Duties and Responsibilities

Board members will:

• hold a current membership in REAL
• conduct themselves in accordance to the REAL Code of Conduct
• be familiar with REAL as an organization: its mission,  goals, operations, projects,  strategic plan etc.
• prepare for and attend monthly board meetings
• prepare for monthly board meetings by reviewing minutes and relevant reports   
• share in the responsibility of making decisions on behalf of REAL based on its mandate
• support the decisions of the board
• attend other meetings as required by the Board ( 4 - 6 per year) to discuss / review special issues 
• be board liaison for at least one committee or ongoing project or program as outlined in the by-laws as applicable
• assist in recruiting volunteers
• work with the Environmental Projects Manager and REAL Deal Executive Director to achieve the organization’s mission
• report on the activities of the assigned committee at monthly meetings
• take on tasks as necessary to achieve REAL's goals e.g. research an issue, contact a municipal representative, organize or participate in a REAL event
• plan, deliver and/or participate in one or more REAL events, projects, fund raising events and/or, programs on a regular basis

  Board Members will support REAL by:

• being a positive role model for REAL and for environmental change in our community
• keeping the ongoing health and effectiveness of the organization in mind at all times
• being on the lookout for people and organizations that could be part of a mutually beneficial relationship with REAL
• attending or otherwise supporting REAL: public events, fundraisers, workshops, meetings with municipalities, etc.
• keeping informed of environmental issues, particularly at the local level
• contributing effectively to the decision-making process through research, discussion, participation and analysis of issues, challenges and opportunities

Time requirements

• Time requirements include approximately 10-20 hours per month to prepare for meetings, attend monthly and special meetings, committee participation and correspondence

Skills and qualifications

• knowledge and/or interest in current and emerging local environmental issues
• good communications and organization skills
• ability to work with others
• desire and time to contribute
• experience with other Boards an asset
• knowledge of REAL, its objectives and projects
• knowledge of the community

Benefits to the Board member and to REAL:

• CONNECT with others and make new contacts.
• NETWORK with like-minded people.
• CONTRIBUTE your time to your community and work with a long standing, successful environmental organization.
• GAIN and SHARE valuable leadership and organizational skills.
• Do HANDS ON environmental work such as waste reduction, curb climate change
• PLAN, ORGANIZE, or DELIVER projects and programs
• FUNDRAISE
• Contribute to a productive and healthy board
• Help REAL fulfill its mission

 Orientation and training

• A board member will be assigned to provide ongoing support
• Access to current policy and planning documents:  REAL Board Overview document, By-Laws, Business Plan, operation  policies, etc 
• Volunteer coordinator or designate to provide orientation on volunteer polices and procedures

Level of Screening Required

• Application and Interest Form Completed
• Submission of a current resume or bio  
• Interview Completed by two current board members
• Two personal reference/recommendation checks completed
• Criminal Records Check completed

Board Intra Relations

• Board members are equal, work together and aim for consensus.  Difficulties should be reported to the President or Vice President.

Safety Considerations/Precautions

• All board decisions are to be made with the health and safety of staff, board members and volunteers in mind.