Volunteer Board Members

Alternatives for Youth (AY) is a non-profit agency that provides substance use and concurrent mental health treatment to children, youth, and young adults who are experiencing difficulties related to the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. We also provide support to parents, caregivers, and families through our Parent Education, Support and Skills Development Program.

In addition to our central downtown location at 460 Main Street East, AY currently provides services in numerous secondary schools, youth-serving agencies, and post-secondary institutions throughout the Hamilton community.

AY's mission is to provide community-based substance use and addiction treatment services that engage and mobilize youth and their families. Our vision is to inspire hope and resilience in youth. AY receives funding from the Ministry of Health, the City of Hamilton, and the United Way Halton & Hamilton.

The role of our volunteer Board of Directors is to provide responsible leadership and governance for the organization. We are currently recruiting a volunteer Directors to join our Board of Directors.

Board Responsibilities

AY's Board operates using a governance model. Directors are responsible for:

- Preparing for and attending monthly Board meetings, committee meetings as required, and the Annual General Meeting.
- Participating in strategic planning.
- Approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance.
- Reviewing organizational by-laws and Board policies.
- Establishing performance expectations for the Executive Director and monitoring performance.
- Participating in Board recruitment and succession planning.




- Remaining informed about community issues relevant to AY's mission and strategic priorities.
- Serving on Board committees and contributing to the governance of the organization.

The Board welcomes applications from individuals who are able to commit to a three-year term in support of AY's mission and vision. The Board meets virtually on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

We Are Looking For Individuals Who Have:

- Enthusiasm and passion for contributing to the Hamilton community and an understanding of the issues affecting youth and families.
- Forward-thinking perspectives and the ability to work collaboratively within a team workplace.
- A willingness to serve as an ambassador and advocate for Alternatives for Youth.

Skills and Expertise

We are particularly interested in candidates who can contribute knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas:

- Finance and Accounting
- Human Resources
- Risk Management
- Fundraising and Donor Development
- Marketing, Community Development, and Public Relations
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
- Technology and Cybersecurity
- Mental health and addictions, particularly knowledge of Ontario's mental health and addictions system and the broader youth-serving sector.




- Digital governance, digital transformation, information technology, cybersecurity risk oversight, and privacy legislation, including the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
- Youth and family engagement, including experience working with youth, families, or youth-serving organizations.
- Indigenous health and wellness, including knowledge of Indigenous health, cultural safety, and Indigenous approaches to supporting the health, wellness, and healing of youth and families.

Volunteer Board experience is considered an asset but is not required.

Our Commitment to Representation

Alternatives for Youth is committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience, community connections, or familiarity with one or more of the following:

- Black, Indigenous, and Racialized communities
- Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary, and other gender-diverse communities (2SLGBTQ+).
- Persons living with disabilities.
- Individuals with lived experience of substance use, addictions, or mental health challenges, or familiarity with these issues.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please submit a letter of interest and your resume or professional profile through Indeed site.

Job Type: Fixed term contract

Pay: $1.00-$2.00 per year

Flexible language requirement:

- French not required

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hamilton, ON L8N 1K4

📌 Member of the Board of Directors (volunteer) (Canada)
🏢 Alternatives for Youth
📍 Canada