CMHA Wood Buffalo Board

(THIS FORM IS CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL ONLY BE USED FOR CMHA PURPOSES.)

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has a long history of providing excellent mental health support throughout Canada.

CMHA was incorporated in November 1994 and has been operating with a mission to promote mental health of all and support people experiencing mental illness.

Our mandate as a local regional office is mental health prevention and education with workshops offered to the general public on a variety of topics, including Stress Management, Anger Management, Self Esteem with groups for adults, children and teens. CMHA has a partnership with the Public School District offering the Friends for Life Anxiety Program in schools Grade 4-6 and the Fun Friends Program Grades 1-3.

The Consumer Advocate offers supports with issues such as housing, social assistance, education, legal concerns, nutrition, etc. The Association in partnership with Alberta Health Services operates a Clubhouse Program for adults living with mental health issues.

Other programs offered by the Association are Basic and Advanced Facilitation for those who are interested in enhancing their skills, the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) a 3 year certified program through the Center for Suicide Prevention for those working with individuals at risk and the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training a 2 day workshop to help people provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health illness or experiencing a mental health crisis.

CMHA educates, promotes and advocates through strong connections we forge with policymakers, mental health consumers and their families, educators, the media, stakeholders and other service providers.

VISION

Mentally healthy people in a healthy society.

MISSION

A nation-wide voluntary organization that promotes the mental health of all and supports individuals experiencing mental illness.

What is the Job of Board Members?

  “Effective Governance….means ensuring that the appropriate process and structures are in place to direct and manage an organization’s operations and activities, and to ensure that they function well. The ultimate goal of good governance is to ensure the effectiveness, credibility and viability of the organization”.

What will be expected of me as a Board Member?

  Board Members are expected to attend and actively participate in board meetings (one meeting per month – 9 per year), and occasional special meetings and planning sessions.

  In addition, Board Members monitor the strategic plan, business plan, and annual budget, and help make decisions that guide the organization’s progress.

  You will also participate in regular evaluation of the board’s performance.

Responsibilities of the Board

  Ensure the organization moves forward fulfilling its mission and vision

  Monitor the Organizational Strategic Plan

  Ensure that the CEO has the resources for the organization to fulfill its mission and to finance its programs

  Provide financial oversight and accountability

  Maintain effective governance of the organization by using broad policies and objectives

  Ensure legal and ethical integrity and accountability of the organization

  Recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance

  Select and appoint a CEO to whom responsibility for the management of CMHA Wood Buffalo is delegated

General Expectations of the Board

  Regularly participate in board meetings, committees and important related meetings

  Make a serious commitment to participate actively in board and committee work

  Stay informed about board and committee issues, prepare for meetings, and review and comment on minutes and reports

  Get to know other board members and build collegial working relationships that contribute to consensus

  Be an active participant in the board evaluation and planning efforts

  Avoid any conflict of interest

  Disclose all material facts and relationships, and refrain from voting when there is a conflict of interest

  Maintain confidentiality

  Participate in fundraising or special events

Name:

Home Business

Address:

Telephone:

Fax:

E-mail:

What skills do you have that will benefit CMHA?

Please check all that apply:

Comments

__ Communication and Marketing ______

(including media and strategic communications) ______

__ Fund Raising ______

(including fund development and related operations) ______

__ Legal (lawyer) ______

__ Medical/Mental Health ______

(social determinants approach to mental health/mental illness) ______

__Transformational Organizational Change Management ______

__ Diversity (cultural, linguistic, other) ______

__ Other

Signature : ______

Date: ______

Please return to CMHA , Attention: