Call for Directors

Help make cycling more comfortable and convenient in Winnipeg

Position: Director, Bike Winnipeg Board of Directors 

Type: Volunteer

Start: April 2021

Term: 2 years (1st term); renewable in 1-year or 2-year terms up to a maximum total of 6 years

Commitment: 5-10 hours/month

Overview 

Bike Winnipeg Inc. is a member-based not-for-profit organization founded in 2007 that works to make cycling in Winnipeg a safe, enjoyable, accessible, and convenient transportation choice year-round.  Our staff, board, and volunteers work with local government, businesses, NGOs, and residents to encourage cycling and bring about cycling-positive development to our neighbourhoods. 

Bike Winnipeg is governed by an elected Board of Directors. We are currently looking to fill up to eight (8) open directorships at our 2020 Annual General Meeting.  The Board of Directors provides governance, leadership, fundraising, and financial oversight to our staff and operations.  As a working board, the roles of a director include:

1. Participating in the governance and oversight of the organization either as an active member of the Executive Committee of the Board, reviewing and discussing the recommendations of the Executive Committee, or actively participating in financial oversight, policy compliance reviews, or human resources tasks.
2. Participating in the operations of the organization by being an active member of a Bike Winnipeg committee or task force, or by leading a special initiative. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for a seat on the Board of Directors, an individual must:

• Be at least 18 years of age (required by the Manitoba Corporations Act)
• Not have a bankruptcy that is undischarged (required by the Manitoba Corporations Act)
• Be or become a member of Bike Winnipeg in good standing
• Have at least one nomination from a Bike Winnipeg member, which may be a self-nomination

How many director positions are open?

Up to four new directors and two seeking re-election for a new term.  Six other directors are in the middle of their terms.  The Board may choose to recommend a slate of candidates based on skill sets, demographic characteristics, or other factors at the Board’s discretion.

Qualifications 

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with the following qualifications, skills, and experience:

• Board of Directors experience – non-profit/charity or for-profit
• Volunteer management/coordination
• Organizational management
• Project/program management
• Communications and/or marketing
• Community affiliation/access (e.g. member or staff of a neighbourhood association)
• Finance and/or accounting
• Event planning
• Human resources
• Information technology
• Law
• Leadership and strategic planning
• Risk management
• Applying for or operating within charitable status
• Political advocacy/strategy
• Other relevant experience

For many directors, this is their first time on a board and a great place to learn.  

Serving as a Director is a serious commitment with the following expectations: 

1. Attend and participate in regular Board meetings (every month);
2. Actively participate in at least one committee (Advocacy, Fundraising, Executive, Finance, Outreach, or the Charitable Status Task Force), with meetings for each committee every one or two months;
3. Each director should serve as either: an Executive member (Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-Treasurer) and/or chair of one committee and/or represent Bike Winnipeg within another initiative or coalition (e.g. Safe Speeds Winnipeg);
4. Assist in board and committee work between meetings, including preparing meeting agendas and background documents/research and responding to emails in a timely way; and
5. Stay informed about the organization and attend at least one Bike Winnipeg program event per year (e.g. Bicycle Valet, Art Ride, Winter Bike to Work Day).

Bike Winnipeg’s Directors are expected to be engaged, to support staff, 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.  On the other hand, the oversight role of a Director is not to assign specific projects to staff or insist on initiatives outside of the Strategic Plan or an operational plan.  

Ideally, each Director will complete their full term and fully transition their role to another before departing to help ensure continuity.  If you are enjoying yourself, standing for a second term as an experienced Director is strongly encouraged.  

Applicants who are running for a position on the Board will be expected to attend our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, April 8th, 2021, via Zoom.  Ballots may be cast by those in attendance at the AGM or by proxy (that is, members may authorize other members, including candidates, to cast a ballot on their behalf at the AGM).  Those who are elected will be asked to attend an orientation meeting prior to assuming their role on the Board.  

What if I am nervous about running in an election?

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 knodw!  For many people, this is their first experience on a nonprofit board; we invest time to bring everyone up to speed and offer a range of responsibility and commitment levels.

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 joining a committee as a volunteer.  Please visit our website for more information about those opportunities. 

Diversity

Bike Winnipeg is committed to recruiting, nominating, and supporting candidates for the Board that reflect the diversity Winnipeg at large.  We encourage applications from people who live outside of central Winnipeg, individuals from under-represented groups (racialized groups, Indigenous people, women, people with disabilities, religious minorities, people of diverse social classes, people with diverse gender identities and/or sexual orientations, and new Canadians).  Our 3-year Strategic Plan includes maintaining a maximum of 50% males on the board.

To apply

1. Submit an application through our online Nomination Form by April 1st, 2021.
2. Attend our AGM on Thursday, April 8th, or contact us at contact@bikewinnipeg.ca ahead of time if you are not able to make this event.

If you have any questions about the application process, or the Board itself, please contact us at contact@bikewinnipeg.ca.  We thank you for your interest and support!