We are seeking volunteers to join our Board of Directors!

Our current strategic priorities include advancing systemic change to improve the experiences of low-income older adults in BC as well as enhancing our stability and long term capacity. We seek to protect the legal rights of seniors and elders through accessible information, emotional and practical support, referrals, legal advice and representation.

We are seeking new Board members to provide:

1. Insight based on professional and personal lived experience to support the leadership and excellent organizational decision-making
2. Knowledge of emerging issues faced by older adults of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds in BC; and
3. Thoughtful legal oversight responsibilities in support of a talented staff team.

To do this, we are seeking individuals with knowledge of seniors’ and elders’ issues in BC. We seek multi-lingual individuals with roots in a diversity of cultural communities, particularly BC’s First Nations, individuals living outside the Lower Mainland, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ2+.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Attend minimum of 6 board meetings annually
2. Participate in the activities of 2 or more committees
3. Act in good faith, with integrity and in the interests of the purpose of the organization
4. Stay informed about the board governance role
5. Work as part of a collaborative board team

Time Commitment:

• Bi-monthly board meetings
• Bi-monthly one hour committee meetings
• 1-2 days of planning and Board development session
• Occasional other tasks and advice as needed

Fundraising commitment:

• All Board members join and remain a paid member of Seniors First BC ($10 annually)
• Support strategic planning around revenue development
• Support fundraising activities
• Represent the organization publicly as appropriate
• There is currently no requirement that board members donate, but it is encouraged.

To Apply: If you are interested please complete the form below or send an email to: humanresources@seniorsfirstbc.ca

We offer pro bono legal advice to eligible older adults (55+) residing in BC through our Elder Law Clinic on a wide range of legal matters, including:

• Preparing Advance Planning documents, such as wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements.
• Reviewing court documents.
• Preparing cases and submissions.
• Representation at certain court hearings.
• Assistance in matters of adult guardianship.
• General legal advice.

Our clinics are held at several locations in the Lower Mainland. We are seeking volunteers to attend clinics in Vancouver and Burnaby, including potentially in hospitals, with our staff lawyers to witness wills or the taking of instructions for people with capacity issues. Volunteer witnesses can be any person older than 19 years old who is not a related party to the person making the will (e.g. not a beneficiary, or a child of a beneficiary). The witness does not need to review the will.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Be 19 years old or older.
• Complete a satisfactory Criminal Record Check for the vulnerable sector (reimbursed by SFBC)
• Have access to reliable transportation to clinics.
• Have experience communicating with clients or older adults and be comfortable doing so.
• Deep understanding of the importance of preserving clients’ personal and confidential information.
• Cultural competency and respect for all older adults in BC, including people who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and seniors with disabilities.

Start Date: September 2023

Location: Clinics in Burnaby and Vancouver

Time Commitment: 5-10 hours per month, depending on availability and clinic dates.

To apply, please complete the volunteer form below.