Board of Directors

Calgary Outlink Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity is a community-based, non-profit charity that provides support, education, outreach, and referrals for the 2SLGBTQIA+ and allied communities in Calgary, Alberta. By connecting community with community, Outlink strives to create spaces where all 2SLGBTQIA+ people can feel accepted, supported, and celebrated, building people up to be resilient and strong in their lives.

Calgary Outlink is looking for individuals to join our dynamic and skilled Board of Directors to engage in meaningful work to make Calgary a better place for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to live. We are looking for passionate community members who can contribute to the leadership and growth of our organisation in a fun and collaborative environment. 

We are specifically looking for individuals who are excited and prepared to join us on a journey of transformative change and rebuilding. Organisational change has been, and will continue to be, an ongoing theme in the work we undertake as we seek to align our governance models to our values and commitment to community and accountability. 

Responsibilities: The Board of Directors are responsible for acting in the best long-term interests of the organisation and the communities it serves. The Board has the responsibility to govern the affairs of Calgary Outlink within the framework of the organisation’s bylaws, policies, procedures and relevant legislation. In fulfilling its governance role, the Board has the responsibility for the organisation:

- Purpose: Implementing Calgary Outlink’s mission and vision; determining what community need(s) Outlink wishes to address and how they will fulfil it. 
- Continuity: Ensuring there are enough financial and human resources in place to guarantee the existence of Calgary Outlink and ensure its long-term sustainability and success. 
- Progress: Setting the rate at which Calgary Outlink takes on activities, programs and services to fulfil its purpose, mission and vision. 
Identity: Securing community support and appreciation for Calgary Outlink’s values, mission, beliefs, activities  and long-term direction.

General Duties:  A Director is fully informed on Calgary Outlink matters, and participates in the Board’s deliberations and decisions in matters of policy, finance, programs, personnel, and advocacy. This includes the following expectations:

- Attend Board meetings regularly; serve on at least one committee of the Board; contribute personal, professional, and life experience to the work of the Board,
- Monitor the performance of the organisation in relation to its objectives and core values,
- Oversee the financial planning, monitoring and development of Calgary Outlink,
- Govern within an anti-oppression, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and anti-harassment framework; engage in consensus-oriented decision making practices, 
- Take responsibility for designated tasks, projects, and/or portfolios; share general responsibilities including rotating meeting Chairs and Minute Takers,
- Represent Calgary Outlink positively in the broader community,
- Operate in a manner which works to acknowledge and incorporate the realities and experiences of all persons in 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and
- Work with the staff of Calgary Outlink on committees or task forces of the Board; know and respect the distinction in the roles of Board and staff responsibilities.

Assets: We value having a diversity of lived experience, work/volunteer experiences, and skill sets on our Board. We are particularly eager to connect with members with the following experiences and/or skill sets: 

- Current or previous experience participating in one or more Outlink programs or other similar programs
- Experience in non-hierarchical and anti-oppressive governance models and/or with consensus decision making
- Financial/accounting
- Fundraising
- Human resources
- Legal
- Non-profit governance
- Public relations
- Relationships with relevant communities