Join our Board of Directors

Since its inception in 1983, the Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition (VIHRC) has played an important role in the human rights landscape on Vancouver Island. VIHRC provides clients with information and assistance in bringing human rights complaints to the BC Human Rights Tribunal, as well as letters of support, training, and education in human rights. VIHRC strives to provide free services without income testing.

VIHRC is a small but mighty organization. We have just one full-time advocate, rotating co-op students, and a volunteer board of directors. Directors can operate and attend meetings remotely, so applicants from across BC are welcome!

We are a working board, which means that we look for Directors who are willing to actively manage the organization by rolling up their sleeves and helping with a range of administrative tasks. From fundraising to advocacy support, our Directors lend their expertise and their network to help VIHRC grow and develop. Directors are required to commit to a two-year term on the Board and can expect to spend approximately 5 to 10 hours per month supporting the activities of VIHRC.

VIHRC is committed to recruiting a diverse Board of Directors. BIPOC applicants, 2SLGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the application process. Currently, VIHRC is looking for individuals with experience in bookkeeping, fundraising, marketing, membership development, social media, business and charity law, or social work.

Director Roles & Responsibilities

  • Uphold the mission, vision, values, policies, and strategic goals of the organization

  • Define and develop the organization’s long term strategic plan

  • Foster the organization’s financial stability by drafting grant applications

  • Support the organizational stability and strength of the organization by contributing time and expertise, as well as one’s professional network where possible

  • Maintain the integrity, independence, and values of the organization

  • Oversee operations and administrative tasks like approving annual budgets, reviewing operating and financial results, auditing for compliance with internal policies and external requirements, reviewing performance against goals, and recruiting and managing staff and volunteers

Directors must also endeavor to:

  • Attend bi-monthly, virtual Board of Director meetings, which last approximately two hours

  • Recommend others who could serve on the board or be of particular value to the organization in other capacities

  • Avoid conflicts of interest and situations that would compromise the principles of the organization or lead to the perception of compromise

  • Be knowledgeable about the organization, the services it provides, and the regional community in which it operates

Committees

In addition to bi-monthly Board of Director meetings, Directors are asked to join at least one Committee. Committees meet on an ad hoc basis, but generally meet monthly for approximately one hour per month. Between meetings, Directors are assigned tasks that they will either work through individually or in collaboration with VIHRC staff, volunteers, or Board members. VIHRC currently has three active committees: the Communications Committee, the Administration Committee, and the Finance Committee. Sub-committees (ex. Bylaw Committee) may be held on an ad hoc basis to address specific issues.

For more information about the VIHRC Board of Directors, or to submit an application to serve as a Director, please contact us at vihrcdirectors@gmail.com.

We would like to acknowledge that the lands on which the Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition office is located, are the traditional territorial lands of the Lekwungen peoples (Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations). We thank the Lekwungen peoples for allowing us to work and assist those in need, on their lands.