Publication for Boards of Directors
Welcome to the SARC BOARD!
As a result of our Call for Nominations process, we are pleased to welcome Dawn Desautels from Gravelbourg Bon Ami Inc. (Gravelbourg) as South Region Regular Board Representative and Ruth Howes from Porcupine Opportunities Program Inc. (Porcupine Plain) as North Region Regular Manager Representative to the SARC Board of Directors.
We are also very happy to welcome back standing board members Lloyd Montgomery from Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp. (Weyburn) to the position of South Region Regular Board Representative, Valerie Budd-Pritchard from Moose Jaw Diversified Services Inc. (Moose Jaw) to the position of South Region Regular Manager Representative, and Rosa Smith from Clare Parker Homes Inc. (Regina) to the position of South Region Associate Manager Representative.
Their terms will begin on June 25, 2025 in line with SARC’s AGM. We look forward to another exciting year ahead with new and familiar faces!
Know Your SARC BOARD!
Marnie Watkin-Pawelko
South Region Associate Board Representative Regina, SK
I live in Regina in the south end, specifically in Whitmore Park. We have owned our home for 27 years and love the neighbourhood. It has cycled over the years from older couples and a few families to young couples, and now we see lots of children and young families. We often get 125 kids at Halloween.
I’ve been married to my husband Gord for 36 years, and we have one dog. Betsie is a 2-year-old St. Bernard/Labradoodle and has a very sweet temperament. She loves to play ball in our yard and will spend hours with us out on the boat. No matter how big she gets, she’s a cuddle bug and she likes to be as close as possible to her people. We never had any children of our own, but have many nieces and
nephews, and now great-nieces and nephews. We love spending time with all of them. I have a younger sister and brother, and Gord is the youngest of 10 children. I was a registered nurse for 31 years and retired in September 2023. I did work for a few years at the Regina General Hospital; however, most of my career was spent in the long-term care sector, specializing in dementia care. It was something I truly felt called to as I spent many years volunteering in a long-term care facility when I was a teenager.
I have volunteered in some aspect from the time that I was a preteen. Although I left my job, I couldn’t leave the residents that I spent so much time with. Every Wednesday, you’ll find me out for breakfast with one of the residents I still help shop for. After that, I stop by the home to spend a few hours with a couple of other residents who are unable to get out, bringing them treats or items they need. I also serve as the chairperson for Regina Residential Resource Centre (RRRC) as well as the SARC Board.
Volunteering is a huge part of my life. I was raised to believe that we should all give back to our community and help others who need it. Both my siblings and I worked careers that served our communities and we all give back in some way by volunteering in different ways. Our godson was diagnosed very early as being on the autism spectrum and received so much help from organizations in the way of SILP supports, as well as employment supports. I love being able to serve on boards that support people just like our godson and ensure they receive the same support he does.
I love to read. If I had money and the space, I’d likely have a giant personal library, but because I am lacking in both, most times you will find me reading on my iPad or Kindle. I love the feel of a book in my hands, but electronic copies take up less space. I don’t discriminate when it comes to genre and read everything from trashy romances all the way to biographies and everything in between. I also do stained glass work; however, it is a time-consuming hobby, and my time is typically spent elsewhere right now. During the summer, we spend a lot of time on our boat. I love the peacefulness of being in the middle of the lake in the cool of the morning. I also enjoy making our backyard a haven where we can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a cold drink in the evenings.
My time on the SARC Board has been enlightening as well as incredibly motivating. It consists of a group of individuals with one common goal, which is to ensure every single person leads a productive and enriched life no matter their abilities. It is incredible what can be accomplished when you have a group of like-minded people. My time on the SARC Board has also brought me friendships that will last my lifetime and that I treasure.
Your SARC BOARD at work
The SARC Board does not meet in January, which allows for a two-month break between the December and February Board meetings. Many SARC Board Members find themselves travelling during this time to warmer climates to get away from the cold Saskatchewan winter.
Every four years, SARC establishes the composition of the SARCAN Agreement Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee is to provide views and advice specific to the agreement between SARC and SARC Member organizations that have a designated stake in SARCAN Recycling. Composition of the committee includes nine Regular Member Managers, four SARC Board Members whose home organization has a stake in SARCAN and SARC’s Board President. SARC’s Executive Director, Director of Finance, Director of Operations, Director of Collections, and Assistant Director of Collections also participate as representatives of SARC.
Meetings of the SARCAN Agreement Advisory Committee occurred between November 2024 and January 2025. On February 8, a final draft of the agreement was presented and approved by the SARC Board of Directors. The term of the agreement between SARC and Members that have a stake in SARCAN will be April 1, 2025-March 31, 2028, with a one-year extension period, during which time SARC negotiates its SARCAN Provincial System Agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan.
In February, and as per our regular process, the SARC Board reviewed the first draft of the SARC and SARCAN operating and capital budgets. The SARC Board was also presented with the compensation and benefits recommendations being made by SARC’s Senior Management Team.
The final versions of the SARC and SARCAN operating and capital budgets were approved at the March board meeting. During the Lunch and Learn session, the Board watched and discussed the webinar, Using Chat GPT to Win More Grants, hosted by Charity Village. The Board of Directors was also issued electronic links to complete its annual review of the board experience and processes used by SARC’s Board of Directors as well as the Executive Director Evaluation.
The SARC Board does not formally meet in April, as SARC hosts its annual Member Update Meetings that month. The SARC Board appreciates the opportunity to meet and talk with Board Members and senior leaders from SARC Member organizations.
The following meetings were held and attended by a number of SARC Board Members:
April 8 – Melfort
April 9 – North Battleford
April 14 – Weyburn
April 15 – Swift Current
If you have not attended these meetings, consider attending next year. The SARC Board would love to see you there!
The SARC Board considers its role in government relations and advocacy to be very important. On May 5, SARC Board Members attended the MLA Reception hosted by SARC and the Advocacy Committee. Read more about this event and other advocacy activities on page 6.
The agendas for the May Committee and Board meetings were full, as expected. Along with regular business, the Board met with SARC’s audit partners from Deloitte for the review and approval of the annual financial statements and report. The SARC Board was also presented with and approved SARC’s Forced Labour and Child Labour Report for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, made pursuant to the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (Canada), also known as the Modern Slavery Act.
The SARC Board looks forward to seeing you at the SARC AGM being held virtually on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Register now!
Collective Voice
Awareness and Engagement with New MLAs
The month of May provided great opportunities to raise the profile of the Disability Service sector, particularly with newly elected MLAs.
On May 5, 2025, SARC and the Advocacy Committee hosted an MLA Reception at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building.
We were very pleased to have 34 MLAs join us and engage in conversations about the Disability Service sector and the essential services provided to the thousands of people experiencing intellectual disability supported by SARC Member organizations across Saskatchewan.
It was great to have so many Advocacy Committee Members and SARC Board Directors attend. We would also like to give a special thank you to the following people who attended and shared their valuable perspectives on what services mean to them as either people receiving services or Disability Service Professionals:
Jerrika Sewap, Everley Fairbairn, and Glenda Fairbairn with Handi-Works; Riley Chartrand-Starr, Eric Nagy, Landon Lummerding, and Joseph Centino with Plus Industries; Mel Penner and Corri Demeester with Sunshine Housing; and Paige Racette, Pagan Racette, and Donna Wilkinson with Chip & Dale Homes.
It was a pretty noisy and lively room for most of the two-hour timeslot, which is what you’d want to see – MLAs actively engaged and enjoying their conversations with all of these wonderful sector ambassadors.
Thank you very much to the following individuals for joining us:
Genelle Champ, Marilyn Collier, Abigail Douglas, and Shinto Mathew with Citizens All Association; Nicole Morin, Lynne Demeule, and Sharlene Verbeugrt with Cheshire Homes of Regina; Carolyn McIntyre, Teagyn Bosley, and Karrah Derenisky with Clare Parker Homes; and Eric Taylor, Tricia Broomfield, Lana Kincaid, and Lindsey Calfas with Moose Jaw Diversified Services.
This event was a nice lead-in for Disability Service Professionals (DSP) Week, May 1117, which was once again proclaimed by the Government of Saskatchewan to recognize the great work done by DSPs every day in our province.
On May 13, SARC was happy to have Member representatives join us and be introduced as guests by The Honourable Terry Jenson, Minister of Social Services, during Session. The Minister’s introduction and the acknowledgement during Statements by Members that followed served to recognize the dedication of service providers who work to ensure that people experiencing disability are valued, supported, and included members of their communities. You can read the official record of these statements here.
With Session ending the week of May 12, now is the perfect time to engage your MLA in your community, as MLAs will be spending a lot more time in their constituency. If your MLA is new to you, reach out to invite them for a tour/visit – nothing connects government decision-makers and influencers more to the reasons why they should support the sector than meeting people who receive services and seeing first-hand the wonderful work performed by your teams every day.
Stay tuned for the 2025 MLA Information Package coming this summer – as we talked about at April’s Member Update Meetings across the province, SARC is happy to support you in presenting this information to your MLA over the summer/early fall. Please let us know if you get a date to meet with your MLA and if you would like any assistance.
Boardroom Ready: Why Knowing the Ropes Matters from Day One
by Desiree Tirk
Have you ever wondered why directors join your board? Most likely, it’s because they care about your mission, want to share their skills and experience, or hope to make a meaningful contribution to the community. But once they’re at the table, are they truly boardroom ready? While your board meetings likely focus on governance – strategic planning, decision-making, and oversight – directors can only contribute confidently if they understand how your organization works and where they can add value. Do they know the ropes? Have they been equipped to hit the ground running? Ensuring directors are well-prepared from day one is key to unlocking their full potential for their board and committee roles.
Although there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach, according to KPMG, “how quickly a new director is able to contribute meaningfully to the work of the board and its committees can hinge directly on the quality of the onboarding process.”
Consider how your organization welcomes and orientates new board directors. Does your organization provide a formal training process to ensure they are ready to take on the new role? Is it standardized so that all directors receive the same relevant information on their roles and responsibilities, on the organization, and the expectations of the board?
The orientation process should begin well before a new director attends their first board meeting — some would say it starts during recruitment. A wellstructured orientation equips directors with the knowledge and confidence they need to contribute meaningfully from day one. By covering essential topics such as the organization’s history, mission and vision, strategic priorities, roles and
responsibilities (of both the board and the executive director), key policies, financials, fundraising expectations, and governing documents, orientation ensures new directors are prepared to engage fully and effectively. (For a comprehensive list and a helpful Board Orientation Checklist, see the Recruitment and Succession Planning of Board Directors module in ELEVATE.)
But is that enough to support a new director?
Savvy Director suggests that a “single orientation session doesn’t really cut it these days – if it ever did. The board may feel that its part is complete, but there’s lots more that can be done to support new directors. Think of it as an onboarding process – or program – rather than a single orientation session. It may begin with an orientation, but it doesn’t stop there.”
While the orientation process introduces the new director to their role of serving on the board, onboarding is an ongoing process that extends beyond the orientation to ensure that new directors feel supported, engaged, and ready to contribute effectively. Extending over several months, or even up to a year, onboarding assists new directors to connect with the social, cultural, and performance aspects of their new role. Onboarding provides an opportunity for new board directors to build relationships with and learn from other board directors, receive continuous feedback, and foster deeper engagement and understanding of the organization. It can include ongoing training, mentorship, participation in committee work, and a gradual immersion into the organization’s culture and current challenges.
According to BoardSource, “Every board has a culture that is defined by its customs, traditions, and practices. Every new board member needs an introduction to that culture — not just the ability to meet the general expectations placed on individual board members.”
So, what are some practical onboarding tips?
• Assign a ‘board buddy’ or mentor – although there are a variety of ways to create a mentoring program, typically more experienced board directors are assigned or matched with new directors. According to BoardSource, “The best mentors are current board members who have been on the board long enough to know how it operates but haven’t forgotten what it is like to be new.” Board mentors help fill in the gaps and provide background or supplemental information, translate acronyms (we know there are many in the Nonprofit and Disability Service sectors), serve as a coach during meetings, answer questions before or after meetings, and provide regular check-ins in-between meetings. Board mentors can even facilitate getting to know other board directors.
• Provide a board manual or digital resource hub – provide directors with accessible resources they can explore at their own pace such as archives of board and committee meeting minutes, policies, and orientation documents.
• Schedule a one-on-one meeting with the executive director and/or board chairperson – this allows directors to ask questions and feel more connected to the organization rather than just showing up at the first board meeting.
What are some onboarding pitfalls to avoid?
• Avoid skipping onboarding for experienced directors – even seasoned leaders need orientation to your organization’s culture, expectations, and processes. According to BoardEffect, “Board directors need to place a heavy focus on onboarding for the first 12 months, and it should be ongoing after that.” This typically looks like board or director self-evaluations to identify strengths and gaps and offer board development opportunities.
• Avoid information overload on day one – too much information will only overwhelm new directors. Instead of an information dump, aim to pace the process by starting with the essentials and building on gradually. This allows directors to absorb information, ask better questions, and contribute more confidently.
• Avoid assuming directors “already know” governance basics – new directors need governance training to ensure they understand their role, responsibilities, and the expectations of your board. Even those with prior board experience may not be familiar with your bylaws, governance structure, or strategic priorities as each organization is unique.
New directors who are boardroom ready are more confident, engaged, and informed, ready to contribute meaningfully from the start. This leads to stronger board dynamics, better decision-making, and a smoother, more productive transition into board service. As BoardSource puts it, “Board members who are oriented properly are more knowledgeable about governing and better prepared to oversee your nonprofit’s strategic direction, allowing you to make the best use of their expertise.” Investing time in a thoughtful orientation and onboarding will set the stage for a strong, effective board.
If your organization is looking to strengthen your orientation and onboarding processes, consider registering for ELEVATE. The ELEVATE program has an entire module dedicated to Board recruitment, orientation, onboarding, and succession planning for you to access as many times as you want with your one-year subscription (which is available to you at no cost through SARC’s COMPASS Training Package).
About Desiree
Spending the past 25 years working in community development in the nonprofit and government sectors, Desiree brings a variety of experience with developing and facilitating workshops and has held positions as Program Manager, Facilitator, and Trainer. Desiree has over 20 years’ experience as co-owner of a business and holds a Bachelor of Indian Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies.
To connect with Desiree Tirk and learn more about how strategic planning can help your organization, email her at dtirk@sarcan.sk.ca
