Are you interested in volunteering as a member of a board, committee or commission? Read what former volunteers have to say about their experience.
Carlos Beals - Former Member of the Board of Police Commissioners
Sarah MacDonald - Former Member Halifax Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee
Carlos Beals, former volunteer member of the Board of Police Commissioners
Carlos Beals - Board of Police Commissioners
What influenced you to join a municipal committee?
I had decided to run as a candidate for Halifax Regional Council in the last election. While I was not successful this time around, I still wanted to get involved, contribute, and make an impact on my community. I decided that applying to sit on the Board of Police Commissioners would be a great way for me to do just that, allowing me to positively contribute to my city.
Do you volunteer with any other public committees?
I sat on two other boards and committees, in addition to the Board of Police Commissioners.
The first is the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Advisory Committee on Poverty, which brings together a diverse group of leaders from across the country to provide expert advice on poverty-related issues.
I also sit on the board of the Farrell Benevolent Society, a community organization based in Dartmouth North, dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community.
What are some of the benefits to volunteering for a municipal committee?
Sitting on a board or committee allows you to use your influence to positively shape your city. It allows you to bring the concerns and voices of those who are not typically heard from to the table. These are the same voices that are critical in building strong communities.
What advice would you give to a person thinking about volunteering on a public committee or board?
The main piece of advice that I would give is to not be discouraged. Thinking that you are not the type of person who would typically serve on a board or committee should definitely not stop you from applying. The fact that you want to participate and get a seat at the table is enough to make a positive impact. Also, do not be discouraged if you do not make it the first time around.
What are some of the lessons learnt about the municipality or your board that you would like to share with residents?
The main lesson that I have learned is the importance of gaining all the facts and information on an issue before making any decision or taking any action. The HRM is a diverse and complex community, and it is important to hear from all perspectives and to do your due diligence so as to facilitate decision making that best serves the needs of the community.
Are there any noteworthy civic initiatives, happening in the municipality that you’d like to share with residents?
Just to stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to have your say when the Board of Police Commissioners undertakes its future public engagements. We’re always looking for the public’s input.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I just want to encourage people from ALL walks of life to apply. Sitting on a HRM board or committee really is your chance to get a seat at the table, where you can then use your influence as a resident of the HRM to positively shape the community. Its your chance to bring the issues and concerns of those in your community to the decision-making process to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
Sarah MacDonald, former volunteer member of Halifax Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee
Sarah MacDonald - Halifax Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee
What influenced you to join a municipal committee?
It was a decision that was both personally and publicly motivated. I like volunteering in my community – it gives me a sense of purpose and drive. It’s also a great way to develop skills that I can carry with me to other volunteer work in the city. I’ve lived in Halifax as a youth for seven years now and I have seen development go up; our city change. I wanted to be involved in this process, and also try and be a voice for some of the other young people in my city.
Do you volunteer with any other public committees?
I don’t volunteer with any other public committees. I do, however, do a lot of work in the NFP sector, including running my own called Galifax! Girls Camp. I sit on a few boards that include professional and personal interests of mine and I see the skill-sharing that the PAC has had.
What are some of the benefits to volunteering for a municipal committee?
One of the biggest benefits to volunteering for a municipal committee for me is to build confidence in a formal setting. Committee work can be intimidating when press and city staff are there. However, there has increased training and support for those who want to sit on committees. It’s a true benefit for me to begin working on this committee. It lets me envision a time and place where I would be comfortable working with other groups, or in government.
What advice would you give to a person thinking about volunteering on a public committee?
I would suggest that you have a lot more to offer than you think you do – especially if you’re younger or come from a certain community that isn’t as represented. We see elected officials and folks on committees and generally very homogeneous, and it makes it difficult for some other folks to see themselves and their worth in that space. Please apply. Traditional experience is great, but simply representing and having a voice that others don’t is an incredible asset.
What are some of the lessons learnt about the municipality or your board that you would like to share with residents?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can disagree. Perhaps some people might have already thought I knew that, but it’s a good lesson to re-learn when you’re in such a “stuffy” space. Formal government is a great place to have your own opinions – don’t just agree with the other members and go with the flow! Staff are amazing at what they do, and so are you – they want your feedback and information about what you’re passionate about!
Are there any noteworthy civic initiatives happening in the municipality that you’d like to share with residents?
Young people sometimes create and manifest their political action in ways that aren’t the ways committees and staff would expect – it’s kind of one of my favourite things. Some examples I’ve been excited about this year are The Magic Project and their series Black Girls are Magic, the Immigrant Women Entrepreneur Showcase, and the Jump In! initiative to have swimming in the harbour.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I have panic disorder and agoraphobia that makes these spaces hard, but the staff are already very kind and supportive.
I’ve loved to be able to learn about my peers on committees that are experts in other spaces (ie. Accessibility and transportation).
I love taking selfies because it makes me feel good and comfortable and I think everyone should. It’s not vapid. (Hence my photo being a selfie).
I love my dog and cat.