The Muscular Sclerosis (MS) Society, Kamloops and Area Chapter, is currently accepting nominations for the chapter’s 2016 Board of Directors, and is particularly interested in attracting participants from the rural areas served by the chapter. These include Clinton, Cache Creek, Ashcroft, and Lytton.
“We want to ensure we have a rural voice,” says Trina Radford, Regional Manager of the MS Society for the Southern Interior. “We haven’t had a rural person on the Board for a while, and we’d love to hear their voice.”
She says that the Kamloops chapter offers support to the area, and has had continued support from the region. She notes that Board meetings are normally held five to six times a year, and that a rural-based member would be able to attend via teleconference. “You don’t have to be physically present in Kamloops. If some things can be done by teleconference, then why wouldn’t we?”
The nomination committee is looking for “forward-facing people in the community,” says Radford. Those with a background in health, governance, fundraising, or government relations are particularly welcome, but Radford notes that “People with a passion to support and help others are definitely appreciated by the Board.” She adds that while the prevalence of MS means that many people will know someone with it, a connection to someone with the disease is not a prerequisite for serving on the Board. “We’re looking for people who have a passion to support their community.”
Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to step forward as soon as possible, with expressions of interest being accepted until May 2. A brief biographical sketch and a summary of interest in the work of the MS Society of Canada should be included, and candidates are encouraged to fill in the Kamloops and Area Chapter general volunteer form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSKamloopsVolunteers.
Expressions of interest or nominations of candidates can be submitted in writing to Radford at trina.radford@mssociety.ca. She encourages anyone with questions to contact her at (250) 314-0773 or 1-800-268-7582, ext. 7263.