There are more than 170,000 not-for-profit organizations in Canada, many of which are headquartered in our urban centres. All are governed by boards of directors, drawn from members of the public. In addition, municipal, provincial and federal governments appoint thousands of citizens to serve the public good on their many agencies, boards and commissions. However, a disconnect remains between who sits on these boards and the demographic make-up of the population.
Canadian communities, particularly in large urban centers, are becoming hyper-diverse, reflecting a diversity of ethnicities, countries of origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and ability. There are more than 1.4 million Aboriginal/Indigenous People of Canada. Yet, while our cities and urban regions are becoming increasingly diverse and are home to many of Canada’s Indigenous population, the leadership of our not-for-profit sector is not a reflection of our demographic reality.
DiverseCity onBoard directly addresses this challenge with a board matching service that identifies, trains and facilitates the placement of qualified individuals in governance roles on not-for-profit organizations and public agencies, boards, and commissions. We provide affordable online governance training that is available to everyone, anywhere, including individuals who are not part of our matching program.
Our Services:
Individuals
Governance training for anyone, anywhere, interested in acquiring board governance training.
Board matching for individuals who belong to at least one of the groups under-represented in governance and who are interested in serving as directors of a not-for-profit organization or agency of the municipal, provincial, or federal government.
Organizations
Governance training and board matching for not-for-profit organizations and public agencies, boards and commissions looking for qualified candidates and who have an interest in embedding principles of inclusion and diversity into their governance processes, policies, and approaches.
Businesses
Governance training for businesses looking to provide professional development opportunities for their employees.
April 3, 2017
"Due to my increased understanding and knowledge of volunteering in a not-for-profit organization after completing the DiverseCity onBoard governance training, my efficacy in the area has also been enhanced. It is an honor to be...
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April 3, 2017
“As a young female entrepreneur with a bicultural background, I think that it’s incredibly important for people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences to be represented, especially in a growing, diverse city such a Hamilton.”...
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February 23, 2015
Diversity in Governance Award winning Peel Children's Aid society have committed to including diversity as part of their strategy to better serve the communities that they represent. Learn how this commitment has led not only to receiving...
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June 23, 2016
“I find it encouraging and fulfilling to be surrounded with people from different backgrounds who are passionate and dedicated to give back and make a difference to our community.”
Eddie Villarta
Manager, Network Services, Carleton University
DiverseCity onBoard's...
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February 23, 2015
Ramesh Srinivasan, former director on the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, speaks about the importance of embracing board diversity, and on his experiences as a board member.
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February 23, 2015
Jane Pepino, former Chair of Women's College Hospital on their continued involvement with DiverseCity onBoard, and the importance of considering diversity when she was tasked with rebuilding the hospital's board of directors.
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February 23, 2015
Ratna Omidvar, Executive Director of the Global Diversity Exchange speaks on the evolution of DiverseCity onBoard, its new home within the walls of the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University, and the excitement...
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November 25, 2016
"I think it is very important we have diverse representation on boards, from different walks of life. I really hope more youth get involved and see how beneficial it is to be on a board."
Ish...
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November 25, 2016
“I advise anyone, even if you are not sure if you are ready to serve on a board, to request information and take action. Your community needs your perspective and contributions as much as you...
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