“HELP’S AT HAN HELP’S AT Hand, by North Shere Cammunity Services (NSCS), is a forum for discussing government policies and pro- grams, benefits, consumer and legal rights, taxation and public services. Answers are intended only as a general guide and should not be applied to individual cases without further consultation. Question: I have been an office volunteer with an organization for a few months. Recently I was asked if I would like to be a member of this organization’s board of directors. I think I would eojoy the work that was described to me, but ii sounds like a pretty big responsi- dility. Are there any legal implications that I should know about? The person who asked me was very vagee sbout this. Answer: You have asked a rele- vant question about an important responsibility. It is wise of you to carefully consider your duties and responsidilities as a board member. If the person who asked you to sit on the board will not. be more specific, ask to speak to someone who can be. As you will see, you have some very valid reasons to ask questions before making your decision. The board of directors is ultimately responsible for the management of a non-profit organization. Even though employees proba- bly carry out the daily manage- ment, the board is responsible for setting the policies that guide the organization, and seeing that their objectives are met. Liability generally refers to re- sponsibility. The liability of a director depends on the type of organization and its legal status. _, Before you become a director, gather informetion about the fi- nancial condition of the organiza- tion. This will include the sources of revenue, assets and liabilities, and expenditures of the organiza- tion. A recent annual report is a good place to find this informa- tion. Find out abou: the legal status of the organization. Is it incor- porated under the ~ provincial Society Act? Is it incorporated under the federal Canada Cor- porations Act, or is it usincor- porated? An organization that is unin- corporated does not have a legal status and therefore cannot be held responsible for debts or ac- tions. This means that if board members sign an agreement to pay for something on behalf of the organization, they ate personally responsible for paying for it. if they do not pay they can be sued in court. The organization cannot be sued because it has no legal identity. if the organization is incor- porated under either the provincial Society Act or the federal Coz- . porations Act, the liability of board members is more limited. An incorporated organization is guided by the rules of the Society Act or the Canada Corporations Act. They say that volunteer direc- tors have a legal duty {9 act honestly in the best interests of the organization. They also state that directors must use ‘‘care and diligence’’ in their work as directors. In order to do this, you will have to be aware of a number of things including knowing what the roies and responsibilities of other directors. are and how the affairs of the organization are carried out. As a board member, you will vote on important non-financial ‘dnd financial decisions that will affect the organization and its members. In order to vote responsibly you must keep yourself well informed. Ask questions and insist on com- ’. Recipes for a cleaner, healthier environment plete explanations. You cannot be held resnonsible for debts of the organization if it is incorporated (except under a few unique circumstances), but under the Canada Corporations Act you could be held responsibie for up to six months’ wages of an employee if it could not be col- lected from the employer (the organization). Keep in mind that these rules da have exceptions and it is best to research individual circumstances. Some organizations will have an insurance policy to protect their directors from liability, so you should also ask about this. To reduce the risk of liability you may be interested in reading a booklet titled ‘Volunteers and the Law,’’ published by the People’s Law Schooi. To request a copy, call them at 688-2565. This column is prepared with financial assistance. from the Notary Foundation. For more in- formation call NSCS at 985-7138. Christmas OPEN HOUSE Library Open 1-5 p.m. Refreshments and Famiiy Fun - J-4:30 p.m. North Van. City Library 121 West 14th St. North Vancouwver. Homemade Gifts Ingredients © tali slim glass bottle (wine or vinegar) » a cork (available at hardware stores) © a good quality white or wine vinegair e fresh herbs. Use one, or a combination of - sprigs of rosemary : - cloves of garlic ~shyme - ~ Shallots © By being creative you can transform ordnarykitchenitemsmiosensational | gift co? homemade flavoured vinegar can bedisplayedin JE a tall sim giass & bottle decorated with a pretty rit. .§ bon Use a cork to sealshe bottle and “4 * toadd sare"old-world-chann'. The folks at Art Gecko - our child minding service -have organized a host of Christmas-themed activities to keep your little ones creatively amused, while you take on the adult responsibilities of shopping, FREE ELF WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS. Located on both Malls, it’s where Santa’s Little Helpers get to help themselves. On Sunday, December 6, from 3 - 5 pm, they'll create their ~ own Christmas cards, gift tags, Snowflake stickers.and gift wrap. On Sunday, December 13, noon - 3 pm, they'll design their own Christmas candles and centrepieces. So drop by. Drop ‘Off the kids. Then save a spot on the fridge door! 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