About Strive
Strive SWO Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that supports and empowers the early years workforce across Southwestern Ontario. Through professional learning, resources, community connections, and sector-focused initiatives, Strive works to strengthen the early learning and child care sector and contribute to strong, thriving early learning environments.
As Strive enters its next chapter, we are establishing a renewed Board of Directors to provide thoughtful governance, strategic direction, and organizational oversight.
Purpose of the Board
The Board of Directors is responsible for providing governance and strategic oversight to ensure Strive operates in alignment with its mission, values, and long-term objectives.
The Board will work collectively to establish strong governance practices, support organizational sustainability, provide accountability, and help position Strive for long-term success.
We are seeking individuals who are interested in contributing their knowledge, experience, and perspectives to help shape the organization's future.
Key Responsibilities
Board members share responsibility for the overall governance and stewardship of Strive SWO Inc.
1. Governance and Leadership
Uphold the organization's mission, vision, values, and governing documents.
Ensure the organization operates in accordance with applicable legislation, including the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA).
Establish and maintain sound governance policies, practices, and procedures.
Participate in board discussions, decision-making, and organizational oversight.
Act in the best interests of Strive and exercise appropriate fiduciary responsibilities.
2. Strategic Direction
Contribute to the development and ongoing review of Strive's strategic priorities.
Provide thoughtful advice, perspective, and constructive oversight.
Support the organization's long-term growth, sustainability, and impact.
Help identify emerging opportunities, challenges, and risks.
3. Financial Stewardship and Accountability
Review and provide oversight of organizational budgets, financial statements, and financial performance.
Ensure appropriate financial controls and accountability measures are in place.
Support responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
Monitor organizational sustainability and financial risks.
4. Organizational Oversight
Provide appropriate oversight of organizational leadership and performance.
Support a clear distinction between governance responsibilities and day-to-day operational management.
Ensure appropriate accountability, policies, and risk management practices are established.
Support a healthy and sustainable organizational culture.
5. Community and Sector Leadership
Act as an ambassador for Strive and its work.
Bring awareness of community needs, opportunities, and sector priorities to board discussions.
Contribute professional knowledge, relationships, and perspectives that strengthen the organization's work.
Support the organization's reputation and relationships across the early learning and child care sector.
Desired Experience and Qualifications
We recognize that strong boards are built through a combination of complementary skills, experiences and perspectives.
We are particularly interested in individuals who bring experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
Nonprofit governance and board leadership
Finance, accounting or financial management
Legal, regulatory, or risk management
Human resources and organizational development
Early learning and child care
Community leadership and relationship building
Fundraising, business development or strategic planning
Additional qualifications:
Previous experience serving on a board of directors is an asset.
Familiarity with the early years and child care system is an asset.
Ability to think strategically and contribute to thoughtful, constructive discussion.
Strong communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
A commitment to the organization's mission and the communities it serves.
Willingness to act in the best interests of the organization.
Independence and Eligibility
To support independent governance and avoid conflicts of interest, prospective directors must not be currently employed by or otherwise affiliated with Strive SWO Inc.
Board members must be able to exercise independent judgment, disclose potential conflicts of interest, and uphold their legal and ethical responsibilities as directors.
Time Commitment and Term
Strive is initially establishing a small, intentional Board of Directors, with an emphasis on building strong governance foundations.
We recognize that individuals may have different capacities and interests in contributing to this stage of the organization's development.
Opportunities may include:
Initial transition support: Contributing to the establishment of the renewed board, governance structures, and foundational practices.
Ongoing board membership: Participating in the longer-term governance and strategic direction of the organization.
Board members are expected to:
Attend scheduled board meetings and participate actively in discussions.
Review meeting materials and come prepared to contribute.
Participate in occasional committee or working group activities, as appropriate.
Contribute their expertise and perspective to the collective work of the Board.
Maintain confidentiality and act in the best interests of the organization.
Meeting frequency, director terms, and committee structures have not yet been established. The Board will determine these as part of its governance development.
Board Member Commitment
Serving on the Board of Strive SWO Inc. is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to an organization that supports the early learning and child care workforce across Southwestern Ontario.
We are looking for individuals who are thoughtful, collaborative, community-minded, and committed to helping build a strong, sustainable organization.
Above all, we are seeking directors who are willing to bring their experience, ask good questions, provide constructive guidance and work collectively toward the organization's long-term success.
Expressing Interest
To express interest in joining the Board of Directors, email Ally at ally@striveswo.ca with a brief expression of interest.
An informal conversation will provide an opportunity to learn more about Strive, discuss the opportunity, and explore how an individual's experience and interests may contribute to the Board.
We welcome conversations with individuals who are interested in supporting either the initial transition or longer-term board leadership.