Halifax Cycling Coalition is committed to recruiting, nominating, and supporting candidates for the Board that reflect the diversity of Halifax at large. We encourage applications in particular from people who live outside the peninsula, individuals from racialized groups, Indigenous people, women, people with disabilities, people of diverse faiths, people of diverse social classes, people with diverse gender identities, and people with diverse sexual orientations.
What does the Board of Directors do?
Halifax Cycling Coalition (HCC) is governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors. The Board of Directors provides governance, leadership, fundraising, and financial oversight to our staff and operations. Directors sit on one or more committees, where most of the work happens. These committees are:
- Communications: develops strategies and manages content for newsletter, website and social media
- Advocacy: supports, plans, develops strategy for, and assists in HCC campaigns to influence municipal infrastructure and supports and provincial programs, laws and regulations
- Fundraising & Finance: provides oversight, disclosure and transparency on financial matters; oversees the budgeting and audit processes; develops fundraising strategy and implements the fundraising plan
- Information Technology (IT): provides guidance on all IT-related decisions, and runs our websites and systems
- Events: develops policies and procedures and supports an active year-round program of events in support of the cycling community
- Volunteers: recruits, retains and supports volunteers to aid in running all of HCC operations
- Members: develops policy and support members to aid in recruiting and retention
How many spots are open on the board?
We have up to ten directors. Vacancies arise from time to time.
What skills and experience are we looking for?
We are in need of individuals with qualifications, skills, and experience in the following areas (priority areas in bold):
- Fundraising (this doesn't necessarily mean you need to solicit funds–we need strategy and contacts)
- Information Technology (our website is WordPress based on a Linux system and uses CiviCRM)
- Communications (if you like our newsletter and want to improve our social media or website, this is for you)
- Equity and anti-oppression
- Finance / Accounting
- Active transportation, mobility justice, and planning
- Project and/or event management
- Law
- Coordinating or managing a group or organization
- Experience on a non-profit board of directors
- Community affiliation/access
Members without these particular skills and experience are also encouraged to apply.
In addition to all of the above, we look for candidates who understand the role of a non-profit board of directors, are knowledgeable about Halifax Cycling Coalition, and are committed to promoting equity and anti-oppression in our work.
Am I eligible to be a director?
To be eligible for a seat on the Board of Directors, an individual must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Not have a bankruptcy that is undischarged
- Be (or become) a member of Halifax Cycling Coalition in good standing*
- Have at least one nomination from a member, which may be a self-nomination.
*Halifax Cycling Coalition offers a discounted membership option for anyone who is low-income, a student, or a senior. No proof is required to utilize this rate. Additionally, if cost—including the cost of a discounted membership—is a barrier, a bartered membership that exchanges volunteer time for your contributions is also an option.
What is the time commitment?
Serving as a Director is a serious commitment. We require a minimum of 10 hours per month but many directors choose to spend more time based on their availability and interests. Here are some specific requirements for board members:
- Attend and participate in regular Board meetings and Annual General Meeting (currently 12 per year at 2 hours);
- Actively participate in at least 1 Board committee, typically requiring 1-6 hours per month;
- Assist in Board and committee work between meetings, including preparing meeting agendas and background documents/research and responding to emails in a timely way;
- Stay informed about the organization and attend at least one Halifax Cycling Coalition program event per year.
Halifax Cycling Coalition’s Board is a “working Board”, rather than a “governance Board.” Therefore, directors, more than in some other organizations, are expected to be engaged, to support staff and other Board members, and to assist in Board projects. Directors do more than sit in meetings: they need to be responsive to email correspondence from peers and take leadership and initiative in Board administration. At the same time, the role of a Director is not to assign specific projects to staff or other Board members or insist on initiatives outside of the operational plan and our mission.
How long will I be on the Board for?
Ideally, each Director will complete their full two (2) year term, to help ensure continuity, as 1/2 of the Board turns over each year. If you are enjoying yourself, standing for a second term as an experienced Director is strongly encouraged.
What is the process for joining the Board?
- Complete our online Nomination Form. Please note, a summary of experience will be required, but will not be shared with anyone outside the Board.
- Those interested in being considered for the Board-recommended group of candidates (the “slate”) may be selected for an interview with the Board based on their nomination form.
- The Board advises all candidates of the recommended slate and each candidate then chooses whether to proceed to the election.
- Directors are normally elected by the membership at our virtual Annual General Meeting, which takes place in the Spring.
- Directors may also be appointed between AGMs to fill vacancies. The same nomination form is used and the Board will interview those who are qualified.
Why does the Board recommend a “slate” of candidates for the AGM?
The Board of Directors serves a crucial role in the work that Halifax Cycling Coalition does. Every year as directors turn over, we are left with gaps in skills and experience that must be filled. The existing Board is in a unique position to assess what skills and experience are required for this work, what gaps exist, and which candidates might best fill those gaps.
The Board will interview candidates and recommend to our membership a slate of candidates for election. This is the process taken by most established non-profits and one that we believe strikes a balance between democratic openness and building an effective board.
Regardless of which candidates the Board endorses, all candidates are welcome to run in the election and the directors are ultimately elected by the membership at the AGM.
What if I am nervous about running in an election?
We hear you! We all went through it and know that it can be stressful for some of us.
First, deciding to nominate yourself is only the first step. Once you understand the role better, and the election process better, you can make a final decision about whether to run. So don’t let this be a reason not to fill out the nomination form!
Second, we are happy to offer support and guidance throughout the process. We can walk you through each step and give advice based on our experience. Just let us know!
What if I am interested in this work but don’t want to run for the Board?
If you are interested in the work of the Board but are not interested in running for election, or are only interested in one committee, consider applying to join a committee as a non-director member. Please visit our volunteering webpage for more information about committee and other opportunities to volunteer.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the application process, or the Board itself, please contact us. We thank you for your interest and support!