The Global Youth Education Network Society (genius) was formed in 2004 in Vancouver. The mission of genius is to build capacity in the progressive social change sector, including, but not limited to, youth organizations. The social and environmental challenges that we face are big and interconnected. There aren’t simple answers to many of the issues that we work on, so we believe that in order for us to actualize the kind of change that needs to happen, we need to understand many aspects of how change is made - both inside and outside of systems.
Our flagship program, Next UP, is a national leadership program for young people committed to environmental, economic, and social justice. We offer programs of varying lengths and focus on seven cities across Canada: Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg & Ottawa.
We seek to foster diverse strategies that challenge the root causes of social, economic and environmental injustices; specifically, exploitive and unsustainable economic systems, colonization, white supremacy and privilege, imperialism and cis-hetero-patriarchy. Although we recognize that we do not all share a vision on how best to do this, we seek to build solidarity among activists.
We are seeking passionate and knowledgeable Board Members who can strengthen our work in organizational change and financial sustainability. It is time for us to rethink our systems and meaningfully address the root causes of inequity in the non-profit sector and our own organizing work.
We appreciate lived experiences and diverse forms of education. We value the unique experiences and insights from people from marginalized communities, and encourage applications from LGBTTQ+ people, Indigenous peoples, people of colour, low-income earners, young people, the unemployed, and people with disabilities. If you wish to identify as a member of one or more of these groups, please indicate this in your application.
Although you don’t have to have been on a Board before, we are seeking new members with the following experience and interests:
- A background in fundraising, financial management, non-profit management, organizational change, grassroots organizing, popular education, or with related issues
- Knowledge of economic, social and environmental justice, labour issues, anti-oppression issues and movements, and their interconnections
- Knowledge of, and willingness to work within, anti-racist and anti-oppression frameworks - and commitment to ongoing learning/un-learning and reflection
- Deep curiosity for transformative processes and the human spirit
Board Member Responsibilities:
- Provide active support for fundraising and development activities;
- Participate actively in meetings and committees;
- Attend events and activities as a representative;
- Be knowledgeable and informed about the mission, vision and strategic direction of genius;
- Support the work of genius by providing encouragement and support for the work of the staff and volunteers.
Time commitment:
On average, the genius board meets 6-8 times per year. Directors can attend in person or join by video conference. Board members are also encouraged to serve on working groups and committees, which involve additional meetings and working on deliverables independently or with others. Approximate time commitment is 5-10 hours per month.
Terms
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must commit to a 24 month term, renewable for additional terms
- Must live in a city where genius programs have been offered: Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, or Vancouver.
How to Apply:
By email to [email protected], including:
- Subject Line: Application – Board of Directors
- A letter or video that tells us about yourself, your interest in working with us, and answers the question: What role do you believe young people have in social change?
- Your resume
- Three (3) references
- Please label your attachments: firstname_lastnameBOD.docx and email to [email protected]
Applications accepted until all positions are filled. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that members of the Board serve on a volunteer basis and without remuneration (payment).
You can download the PDF of this call out here.