Call for TBS Board Nominations & Committee Members

Are you passionate about the blues? Do you want to help shape the future of Toronto’s vibrant blues community? The Toronto Blues Society (TBS) is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Directors and Committees. We would love to hear from you as we prepare for our Annual Members’ Meeting.

We welcome nominations from people who:

• Have a love for blues music and supporting local musicians.
• Bring skills in areas like not-for-profit governance, finance, marketing, fundraising, events, or community engagement.
• Are team players who enjoy contributing ideas, supporting initiatives, and helping the society thrive.
• Can commit time to attend meetings, participate in activities, and advocate for TBS.

Nominations are now open through December 17 for the 2026 Toronto Blues Society Board of Directors. We welcome self-nominations from all eligible applicants of all experience levels, from across Canada.

 

Why join us?

Being part of TBS’s Board or a Committee is a unique opportunity to:

Contribute to one of Canada’s leading blues organizations.

Work alongside passionate volunteers and industry professionals.

Help guide programming, community outreach, and artist support initiatives.

Gain experience in not-for-profit governance and arts leadership.

 

What you need to know:

The nomination process is open to all. The goal of TBS is that our Board of Directors represents our diverse community. We encourage nominations from those communities that are typically under-represented, such as candidates who are Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying, women, or gender diverse.

To ensure a diverse board that encompasses a representation of our membership as well as a healthy range of skill sets, not all nominees may appear on the final ballot. We appreciate everyone’s interest in participating in the TBS and encourage folks to engage in committees if not selected for this election to the board.

 

What we’re looking for:

The following is a list of specific positions we seek to fill as well as skills and experience we are seeking to help move the TBS forward:

 

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

• provide oversight to all TBS financial activities, including bookkeeping, preparation of the Notice to Reader, CRA filings and preparation of regular reports for Board meetings and AGMs.
• Have signing authority along with the Chair and other Officers as the Board shall appoint.
• Consult regularly with Bookeeper and staff to ensure that proper accounting principles are being followed at all times
• Have charge of all financial records and books of the Corporation including access to accounting software

 

Secretary

The Secretary shall:

• Attend all meetings of the Board
• Record and distribute the Minutes and Agendas of Board meetings.
• Have charge of all documents and correspondence, including minutes, copies of annual returns and any legal documents of the society
• Be under the direction of the Chair and the Board.
• Have charge of and maintain the membership records of the Society.
• Update the Policy and Procedure Manual as needed.
• Preside at meetings in the Chair or Vice-Chair’s absence.
• Have access to accounting software as a backup to the Treasurer

 

Membership

We are seeking an individual to be responsible for growing the membershihp base, in cluding the introduction of a new musicians membership category. You will have accesss to our new Member365 platform that automates membership and renewals and offers a platform for members to take full advantage of their benefits. This position will work closely with our marketing committee and work to establish new and exciting benefits for each membership category. This role can be fulfilled as a Board Member or Committee Chair.

 

Volunteering

This position will work with the Membership and Marketing committees to ensure TBS involvment in communitee events and to coordinate volunteers for TBS hosted events. This could involve coordinating volunteers to handle merch at a concert or festival, or coordinating registration at events like the Blues Summit, or ensuring backstage support at the Blues Awards Gala and other events. For the right person, this role can be fulfilled in tandem with the Membership duties above. The individual could be a Board member or Committee Chair

 

Social Media

We are seeking a social media whiz whol loves the blues. You will be responsible for creating and managing social media content following our newly establish branding strategy that is ready for implementation. You will work closely with all other committees, especially. marketing, membership and fundraising. This role can be fulfilled as a Board Member or as a Marketing Committee member.

 

Fundraising

TBS is a registered not-for-profit Charity and needs to establish regular and significant fundraising campaigns in order grow sustainably. We are currently licensed for various 50/50 draws and are in the process of obtaining an online license and other initiatives. We welcome candidates with experience and passion for fundraising and focus on coordinating these initiatives and exploring new and creative campaigns that will help the TBS maintain its stable operating position well into the future.

 
 

Legal

Also on our wishlist is to welcome to the Board, an individual who is knowledgable in not-for-profit law and charity governance. If that’s you, we’d love to hear from you.

 

About the Board

The Board At our Annual Members Meeting. the members elect at least seven Directors to be charged with the management of the society for the duration of their term. Terms are two years in length and Directors are limited to three consecutive terms. TBS requires Directors who are committed to the work of the organization; possess knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance such as policy, finance and advocacy; willing and have the time to attend Board meetings, sit on committees, support TBS events, are aware of and comfortable with the legal responsibility and liabilities of Board participation.

Benefits of being a Board Member are networking possibilities, personal growth and/or development, personal reward, satisfaction and pleasure.

Director Responsibilities HERE

• • Attend all Board Meetings and participate in at least one of our Committees they may be part of.
  • Prepare for meetings, including reading Minutes of previous meetings, identifying any questions and concerns, and ensuring any reports due at the meeting, or sending of “regrets” are sent to the Secretary
  • Participate in Board discussions and when appropriate, vote on policy and other resolutions and recommendations received from the Board, committees and the staff.
  • Adhere to the Duties of Directors as outlined in the Policies & Procedures manual Section 3 and exercise the duties and responsibilities of their positions with integrity, collegiality, and care ensuring the organization does the best work possible in pursuit of its mission and goals.
  • Participate in the development of the TBS organizational plan.
  • Participate in any strategic planning sessions and succession planning.
  • Adhere to the TBS Code of Ethics and Confidentiality Policy 

 

About TBS

The Toronto Blues Society is a membership-based organization that provides services to
blues-related audiences, artists and industry. The organization has internal expertise related to
strategy, operations, finance, marketing, fundraising and a lot of community knowledge.
The organization produces various events tailored to different segments of the community and
publishes public communications including: Women’s Blues Revue, Canadian Blues Music Awards Gala, Blues Summit, Blues in the Schools, Talent Search, workshops, various community events, workshops and concerts. Communications platforms include our Website, Weekly ‘Where It’s At’ emails, Monthly Newsletter and Social Media channels
The impact of the organization far exceeds its thin organizational structure. This includes
introducing artists to new audiences, growing demand for the genre, offering industry
education, showcasing opportunities, introducing artists to talent buyers, producing a monthly
newsletter, growing online profile, and educating the general public about the history of blues
and particularly in Canada – including targeted initiatives to combat racism and sexism.

 

How to nominate:

1. Complete the online nomination form HERE.

2. Provide a brief bio and statement of interest.

3. Submit before December 12, 2025.

 

Annual Members’ Meeting: Monday January 12, 2026