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 does not reflect 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 that is embedded in principles of diversity and inclusion.
Board matching for individuals under-represented in governance and who are interested in serving as directors on a not-for-profit 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
“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.”...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
February 19, 2016
“Do it now. Why wait? Society needs your perspective. Seeking a board appointment is more about what you can contribute to a discussion, not about the career or perceived status you hold."
Rick Gill
National Retail Development,...
Read More
February 19, 2016
MCIS Language Services is a comprehensive non-profit language solutions hub providing high quality, responsive, and cost-effective services in over 200 languages. MCIS’s enduring vision is to create a world without language barriers and inspire societal change by providing widespread access to...
Read More
December 10, 2015
On bringing value to an organization, the benefits of being a board member, and the path to their new board appointments.
These interviews have been edited and condensed.
Alfred Kam, a chartered professional accountant, was recently appointed...
Read More