We are seeking passionate individuals to join our volunteer Board and contribute to the success of our impactful and life-changing programming for Edmonton youth.
“Make a positive impact. Join a diverse and talented Policy Board, and use your time and skills to help us build awareness, opportunities, and connections to keep our mission moving forward.”
Inner City Youth Development Association (ICYDA) has been programming with and for Edmonton's urban marginalized Indigenous and other youth for over 30 years. We are a unique and dynamic nonprofit organization. We operate Inner City High School, an independent Alberta Education accredited senior high school and the Inner City Youth Engagement Program. The Youth Engagement Program contacts youth at the street level and provides counselling, food, and other essential support before bridging them into Inner City High School. The wraparound nature of our programs creates life-changing opportunities for our youth.
Our mission is to provide Edmonton's marginalized urban Indigenous and other youth with preventative social service and educational programs that promote and facilitate independence and responsibility, empowering them to become active, constructive, caring community members.
Our organizational values of trust, respect, cooperation, and nonviolence are grounded in peaceful pedagogies, cultural sensitivity, and community collaboration.
Position Overview
As a volunteer Board Member at ICYDA, you will work in a pivotal role, guiding the organization's strategic direction, ensuring financial sustainability, and championing the well-being of marginalized urban Indigenous and other youth. Ideal candidates bring an understanding of and commitment to the principles of "two-eyed seeing," which integrates Indigenous and Western perspectives for a more holistic and balanced approach to decision-making. Other areas of focus include:
Strategic Vision
Contribute to developing and implementing the organization's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the needs and aspirations of marginalized urban Indigenous and other youth.
Cultural Competence
Provide insight and guidance to ensure the organization's programs are culturally sensitive, inclusive, and respectful of Indigenous traditions, values, and ways of knowing.
Financial Oversight
Participate actively in financial oversight to ensure the organization's fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
Community Engagement
Act as an ambassador for the organization, fostering relationships with Indigenous community stakeholders and other partners to enhance collaboration and support.
Advocacy
Advocate for policies and initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized urban indigenous and other youth, both within the organization and in the broader community.
Fund Raising
Support fundraising efforts by leveraging personal networks, identifying potential donors, and actively participating in fundraising events and campaigns.
Qualifications & Competencies
Two-Eyed-Seeing
Commitment to the principles of two-eyed seeing integrating Indigenous knowledge with Western perspectives.
Community Connections
Knowledge of the local indigenous community in Alberta and the demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of marginalized urban indigenous and other youth.
Leadership Experience
Previous experience serving on a Policy Board or in a leadership role with a nonprofit organization is an asset.
Advocacy skills
Strong advocacy skills and the ability to effectively communicate the needs and concerns of urban marginalized indigenous and other youth to diverse audiences.
Strategic Thinking
With the ability to contribute to long-term planning.
Fundraising
Willingness to actively participate in fundraising activities.
A Monthly Time Commitment
If you are interested in joining the board, we need a willingness to commit time and effort to attend virtual board meetings on the third Wednesday of each month for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and some committee meetings.
ICYDA strives to be an inclusive and diverse organization. The board is looking for diverse voices and perspectives representing a diversity of ethnicity, gender, ability, age and the youth we serve.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience and expressing their commitment to the mission of the Inner City Youth Development Association.
Cover Letter
Please briefly tell us why you’re applying to serve on the Inner City Youth Development Association’s (ICYDA) Board of Directors and if you are related to an ICDYA or any Inner City High School employees, and outline what contribution you can make to our organization.Resumé
That highlights your experience and qualifications including:
Business/work experience;
Previous Board experience;
Past experience that would assist the Board, particularly in the areas of expertise listed above;
Previous community and/or volunteer activities;
Contact information (including full legal name, address, phone numbers, email);
Two work and/or volunteer related references (name, contact information).
This can be emailed in confidence to info@innercity.ca