Want to help make the High Park area more livable for renters?
The High Park Tenants’ Association is currently searching for additional volunteers to serve on our Board and/or as a member of various committees and subcommittees. Our goals for this year and moving forward are focused around increasing our aid and outreach in the community. Help make the area more livable for renters, connect with your neighbours and community and stay up-to-date on building and tenant issues.
Volunteer work offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on our community, fostering a sense of fulfillment that few other roles can provide. The chance to develop new skills and perspectives, and the connections formed with fellow volunteers and beneficiaries collectively create a fulfilling journey. It's the satisfaction of knowing that your time and dedication directly contribute to positive change that makes volunteering an immensely rewarding and enriching experience.
Please note that the roles posted here are fulfilled by unpaid volunteers who are passionate about making a difference. Here are the various areas in which you can help:
HPTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS
The Director holds a critical leadership position within the HPTA and contributes to shaping the overall direction and success of the association.
Provide strategic guidance and oversight to the association, ensuring alignment with its mission and goals.
Participate actively in board meetings, offering insights, and informed perspectives on key decisions.
Collaborate with other board members to set policies, budgets, and long-term strategies.
Represent the association in external engagements, fostering relationships with stakeholders and partners.
Contribute to fundraising efforts, supporting the financial sustainability of the organization.
Monitor committee activities and offer guidance to ensure effective committee operations.
Uphold high ethical standards and act in the best interest of the association and its members.
The next board election will take place in Summer 2024. Please reach out to Julia at julia@hpta.ca if you are interested in joining.
COMMITTEES
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
The Advocacy Committee plays a crucial role in representing the interests and concerns of tenants within the HPTA. This committee is chaired by a Director, along with trusted volunteers from the community. One member of the committee must be the President, Vice President, or immediate Past President of the HPTA. One liaison from Building Relations Committee, Communications Committee or Development Committee should sit on the Advocacy Committee if no volunteer crossover in those areas.
Identify key issues affecting tenants' rights, well-being, and quality of life.
Research and analyze relevant policies, regulations, and legislation.
Develop advocacy strategies and campaigns to address identified issues, coordinating grass roots, media and government relations activities.
Engage with local officials, policymakers, and community organizations to influence positive outcomes.
To join the Advocacy Committee, please reach out to Sèamus at seamus@hpta.ca.
ABOVE GUIDELINE INCREASE (AGI’S) COMMITTEE
The AGI Committee is responsible for closely monitoring legislation and regulations related to rent increases above guideline limits in Ontario and ensuring tenants' rights and interests are protected. Chaired by a Director, with representatives from Advocacy committee and interested volunteers from community. the committee is responsible for reviewing and responding to all AGIs.
Stay informed about changes in Ontario's rental legislation, specifically pertaining to above guideline rent increases.
Analyze the impact of legislative changes on tenants within the association's properties.
Provide expert recommendations to the members on responding to AGI applications by landlords, including attending hearings on their behalf.
Offer guidance to tenants facing AGI situations, explaining their rights and options.
If you are interested in helping out with the AGI committee, please email Alex at alex@hpta.ca.
BUILDING RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Building Relations Subcommittees: Minto, GWL, DMI and Tenant Complaints.
The Building Relations Committee focuses on fostering a sense of community and addressing tenant concerns within the association's properties.
Chaired by one or two Directors and a representative from each subcommittee, the committee liaises with property managers to ensure timely resolution of repairs and maintenance in and around the properties.
Recruits volunteers and engages with neighbours, addressing tenant feedback and concerns related to building amenities, maintenance, and services.
Empathize with tenant concerns and maintain a positive attitude while collaborating with the landlords to resolve issues.
Collaborates with the Communications Committee to disseminate information about building-related matters.
Currently looking for Building Representatives for 35 and 40 High Park Ave. and 255 Glenlake Ave. To join Building Relations or one of its subcommittees, please reach out to Jocelyn at jocelyn@hpta.ca.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
The Communications Committee plays a vital role in maintaining effective communication channels within the HPTA and between the property managers, the tenants, and the community at large.
Chaired by a Director, the committee’s primary focus is on disseminating timely updates through print, email, website and social media.
Develop and implement communication strategies to enhance information flow among tenants and the association.
Manage various communication platforms, including social media, newsletters, and website updates, creating content and graphic design.
Responsible for creating and distributing flyers and other announcements, event promotions, and important updates.
Coordinate with other committees to ensure consistent and accurate messaging.
Gather feedback from tenants and community members to improve communication methods.
Collaborate with the Building Relations Committee to align messaging efforts.
If you are interested in joining our Communications Committee, please reach out to Jocelyn at jocelyn@hpta.ca.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The Development Committee is responsible for engaging with the various levels of government and property managers, monitoring new construction projects and developments within the community with the goal of providing updates on such projects. New projects are expected to commence in early 2024.
Stay informed about upcoming development projects and property expansions, liaising with various levels of government and property managers to understand project details and potential impact on the community.
Monitor zoning and construction activities to ensure compliance with community standards.
Coordinates with the Advocacy Committee and Building Relations Committee as issues arise, compiling and presenting reports, detailing development updates and potential concerns.
Collaborate with other committees to communicate development information to members.
To join the Development Committee, please reach out to Diana at diana@hpta.ca.
EVENTS COMMITTEE
The Events Committee is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing engaging events that foster a sense of community and enhance the HPTA tenants/members experience. These activities may include education, networking and fundraising activities.
Brainstorm and propose event ideas that cater to diverse tenants/members interests and preferences.
Plan event logistics, including venue selection, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
Coordinate with relevant committees to ensure seamless event execution and communication.
Evaluate event success and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
Currently looking for an Events Committee Lead. To join the Events Committee, please reach out to Sèamus at seamus@hpta.ca.
SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE
This committee is composed of Directors and community members and is established for specific, time-limited tasks or projects requiring focused expertise and collaboration.
Define the scope and objectives, conduct in-depth research and analysis of the assigned task or project.
Develop recommendations or solutions based on the findings. Present findings, proposals, or deliverables to the association's leadership and members.
To be added to the list of volunteers for ad hoc projects, please reach out to Sèamus at seamus@hpta.ca.