Seeking new members for our volunteer Board of Directors to lead Up and Running Guelph towards our mission and vision, and oversee achievement of our organizational goals and objectives. Up and Running Guelph is a growing, community-based charitable organization delivering programs that improve mental health through exercise, nature, and social connections. Originally designed for women, who have higher rates of depression and anxiety, our programs harness the proven mental health benefits of exercise, nature, and social connections. We are currently expanding piloting new programs to reach a broader audience. Since our launch in 2016, over 750 participants have experienced a sense of belonging and improved mental well-being through our programs. If you have skills in financial management, organizational development, fundraising and/or human resources, together with a collaborative team approach and a passion for our cause, we would love to hear from you! If you can offer other skills and experience that you feel will enhance our capacity to achieve a greater impact, feel free to reach out. 

Who We Are 

Since 2016, Up and Running Guelph has worked to enhance community mental health through friendly and supportive nature-based walking and running programs. Harnessing the proven benefits of exercise, nature, and social connections, our core programs were developed to serve women aged 18+ looking for support in managing their mental health. We are currently in a growth phase, focused on increasing participation in core programs, expanding our program offerings, and building relationships with local community agencies to enhance the diversity and inclusivity of our programming. New programs launched last year included our Workplace Wellness program and Pop-up Programs offered in various parks throughout the city, with a goal to reach more people where they live and work. 

About Our Board 

Up and Running Guelph’s volunteer Board of Directors provides governance and leadership to our organization, overseeing its management and operational performance to support achievement of its mission and strategic priorities. Over the last 6 years, our Board has operated primarily as a working or operational Board. With the hiring of a full-time Executive Director in the Spring of 2022, we have been transitioning to a hybrid model of a working/governance board, reviewing and updating our strategic priorities, engaging in policy development, and overseeing achievement of our objectives while supporting our operations on the Board and through Board committees. This Spring, we are recruiting new directors for our Board to fill vacancies as original members retire. We are recruiting for skills and/or experience in financial management, organizational development, fundraising, and human resources. If you are passionate about supporting our mission, and have skills to offer in another field, feel free to reach out! Board experience is always an asset as well. As a board member, you will play an active role in fulfilling the board's responsibilities, which include providing guidance and implementing performance reviews of the Executive Director, approving high level goals and policies, engaging in fundraising and community engagement, and ensuring that we have ongoing program evaluation and the financial resources required to accomplish our mission and strategic priorities. 

Director Responsibilities 

Board members are expected to prepare for, regularly attend, and actively participate in Board meetings and to abide by the by-laws, code of conduct, and other policies that apply to the board. Directors supervise and evaluate the Executive Director, engage in strategic visioning and policy approval for the organization, and support fundraising activities as part of their commitment to achievement of our mission. 

Time Commitment 

Directors are elected for two-year terms and are eligible for re-election for up to 3 consecutive terms. Up and Running Guelph’s Board traditionally meets 10 times per year on the 3rd Monday of the month, however this frequency is currently under review. While we have been meeting virtually, we are considering a hybrid of remote and in-person meetings, with less frequent meetings of the full Board. Board members are expected to serve on at least one committee as well, with meetings as required. 

Application Process 

Qualified candidates are invited to submit your interest and your skills/experience through our online volunteer form. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the positions are filled. Up and Running Guelph is committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free, and accessible environment. We value a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and seek applicants who will increase the Board’s diversity of viewpoints and lived experiences. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please advise and we will work with you to meet your needs. 

We thank all candidates for their interest and will notify candidates of whether they have been selected for an interview.