Join the Yukon Words Board

Yukon Words is looking for board members

Do you love the written word or enjoy listening to stories? Would you like to help the Yukon Words society support the word arts all across Yukon?

We’re looking for board members to provide vision and oversight for Yukon Words. Board members may also sign up to work in specific areas such as events, programming (including workshops and mentorship for word artists at all levels), funding, policies, human resources, strategic planning, and finance. 

We welcome anyone who loves the word arts. Oral storytelling, fiction, graphic novels, sci fi, essays, spoken word, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, journalism, stories in multiple languages – you name it! You don’t need to be a writer, word artist or industry professional to join the Yukon Words team. Words and stories matter to all of us.

We strongly welcome interest from Yukoners from all backgrounds, identities, ages and communities, and particularly those who identify as Indigenous, Filipino, Black, Asian, people of colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, women, younger people, and rural residents.

If this sounds like you, please read on for a full description of volunteer roles and responsibilities.

Opportunities

  • Work on programming and grant applications to plan and fund events and projects around the territory.

  • Contribute to setting the society’s vision.

  • Help develop inclusive and foundational policies to guide a new society.

  • Engage word artists, industry professionals, audiences, partners and communities to help develop a strategic plan.

  • Keep the society’s numbers on track as part of the finance committee.

Responsibilities 

  • Participate in monthly board meetings or committee meetings. 

  • Be as active on projects as you like. 

  • Support and embrace the society’s commitment to equity, respect, diversity and inclusion, including participation in upcoming board training sessions.

  • Participate in strategic planning.

  • Follow the society’s policies.

  • Be able to attend and participate in online meetings.

  • Be comfortable working via email and online shared documents.

Skills needed

You’ll need the ability to:

  • take a collaborative, supportive, listening approach;

  • share constructive ideas; and

  • meet deadlines, based on what you’ve volunteered to help with.

Other beneficial skills

We welcome board and committee members who bring unique voices, life experiences and skills such as:

  • perspectives and knowledge rooted in a wide range of backgrounds and communities;

  • community building and community outreach;

  • education, professional development and training;

  • building positive, inclusive spaces in the arts; and

  • knowledge of non-profit societies processes such as Government of Yukon Corporate Affairs’ requirements.

Time commitment for board members

Ideally, you’d be able to:

  • commit to a one-year term;

  • attend one 90-minute board meeting a month; and

  • come to Yukon Words events – actually optional but fun!

Time commitment for volunteers

It’s all up to you. If, say, you joined the finance committee you’d need to commit to a 90-minute meeting every couple of months. If you’d like to help out with events you’d need to be available to liaise with the producer to clarify your role and be there on the day.

Incentives

You’ll be part of a society devoted to supporting and promoting the word arts in Yukon. We’re a not-for-profit cultural organization that:

  • represents, supports and promotes Yukon writers, storytellers and word artists at all levels and in all disciplines;

  • welcomes, builds and connects an inclusive community of readers and audiences; and 

  • fosters wide public access to and participation in Yukon writing and storytelling arts and industries in all forms. 

To find out more 

Email us at yukonwordssociety@gmail.com with your queries and we’ll get back to you. 

To apply

Board member applications:

  • Email us at yukonwordssociety@gmail.com. 

  • Put ‘Yukon Words board member application’ in the subject line.

  • Attach your resumé. 

  • Tell us what skills or interests you can bring to the board and why you’d like to join us.

Volunteer applications:

  • Email us at yukonwordssociety@gmail.com. 

  • Put ‘Yukon Words volunteer application’ in the subject line.

  • Tell us what you’re interested in and if there’s anything specific you’d like to help with.