Stories

Describe your board/organization, its objectives, and your responsibilities during the NPBI internship 

My organization is the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition (ERVCC), a non-profit coalition of member organizations with a shared goal of conserving and restoring the river valley through advocacy, knowledge-sharing, and stewardship. 

Can you describe your project and how you think it will benefit your board?

My project is a strategic plan based on the four main objectives of the ERVCC's River Valley Manifesto. Using what I learned from the organizational planning workshop, I collaborated with the board members to help them set clear goals, strategies, and actions that will help the board achieve their stated aspirations incrementally and in a realistic timeline. My final product for the strategic plan is an action plan template, which lists the specific activities the ERVCC can do for each goal, who is responsible for each action when these actions should happen, and the resources necessary to achieve them. 

The template can also be reproduced for different timelines and designed to be flexible for internal and external changes in the organization. I believe that my project will help the board tackle their concerns regarding the practical implementation of the River Valley Manifesto's goals. By aligning ERVCC's various projects and activities with their respective strategies and goals, the board can visualize how each project can contribute to achieving its long-term objectives. This will help the board make informed decisions for the ERVCC to achieve its goal of caring for the River Valley while also maintaining its future direction.

What stands out for you as key learning moments as a result of volunteering on a board?

One of my key learning moments was the importance of structure and effective leadership in achieving an organization's aspirations. Having hands-on experience with board governance and the various dynamics that can pop up during the internship has taught me a lot about the importance of effective leadership and structure in running a functional organization. I have found that the work of many non-profits is aspirational, but the ability to organize and operationalize all the tasks necessary to meet those goals is equally as important. 

The NPBI program has been an incredible opportunity for me to learn both profession-specific skills and soft skills such as leadership, communication, and collaboration. These skills are essential in any field and profession and have enabled me to push forward the issues and values that matter most to me - in my case, climate change and sustainability. In addition to the skills and knowledge gained, the NPBI program has also connected me with exceptional mentors who have shared their experiences and insights with me. 

Describe your board/organization, its objectives, and your responsibilities during the NPBI internship 

 My organization was Intervivos (a nonprofit organization) as a Board Intern with mentor Zohreh Saher. My project objectives were to design and implement a structured feedback system that enables Intervivos to systematically collect, manage, and act on feedback from participants before, during, and after their events.

What was the biggest takeaway from your CSL project?

As a board intern, my biggest takeaway was the critical role of structured feedback in nonprofit decision-making. Without reliable pre-, during-, and post-event data, board members rely on anecdotes rather than evidence. My project showed me that feedback systems directly improve strategic planning and accountability.  It's also about understanding the organization's existing workflows and volunteer culture. I learned that even a well-structured feedback loop will fail if it isn't simple, timely, and clearly tied to action.

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge and skills to your future endeavors?

I can now approach any multi-step project, even my own studying or job search, with a 'before, during, after' mindset. My experience as a board intern has taught me that nonprofit boards need clean, timely data to make good decisions. In future leadership roles, I plan to advocate for simple but effective feedback systems before any major initiative, so we’re not flying blind.

Why should students consider being involved with CSL?

CSL takes learning off the page and puts it into practice. You stop asking 'what if' and start asking 'what worked, what didn't, and what's next?', which is exactly how the real world works. CSL connects you to community needs beyond campus. You learn that small contributions can improve how an organization serves its people. It also clarifies your values and what kinds of work feel meaningful to you.

Who was your community partner, and can you describe the project objectives?

Metro Cinema Society. I was to be set up with a mentor in the organization, go to an orientation, attend all of their board meetings (monthly from September to April), go to four workshops about how non-profit organizations work, go to a check-in, and create and present a project for my organization! Throughout the process I have also attended additional events for my organization, as well as a strategic planning meeting. I also began to volunteer with them as well in January to help more and see their organization from another lens! They are such a lovely community, I wanted to be more involved!

What was the biggest takeaway?

It's always good to try new things! The unknown can be scary and overwhelming, but it's also exciting and really feeds into your curiosity if you let it. I came into this program not sure what to expect to be honest, but I've learned so much, met so many amazing people, and had fun too!

How can you apply any newly gained skills to your future endeavours?

I learnt a lot about non-profit organizations as well as how board meetings work! I feel like I could apply this to any future boards or non-profits I work with. Additionally, I was able to be a part of a very functional and positive work environment. This gave me a good example of what I should strive for in work environments in the future! I learnt a lot about being in a more professional setting and I will definitely carry that with me.

Why should students consider being involved, and how does it enhance their academic learning?

Students should be involved in CSL because you get to help people! Personally, that's something I enjoy. If that's not necessarily your thing, being a part of Community-Service Learning helps make you a more well-rounded person. You get the opportunity to learn a lot about different people and groups that strive for helping others. It's really fun and you get to learn a lot of different skills depending where you go. It can enhance your academic learning by adding more skills to your toolbox, such as teamwork or practicing leadership. One of the things I got to work on a bit was public speaking for example. You can apply the collaborative experience of CSL to courses or learning how to work better with others. A lot of what you get out of it is what you put into it.

NPBI Intern, 2024-25

What was the biggest takeaway?

The biggest takeaway from my Non-Profit Board Internship (NPBI) placement with the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society (EDSS) was gaining an in-depth understanding of non-profit governance and how strategic decisions shape an organization’s future. Attending weekly board meetings and participating in a strategy planning session was particularly eye-opening. During the strategy planning session, I saw firsthand how board members collaborate to set long-term goals, address challenges, and align the organization’s resources with its mission. 

Working on the orientation package for new board members further expanded my understanding of governance by emphasizing the significance of clear communication and structured onboarding to ensure that new members can contribute effectively. This experience reinforced how crucial it is for boards to build a strong foundation of trust, collaboration, and alignment with the organization’s values and goals.

In addition to these activities, I worked on creating summaries for the programs offered by EDSS, which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the organization's core offerings and its impact on the community. This task helped me see how each program fits into the larger structure of the organization and how the board’s decisions influence the direction of these programs. Through all of these experiences, I gained a profound appreciation for the complexities of non-profit leadership, strategic decision-making, and the importance of a well-structured, communicative organization.

How can you apply any newly gained skills to your future endeavours?

The knowledge and skills I gained from my Non-Profit Board Internship (NPBI) with the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society (EDSS) will significantly influence my future work in the field of mental health and awareness. Throughout my time with EDSS, I developed a deep understanding of how non-profit organizations are structured and governed, which will be invaluable as I move forward in my career. Learning how to navigate board meetings, contribute to strategic planning, and create structured resources, such as the orientation package for new members, has given me the tools to improve organizational efficiency and impact—skills that are essential when working in mental health organizations.

Why should students consider being involved, and how does it enhance their academic learning?

This opportunity allows students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to practical, hands-on work in the community, enhancing their understanding of course content. By participating, students can develop critical skills like problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, all of which are essential in both academic and professional settings.

Describe your board/organization, its objectives, and your responsibilities during the NPBI internship 

Radius Community Health & Healing is Edmonton’s only non-profit, community-owned and operated health center, serving our community for over four decades under the guiding principle – of delivering compassionate health care without barriers. Through services and programs which include primary care, dental care, mental health care, addictions services, and social supports, Radius improves the quality of life and well-being of individuals who face a multitude of barriers such as poverty, homelessness, addictions, mental illness, and lack of social supports. The Board of this non-profit organization consists of 11 volunteer directors with a diversity of skill sets ranging from accounting, community representation, fund development, public relations, government relations, criminal justice, health care, and social work, as well as capital planning.

Can you describe your project and how you think it will benefit your board?

In collaboration with the Board of Directors, I selected my internship project, a Board evaluation tool, to address an unmet need. The Board evaluation aimed to identify strengths, address challenges, and leverage opportunities for improvement. This information would be of benefit to enhance board effectiveness, thereby driving organizational success. The Board evaluation tool I selected was an anonymous Google survey that focused on the evaluation of three key areas: board governance, operations, and culture. By providing a platform for candid feedback and objective assessment, the evaluation served as an outlet for constructive feedback, enabling Board members to express their opinions candidly. By highlighting areas for development, these evaluations empower boards to adapt, evolve, and enhance their effectiveness over time, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

What stands out for you as key learning moments as a result of volunteering on a board?

Throughout the non-profit board internship, I gained firsthand experience in Board operations, such as how meetings are run, and decisions are made at the Board level. It was interesting to see non-profit organizations' challenges and how the Board works as a team to address them. Being able to interact and learn from Board members with such varied skill sets was truly invaluable. I was able to witness the dedication, commitment, and compassion of the Board members in fulfilling the organization’s purpose and was left with an appreciation of the hard work that goes on to meet the needs of our community. I gained unique insights into Edmonton's political, economic, judicial, and social landscape from the point of view of a non-profit organization.

Describe your board/organization, its objectives, and your responsibilities during the NPBI internship 

As an intern at HIV Edmonton, I worked with an organization committed to supporting marginalized individuals, including those living with or affected by HIV. The organization's objectives are rooted in principles of equity and connectedness, aiming to engage with diverse communities and provide essential services and support. As an intern, my responsibilities included gaining experience in non-profit governance and developing infographics for the onboarding of new board members. I also had the opportunity to learn about HIV Edmonton's role in serving vulnerable populations, including unhoused individuals and those engaging in substance use. Overall, my internship experience helped me develop a deeper understanding of non-profit board operations and the importance of community engagement in driving meaningful change.

Can you describe your project and how you think it will benefit your board?

For my project, I created infographics designed to onboard new board members. These infographics provide a visually engaging and informative overview of HIV Edmonton's mission, programs, and impact. They also highlight key governance structures, board roles and responsibilities, and essential policies and procedures. I believe this project will benefit the board by streamlining the onboarding process and ensuring that new members understand the organization's purpose, values, and operations clearly. The infographics can serve as a reference tool for board members, helping them navigate their roles more effectively and contribute meaningfully to HIV Edmonton's mission.

What stands out for you as key learning moments as a result of volunteering on a board?

Volunteering on a board has provided me with key learning moments, including understanding non-profit governance and decision-making processes, financial management, and strategic planning. This internship has allowed me to see leadership in practice and gain a sense of familiarity with governance in the non-profit sector.

Who was your community partner, and can you describe the project objectives?

I was paired with the Alberta Native Plant Council (ANPC). I attended their monthly board meetings and Government of Alberta's non-profit operation workshops. Based on my skills and observations, I chose to put together a Merchandise Sales and Marketing Strategy Report for my project.

What was the biggest takeaway from your CSL project?

While building a sustainable roadmap for growth for the council through my project, I aimed to align the organisation’s operational needs with professional sales tactics to increase their visibility and funding. The biggest takeaway from a project like this was to grasp governance and adaptability. I moved beyond theory to see how a non-profit operates in real-time — balancing a mission with the practicalities of revenue generation and board dynamics.

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge and skills to your future endeavors?

The skills I gained — strategic reporting, stakeholder communication, and non-profit literacy — are universal. Whether I enter the corporate, public, or volunteer sector, I now understand how to analyse an organisation's "gaps" and present professional, data-driven solutions to leadership.

Why should students consider being involved with CSL?

CSL challenges students to move beyond surface-level volunteering to explore the social and political root causes of local issues. Participation in CSL also leads to a long-term commitment to community action. Moreover, I've also built direct connections with environmental professionals and provincial government mentors through my program. It has also bridged the gap between classroom learning and community needs, making my education feel more purposeful. 

Who was your community partner, and can you describe the project objectives?

My community partner was the Aquatic Biosphere Society of Canada (ABSoC). My project focused on developing onboarding materials to support new board members, student interns, and volunteers as they join the organization. The objective was to create clear, accessible, and professional resources that introduce people to ABSoC’s mission, values, structure, expectations, and ways to get involved, while also helping strengthen continuity and knowledge-sharing within the organization.

What was the biggest takeaway from your CSL project?

My biggest takeaway was seeing how important strong onboarding and clear communication are to the long-term success of a nonprofit organization. Even behind-the-scenes work, like creating guides and internal resources, can have a meaningful impact by making it easier for people to feel welcomed, informed, and prepared to contribute. This project also showed me how much thoughtful organization and planning can support community-based work.

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge and skills to your future endeavors?

This project helped me strengthen skills in professional writing, organization, communication, and translating information into practical resources for others. I can apply these skills in future leadership roles, community-based work, and professional settings where clear communication and strong organizational systems are important. It also gave me more experience working with nonprofits and thinking about how governance, onboarding, and community engagement all connect.