Call for 2024-2025 Board of Directors
Become an OPWSA Board Member
Are you looking to make a big impact on a small but mighty community? The Ontario Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (OPWSA) is looking for leaders like you to join our Board of Directors for 2024-2025. Our volunteer Board has been the strategic backbone of our organization – ensuring that the work we undertake is always with the needs of our community at the forefront.
The Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) community is a welcoming community, and the work of our Board of Directors has a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with PWS, their families, and the agencies, educators, medical professionals, volunteers who support them!
If you are an energetic leader with an interest in strategic thinking, committed to building supportive communities, then we want to speak with you!
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Who Are We?
OPWSA has been a pillar in the PWS community throughout Ontario, Canada, and overseas. As a small, yet impactful non-profit, founded by the families of individuals with PWS, our mission to enhance the quality of life of individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), and assist their families and professionals who support them. OPWSA serves individuals with PWS and their families throughout the life cycle, including diagnosis, early intervention, school, transitions to adulthood, residential options and aging.
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How to Apply
In order to be considered by the Nomination and Election Committee, nominees must submit their resume along with a cover letter which indicates their level of interest and what they plan on contributing during their two-year term as part of the OPWSA Board of Directors. We are accepting nominations from any region in Ontario. Full submission requirements are as follows.
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New Nominees:
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Resume
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Cover Letter
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1 Letter of Reference
Current Board Members Looking for Re-Election:
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Resume
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Cover Letter
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2020-2021 Board of Directors Reflection and Feedback
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Nominees must express their interest and submit their documentation to OPWSA Executive Director, Jennifer Coens at ontariopws@gmail.com by end of day on Friday, December 1st, 2023.
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Nomination Criteria
Nominees are considered to fulfill the minimum requirements as outlined in the Roles and Responsibilities listed below. Nominees must be passionate about their work and willingness to actively participate as part of a team, impart expertise, share knowledge, and volunteer their personal time to support OPWSA programs and initiatives.
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Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members:
As a Board member, your input and involvement are vital to the strength and future of OPWSA and supporting those with PWS. The following is your volunteer commitment as a Board member for OPWSA:
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Commit to dedicating 4+ hours per month on OPWSA related activities including Board meetings, committee planning, and on-line correspondence.
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Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in all scheduled Board meetings in-person, or virtually via Zoom (schedule provided 4 months prior to the next calendar year).
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Assist in marketing OPWSA initiatives, fundraisers, and other programs.
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Support OPWSA fundraising initiatives and events. It is expected that each Board member contributes actively involved in fundraising throughout each calendar year (ex. selling Cheers for Charity tickets, purchasing tickets to fundraising events, finding sponsorship/donors for programs/events, etc.).
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Participate in at least one OPWSA sub-committee.
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Attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
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Attend at least one OPWSA sponsored event each year such as fundraising events, conference, family gatherings, etc.
Election Process
Resumes, cover letters, and letters of reference/or board reflection and feedback sheet provided by each nominee will be reviewed by the Nomination and Election Committee. Nominees that are deemed qualified for the Board position they have applied for, will be contacted for a telephone interview with 2 members of the Nomination and Election Committee.
New Board members will be notified directly and will be announced to our community in an e-newsletter.
Nomination and Election Committee
The Nomination and Election Committee is made up of the current Co-Chairs, and the current Treasurer.