Equity Councillor Job Descriptions

Welcome new members to the Association in their electoral region

Organize at least one membership meeting per year for the region

Coordinate the Recruitment Committee for their electoral region in preparation for elections

Communicate regularly with regional members in whatever way works best for their electoral region (face-to-face meeting, newsletter, Facebook page, electronic town hall, etc.) Councillors are provided with an email address to use for corresponding in their capacity as elected members

Attend meetings of Council and its committees on a consistent* basis. Quorum is essential for Council to conduct its business effectively, so a high standard of involvement is expected

Prepare for Council and committee meetings by reading materials (including reading and understanding key governance documents, Constitution & Bylaws, Council Policies) in advance of meetings

Serve on at least one Council committee

Respect confidentiality as appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature

Declare and update any conflict of interest

*Although consistent meeting attendance is mandatory, leaves of absence can be granted by Council for up to 3 meetings, twice per term.

Adhere to deadlines, submit regular written committee reports and respond to emails and meeting scheduling requests in a timely fashion (within 72 hours of receipt where possible)

Volunteer for additional outreach activities, such as serving as a Committee Liaison to Council, presenting talks about Equity to students, sitting on a disciplinary committee, representing Equity at local activities affecting its members

In general, Councillors can expect:

Regular Council Meetings

10 per year: 3 meetings of 2 full days, plus 7 meetings of 2–3 hours

There are normally no meetings in July and December.

The meetings are generally held remotely, with one 2-day meeting per year in person (travel and accommodation covered by Equity).

Meeting preparation

1–2 hours per meeting

Committee Work

2–4 hours/month, depending on the level of involvement with committee meetings, consulting with members, responding to emails, etc.

Each individual will approach tasks differently, so of course, the time commitment may vary from month to month or person to person.