October 2023 Volunteer Highlight: Andrew Lam

As the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights is now looking to recruit Board Members to join in 2024, we asked current Board Member, Andrew Lam, to share their experience being a volunteer on the JHC Board of Directors:


How are you involved with JHC as a volunteer?

On the JHC Board of Directors.

How and why did you first get involved with JHC?

I first was involved with JHC as a volunteer in 2015, conducting street interviews in Edmonton of Indigenous youth impacted by houselessness and poverty. The passion that JHC, Renee, and her team embodies was present then and continues to today. I returned to volunteer and serve on their Board of Directors because of that passion and dedication to preserve the human rights of others. I believe wholeheartedly in this mission and want to support this is any way possible.

What are your (volunteer) activities and what do they involve?

As part of the Board of Directors, I help support and manage the alignment of JHC's long-term strategic goals. We as the board of directors aim ensure the efficiency and longevity of impact and work diligently to ensure this.

How long have you been a volunteer for this initiative (and for JHC as a whole)?

I have been part of the board of directors for one year, and have volunteered for JHC for three years as a whole.

What is it like to volunteer for this initiative?

Volunteering for the JHC as part of their Board of Directors is, simply, rewarding. To help guide the JHC in it's overarching goals and speak to JHC's innovative and passionate work in the community is a privilege.

What has surprised you most about volunteering for this role?

The intensity of work was a bit of a surprise. Many organization's boards are passive in their work; being a part of JHC is not. As a pleasant surprise, we are an incredibly active and engaged board that partakes in JHC events and activities.

Are there any learnings/ challenges you have experienced through this work?

Being on the board of directors is a constant learning experience; understanding different aspects of an organization's operations is an exciting challenge that I relish.

The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC) are welcoming applications to the Board of Directors in 2024! Terms for the Board are three-year renewable terms. The Board meets monthly, on the fourth Thursday of the month, at 6:30 pm MST in a hybrid format. We are a governance board requiring a commitment of approximately ten hours per month. Click on the link below for more info and to apply!