Boardward Bound

a project of Volunteer Dufferin
April 2023 – March 2024

Have you heard about BOARDWARD BOUND?

Volunteer Dufferin is inviting the Dufferin/Caledon community to become a part of something truly special. 

Introducing Boardward Bound, a project supporting seniors and youth, mentorship, and community engagement.  

WHO ARE OUR PARTNERS?

With the assistance of a one-year New Horizons for Seniors Grant, Volunteer Dufferin is developing a program that aims to address senior isolation, support healthy aging and resiliency, promote inclusion and to enhance and encourage youth participation in Dufferin/Caledon at the leadership level.

WHAT IS OUR PROJECT MANDATE?

Through collaboration, education and mentorship, Boardward Bound will promote an intergenerational approach to volunteerism and community leadership, that will, in turn, promote board and leadership council involvement for the benefit of nonprofits throughout Dufferin/Caledon.

With your support, our project will:

• Pair engaged and enthusiastic young adults and seniors for mentorship and learning
• Allow seniors to share their knowledge, skills and advice related to good governance in nonprofit organizations
• Develop a pool of skilled, enthusiastic and knowledgeable candidates for board participation ready to take on the role of future leaders in the community
• Support healthy aging, encouraging seniors to remain active and involved in the community
• Build community resilience by establishing a permanent program dedicated to ongoing, reciprocal mentorship between seniors and youth

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

We are looking for three types of community partners:

• young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 who are looking for opportunities to support the wellbeing of a vibrant, sustainable and resilient community;
• adults aged 55+ and living in rural areas, who have board experience;
• nonprofit organizations who rely on volunteers at their board, committees and leadership tables

The Boardward Bound Project is committed to creating opportunities that enable interested community members from diverse and marginalized communities to participate. We actively encourage low income seniors, youth, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers and persons with disabilities to consider getting involved.

THE “WHERE AND WHEN” DETAILS

Your commitment may involve:

• A series of meetings, both virtual and in person between May 2023 and April 2024
• Working with your fellow project team members to help develop key aspects of the program, define what success looks like and how it can be achieved
• Attend training and information sessions in support of the project
• Organizations may be asked to consider board “shadow” opportunities, providing a space for hands-on learning in a non-voting capacity

We are currently assembling a core team of people who will help design the program, so that the three key perspectives are embedded in its development, before the program is formally launched. Spaces are limited in each category.

If you are ready now to express your interest in participating in this core program development team, or you’d like to learn more, email Volunteer Dufferin today @ info@volunteerdufferin.ca