Chapter Council Committee Member
I'm Interested| Volunteer Position Name / Role: | Chapter Council Committee Member |
| Date Posted: | Wednesday, February 26, 2020 |
| Organization Name: | Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada |
| Organization Contact: |
Brandi Easton 1800.268.7582 x 3238 Brandi.Easton@mssociety.ca |
| Why you might want to consider taking this opportunity: |
Position Benefits: + Unique opportunity to assume a community-based leadership role with a high-profile national charity + Use your talents/skills/experience to create lasting impact: Make a significant difference in the lives (and future) of people living with MS + 'Network' and build your 'connections' and 'personal profile' within your local community + Enjoy volunteering with like-minded, energetic, and committed MS Society volunteers and staff + Join a leader in the not-for-profit, charity sector, as the MS Society pursues a ground-breaking approach to effective, successful and far reaching community engagement |
| Type of Organization: | Health-related Service |
| More Info Link: | http://www.mssociety.ca |
| Volunteer type position is suitable for: |
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| Duties / Roles / Activities: |
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is classified as an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerve). Latest estimates reveal that 1 in 385 Canadians are living with MS, with 11 new diagnoses every day. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, a national charitable organization with chapters across the country, has recently embraced a new community-based approach of working to realize their vision of a world free of MS. The MS Society’s Chapter Councils and Chapter Council Committees are comprised of active and dynamic stakeholders and volunteer leaders who are integral in taking collective action to help people with MS live their best lives. Key to this approach is AWARENESS, ENGAGEMENT, and IMPACT, involving selfless VOLUNTEERS who play a huge part in furthering the MS Society's mission to connect and empower the MS community to create positive change. The MS Society’s Councils and Committees are successful due to the commitment of volunteers (you, your neighbours, community leaders, healthcare professionals and the people living with MS). The MS Society needs and aims to continuously build its CAPACITY in fulfilling their mission through Chapter Council Committees in FOUR (4) 'impact areas': Fundraising; Research, Programs & Services; Government Relations & Advocacy; Public Awareness. Membership in a Chapter Council Committee is a UNIQUE volunteer leadership opportunity, on the forefront of community engagement. Detailed Position Description: As volunteer members of Chapter Councils, you will bring perspectives to capacity building, awareness and advocacy that are distinct from those of other stakeholders (incl. government, academic, healthcare institutions), because you are the PUBLIC, the AUDIENCE, the GRASSROOTS, the people AFFECTED by MS. The MS Society views its Councils as ways and means to EMPOWER you and fellow residents in your local community to work towards a world without MS. We recognize FOUR (4) 'impact areas' and have created corresponding committees: A. FUNDRAISING Chapter Council Committee [1 Lead + Members] Along with chapter staff, the 'Lead' helps steer the committee, recruits members, participates in Council meetings/teleconferences Sustain and grow MS Society revenue through involvement in and enhancement of current MS Society fundraising activities Contribute time, skills and expertise to advance fundraising activities in the community while actively participating in chapter fundraising events Leverage community contacts when possible to serve as supporters (sponsors, event participants, event organizers, donors, etc.) B. RESEARCH, PROGRAMS & SERVICES Chapter Council Committee [1 Lead + Members] Along with chapter staff, the 'Lead' helps steer the committee, recruits members, participates in Council meetings/teleconferences All committee members inform themselves of national AND LOCAL MS research, programs and services, for the purpose of educating MS stakeholders, supporters, and the general public Through direct 'networking', forge partnerships with the local community and its stakeholders to promote research and effective assistance for people living with MS. Help plan local education sessions to help meet the needs of the community participate in ongoing evaluation and assessment of effectiveness of initiatives at the community level C. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & ADVOCACY Chapter Council Committee [ 1 Lead + Members] Along with chapter staff, the 'Lead' helps steer the committee, recruits members, participates in Council meetings/teleconferences Identify channels for effective local advocacy directed at relevant government officials and agencies, with development of appropriate priorities and strategies with the assistance and participation of committee members All committee members inform themselves about critical, timely issues relating to MS that necessarily require the cooperation of, and active support by, government, particularly on the local level Committee members actively 'network' and build important relationships with elected officials, agency executives, community stakeholders to achieve the Society's goals and overall mission D. PUBLIC AWARENESS Chapter Council Committee [1 Lead + Members] Along with chapter staff, the 'Lead' helps steers the committee, recruits’ members and participates in Council meetings/teleconferences All committee members build capacity through informing themselves of the Society's vision/mission/long- and short-term goals, programs Jointly develop and implement a plan to raise the community profile of the local Chapter and its activities and impact Utilize 'social media' as a means to enhance local presence, promoting dialogue, engage in advocacy Actively participate in Chapter events, programs, outreach, and campaigns (be 'ambassadors' for the cause) |
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| Dates & Times: |
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| Seasonal: | All Year |
| Location of Volunteer Activity: |
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| Wheelchair Accessibility: | Yes |
| Can be used toward '40 Hours' for Highschool Graduation (OSSD): | No |
| Does this opportunity relate to COVID-19: | No |
| Commitment Length / Duration: | Long Term (more than 1 year) |
| Training Required: |
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| Transportation: | Own Transportation Required |
| Expires: |
Expired Thursday, April 30, 2020
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| Areas of Interest: |
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| Skills / Experience: |
Position Requirements: • Depending on the 'impact area', volunteers with specific talent/skills/experience suitable for one or more 'roles' outlined above are most welcome to apply • Excellent English communication skills (fluency in a second language encouraged) • Able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the vision and mission of the MS Society of Canada, combined with a passion for its success • Past collaboration with volunteers in a board or committee setting is an asset, particularly in your local community • Friendly, engaging, able to interact with the public • Organized, analytical, project-oriented (incl. meeting objectives, observing deadlines), as a team member or independently |