Boards and Committees

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” – Alexander Graham Bell

Board of Directors

The board of directors is elected from with in the Society Membership each year at the Annual AGM. Occasional changes may be made through out the year under the event that an acting board member offers resignation. If you would like to put your name forward to join the Board of Directors APPLY HERE.

The Viola’s Place Society (VPS) board of directors is legally responsible for the governance of the organization. Within that mandate is the expectation that the board will develop, implement and monitor policies that will allow VPS to carry out its work. While a board may appoint staff and/or committees to carry out specific work related to its policies, programs and services, the board is ultimately responsible for outcomes.


Collectively, the VPS board must:

  • Determine, maintain and evaluate a governance model and ensure that appropriate organizational policies and structures are in place

  • Participate in the development and maintenance of a mission and strategic plan for the organization

  • Hire and ensure that an effective management team and other necessary roles for the facility is in place

  • Maintain effective partnerships and communication with the community, external partners, vendors, volunteers and other stakeholders

  • Maintain fiscal responsibility, including fundraising, managing income and expenditures, and approving and monitoring expenditures and the annual budgets

  • Ensure transparency in all communication to staff, volunteers, stakeholders and the public

  • Evaluate the organization’s work in relation to a strategic plan

  • Evaluate the work of the board of directors, ensuring continuous renewal of the board, and plan for the succession and diversity of the board


Individually, each VPS board member must:

  • Act in the best interests of Viola’s Place Society

  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of being a board member

  • Be familiar with the organization’s bylaws, policies and procedures, strategic plan, and mission

  • Ensure they avoids conflicts of interest including operating in the best interest of the organization not in self-interest

  • Respect confidentiality policies that pertain to membership and board discussions

  • Keep informed about the organization’s financial activity and legal obligations

  • Bring their own skills, experience and knowledge to the organization

  • Attend monthly board meetings regularly and arrive prepared for meetings

  • Support board decisions once they have been voted on

  • Participate in one of Viola’s Place Society committees