Title: Member of the Board of Directors
Application deadline: March 15, 2023
Location: Anywhere in Canada
NEW BOARD MEMBER RECRUITMENT
LEAF (the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund) is currently seeking a new member to join its Board of Directors for a three-year term. LEAF is a well-established and dedicated advocate for gender equality, demonstrating tangible results year after year. LEAF focuses on litigation, law reform, and public education. In particular, we seek to advance the substantive equality of women, girls, trans and non-binary people by challenging laws, policies, and practices that discriminate against equality guarantees enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, most notably sections 15 and 28.
Since 1985, LEAF has intervened in over 100 cases that have worked to advance equality in Canada. Our cases have resulted in landmark victories preventing violence against women and gender diverse people, allowing access to reproductive freedoms, and providing better maternity benefits, better spousal support, and the right to pay equity. Charter rights, in general, and section 15, in particular, have been tested and strengthened through the advocacy work of LEAF.
LEAF’s long history of feminist activism is the foundation for its objectives over the next five years. Acknowledging that historically this activism has not always meaningfully engaged Indigenous women, non-binary, or Two-Spirit peoples, LEAF is currently prioritizing reconciliation and working to amplify and affirm Indigenous voices and systems. This includes building sincere and respectful relationships with Indigenous people, communities, and Nations. LEAF is also committed to educating our staff, Board, and volunteers on the legacies of colonialism as we work to decolonize our internal structures and operations. Throughout this work we will continue to take legal positions that challenge colonial laws upholding systems of oppression.
THE ROLE OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors is the legal authority for LEAF. As a member of the Board, a Director acts in a position of trust for the community and is responsible for the effective governance of the organization. The Board of Directors is accountable to LEAF’s funders for the services outlined in any contribution agreements or contracts. Our Board works closely with the Executive Director and General Counsel in a governance and strategic, but non-operational, capacity.
The Board meets 12 times per year and board members are expected to attend all board meetings and to join at least one committee (Fund Development, Governance, Law Program, Finance and Audit, and Nominating). Board members are elected for a three-year mandate, which can be renewed once. Candidates may apply from across Canada, and meetings can be attended virtually or via phone. Being a board member requires a commitment of 5-10 hours per month.
IDEAL QUALITIES FOR THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
LEAF invites community activists, lawyers, students, academics, and anyone else who is passionate about gender equality in Canada to share your talents with us.
At this time, LEAF’s Board is seeking to develop and deepen its connections with Indigenous peoples, communities, and Nations to better understand LEAF’s responsibilities towards Indigenous knowledge systems. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who have lived, work (including volunteer) or other experience of Indigenous activism or advocacy, or Indigenous legal systems.
Skills and experience in any of the following areas may also be helpful:
- Anti-racist and anti-colonial practice
- Community and frontline activism
- Financial acumen
- Human rights and equality litigation
- Law reform
- Non-profit governance
- Program development
- Public education
- Social work
LEAF is committed to building a team that is reflective of the diversity of those we serve. We encourage applications from women, trans, Two-Spirit, and/or non-binary applicants who are Black, Indigenous, racialized, disabled, and/or from other marginalized communities. LEAF also encourages those early in their careers to apply. Preference will be given to candidates who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.
HOW TO APPLY
We invite interested applicants to complete and email the volunteer application form with your resume and a cover letter that speaks to what draws you to the work of LEAF and the unique perspectives you would bring to this board position to [email protected].
Please submit your application as soon as possible. The application deadline is March 15, 2023.
LEAF Board of Directors Application Form (PDF)
LEAF Board of Directors Application Form (Word Document)
If you have any questions please contact LEAF National at 416-595-7170 or [email protected].
Where possible, accommodations will be made available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
About the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF)
The Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) is a national not-for-profit that works to advance the equality rights of women, girls, trans, and non-binary people in Canada through litigation, law reform, and public legal education. Since 1985, LEAF has intervened in more than 100 cases that have helped shape the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. To find out more, visit www.leaf.ca.
