Get involved.... join the WMS board and help us build equitable community

Who is the Whistler Multicultural Society?

The Whistler Multicultural Society (WMS) formed out of a grassroots group of local newcomers and immigrants who wanted to build the profile and voice of our diverse community members. For eight years (until COVID), the WMS organized the annual Whistler Multicultural Festival, a celebration of cultural arts, crafts, song, dance and activities from local immigrant and Indigenous communities. Over that time, WMS also started sourcing funding for programming and services to support immigrants and newcomers. In late 2019, the advisory board of local immigrants decided to incorporate as a non-profit society so that the work of supporting immigrants and newcomers, together with initiatives to build awareness and understanding of cultural diversity, could continue in an expanded and more structured way. WMS formally incorporated as a non-profit society in BC on January 29, 2020.

What does a WMS board member do?

A non-profit board is responsible for guiding a non-profit or charitable organization in its management, policies and goals. As a volunteer board member, you will:

• Commit to the mission, vision, and values, and be familiar with the Society’s programs,

• Participate in decision-making in the areas of, fiscal management evaluation, policy setting, governance and risk management, and strategic planning,

• Participate in board meetings to provide strategic oversight of how WMS performs, approve the work plan and budget, and monitor financial and operational performance,

• Participate in visioning and strategic planning exercises for WMS

• Help steer WMS’s strategic direction, matching our commitment to inclusivity, altruism and resilience towards building equitable community with organizational sustainability in a non-profit context,

• Help guide the Managing/Executive Director in advancing WMS's purposes and in leading the organization and the staff team,

• Participate in the evaluation of the leadership's performance, management, and organizational activities,

• Contribute your strengths, knowledge and expertise to the board, to organizational governance, strategic direction, and emerging issues and opportunities,

• Champion WMS and advocate for the work we do and what we want to achieve.

What does a good WMS board member bring?

• interest in, and time to get involved in, your community

• having a passion for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion

• wanting to build opportunities for newcomers, immigrants, and culturally and racially diverse people to participate and have a voice

• interest in learning about community leadership

• wanting to use your skills and experience in a supportive and involved environment

• having lived experience of bias, racism, and discrimination is respected and valued

WMS is committed to providing training, support, and development for all board members. Bring your skills and experiences to this opportunity to drive and build an BIPOC-led organization for your community.