Invitation to Apply for the New OPA Board of Directors and Volunteer

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On Behalf of the Revitalization Committee of the OPA,


We hope this message finds you well. As we embark on an exciting new chapter for the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA), we are reaching out to invite you to consider joining our revitalized Board of Directors. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of an organization that plays a vital role in supporting the prospecting., exploration and mining community in Ontario.

About the OPA Revitalization

The OPA is undergoing a significant transformation. Our Steering Committees have been diligently working to update governance documents, explore funding opportunities, and lay the groundwork for a self-sustaining organization. We are now at a pivotal stage where we are seeking passionate, skilled, and committed individuals to join our new Board of Directors and help guide the OPA into a prosperous future.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking candidates who bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to the table. To ensure a well-rounded and effective Board, we have developed a Skills Matrix (attached) that outlines the key competencies we are looking for, including:

  • Governance
  • Marketing and Communication
  • Financial Literacy
  • Fundraising
  • Exploration and Mining Experience
  • Capital Markets Experience
  • Community and Government Connections
  • Leadership and Strategic Thinking

We are particularly interested in candidates who can complement the existing skills of our Board members. Whether you have expertise in not-for-profit work, exploration, legal, accounting, community relations, or public speaking, your unique talents will be invaluable as we rebuild and strengthen the OPA.

OPA Board of Directors Guidelines

To ensure transparency and alignment, we want to share the following Board of Directors Guidelines with you:

  1. Board Composition:
    • The OPA Board of Directors will consist of 6 members, one of whom will hold the position of Chair.
  2. Term Length and Rotation:
    • At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) (or every second year), 2 directors shall retire, and 2 new directors will be appointed.
    • 2025 is a building year and will not count in the rotational replacement of directors.
  3. Time Commitment:
    • Directors in place for 2025 will be required to devote up to 10/12 hours per month to the association, focusing on establishing necessary committees and rebuilding efforts.
    • After the initial year, we hope that the workload will be reduced to 2 to 3 hours per week.
  4. Honorarium:
    • TBD by new Board and Executive Director
  5. Responsibilities:
    • Directors are required to act in a responsible manner and work toward the betterment of the Ontario Prospectors Association.
    • Directors must actively participate in board meetings, committee work, and strategic planning efforts.

Board Members as Committee Chairs

Each Board member will be expected to chair one of the following committees, ensuring leadership and direction for these critical areas. We are also seeking volunteers to contribute to these committees, whether or not they serve on the Board. The committees are:

  • Audit Committee: Oversee financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance.
  • Governance/HR Committee: Focus on board governance, policies, and human resources matters.
  • Land Issues Committee: Address land access, tenure, and related exploration challenges.
  • Membership/Fundraising Committee: Grow membership and develop fundraising strategies.
  • Education/Special Projects Committee: Promote education initiatives and manage special projects.
  • Lobby Issues Committee: Advocate for the exploration industry with government and stakeholders.

If you have a particular interest or expertise in any of these areas, there will be ample opportunities to contribute, either as a Board member chairing a committee or as a volunteer supporting committee work.

Time Commitment and Responsibilities

The first year or two will be a critical period for the OPA as we work to build and structure the organization. Board members should be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time during this phase (10 to 12 hours per month), including attending regular meetings (to be determined), participating in committee work, and contributing to strategic planning efforts. We anticipate that the time commitment will be substantial initially but will stabilize as the organization becomes more established.

Executive Director Search

As part of our revitalization efforts, the Revitalization Committee is actively conducting an executive search for a new Executive Director (ED). We hope to have this key leadership position filled by fall of 2025. The new ED will work closely with the Board to implement our strategic vision and ensure the OPA’s long-term success.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining the OPA Board of Directors or volunteering for a committee, please submit your application, including a recent CV and a brief statement of interest, to admin@ontarioprospectors.com or to anyone on the Steering Committee listed below, or apply here: https://careers.odgers.com/en-ca/30077. We would be delighted to discuss this opportunity further and answer any questions you may have.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of the OPA

This is an exciting time to be part of the OPA. Your leadership, expertise, and passion can make a real difference as we work to revitalize the organization and support the prospecting, exploration and mining community in Ontario. We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to our team.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to the OPA’s future. Together, we will build a stronger, more vibrant organization that serves our members and the industry with excellence.

Warm regards,

OPA Revitalization Committee

Ontario Prospectors Association

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