Requirements
The LNS Board represents six regions of the province, Northern, Strait, Cape Breton, Valley, South-western and Halifax Municipality. Each region has one representative. In addition, there are three learner representatives, who are drawn from any area of the province, one representative from the business community, and one representative from the labour community. The Past Chair also serves as a member of the Board.

Terms

• Members of the Board of Directors hold office for a two year term.

• A Director's term can be renewed for two additional terms, for a total of six years, unless an extension is approved by the board.

• If the director ceases to be a member of the Literacy Association of Nova Scotia, then his or her term will end.

• Directors who want to resign before the term has ended must give a written notice.

• A director can be removed by a resolution of LNS that is supported by a 3/4 majority vote of the Board of Directors in attendance at a Board meeting.

Authority and Responsibility:
Scope of the position as described in the by-laws of Literacy Nova Scotia

• The Board of Directors is responsible for managing the business and property of LNS. It may decide on any matter which is not reserved for the membership and which is in agreement with the goals and bylaws of the organization.

• The Board is responsible for the financial security and accountability of LNS. It will approve and monitor the yearly operating budget.

• The Board will see that all the necessary financial and other records of LNS required by law or by LNS bylaws are kept properly.

• The Board may establish committees and delegate responsibility to them as needed.

• The Executive Committee will decide the salary, benefits and responsibilities of the Executive Director and other staff.

Each director will be asked to sign and follow the Literacy Nova Scotia Board Agreement, which outlines the responsibility the director has to Literacy Nova Scotia and the responsibility Literacy Nova Scotia has to the director. The Board Agreement will be reviewed periodically with the Director by the Board Chair. It will also be regularly reviewed at meetings of the Board.

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Literacy Nova Scotia

Board Member Agreement

I, ____________________________ understand that as a member of the Board of Directors of Literacy Nova Scotia (LNS), I have a legal and moral responsibility to be sure LNS does the best work possible when working towards its goals.  I believe in the purpose and the mission of LNS, and I will act in a prudent and responsible way as its director.

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As part of my responsibilities as a board member:

  1.  I will explain the work and mission of LNS in the community. I will support the association and will speak positively about it.

    2.  I will attend at least 75% of the board meetings, committee meetings and special events.

    3.  I will make a personal financial contribution to LNS by contributing my time.

    4.  I will ensure that I am a Literacy Nova Scotia member in good standing by paying membership dues by August 31.

    5.  I will be active in the work of the board.

    6.  I will act in the best interests of LNS, and I will excuse myself from discussions and votes where I have a conflict of  interest.

    7.  I will stay informed about what is going on in the association. I will ask questions and request information. I will participate at board                     meetings, and I will participate in making decisions, and I will take responsibility for the decisions.

    8.  I will work in good faith with the staff and other board members as equal partners in working towards our goals.

    9.  If I do not keep my commitments to LNS, I will expect the chair of the board to call me and discuss my responsibilities with me.

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LNS will be responsible to me in several ways:

    1.  I will be given regular financial reports and other updates of LNS activities so I can make careful and wise decisions.

    2.  I will have opportunities to discuss with staff and the chair of the board LNS’s programs, goals, activities, and other work. I can ask for these            opportunities as well.

    3.  LNS will help me do my job by keeping me informed about literacy issues and will offer me opportunities for professional development as a              board member.

    4.  If I have questions board members and staff will respond in a direct and straightforward way, so that I can carry out my fiscal, legal, and                   moral responsibilities to the association. Board members and staff will work in good faith with each other to achieve the goals of LNS.

    5.  If LNS does not fulfill its commitments to me, I can ask the board chair and staff to discuss these responsibilities with me.

    6.  Director’s and Officer’s Insurance is provided by LNS.

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Signed:

_________________________    Date____________________

Member, Board of Directors

_________________________    Date____________________

Chair, Board of Directors

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Sign two copies. One copy will be kept in the LNS office. The second copy will be kept by the board member.

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You can download this agreement by clicking here (15KB).

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