Volunteer Ottawa is partnering with Heartfelt IT to do something new: launching a series of Changemakers Socials: Get On Boards Edition, starting with the first of a series of four events on Sept. 23 at Impact Hub.
You might know Volunteer Ottawa from their annual VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala. Many volunteers and non-profits participate in the event, highlighting Ottawa’s vibrant spirit by recognizing individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made a difference in the community. This year’s gala takes place on Oct. 23.
“The concept for the Changemakers Social series came to life by Deirdre Freiheit (past CEO of Shepherd’s of Good Hope) and past Counsellor Keith Egli, as they both shared the common need to find more opportunities to bring new voices into Board Leadership,” says Nadine Snowling, Director of Programs at Volunteer Ottawa.
The idea is simple — Ottawa’s non-profit and charity sector is full of passionate people working hard to make our city stronger. Behind every great initiative is a dedicated board of directors, but finding the right match between organisations and board members is not always easy.
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“It’s important to start looking at board members a bit differently,” says Snowling. “What folks tend to perceive as board members, are people that are at the height of their careers, or are influential in big ways. Because of that, some types of people are always approached for board positions, when the reality is that organizations need people that really support what they’re doing, and that opens up so many more possibilities, also with people that might not think of themselves as board members.”
The event is designed to connect charities and non-profits with community-minded individuals who want to give back while building their personal and professional networks. That’s why part of the programming consists of a ‘speed dating’ session with local charities.
“What we hope to accomplish with the speed dating format is just [giving people] the opportunity to speak to as many organizations in an accessible way, just to break the ice, so they start to understand a little bit more about the charities and the non profits that are in the room, but also to give people who are interested in joining a board, to have an opportunity to ask questions in a safe environment.”
Some of the organizations that will be attending, are the OCAPDD, Ottawa Carleton Association for people with Development Disabilities, Feed the City, and Centre 33. All of the participating organizations are looking for board members.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, making it an easy space to connect.
“For us, it’s really about pulling back the curtains. To invite people who might have never looked at themselves as potential board members,” says Snowling.
That’s why a large range of people are invited to join the event, varying from non-profit leaders, volunteers, social entrepreneurs, elected representatives, funders, and anyone passionate about a strong non-profit sector in Ottawa.
“It is very low stakes to attend. There’s no commitment needed, there’s no signing up for two years of being a board member, it’s more about finding ways to contribute, so really, the invitation is open to anybody,” says Snowling. “The only limitation is that you need to be over the age of 18 to be a board member.”
Changemakers Social: Get On Boards Edition takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 6–8 pm at Impact Hub Ottawa, 123 Slater St., 6th floor. Tickets are $25 and are selling fast! Check out more information on the event here. This is the first of a series of four events — stay tuned for future dates.
Looking for another last minute event? Check out their Volunteer Expo this Friday.
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