We are searching for one new member to join our Board of Directors.
Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) is dedicated to diversity, inclusion and anti-racism. Our commitment is reflected in our programming, the clients we engage with and the team members we employ. We encourage a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated and respected. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
WCSS has been helping the Whistler community since 1989. The food bank and Christmas hamper program were the beginning of many social service programs. In the late 90’s WCSS started a thrift store as its first social enterprise to fund its growing program needs. Today, WCSS offers over 25 programs tailored to the unique needs of the Whistler community. Besides the Re-Use-It Centre (RUI) thrift store, WCSS operates a Re-Build-It Centre (RBI) and a recycling enterprise.
WCSS moved into a new, purpose-built facility, near the Nesters transfer station, in June 2018. Housing all of its programs and the RUI staff have seen significant growth in almost all of its programs. The RBI operates out of the previous RUI at the transfer station in Function Junction.
During 2020 pandemic year, WCSS saw revenues drop significantly due to store closures and reduced capacity. At the same time the needs of the community soared, especially in relation to food bank and outreach programs. WCSS staff were responsive and through teamwork and compassion modified programs to meet the evolving needs of the community.
Strategic Goals for the next couple of years include continuing to be a strong advocate for mental health, poverty reduction, waste reduction and community food security initiatives. A focus on ensuring the vulnerable and at-risk groups needs are met in a zero-barrier format is an important goal, especially during the pandemic. Financial security and building and supporting a cohesive team are some of the other goals the Board and staff are focusing on in 2021.
We believe we can better achieve our mission by drawing on the skills, talents and perspectives of a broad and diverse range of leaders, and that the diversity of viewpoints that comes from different life experiences and cultural backgrounds strengthens Board deliberations and decision-making. We are committed allies who believe that our employees and Board Directors should bring the entirety of their authentic selves to the workplace and be appreciated and valued in doing so. The Board is committed to fostering an inclusive culture, offering mentoring and learning opportunities for all new Directors.
Getting involved with the WCSS Board of Directors offers a unique opportunity to learn about and understand many of the social service needs of the community such as food security and mental and emotional health and advocate for those needs. It also provides an opportunity to be involved with a non-profit board and play a role in community development and leadership.
Volunteering on a board is a great opportunity to learn and connect with the whole community. The WCSS Board is a governance board, which means that it sets the direction and establishes the policies that the organization follows. The Executive Director and senior staff are very involved in helping the Board understand the needs of the organization and community.
The Board has two standing committees;
- Governance, which includes human resources, risk management, policy development
- Finance and Audit
Ad hoc committees are created as the need arises.
WCSS is looking for people who are diverse and strategic thinkers. In 2021, WCSS is particularly interested in people with either lived experience or formal skills in the following areas:
- Familiarity with WCSS Programs
- Social Services Experience
- Community Involvement
- Community Connections
- Understanding of Community Needs
If you are interested in the Board of Directors we ask that you:
- Read the Board of Directors Terms of Reference
- Read the Board of Directors Code of Conduct
- Apply Online Here
If you would like assistance with the application process, please contact secretary@mywcss.org and we will make a WCSS Board Director available to you.
Thank you for considering an application to join our Board of Directors.