Vela Microboard

What do Vela Microboard Members do?

Spend time with the person, be a friend, in whatever way is natural for the people involved. Board members are a critical part of helping to plan with the person, create supports, and possibly deliver services. If the Microboard decides to provide direct services they hire staff, and become employers. In British Columbia, at the Microboard's request, Vela facilitators walk the Microboard members through the process of planning, developing, and maintaining services.

In British Columbia, to maintain legal society status, there are also 'official' positions that will need to be filled on the Microboard. The President decides the agenda, organizes meetings, and chairs meetings. The Vice-President carries out the duties of the president during her/his absence. The Secretary conducts the correspondence of the society, records the minutes and keeps all records and documents on behalf of the Microboard. The Treasurer keeps the financial records for the Microboard. The positions of Secretary and Treasurer can be combined to create one position of Secretary-Treasurer. If the Microboard hires their own staff directly, they may wish to create a board position of Staff Liaison. This position would act as the communicator between the staff and the Microboard.

Vela Microboards also have meetings to maintain their focus and supports. The frequency of meetings and formality is up to the individual Microboards. Many Vela Microboards meet monthly during their process of development. Once they have been up and running for a while, some Microboards choose to meet less frequently.

One of the most important functions performed by Vela Microboard members is ensuring there is a balance between activities where the focus person is getting something and giving something. This ensures that the person experiences broadened horizons and has the opportunity to share their gifts and talents.

The role of the Vela Microboard is not to shower the person with a steady stream of social opportunities. Rather, the Microboard's purpose is to ensure that the individual becomes a part of the fabric of community, thus safeguarding that person's future.