Are you passionate about climate action and want to make a difference?
We are looking for a Board member to join our dynamic team as Treasurer. If you’d like to give back to your community please consider contacting us about this exciting opportunity!
About TSS
We are a community-led response to global climate change. We aim to support a resilient and vibrant Salt Spring Island through engagement, collaboration and education.
We feel it, we see it, we live it. Our climate is changing, and it is no longer about just reducing our carbon footprint. Transition Salt Spring is leading the local response to climate change, to build a future that leaves no one behind. It includes creating a resilient Salt Spring Island that is safe and vibrant for all.
Together with you, Transition Salt Spring is taking the lead on climate action on the island, marshaling our collective energy and creativity to cut emissions in half by 2030. At the same time, we are working to ensure that we are taking steps to protect our homes, infrastructure, our community and our ecosystems as the effects of climate change accelerate.
TSS is working every day to:
Help islanders lower their personal emissions and matching them up with incentive programs
Advocate for the protection of our forests, as our best tool for locking-in carbon and reducing the risk of forest fire to our homes and properties.
Encourage the transition to electric vehicles for school and public transit, ferries, water taxis, and personal vehicles and bikes.
Support expansion of bike paths and multi-use trails
Support the creation of community chipping and composting facilities
Promote the importance of, and provide opportunities for water collection and retention
Ensure that no one is left behind as we transition to a greener economy, acknowledging the fact that there are demographics in our community who are more certainly impacted by climate change
Our Mission
Transition Salt Spring: Responding to Climate Change. Restoring Ecosystems. Reimagining Community. Together.
Our Mandate
To advance education and increase the public’s understanding of the environment by offering structured courses and workshops on the subject of sustainable practices such as organic food production, renewable energy, green building methods, alternate transportation, water conservation, waste minimization, and green business practices.
To advance education by conducting academic and field-based research relating to the environment and disseminating the results of such research to the public.
Our Meeting Guidelines:
Everyone at committee meetings agrees to:
- Treat each other respectfully, with kindness and patience.
- Respect the agenda and try to keep on track and on time.
- Pay attention to those who are not participating and encourage them to speak.
- Use ‘rounds’ to check in with everyone to ensure consensus is in fact reached.
- Disagree with issues, not with people.
- Follow up on possible personal conflicts or hurt feelings with the individual involved outside of the meeting.
- Approach each meeting as an opportunity to have fun, be creative, use our imaginations, collaborate with others and think big!
Responsibilities as a General Director of TSS
- Formulate general objectives, policies and programs.
- Committed to and publicly support the work of the TSS.
- Regularly attend and participate in meetings of the Board of Directors.
- Review all documentation provided in advance of board meetings.
- Serve on at least one committee as chair.
- Assume responsibility for the provision of adequate finances and are accountable for the expenditure of funds.
- Conduct periodic evaluations of operations with a view to improving and strengthening the quality and scope of service.
- Provide continuity of experienced leadership so that personnel changes will not weaken the organization.
- Become aware of the issues under consideration and provide advice and counsel according to knowledge and experience.
- Help to ensure that committee reports and recommendations are in line with the objectives of TSS and in its best interests.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding the business of the Board of Directors.
- Keep all functions of the organization in mind and recommend reviews or evaluations wherever concerns or opportunities exist.
- Participate in available training opportunities in order to be most effective as a member of the Board.
- Participate in annual board planning retreats.
Responsibilities as TREASURER
- Has care and custody of all funds of TSS.
- Keeps the Board of Directors informed on all matters pertaining to the finances of TSS by regularly working with the book keeper to prepare and present financial statements to the Board of Directors.
- Ensures that accounting procedures are in compliance with legal requirements and TSS policy.
- Assists in the preparation of the annual budget with other committee chairs.
- Maintains careful watch on all budget matters to ensure that they are kept within prescribed limits and in alignment with Board-approved plans.
- Distribute annual financial statements to the Directors.
- Ensures that adequate funds are available to cover operating expenses.
- Maintain and keep proper records of all financial transactions, donations and special funds (e.g. signing cheques, writing receipts, making deposits, etc.). Ensure that all signatories are familiarized with cheque signing and e-transfer policies and procedures.
- May be a signing officer for TSS.