We are pleased to report to all Ontario Volleyball Association members that the OVA governance renewal process has continued to move forward in a very dynamic, open, inclusive and consultative manner since our last update in August.  As a major objective in meeting the OVA’s strategic goal of “Building Organizational Capacity”, the OVA is committed to strengthening its governance, management processes, relationships and organizational structure as a whole. Over the past year the OVA’s governance structure has been reviewed, renewed, adjusted and updated to allow the organization to evolve and serve its members and stakeholders well and respond to an ever-changing world.

Comprehensive examination of OVA’s current governance has been conducted; including the organizational structure, Board structure and processes (Board governing style, Board job description, committees, advisory groups, councils and task forces, etc.) as well as Board-Staff relationships and roles.  In addition, extensive research has been done on governance best practices within sport organizations in Canada and abroad. Draft reports were produced, distributed and reviewed by the OVA Board of Directors, volunteers and staff.  

In August, information was distributed to OVA club contacts and volunteers for review and to provide them with the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions.  All of the feedback was consolidated and reviewed by OVA legal counsel to assist in preparing a final draft.  Legal counsel took this opportunity to ensure the revised and proposed OVA Constitution is compliant with the requirements of the new Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. This new Act will have an impact all sport organizations and other non-profit groups when it comes into effect on July 1, 2013.   

The latest draft of the proposed governance structure and implementation plans is now ready for all OVA members to review and ask questions before a vote to pass the proposal will be made at the OVA Annual General Meeting on December 1, 2012.  You can view the latest draft here.  Also available is a draft of proposed changes to the OVA Constitution to reflect the proposed, revised governance structure, it is available here.

All OVA members are encouraged and invited to attend upcoming Regional Annual General Meetings (Region 5 – October 24, Regions 2, 3, 4 and 6 – October 28, Region 1 – TBA, please see OVA website front page for time and locations) for discussion and to take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and make any suggestions before the final draft is brought to the OVA AGM on December 1.  Any changes to OVA governance proposed in this final draft will be made with the sole purpose of allowing the OVA to thrive and prosper and serve its members’ and stakeholders’ needs well both strategically and operationally in the future.

For more information please feel free to contact either the OVA President or OVA Executive Director – we would love to hear from you and welcome your feedback.

Kristine Drakich                                                      
President                                                              
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Steve Carroll
Executive Director
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Phone: 416-426-7318 or 1-800-563-5938 x7318