Pride Toronto is once again actively encouraging women to run for its board positions.
The deadline to apply for one of five vacant spots is Oct 5, says co-chair Francisco Alvarez, who notes that so far there have been 16 applications. “That’s a record in my time with the board, so that’s a good sign.”
Board elections will take place at the annual general meeting on Oct 25.
One of the available positions was occupied by co-chair Luka Amona, who decided to leave the board for personal reasons, Alvarez says. Amona could not be reached for comment.
Alvarez says PT treasurer Daniel Knox is unsure whether he will run for reelection.
Currently, the only woman on the board is Susan Gapka. Alvarez, who has previously called PT’s board “too male-dominated,” says it’s important to PT to strive for gender equality.
“We have had a few applications from women, so I am hopeful,” he says. “We always try to represent the community as much as possible on the board, on staff and with our volunteers, as well.”
Of the 16 applicants for the board, about six are women, he says.
With the departure of Amona, there are eight people on the PT board. “We are committed to expanding to the full 12 board members as our bylaws allow. We want to ensure gender equality and ethnic representation, along with appropriate board skills.”
The board will also be releasing its year-end report at the AGM and selecting a theme for the 2013 festival. In addition, it will present audited financial statements, “which for the first time since I’ve been on the board will be complete in time for an AGM,” Alvarez says.
The board will approve the audited financial statements on Oct 10 if no changes are requested.
“I’m pretty certain we are going to show a surplus,” Alvarez says.
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