Get involved.... join the WMS board and help us build equitable community

Information for those thinking they might join the WMS board...

Who is the Whistler Multicultural Society?

The Whistler Multicultural Society (WMS) formed out of a grassroots group of local newcomers and immigrants who wanted to build the profile and voice of our diverse community members. For eight years (until COVID), the WMS organized the annual Whistler Multicultural Festival, a celebration of cultural arts, crafts, song, dance and activities from local immigrant and Indigenous communities. Over that time, WMS also started sourcing funding for programing and services to support immigrants and newcomers. In late 2019, the advisory board of local immigrants decided to incorporate as a non-profit society so that the work of supporting immigrants and newcomers, together with initiatives to build awareness and understanding of cultural diversity, could continue in an expanded and more structured way. WMS formally incorporated as a non-profit society in BC on January 29, 2020.

What does the Whistler Multicultural Society do?

WMS supports immigrants, newcomers, black, brown and all racialized people to grow social capital, skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure their success and participation in our community while fostering intercultural awareness, understanding, and interactions in the wider community of Whistler. Our programs build cross-cultural interaction and connections, develop awareness and understanding of our local diversity, and seek to grow equity and inclusion.  We aim to build the voice and profile of newcomers, immigrants, and equity-seeking individuals in our local community, and to develop community inclusion initiatives.

WMS also works as a local spoke in the provincial Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network. We are increasingly undertaking initiatives locally, and across the Sea to Sky, aimed at building inclusive and equitable community. 

What does a non-profit board do?

 

A non-profit board is responsible for guiding a non-profit or charitable organization in its management, policies and goals. From fundraising to operations management to goal setting and more, the board holds all of the power for a non-profit organization.

 

The term "non-profit" does not mean that the organization does not make money. Instead, it simply means it exists to provide a service to the community, not to earn money. A board is made up of several members, between 5 and 11 for the WMS. These members are not employees of the (charity) organization. Non-profit board members are always volunteers and cannot be paid for the work they do as a non-profit board director.

The main responsibility of a non-profit board is to make sure the organization is living up to its expectations. The group gets together frequently to review its mission statement and policies, to make sure that they are being performed by the organization. If the board finds these expectations are not being met, the board has the power to change policies.

 

A non-profit board also is in charge of operations for the entire organization. This does not mean they supervise the hiring of every employee, but they guide upper-management hiring so that senior management implements the vision and plans developed by the board.

Finances are another key concern for a non-profit board. The board routinely investigates the books of the non-profit organization, noting whether the incoming and outgoing money meets expectations. They also are in charge of dealing with fundraising plans. The board usually determines how much money the organization will need to operate and makes suggestions about ways to raise the needed money.

Lastly, the non-profit board, or at least its president, normally functions as the public face of the organization. When interviews with the media need to be completed, members of the board often step in front of the microphone because of their inside knowledge and expertise. Members of the board are often also expected to make appearances at public events in order to help promote the organization.

What can a WMS board member expect?

Board members are volunteers from our local communities. They guide the direction of the Society and make sure that the best interests and the future of the organization are protected.

The board meets 6-9 times per year, plus our annual general meeting and a strategic planning session. As part of being a board member, you can also join a committee in an area of interest, learn about a new area of business management. And you will serve as an ambassador for the Society in your community.

A board member can expect to spend 3-8 hours per month on Society activities. Time requirements will vary throughout the year with some months being busier than others.

As you consider joining the Board, please familiarize yourself with this list of expectations. We've also set out some questions to think about as you consider joining the Board.

Who's a good match for a WMS board member?


WMS is committed to providing training, support, and development for all board members. Bring your skills and experiences to this opportunity to drive and build an IBPOC-led organization for your community.

Want to know more?

Check our Facebook page, Instagram and youtube channel.

Please email board chair priscilla.belanger@wmsociety.ca or info@wmsociety.ca with your interest. Or call 604.935.8798.