The Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT) is seeking nominees for the Association's Board of Directors - both self-nominations and the nomination of your colleagues are enthusiastically welcomed. The election of the Board of Directors will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during our Virtual Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, governance, establishes policy, and oversees the operations and financial performance of ACCT. This year we have five open board positions.

We believe, as our name implies, in moving and working within an atmosphere of collaboration and respect for diversity and we are strengthened by diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences so please consider running for office or nominating another member.

Why run?

Help shape direction and prioritize initiatives. Work with other board members, staff and volunteers to recognize new opportunities and develop solutions that move ACCT toward being a premier community of counselling professionals synonymous with excellence in counselling.

What is involved?

• A time commitment: attend monthly board meetings (each new board determines a meeting schedule that accommodates all the board members).

• Be involved in ongoing email discussions, when required

• Some additional committee work and leadership may be required; and

• Attend the annual AGM & Conference in person (or online) each October (board members outside of the greater Vancouver area are reimbursed for travel and accommodations).

• New members will be supported and mentored by the existing Board of Directors and the Executive Director to help ease the transition into this leadership role. This will include discussions with the President, regarding duties and roles and the Executive Director about the operations of the association.

• The board requires all seven board positions be filled by election. Each position on the board has a two year commitment (two year term). Terms are staggered intentionally to help maintain continuity. However, vacancies can occur due to resignations before their two year term is complete.

• The Board's workload varies; some members contribute more than others. At a minimum, board members should be available to meet at least once a month for a two hour meeting. They should make time to read all correspondence and be prepared to discuss and vote on all agenda items. 

• We are always looking for a variety of skills and backgrounds to best represent the diverse ACCT community. However, as a minimum, candidates should have familiarity with the therapeutic counselling profession and the ACCT community. Ideally, experience volunteering within ACCT or other non-profit boards is a priority consideration.

 As per ACCT Rules:

Nomination of Candidates for Director

As per Rule 85 – Part 14 “A member may nominate a candidate for director either before or at an annual general meeting at which the director is to be elected.”

To Nominate a Candidate:

Any ACCT member whose registration is in good standing may nominate a candidate for director (or a member may self-nominate).  Nominees must confirm, on the Nomination and Consent Form, their willingness to stand for election.

Upon receipt of a nomination, the Executive Director will contact the nominee to verify their interest in serving on the board and to answer any questions. The nominee will then be asked to submit a bio and skills matrix.

Nominee Minimum Qualifications:

To qualify for nomination or appointment to the ACCT Board of Directors, an individual must:

Required:

• Must be a full member in good standing with ACCT.

• Two years experience as a non-student counselling therapist

• Two years experience as a non-student full member of ACCT.

Recommended Experience:

• Two years experience volunteering within the ACCT community as a committee member.

• Two years experience volunteering with any non-profit board.

Qualities: 

• Above  average communication skills that display openness, diplomacy, directness, and tact. 

• Ability to think autonomously and make decisions independently.

• Ability to work collaboratively. Create a safe space to conduct board work.

• Committed to abide by established board policies and procedures. 

• Committed to behave in a respectful, non-threatening manner towards all other board members and staff. 

• Flexible and able to participate in board events and activities.

• Willing to study and make informed opinions on all board responsibilities, this includes the ability to ground arguments and ideas in evidence.

• Mentally and emotionally mature, capable of engaging in debate and holding the greater interests of the membership.

• An ability to invite and consider the point of view of a person with a racialized and/or historically marginalized identity.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Community development, legal, executive, team building, governance, parliamentarian, human resources, accounting, risk assessment, ethics investigations, cultural sensitivity training, social media management, event planning, co-operative development, government liaison, program development, marketing.