what do members do?

What Do Members Do?

Board members spend time with the person, being a friend in whatever way is natural for those involved. Together, the Microboard will help the person experience a fulfilling life by helping them:

  • plan their life
  • brainstorm and problem solve
  • advocate for what they need
  • do fun things together
  • connect to their community
  • monitor support services and make sure they are safe

This will require regular meetings of the Microboard, more often at the beginning or when there are issues that need to be addressed.

Below you will find additional information to explain the expectations of a Board Member and a Microboard:

The Microboard may also want to access funding for the individual and do the following:

  • Become the employer and hire support workers.
  • Contract a respite caregiver and/or home share provider.

Microboards that decide to provide services must be well organized, committed, and have the time to be the employer of record. This can be time consuming in the beginning, but your Vela Mentor can help you.

If being the employer of record is too much for the Microboard to take on and your funding is from Community Living BC, you have several choices. You can:

  • Request that the funding be directed through an approved service provider.
  • Access Individualized Funding. In this case the person can act as their own Agent or choose a trusted family member or friend to be the Agent. The Agent can either manage services directly through Direct Funding or request a Host Agency to manage the funding and provide supports and services needed. 

Most Board Members will also serve as Board Directors, and in both roles they must follow the rules for non-profit societies that are outlined in their bylaws. In BC this includes having an annual general meeting and a register of members. Regular meetings help everyone stay connected and on track. Board Directors serve in the following postitions: 

  • President – sets the agenda and runs the meetings of the society.
  • Vice President – carries out the duties of the president when they are not available.
  • Secretary – notifies everyone of meetings, keeps meeting minutes, keeps records and documents for the society and keeps a register of members.
  • Treasurer – keeps the financial records of the society (you may still need a bookkeeper).