds and those with lived experience. We also welcome applications from individuals with experience in Fundraising or Marketing and Communications.

Time Commitment:

The Board of Directors meets in person in Ottawa nine times a year, on the third Wednesday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Board members are also expected to participate in at least one of our standing committees.

Board of Directors’ Responsibilities:

The Board of Directors of CMHA Ottawa is responsible for establishing the organization’s strategic direction and goals, setting the policies and practices that govern its actions and for overseeing the use of the organization’s resources to achieve its goals.

The CMHA Ontario Board of Directors has adopted a “results-based governance model.” Under this model, the Board is not involved in the operations of the organization and is accountable for ensuring that the organization adheres to its strategic direction and works to achieve the strategic goals approved by the Board.

Individual Director Responsibilities:

• Be committed to understanding and adhering to the vision, purpose and core values of the Association.
• Be aware of, and committed to, the strategic directions and goals of the Association.
• Work positively, co-operatively and respectfully as a member of the team with other Directors and with the Association’s management and staff.
• Respect and abide by Board decisions.
• Serve on at least one standing committee, if required.
• Attending Board and committee meetings regularly.
• Complete the necessary background preparation in order to participate effectively in meetings of the Board and its committees.
• Keep informed about matters relating to the Association.
• Participate in an initial orientation as a new Director and ongoing Board education.
• Participate in an annual evaluation of overall Board effectiveness, as well as an individual self-reflection.
• Abide by the conflict-of-interest standards.
• Act honestly and in good faith in exercising powers and discharging duties with a view to the best interests of the Association while exercising the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances; and
• Ensure that the business of the Association is kept confidential.
  

Attributes:

• Ability to articulate ideas and opinions clearly.
• Capacity to work productively as a member of a deliberative group.
• Ability to collaborate with others.
• Ability to respect opinions of others.
• Ability to think strategically.
• Ability to meet time and effort requirements.
• Commitment to CMHA Ottawa’s vision and values.

Skills and Experiences Considered an Asset:

• Experience serving on the Board of a not-for-profit organization.
• Fundraising
• Marketing and communications
• Continuous quality improvement
• Mental health and addictions services
• Consideration is given to persons with lived experience or family members of persons with lived experience of mental illness

CMHA Ottawa’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism:

CMHA Ottawa is an equal opportunity organization. We’re committed to diversity and are building a broad foundation of expertise and skillsets at our Board table. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including, but not limited to, applicants of all genders, ethnocultural or racialized background, youth (19–30) and adults, members of visible minorities and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, persons with disabilities, including people with lived experience of mental health and addictions issues and their family members, people from northern communities, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis populations. Accommodation at all stages of the selection process is available on request.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume to:
CMHA Ottawa Nominations Committee
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Branch
311 McArthur Ave, Suite 301
Ottawa ON K1L 8M3

Email: [email protected]

Closing date: Monday, May 27, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

While materials for the Board are bilingual, meetings are conducted in English with opportunities to contribute in French. 

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