Benefits

• Professional networking opportunities at a leadership level
• Professional growth and development
• Opportunity to explore and use one's management and organizational skills at the community level
• Offer existing skills, experiences and knowledge by contributing to support and add value to the GIS Community
• GISP certification credits
• Development opportunities and skills that are easily transferable to your workplace
• Hands on experience with leadership, technical and management initiatives improving promotional or career position
• Improved interpersonal and management skills  
• Recognition by your employer

We encourage all members to become involved with the BeSpatial community - positions are available in many areas. Please consider volunteering for a director position or a standing committee. The Eastern, Western and Northern Ontario Sections are looking for dedicated volunteers to help carryout GIS events in those areas.

Director Positions

A Board Director serves a two-year term beginning at our Annual General meeting (AGM) and up until the AGM in April/May time frame. Board members are responsible for setting policy and determining the direction of our association. A director must attend at least 7 meetings each year (5 Board meetings, the annual Strategic Planning and the AGM). Teleconference is available during some board meetings. The full term includes two - 2 year terms (4 years). 

Standing Committees

Standing committees positions are appointed for 1 year terms and are led by managers/officers or board directors who commit to meet once a month in varying locations or by teleconference.  The current 9 Standing committees include:

• BeSpatial events - assists in the planning and organization of our annual BeSpatial event 
• Communications - oversees eNews, web services and social media initiatives via Twitter and LinkedIn
• Member Services - new member recruitment initiatives; membership retention; ongoing surveys of members for feedback and service improvements
• Education - outreach to Student and educational program coordinators to promote involvement of students and bursary opportunities
• Finance - Assist board with financial planning and long-term viability and sustainability
• Programs - 2-3 events per year and 1 BeSpatial annual meeting/event with GIS Showcase Expo, opportunities for industry related webinars
• Strategy and Outreach - Actively seek strategic opportunities for association partners and industry engagement to foster joint initiatives and events
• Web services - supports content and technical management of web platforms
• YPN - Young Professional Network - Activities and events for those GIS professional working in the industry 7 years or less

• In addition, section managers and regional volunteers provide a key role in promoting Ontario-wide program events that can be either onsite or virtual. The leads are part of the Association's management board. These appointed managers are to plan and deliver at least 1 program event per year in each of the northern, eastern and western Ontario areas.

If you are unable to volunteer as chair or for a regular committee member position at this time, then please consider helping with a task for a committee.

Other Volunteering Opportunities

Annual BeSpatial program event and EXPO

We are looking for volunteers to help with the registration desk and the map gallery.

The responsibilities would be: 

• Helping with registrations 
• Handing out program agendas
• Setup and display of MApps (Maps and Applications) gallery entries in exhibit hall at the annual BeSpatial

Participate at Affiliate Association Events 

When exhibiting, we require volunteers to help staff the booth and answer questions.

Program Events

• Assist in obtaining speakers for program events
• Assist in coordinating the event location and refreshments
• Provide assistance during the day of the event with registration
• Write Program Event Summary for inclusion in Member's Update eNews

If you are interested in volunteering for any of the preceding opportunities, or would like more information, please e-mail:  Members

In order to volunteer, submit articles or speak at a program event, we ask that that you are a current member.