Become a Member

Support health and healing for all by becoming a member of Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society

We are now seeking:

• General Membership
• Board of Directors
  • 2 positions, 3-year term
  • 1 position, 2-year term
  • 1 position, 1-year term

To apply for membership, complete the application form at the bottom of this page and email it to [email protected].
For Board of Directors applications, please email the completed membership form, a CV/resume, and a cover letter.

Deadline for applications: Friday, September 22 at 11:59 PM PDT

To ensure we are meeting the needs and priorities of our community, we strongly encourage current/former VAHS clients and people from under-represented communities to apply, including but not limited to: Indigenous,* Black, and people of colour; disabled people; and 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all genders. Please self-identify at your comfort level.

*Indigenous in this context refers to Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) people whose traditional homelands are in what is now called "Canada"

New Members and Directors will be confirmed at the next VAHS Annual General Meeting.

All applicants will receive a meeting package and Zoom invite via email. A $1.00 annual membership fee will be due for all approved members. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

Why become a member?

As a member of VAHS, you can:

• Support the VAHS purposes, vision, and mission
• Help grow VAHS programs and services
• Be a part of strategic planning and policy development
• Elect the Board of Directors and apply for open Board positions
• Gain experience in not-for-profit governance
• Participate in committees and special events
• Advocate for issues important to you
• Connect with other members
• Vote in general meetings
• Give back to your community

Member duties include:

• Attending the Annual General Meeting and other special/general meetings
• Participating in committees and events (encouraged, but not required)
• Being accountable to all VAHS by-laws

All VAHS members must be at least 19 years old and live in the Metro Vancouver/BC Lower Mainland area. No prior experience necessary!

Board of Directors duties include:

• Appointing, supporting, and evaluating the Executive Director
• Strategic planning and high-level policy development
• Participating in one or more committees
• Approving and monitoring annual budgets
• Being accountable to all VAHS by-laws and legal/ethical responsibilities
• Collaborating with community partners and stakeholders
• Attending 4–5 Board of Directors meetings per year, the Annual General Meeting, committee meetings, and special meetings as needed

Director requirements (per the Societies Act):

• A member of VAHS in good standing
• Be an individual (not an organization or corporation)
• Be capable of managing own affairs
• Not be undergoing bankruptcy
• Has not been convicted of fraud or a corporate offence in the last 5 years
• Not be employed by VAHS

Directors must disclose any conflict of interest that prevents them from acting in the best interests of VAHS (financial, social, and/or political gains).

Who should apply for a Board position?

We value diversity in our Board's work, volunteer, educational, and lived experiences. No prior experience on a Board of Directors is required.

We are especially seeking people with experience in one or more of these areas:

• Not-for-profit Governance
• Finances
• Human Resources
• Research
• Fundraising
• Indigenous Health and Wellness
• Community Engagement