Are you looking for opportunities to strengthen your leadership skills? Do you want to support and contribute to your community and a provincial voice regarding HIV, HCV and related issues? Are you interested in networking and sharing your expertise at a dynamic, successful and ever-evolving organization? Then consider applying to join the Pacific AIDS Network Board of Directors!
It is that time of year again, our annual provincial fall conference is fast approaching, and we here at PAN are in search of talented and passionate volunteers to join the Board of Directors team!
This is an exciting time for PAN as doors open for our network to collaborate with and influence government, health authorities and researchers. Since the last PAN fall conference, our Drug Policy and Rapid Assessment Reports were distributed widely and many of our members continue to work tirelessly addressing the Overdose crisis. As a network, we have also been dedicated to responding to a series of funding decisions on a federal and regional level that have had significant impacts across BC, and our advocacy in the recent funding procedural nightmares has been appreciated. We are also honoured to be co-leading and supporting the “collective impact” of the PHSA-funded sector in addressing HIV, HCV and related issues!
As a Board we are also planning for some crucial governance changes that will bring our organization and membership fully into line with our 2013 expanded vision to “lead an inspired, strong and effective community-based response to HIV/AIDS, HCV and related communicable diseases and conditions.”
About PAN
We are a member-based coalition that provides a network to almost 50 member organizations’ abilities and efforts to respond to HIV, HCV and related issues in British Columbia. Here are some of the things PAN does:
Facilitating linkages, communication and the sharing of best practices amongst member organizations and with external stakeholders (e.g., policy makers, funders, researchers, etc.)
Providing programs and services including:
- Professional/workforce development (e.g. in person training and workshops, and virtual learning opportunities for the staff and key volunteers of our member organizations)
- Leadership training to our members and to people living with HIV
- Face-to-face networking
- Mutual support, education and skills development
- Community-based research and program evaluation services
- Participatory evaluation initiatives and partnerships
Acting as one of the provincial voices for the community-based response to HIV and HCV
Undertaking collective action and policy change to influence public perceptions and policies affecting people living with HIV and HCV, as well as those most “at risk”
Why the board at PAN is so important
The elected or appointed board members oversee the activities of PAN, and as a collective group, the Board is the governing body of PAN organization. PAN Board members establish broad policies and objectives, such as organization’s vision, values and strategic directions, with the help of the Executive Director and staff. Board members are expected to support the Executive Director and staff in ensuring PAN activities and initiatives follow the organizational mission, mandate and strategic plan. Other roles include approving annual budgets and keeping the organization’s performance accountable to relevant stakeholders.
What seats are up for election at this year’s Fall conference?
There are a total of 12 seats on the Board, half of which are designated for persons living with HIV (PLHIV), and the other half being open or “non-designated” seats, meaning they may be occupied by PLHIV or not.
The five geographically-based health regions (Northern, Interior, Fraser, Vancouver, Vancouver Island) and the Provincial Health Services region each takes two seats, one designated PLHIV seat and one “open seat” on the PAN Board.
Due to retirement, terms coming to an end and other life changes, there are actually up to seven seats up for election at this year’s HIV-positive Forum and Annual General Meeting (AGM), broken down as following:
- Fraser: one designated PLHIV seat
- Interior: one designated PLHIV seat & one open seat
- Island: no seats
- Northern: one designated PLHIV seat
- Provincial Health Services: one designated PLHIV seat & one open seat
- Vancouver Coastal: one designated PLHIV seat
The term for all board seats is two years. Once the term is over, a board member can run as an incumbent. Presently there are no term limits on board seats.
What are some of the qualifications and requirements for becoming a PAN board member?
Please read more about the job description for PAN board members. Ideally, you have a minimum of two years’ experience working or volunteering in the field (i.e. HIV, HCV, co-infection, harm reduction, etc.). Past committee or board work experience is a plus, though not required – we also look for opportunities to build the skill set and capacity of all contributors at PAN, volunteers, staff and board members.
We are looking for self-motivated, enthusiastic and curious contributors who can step outside of their own individual realities or that of their organization, to see the “big picture” and think strategically.
Board members are expected to commit time and energy and stay engaged/involved, as well, play an active governance role.
Because we are a provincial organization, board members and staff live and work across the province. The ability to work virtually is therefore a must. All board members must have a regular and timely access to emails and telecommunication (the majority of internal/Board level communications are electronic and bi-monthly 120-minute board meetings are held via web or teleconference). Board members are also expected to attend day-long, in-person/face-to-face meetings once or twice a year (one of which typically coincides with PAN’s Annual Fall Conference).
Historically, PAN board members have been strong leaders of their own organization, often occupying senior paid or volunteer positions, and powerful voices within their region – who were then ready to lend their perspective and talents to the provincial picture.
Learn more about Board Roles and Responsibilities.
How do people join the Board?
There are two ways in which a person can join the Board of Directors of PAN. The first is by successfully running for election at the PHA Forum and/or the AGM. Board terms are for two years. The second is by being appointed by the sitting Board of Directors to fill a vacant seat. If appointed by the Board during the year, that person must then run for election at the next AGM.
In either case, any person interested in joining the Board must complete an application and also have the written endorsement of their PAN member organization/sponsoring agency.
If a board director wishes to stay on PAN board, she/he may run for subsequent election(s) as an incumbent once her/his term is over (based on 2-year terms).
The deadline for submitting an application for this year’s Forum and AGM is September 30th, 2017.
Please note that since 2016 we no longer accept nominations from the floor. We have made this change in order to invite candidates that have had a good opportunity to reflect and be committed to the board; and also to discuss with their sponsoring organization, any supports that need to be put in place to be able to truly and meaningfully engage as a PAN board member. All complete applications received by the deadline, will be provided to the membership in advance of the Fall conference.
Download the application form and send your completed application, and related documents (including CV/resume, as well as letter of endorsement from a PAN member organization) to Simon Goff at [email protected]
Any initial questions or clarifications you can also call Simon at 250.891.5249.
Questions? Feedback? Get in touch!
Simon Goff, Executive Assistant and Collective Impact Coordinator, [email protected]