VANS AGM – Proposed Changes to By-laws
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To the Membership of Visual Arts Nova Scotia,
The VANS Board of Directors puts forward the following changes to our by-laws for members’ consideration at our AGM.
Tasked earlier in the year, the Board Governance Committee underwent a professionally guided process to identify areas of governance most effective, and those in need of improvement. As the governing body of VANS, we have spent a great deal of time considering the history, mandate, and needs of the organization. Much has changed since VANS’ establishment in 1976, and we want to make sure that we stay relevant and able to adapt to the needs of artists in Nova Scotia. The Board unanimously supported the Committee’s proposed changes, and look forward to our next steps.
The changes formalize the separation of the Board and its governance responsibilities from the organizational activities. At a Board level, we discuss the larger vision of the organization, oversee the fulfillment of our mandate, and complete the tasks of organizational governance. To best accomplish this, we propose a smaller, more focused Board. Selected based on a variety of skills, the Directors will meet more regularly in order to maintain an active role. To ensure province-wide representation, we will designate one-third of the board from outside the HRM. Engagement, including pan-provincial activities, will be approached through more active committees that are open to members.
With a more effective governance structure, the Board of Directors will be better able to oversee the larger purpose of the organization, the mandate, and support VANS in its continued relevance. We are confident that the proposed shift will allow us to represent the interests of artists in our province.
We encourage you to review our bylaws and come to our AGM June 25th at the Wooden Monkey, Dartmouth. We are confident the proposed changes will assist the board in their ability to be flexible, sustainable and govern the organization’s work in the future. We would like to address any questions, comments or concerns you may have, and will vote on the changes at the AGM. Thank you for your consideration and attendance.
Sincerely,
Katie Belcher, President
Review the summary of proposed amendments
Review the proposed by-laws for consideration
