Join the Board
The Ten Oaks Project is led by a volunteer Board of Directors. We’re a governance and support board, meaning we provide strategic guidance and direction to staff, while also providing hands-on support to staff in key areas of Ten Oaks Project’s work. We look for individuals who come with a variety of skills and experiences in areas such as anti-oppressive practices; communications; community engagement; non-profit financial management; fundraising (corporate donations, events, and individual donors); supporting 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and families; strategic planning; and summer camping. Board appointments are for two-year, renewable terms (up to six years total).
The Ten Oaks Project is dedicated to effecting change in the lives of our families and participants, and believe strongly that our Board must represent the diverse communities we serve. We are therefore committed to ensuring a Board of Directors that is racially and ethnically diverse, queer-positive, anti-ageist, gender-varied, economically-mixed, and multi-abled.
To ensure a constructive and representative decision-making environment, preference for hiring new directors will be given to candidates from BIPOC and trans communities along with queer parents and caregivers, queerspawn/those from 2SLGBTQ+ families.
time commitment
The time commitment for board members is an average of five hours per week. We meet monthly, alternating evening Board meetings (typically 1.5-2 hours) and lunch-hour check-ins (typically 30 minutes to 1 hour). Occasional emergency meetings may also be called. We also have one two-day Board retreat annually over a weekend (typically in November).
board meeting logistics
Board meetings are held in Ottawa at the Ten Oaks Project office, with a hybrid option. Board members who face barriers to attending meetings in person (ie. child care, etc.) may choose to join board meetings virtually, but are expected to attend the retreats in person. The Ten Oaks Project can provide financial assistance with child care and/or transportation as required.
Please note: Due to our insurance requirements, Board members who visit our programs and/or volunteer at our events where there are children under the age of 16 must provide a clear Police Records Check for the Vulnerable Sector. This can typically be completed online, without the need to visit a police station. We recognize that interactions with the police do not feel safe for many members of our community, and ask that you reach out to us directly if this presents a barrier for you.
how to apply
Please fill out this application!
In keeping with the Ten Oaks Project’s commitment to equity, applicants are strongly encouraged to self-identify in their applications.
To ensure a constructive and representative decision-making environment, preference for hiring new directors will be given to candidates from BIPOC and trans communities along with queer parents and caregivers and queerspawn/those from 2SLGBTQ+ families.