How Do You Get Ready for a Microboard?
Beginning to think about what will happen to your family member in the future?
Wondering who is going to ensure their goals and vision for their life are upheld?
Then now is a good time to start thinking about a Microboard. Microboards can be started at any age, but they do need some planning, so it's something to start before you or your family member need one.
If you think a Microboard is something you and your family member are interested in, send us an email at info@microboardsontario.com.
Microboards involve the support of friends and family, who help a person with making decisions and setting goals that are important to them. The person, often a director of the Microboard, has an equal voice, autonomy and is empowered to live their best life.
Wondering who is going to ensure their goals and vision for their life are upheld?
Then now is a good time to start thinking about a Microboard. Microboards can be started at any age, but they do need some planning, so it's something to start before you or your family member need one.
If you think a Microboard is something you and your family member are interested in, send us an email at info@microboardsontario.com.
Microboards involve the support of friends and family, who help a person with making decisions and setting goals that are important to them. The person, often a director of the Microboard, has an equal voice, autonomy and is empowered to live their best life.
Brendon Pooran, Chair of Microboards Ontario and PooranLaw Principle discusses the basic steps to incorporating a Microboard in Ontario.
Can Anyone Set Up A Microboard?
Yes!
Setting up Microboard may seem easy. However, Microboards are not like other types of non-profits because there is one person at the centre of the Microboard and their safety, dignity and individual rights must be protected. Setting up a Microboard without first understanding the principles and values may not result in the best outcomes.
Ensuring a Microboard has a solid, sustainable foundation usually requires a bit of support and guidance, so that members understand their role, and their responsibility to support the person's quality of life and decisions.
Microboards Ontario is here to help ensure a Microboard is positioned for success. We also connect Microboards to other families so that they can build connection and community. If a Microboards experience challenges we're also here to help. As Microboards become an increasingly popular choice for families and individuals seeking to build a sustainable, supported life in community, Microboards Ontario is your resource.
Setting up Microboard may seem easy. However, Microboards are not like other types of non-profits because there is one person at the centre of the Microboard and their safety, dignity and individual rights must be protected. Setting up a Microboard without first understanding the principles and values may not result in the best outcomes.
Ensuring a Microboard has a solid, sustainable foundation usually requires a bit of support and guidance, so that members understand their role, and their responsibility to support the person's quality of life and decisions.
Microboards Ontario is here to help ensure a Microboard is positioned for success. We also connect Microboards to other families so that they can build connection and community. If a Microboards experience challenges we're also here to help. As Microboards become an increasingly popular choice for families and individuals seeking to build a sustainable, supported life in community, Microboards Ontario is your resource.
Who Do I Ask To Be On The Microboard?
Friends, family, neighbours or former support staff. The key is having people sit on a Microboard who have a genuine relationship with the person. Generally, a Microboard is comprised of:
- At least 5 unpaid people who have a relationship with the person.
- Directors have a range of skill sets and can have a designated function (ie., accountant).
- Often supported by an Independent Facilitator or other supportive person.
- Person supported is often a director.
Role of Microboard Directors
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Microboards generally have at least 5 directors who are part of the Microboard. Five people are recommended to ensure there's a variety of voices and experiences. The person-supported is often a director themselves. The role directors play, in addition to the fiduciary responsibilities of any non-profit corporation include:
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image courtesy of Microboards Australia
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The Role of Independent Facilitation in a Microboard
Independent Facilitators have a unique role in helping the Microboard to remain focused, aligned with its values and upholding the mission of the Microboard, which is to support that person. They also help to ensure the person's voice is heard and their decisions supported. Independent Facilitators also:
- Identify strategies for expanding the number of people in a person's life.
- Help focus the Microboard support the person to create a valued role and trusted relationships in the community.
- Help to identify community resources and opportunities that align with a person's plan and interests.
- Keep the Microboard members informed of funding and/or legislative changes.
- Support decision-making by helping strengthen and amplify the person’s voice.
- Assist Microboard members to understand and carry out their roles.
Learn More
Setting up a Microboard is the first step of a lifelong journey for you and your family member, and provides peace of mind knowing they will be supported into the future by people who care about them. To find out more about the role of Independent Facilitation, governance, legal aspects and more, visit Workshops. For more information about Microboards, their role, benefits and more, visit our About Microboards page, or Stories for the real life impact Microboards have had on people and families.
