Board Application Information

The Board of Directors is the legal authority of AHC.  A Board Member acts in a position of trust for the community and is responsible for the effective governance of the organization.

The requirements of Board membership include:

1. Commitment to the work of the organization.
2. Knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance: policy, finance, programs, personnel and advocacy, knowledge of community development, education, persons with disabilities, youth, aboriginal or immigration-related issues.
3. Participation (willingness to serve) on a board committee that meets on average once per month during a 10-month cycle.
4. Attendance at monthly Board meetings.
5. Attendance at retreats and other board development activities.
6. Attendance at Annual General meetings.
7. Support of special events.
8. Support of, and participation in, fund-raising events.
9. Membership in good standing in the Society (requires purchase of AHC membership).

The Board shall consist of no less than six (6) or more than twelve (12) members.

Election

Board Members are elected by the Society membership at the Annual General Meeting for a two (2) year term that shall be renewable for an additional term of two (2) years.

Appointment

New Board members can be appointed by the Board as needed.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence for a Board Member may be approved by the Board.

Resignation

Any Board Member resigning from the Board must provide one month’s written notice of their decision to the Board Chair.

Removal of a Board Member

Board Members may be released at the end of the elected term, by resigning, or according to the AHC’s Bylaws.

A Board Member is fully informed on organizational matters and participates in the Board’s deliberations and decisions in matters of policy, finance, programs, personnel and advocacy.

The Board Member must:

1. Participate in review, evaluation and voting on policy and other recommendations received from the Board, its standing committees and the Executive Director.
2. Monitor all Board policies and current issues that may affect the mission and operations of AHC.
3. Review the bylaws and policy manual, and recommend bylaw changes to the membership.
4. Review the Board’s structure, approve changes and prepare necessary bylaw amendments.
5. Participate in the development of the AHC’s strategic plan and annual review.
6. Approve the AHC’s annual budget.
7. Approve the hiring and release of the Executive Director, including the Executive Director’s employment contract, based on the recommendation of the Personnel Committee.
8. Support and participate in annual evaluation of the Executive Director.
9. Assist in developing and maintaining positive relations among the Board, committees, staff members and community to enhance the AHC’s mission.

Board members are expected to participate in the following:

1. Monthly Board meetings.  The Board of Directors meets approximately ten times throughout the year.  Board members are to review related material beforehand.
2. Committee meetings.  Committees include Policy, Personnel, Fund Development, Finance and Ad Hoc Nominations.
3. Board/staff retreats and other organizational development activities.  Typically, a one-day retreat is held each year.
4. Annual General Meeting, held in June each year.
5. Fund raising events.