Three executive positions available at April’s Annual General Meeting

Come April 28, Alberta Avenue residents have the opportunity to join the Alberta Avenue Community League board in some key positions.

“A little under half of our board will be open in April,” says Brendan Van Alstine, league president.

Three executive positions will be vacant. Van Alstine will be leaving his position, Virginia Potkins will be resigning from the role of vice-president, and Melanie Anderson is resigning as development director. There are also some director-at-large positions available.

“The big one is my job,” says Van Alstine. “It’s better suited to someone with experience.”

The president provides leadership to a board, supports and promotes the league, and chairs the meetings. Although it’s best if someone with experience on a board takes on this role, the City of Edmonton and The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL) have resources available should board members need the guidance.

Val Alstine joined the board in 2009. “I’m a big believer that a decade with any organization is a big long time.” He adds that although he will no longer be on the board, he’s still in the neighbourhood. “I’m going to be around to provide support.”

As for the vice president: “The role is to back up the president. Unfortunately with Virginia, we did lose quite the package. Because of some changes in her life, she had to step back.” Potkins was also the league’s program director and spearheaded plenty of fun programming. The term of vice-president is one year. “The treasurer would be willing to take on the role of vice-president if there’s someone who has finance experience.”

In Anderson’s role as development director, she looked at development-related issues such as permit applications for businesses, homes, or garage suites. “She was really good. She had to step down for personal reasons.” This role is a two-year term.

Van Alstine encourages anyone who lives in the geographic boundaries of Alberta Avenue to come to the AGM and run for the board. While the three executive positions are the main roles, there are plenty of opportunities as directors-at-large to participate and contribute.

“If there’s something that really interests you, we could develop a portfolio based on interests,” says Van Alstine. Some interests could be communications, assistance with writing grants, and so on.

Volunteering for a board can be a great experience. “It’s a great way to get involved. It gives you a stronger voice.” It’s especially useful if you’re interested in governance, learning how things are run, and participating or planning league activities.

“I’m happy to chat with people if they’re interested,” says Van Alstine. Email president@albertaave.org. 

Or go to https://timecounts.org/alberta-avenue/assignments/4455 to apply.

Alberta Avenue Community League’s AGM has been postponed, likely until sometime in June.

Featured Image: Brendan Van Alstine, pictured at the front, speaks during a past Alberta Avenue Community League AGM. | Karen Mykietka