By Taylor Chartrand

SPCA seeks new board members

Apr 7, 2019 | 5:15 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Following months of controversy surrounding the SPCA, it seems as though the organization is headed in a new direction.

The SPCA announced on social-media, they are looking for new members to join their Board of Directors.

“We are just going to be filling director positions at this time,” said Acting Chair, Tarynn Haag.  “There has not been a vote for executive positions since we had our AGM. At our next scheduled board meeting, we would be voting those members in.”

Haag says they are looking for a wide-range of people to apply and you don’t necessarily need to be an animal expert.

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“We’re looking for people to have leadership skills, governance skills and people that can help review policies. Communication and written skills would also help us. In addition, we’re going to be looking for people that can handle finance and management skills and even web design or fundraising. We’re looking to get as many new skills as possible.”

The time commitment can be anywhere from 10 hours a week to 10 hours a month, depending on your availability.

“Normally, we’re trying to stick to 10-15 hours a month for our board members. We know that most of them have other jobs. We do have the one scheduled meeting every month and then of course, if you’re on a committee, you’ll have a second or third meeting. Other than that, it’s up to you. As much time as you’re willing to give, we’ll take.”

One question that was brought up in regards to Board members at the AGM, was ‘how long can a person serve on the board?’

“According to our bylaws, we have a two-year term, but there are no limits on the amount of terms you can serve. As long as you’re enjoying it and contributing, it’s a personal choice on when you feel you’re ready to make an exit plan.”

If you apply and are selected for an interview, you will have to complete a criminal record check. That goes for current Board members as well.

“The current board members are working on obtaining those now. We just feel it’s a real important step to adding transparency and security to the community.”

Now, one thing Haag was unclear on, was how many members the SPCA is looking for.

Within the SPCA bylaws, it says they must have no less than 7 members on the board and no more than 11.

Following the emotional AGM, it’s unclear how many Board members still remain. This information is scheduled to be released later in the week.

However, with or without former members, Haag feels this is a step in the right direction for the SPCA.

“We can only hope for that. We’re going to be working on a lot of issues that were brought to our attention. Maybe some new issues or some things we were struggling with in the past. Restoring trust in the community is our number one concern and it’s going to take some time. We’re going to be very diligent and prudent in what we’re doing and by getting some new members, we’re trying to establish that and restore everything that we need to.” 

So, if you would like to have a say in the future of the SPCA, Haag says the time is now to step up.

“We feel that opening it up to the public and allowing new talents, new ideas…just everything that you can think of to be new, will help us promote the change that is needed. We need to lay a good foundation for the future and we’re really hopeful this will be the first step. We’re hoping the community is willing to step up and help us with the animals in the community.” 

If you would like to apply to be on the SPCA Board of Directors, you can email Haag at tarynn.spca@gmail.com for an application.

The submission deadline is April 30, 2019.