Our current Board of Directors (BOD) was elected in November 2023. If you are interested in learning more about joining the board, we encourage you to reach out to us here.
Board of Directors
Volunteer Opportunity
Position: Member at Large
Hours: Estimate time commitment of five (5) to seven (7) hours per month.
Wage: Volunteer (unwaged).
Deadline to apply: October 2024 for the 2025 Board
Esquimalt Farmers Market Society (EFMS) Overview:
EFM exists to provide a marketplace that serves as a community gathering point for relationship-building, promotion of and access to our local food system, and equitable environmental and economic sustainability in Esquimalt and beyond. Currently, we operate two weekly markets on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the summer seasons, and one Thursday market during our Fall season. This may change in the future as our organization is always changing and shaping to the needs of our community.
Board of Directors Overview:
As a registered non-profit society, the Board of Directors plays a central role in overseeing operations, the organization's mission and accountability, support for staff, and special projects that help to grow and shape our organization. The time commitment required of Board members is estimated to be five (5) to seven (7) hours per month. Board members are expected to serve for 2 years. The Board is currently composed of the following positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 5 Members at Large with one appointed as a Vendor Representative. Board meetings are currently held one recurring weeknight of the month, at 6:30pm for approximately 1.5 hours. Additionally, all board members are asked to sit on a minimum of two board committees.
Monthly Responsibilities
● Attendance at monthly board meetings (including, importantly, the AGM each November).
● Preparation for monthly board meetings by reviewing the previous meeting minutes, financial reports, Executive Director reports, and any other relevant reports.
● Participating in committee work, as required.
● Attending to email and slack communications on an interim basis between meetings, as required.
Relevant Experience (nice to have, but no experience is necessary)
● Experience as a current or past vendor at EFM.
● Comfortable engaging with our vendor community and advocating for their needs as a member of our Board.
● Knowledge of or an interest in topics related to equity-based sustainable food systems and supporting local businesses.
● Board members must be willing to work within anti-racist and anti-oppressive frameworks and actively engage in ongoing learning about these frameworks.
● Experience working or volunteering in the non-profit sector, or previous Board membership experience.
● Clear written and verbal communication.
● Self-reflexivity, compassion, authenticity, and openness to change.
Organizational Commitment to Equity:
The Esquimalt Farmers Market operates on the land of the Lək wəŋən (Songhees) and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) Nations. As a food-first farmers market, we acknowledge that many of the practices represented at the market are a result of ongoing forms of colonial dispossession. Recognizing these inherent connections, as an organization, we endeavour to strengthen our relationships and responsibilities to the people and Nations in this place.
We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, queer-identifying folxs, people who identify as differently-abled and nero-divergent, and anyone with lived experience of poverty and food insecurity. We recognize that there can be significant barriers that impact participation in unpaid Board work. If this applies to you, we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss how we might facilitate your participation.
Deadline to apply: October 2024.
For more information: Please fill out the inquiry form below if you would like to connect with one of our current board members to learn more!
To apply: Please send a one-page statement of interest to Angela (Secretary). Please include what you hope to contribute and learn.