Rise on Boards (formerly Girls on Boards) is putting forward a new vision for governance in Canada. By placing experienced emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds at the board table, Rise on Boards is building a new generation of decision-makers. The program is committed to advancing equity, specifically sexism, racism, and ageism, in the non-profit sector as a way to enhance good and representative governance in Canada.
We welcome applications from boards on a rolling basis. To set up a meeting to find out whether this program is right for your board, please contact Sania Dogra, Rise on Boards Program Coordinator, at sania.dogra@foranetwork.org.
Participating Board Requirements
- One-year term (minimum): Provide a warm welcome to a trained, coached and vetted young woman or gender-diverse youth to serve on your board or a key board committee.
- Board Mentor: Make available a current board member who will act as a mentor to ensure the Young Director has the support they will need to be successful
- Welcome and Orientation Session: Attend the orientation session to learn more about Rise on Boards, the role of a Board Mentor and considerations for a successful hosting experience.
- Equity on Board Training: Ensure two current board directors (including the Board Mentor) participate in a 3-hour online workshop prior to a Young Director's placement
The Board Mentor's Role
- Participate in the required Equity on Board training prior to hosting a Young Director. Upon completion, all participants will receive a certificate of completion and a LinkedIn badge
- Attend the Board Welcome & Orientation Session.
- Connect with the Young Director and their coach three times in the program (i.e., before the Young Director's first board meeting, 6 months into the program, and at the end of the program).
- Assist the Young Director with the onboarding process.
- Set up regular discussions with the Young Director (before and after meetings) to address the Young Director's questions and concerns.
- Participate in the program’s evaluation at the end of the program (i.e., a survey and a focus group discussion).
- Maintain an ongoing, open, and accessible relationship with the Young Director throughout the one-year term.
- Ensure to understand and sign the Memorandum of Understanding before the Young Director's first Board meeting.
- Communicate with the Fora team regarding updates, concerns and questions related to the Young Director's placement.
TIME COMMITMENT
Participating Boards
- One year minimum term to host a Young Director
- Equity on Board training: 3 hours
Board Mentors
- 1-2 hours per month
- Welcome and onboarding: 1-2 hours
- Equity on Board training: 3 hours
- Board Mentorship: 4-12 hours (total)
- Three meetings with Young Directors and Coaches: 1-2 hours
- Program evaluation (survey and focus group): 2 hours