Why are Members Vital?

In Ontario, corporate members are vital because they provide the legal, ethical and community foundation that keeps a charity operational, accountable and legally compliant. Members provide foundational governance and legal oversight for the organization. Under Ontario law, a non-profit corporation cannot legally exist without at least one member to exercise voting power. Members act as the ultimate guardians of the organization's mission, assets and legal compliance under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA).

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The Legal Foundation (ONCA Compliance)

• Democratic Checks and Balances: Members hold the ultimate statutory authority to elect or remove the Board of Directors.

• Corporate Lifeline: Members may call special meetings to reconstitute the Board if required.

• Structural Stability: Members approve major structural changes including bylaws, organization name, and mission statement.

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Financial Trust and Public Accountability

• Approve the annual audited financial statements.

• Appoint the independent public accountant/auditor each year to ensure transparency and accountability

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Community Safeguards and Mission Alignment

• Protect against mission drift by ensuring strategic decisions remain aligned with the charitable purpose.

• Bring diverse community perspectives and reduce the risk of groupthink.

• Ensure strategic decisions align with actual need and vision or our community.

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Membership Eligibility Criteria

Applicants may qualify under one of the following categories:

• Adult Participants (18+) who are legally able to sign a contract.

• Parents and Guardians of participants under 18.

• Parent of those over 18 who do not have capacity to sign legal contracts.

• Current Volunteers of the Farm or WindReach Farm Foundation (including Foundation Directors).

• Board Directors (automatic membership).

• Leaders of Partner Organizations that actively refer participants to WindReach Farm.

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Volunteer Member – Purpose of the Role

Members provide foundational governance and legal oversight while acting as guardians of the organization's mission, assets and legal compliance under ONCA.

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Commitment and Time Requirements

• Renewable one-year term with some possible exceptions outlined in our By-Laws.

• Attend the Annual General Meeting (1–2 hours).

• Attend occasional special meetings (structural or legal changes).

• Review meeting materials (approximately 1–2 hours per meeting).

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Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age, preferably a resident of Ontario and eligible for membership.

• Commitment to the mission, vision and values of WindReach Farm.

• Focus on governance rather than day to day operations.

• Sign and adhere to the Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest Policy and Confidentiality Agreement. (COMING SOON).

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Understanding Your Role

Volunteer – Hands-on delivery of programs and events.

Corporate Member – Governance oversight and structural voting (approves By-laws, audits and elects the Board ofDirectors.

Board Director – Strategic leadership, fiduciary responsibility and organizational oversight.

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Questions

The Board of Directors of WindReach Farm looks forward to welcoming you as a member.

 

For more information, please contact Taras Rohatyn, Executive Director, at executivedirector@windreachfarm.org

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​Complete the WindReach Farm Membership Application Form 2026