Bored? What about serving on a board?
Organizations always on lookout for diverse leadership; ‘it’s not rocket science’
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/02/2024 (769 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
It’s my party, and I’ll write about Kevin Freedman if I want to.
Last week’s column was my 500th. While I wait to receive the engraved watch or golf clubs that I assume editor Paul Samyn sends every weekly columnist who reaches this milestone, I thought I would celebrate by speaking with the first person I wrote about when I took over this column.
When I spoke with Freedman in April 2014, the West End resident had just returned from Ottawa where then-governor general David Johnston presented him with the Caring Canadian Award in recognition of his volunteer work.
I often tell people that the editors at the Free Press should rename my column, “People who make Aaron feel lazy.”
Many of the folks I write about balance full-time work and family life with three or four volunteer commitments. I’m left wondering how they fit it all into their schedules.
Few people have made me feel lazier than Freedman, who was volunteering for Canadian Blood Services, UNICEF, the Sexual Education Resource Centre, the Riverdale Institute for Medical Research and the University of Winnipeg Alumni Council when we last spoke.
“I see (volunteering) as a hobby,” he told me at the time. “It’s a way to spend my free time.”
A decade later, Freedman is still at it.
The 43-year-old father of two serves on the board at the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg.
Volunteer opportunities
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
Creative Foundation Inc., a registered charity dedicated to empowering youth through creative expression and cultural appreciation, needs a photographer/videographer. The volunteer should have a passion for capturing important moments swiftly and enjoy working with diverse groups. You will help promote multicultural harmony and foster creativity. Students looking to enhance their creative portfolios and experienced photographers, are welcome. Email cfiwpg@gmail.com or apply online at http://wfp.to/jd7 by March 18.
Basketball Manitoba and the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association need dedicated volunteers to coach. The role involves guiding players during practices and games, supported by the area convener. Experience in basketball or other sports is beneficial, with coaching education provided. Must be 18 or older. The opportunity offers leadership skills, public speaking practice and teaching experience. There are weekend games and practices on weeknights. Volunteers must undergo criminal record and child abuse registry checks, with the costs covered. Email info@wmba.ca, go online to wmba.ca or call 204-925-5774 by April 1.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada needs a volunteer lead for the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History in Winnipeg. They will be responsible for organizing volunteer training, co-ordinating logistics and ensuring a positive volunteer experience. If you have a few hours to spare each week leading up to the May 26 event and are passionate about making a difference in the community, email mbinfo@cysticfibrosis.ca or apply at http://wfp.to/jdH by April 25.
CancerCare Manitoba needs volunteers to join a team working to improve cancer care for all Manitobans. Volunteer opportunities include positions such as refreshment servers and CCMB ambassadors. Volunteers help support those affected by cancer, gain valuable experience in a health-care setting, use their skills to help others and meet new people. Go to http://wfp.to/jd1 for more information. Email ccmbvolservices@cancercare.mb.ca or call 204-787-2121 to apply by May 31.
The Lung Association, Manitoba needs board members to guide goals, engage in meetings and bring diverse perspectives. The volunteers will gain experience in governance, community building and fundraising. Must be 18 or older and have evening availability for two-hour monthly meetings. Email info@mb.lung.ca by June 1.
The Royal City Soccer Club needs volunteers for its day camps in July and August. Volunteers will help staff members with coaching and supervising children, assist with equipment maintenance, ensure a clean and safe camp environment and follow camp policies and procedures. Volunteers should enjoy soccer and working with children ages 5 to 13 and be energetic, responsible and reliable. Must be age 13 to 17. Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are available weekdays. Volunteers will develop valuable skills and can receive high school hours sign-off. Apply at http://wfp.to/jdQ by Aug. 25.
Equal Housing Initiative needs volunteers to help with a nutrition program for the residents of the McLaren Hotel. As part of the initiative’s larger effort to transform the hotel into a supportive housing facility, it is seeking volunteers who are available Thursdays to help with food preparation, packaging and distribution, as well as pickups from designated locations. Confidentiality, data recording and COVID-19 vaccination are required. A food handler’s certificate is a bonus but not mandatory. Email apaquin@equalhousinginitiative.com by March 20.
1JustCity at the Pimicikamak Wellness Centre needs an urban retreats garden tour co-ordinator. The tour is set to take place June 22. The co-ordinator will be responsible for selecting a minimum of 12 to 14 private gardens as well as a community feature for the tour. The co-ordinator must also be prepared to do a lot of outreach and recruitment of gardeners. Email wesitelead@1justcity.ca or phone 204-779-8957 by April 1.
Actionmarguerite St. Boniface needs volunteers to connect with residents in their homes. Dining experience volunteers help enhance the quality of life for residents by providing companionship and support during meal times. The volunteer will gain skills that can be useful in related careers such as food service assistant, dietary aide, hospitality and service industries and health-care administration. Three meals are served each day, so scheduling is flexible. Email compassioncrew@reseaucompassionnetwork.ca, go to http://wfp.to/j2K or call 204-803-6949 by June 30.
Misericordia Place needs volunteers to help escort and support residents wishing to attend mass. (Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) Orientation and guidance will be provided. Duo teams are welcome. Call 204-788-8134 with any questions. Email volunteer@misericordia.mb.ca or go to misericordia.mb.ca to apply.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to http://wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.
He’s also taken his nearly 20 years of experience sitting on non-profit, corporate and public boards and started the Governance Guru, a consultancy that helps non-profits have better oversight, accountability and success.
His offerings include Guru’s Rules, a free two-page resource meant to help non-profits run effective board meetings and create a strong culture where everyone contributes and communicates clearly.
“The only rules or guidelines I’d ever come across were Robert’s Rules of Order,” Freedman told me last week, referring to the manual of parliamentary procedure developed in the late 1800s by U.S. army officer Henry Martyn Robert.
“The problem is that not very many, if any, board members are familiar with the rules behind it and when they use it, they use it incorrectly.”
Since boards are free to create their own operating procedures, Freedman’s resource gives non-profits a guide for setting their own meeting rules.
Freedman describes Guru’s Rules as a compilation of best practices and pragmatic approaches that can help non-profit organizations establish expectations for board members and foster productive meetings.
He suggests that boards discuss their culture, expectations and rules at least once per year.
“Board members are the best people on the planet,” he said. “They care, they want to give back and they’re patient. They operate inherently well most of the time, but they could run better. This can provide a starting point for that conversation.”
Currently, there are more than 15 organizations listed on Volunteer Manitoba’s website that are looking for board directors.
Boards play a crucial role in giving leadership and guiding the strategic direction of an organization, Freedman said.
There are typically no qualifications needed and boards are usually looking for a diverse group of directors.
“I think everybody could bring something to boards,” he said. “It’s not rocket science. There are ways you can be a more effective board member, so training is helpful, but it’s not something people need years of training on. They can be very effective essentially right off the bat.”
Visit governanceguru.ca to learn more about Guru’s Rules.
To find out more about joining the board at a local organization, visit volunteermanitoba.ca/volunteeropportunities.php.
Who knows? I might write about you in one of my next 500 columns.
If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. Read more about Aaron.
Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. Read more about Aaron.
Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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