We ask Directors to be prepared to contribute approximately 1–5 hours per week throughout the year, depending on their responsibilities and what we're working on.

The time commitment increases significantly in the weeks leading up to the festival and especially during the festival itself. Directors should be prepared to dedicate a substantial amount of time to helping things run smoothly.

In previous years, some Board members have chosen to take time off work to participate fully in the festival. This is not mandatory or expected, but it's worth considering how much time you can realistically contribute during our busiest period.

We know our Directors have jobs, families, hobbies and lives outside of Pride. We value balance, communication and sharing the workload.

Absolutely not!

You don't need a background in non-profit governance, event planning or fundraising to join the JPFS Board.

We're looking for people who are enthusiastic, dependable, collaborative and willing to learn. Whether you're a seasoned community organizer or someone who's never sat on a board before, your perspective can bring something valuable to the Society.

In fact, joining the Board is a great opportunity to gain practical leadership and managerial experience in a supportive, community-focused environment.

Serving on the JPFS Board offers hands-on experience in areas that can be valuable professionally and personally, including:

• Leadership, management and strategic decision-making

• Project and event management

• Budgeting and financial oversight

• Grant writing and fundraising

• Marketing, communications and public relations

• Partnership development and stakeholder relations

• Volunteer coordination and team collaboration

• Non-profit governance and organizational planning

You'll have opportunities to help lead real projects, work with community partners and contribute to a major annual festival.

It's a meaningful way to build your résumé, develop confidence and make a difference in your community at the same time.

No. The JPFS Board of Directors is entirely volunteer-based.

Board members do not receive compensation for their time, although reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out approved Society business may be reimbursed in accordance with our policies.

Board members are elected for one-year terms, running from one Annual General Meeting (AGM) to the next.

This gives you an opportunity to experience a full festival planning cycle without making a multi-year commitment.

If you enjoy the experience, you can put your name forward for election again!

Our bylaws require the Board to meet at least eight times per year, although additional meetings may be scheduled as needed, particularly as the festival approaches.

Board members are expected to attend at least 75% of Board meetings to maintain voting eligibility, with provisions for excused absences. Directors should be prepared to contribute to discussion, decision-making and report on any relevant work they are doing.

Meetings may be held in person or remotely, making participation more accessible.

There is also work that happens between meetings, including emails, planning, research and following through on assigned tasks.

The JPFS Board has up to nine members, including an Executive Committee and Directors.

Our current bylaws identify the following positions:

• Two Co-Chairs: Help lead the Society, facilitate meetings and act as spokespersons.

• Treasurer: Oversees financial management, reporting and the Society's funds.

• Secretary: Maintains meeting minutes, official records, notices and correspondence.

• Directors: Contribute to decision-making and may take on specific areas of responsibility such as sponsorship, marketing, festival operations or other priorities.

All Directors have a voice in Board decisions, regardless of their specific portfolio.

Yes! That's one of the most exciting parts!

The Board helps determine the creative direction of the Jasper Pride Festival, including its annual theme, signature events, programming priorities and the performers we'd love to see.

We work collaboratively to balance big ideas with available funding, logistical realities, community interests and the requirements of our grant agreements.

Not every idea can make it into the final festival program, but Board members have a meaningful opportunity to help shape what Pride looks like in Jasper.

Not necessarily!

The Board is responsible for overseeing the festival, but that doesn't mean every Director has to personally plan or deliver every event.

Depending on the year's resources, we may work with event professionals, contractors, volunteers and community partners to deliver festival programming.

Directors may help develop ideas, review plans, coordinate partnerships, support logistics or take on specific projects. During the festival, everyone should expect to lend a hand where needed.

Serving on the Board means representing JPFS not just at meetings and events, but in the broader community and online.

We expect Directors to uphold the Society's values of inclusion, equity, respect and celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

This means treating others respectfully, maintaining confidentiality when appropriate, following Society policies and being thoughtful about how your words and actions reflect on the organization.

You don't have to be perfect, but you do need to be accountable, respectful and committed to what Pride stands for.

Do I need to identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ to join?

No! We welcome both members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies who genuinely support our mission and values.

We believe a strong Board benefits from a diversity of perspectives, lived experiences and skills, while keeping queer voices, experiences and community needs at the heart of our work.

That's okay! Being on the Board isn't the only way to support Jasper Pride.

There are opportunities to volunteer during the festival, support individual events, contribute specialized skills or get involved in community initiatives without taking on a full Board commitment.

Every contribution helps make Pride possible.

How do I join the Board?

Board members are elected by the Society's membership at the Annual General Meeting.

To be eligible, you must be a JPFS member in good standing and willing to take on the responsibilities of the position.

Interested in getting involved? Reach out to us to learn more about the Board, upcoming elections and opportunities to contribute.

Help us make Pride happen.

Jasper Pride is built by people who care about creating a community where everyone can feel welcome, visible and celebrated.

If you have ideas, energy, curiosity and a willingness to roll up your sleeves, we'd love to hear from you!