Kiwassa Board of Directors: Board Members

We are seeking community focused individuals to join our board!

Who We Are: 

We’re a group of like-minded folk who are enthusiastic about the volunteer work we do as Board of Directors for the Kiwassa Neighbourhood House Society.  We are parents, educators, professionals, advocates for social justice and (mostly) all live here in the neighbourhood! We are currently looking for more board members.

Position: Member of the Board

We are looking for folks with values-alignment with Kiwassa and an interest to apply their knowledge, strong communication skills and leadership to the Kiwassa Board of Directors. Experience with non-profits, and/or knowledge of the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood are assets. See below for more info on the role of board members.

About our Organization:

Kiwassa Neighbourhood House is an organization with a dynamic team of 100 staff, hundreds of volunteers, a $7.5 million annual budget, and a growing and broad range of inclusive community-based programs in the vibrant Hastings-Sunrise and Grandview-Woodlands neighbourhoods of East Vancouver, on the unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. Our vision is a thriving community where all people are valued, connected, and secure. 

Kiwassa Neighbourhood House links two charitable organizations - Kiwassa Neighbourhood Services Association and Kiwassa Housing Society - governed by the same Board of Directors and led by the same Executive Director. Kiwassa Neighbourhood House strives to apply the Sanctuary City Principles by committing to deliver, inform, advocate and provide services for all people based on need rather than immigration status. To learn more about Kiwassa please visit us at www.kiwassa.ca

There is a certain ‘culture’ that is strongly evident in Kiwassa’s Board. Do you see these skills and values in yourself?

Diversity Reflective of the Community: The Kiwassa Board focuses on elevating the cultural diversity of our team. It is vital that the strategic goals of the association are consistent with and reflective of those in our community. 

Consensus Bias: The Board has always strived toward consensus decision making. All issues relating to key decisions are discussed thoroughly, and most often resolved prior to the decision being taken. Concerns are addressed such that the majority of the decisions are unanimous.

Mutual Respect: Board members are all peers, regardless of background and personalities. Discussion and decisions are made objectively, with a respect for everyone’s viewpoint. Egos are checked at the door.

Having Fun!: There is an overall casual, friendly atmosphere at Kiwassa’s Board. It is exciting and rewarding to participate or contribute at all levels of Kiwassa’s operation, and the Board is no exception.

Time commitment:

The position is available to be filled at our upcoming AGM in September 2025. Ideally you would be  interested in continuing on the Kiwassa board for the full-term of 3 years. Board members need to commit to meeting on the third Tuesday of each month (except for December, February, April, and July). Anyone interested in more details on the position can contact Darius Maze at execdirector@kiwassa.ca.

The role of the Board at Kiwassa is:

• To help establish Kiwassa’s mission and direction, and to lead us there
• To help provide continuity for management and administration
• To help provide an overall policy framework for running of the House
• To communicate Kiwassa’s identity to the community at large to serve on a committee (Finance and Audit, Governance and Nominating)