We are currently looking for enthusiastic individuals who want to make a difference in our community. Join our Board of Directors!
About Us
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin plays a critical role in our community. As the leader for social good, we work to improve the well being of all by coordinating partners, engaging people on social issues, raising and allocating funds to make long term change, promoting volunteerism, and championing equity, diversity & inclusion.
How You Can Make an Impact
Like many organizations, United Way has experienced major changes over the past few years – both to the work that we do and the environment we do it in. The effects of the pandemic and changing donor behaviour has disrupted traditional fundraising campaigns as well as the needs of the community. We’ve recently released our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan which is the result of extensive consultation with the community, partners and interest holders. We listened, we learned, and we celebrated. We are proud of the work we do and are thrilled that we have so much support for that work behind us.
By joining our Board of Directors, you will oversee the achievement of this plan contributing to an organization uniquely able to unite people and resources to improve lives and build community in five focus areas.
How You Can Help Us
We are recruiting individuals who can offer expertise in one or more of these areas:
- Financial services: Investments, investment policies
- Fundraising
- Marketing/Public Relations
- Government Relations
We are committed to building a Board of Directors that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We seek to broaden the perspectives on our Board by ensuring a diverse and inclusive set of voices at the table. Although applications are accepted from all interested individuals, we particularly welcome applications from individuals who bring any of the following perspectives to their work:
- Live or work in Dufferin County
- Under 40 years of age or retirees.
- Individuals who identify as 2SLBTQ+
- First Nations, Metis or Inuit peoples
- Non-binary or gender diverse
- Individuals with a lived or shared experience with homelessness
We invite both individuals with and without board experience to apply. Applicants with all educational backgrounds are welcome. Training and mentorship are provided to all new board members.
Board of Directors Position
Responsibilities
The Board of Directors has a governance mandate and is responsible for ensuring United Way’s mission and strategic plan are achieved. The board is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive atmosphere in which every board member’s perspective is welcomed, respected, and valued.
Board members are responsible for:
- Providing strategic leadership to United Way, including but not limited to:
o establishing the long-term direction and vision,
o monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the strategic plan,
o ensuring action is taken on our commitment to build a more equitable future and a community where everyone can thrive.
o overseeing the financial health of the organization, and
o providing business and personal insights to inform major organizational decisions. - Acting as a positive and passionate ambassador for United Way both in the board room and in the community.
- Keeping informed about the organization, its issues, and its connection to the community through active participation.
- Supporting activities within the annual fundraising strategy, as appropriate, and making an annual personal financial contribution at a level commensurate with your financial means.
- It is expected that all Directors will champion anti-racism/anti-oppression, diversity, equity and inclusion and apply this lens to their work.
Time Commitment
Board members hold a two-year term, renewable up to four times. During that term, board members are expected to:
- Attend monthly board meetings. Meetings take place on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6 pm (No meetings in July or August). Board meetings alternate between virtual and in-person.
- Participate on one United Way Board committee (Finance, Audit & Risk, Human Resources, or Governance). Between Board meetings, members are asked to actively work on their committee projects to ensure activities proceed according to schedule.
- Attend United Way special events and fundraisers and represent United Way at community events.
- Total time commitment of approximately 4-6 hours a month plus meeting preparation time.
How to Apply
Interested? Please fill out an application form and send a copy of your resume (if you have one) to glenna@unitedwaygwd.com by March 10, 2025. Your application will be reviewed by our Governance Committee and nominations will be presented for election at our Annual General Meeting in May.
We welcome your questions! Please contact Glenna at glenna@unitedwaygwd.com