The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is encouraging those who have a passion for those struggling with dementia care and brain health to join their Board of Directors.

Twelve members make up the ASM Board, and each year there are 1-3 members who have reached their term.  There will be one position coming open at the end of May.

CEO, Erin Crawford, says they are accepting applications from Manitobans with diverse backgrounds and experience.  

"We serve the whole province. We are really the only organization in the province that's delivering services for people with all types of dementia," explains Crawford. "Despite our name being the Alzheimer Society, we work with all people with any type of dementia or cognitive impairment."

Statistics are alarming, and the number of diagnoses is on the rise.  The ASM states they have documented some 19,600 Manitobans with some form of dementia right now.  They expect that to grow to close to 39,000 by the year 2050.  "So, it's going to double in a fairly short period of time," she says.

Crawford says their Board of 12 directors represents Manitoba as a whole, representing everybody and everyone's walk of life.  She adds this diversity represents those living in the urban communities and rural areas, the various backgrounds that people in our province have through their family life or work experience, "or even the kinds of experiences they have themselves in their own lives when it comes to dementia."

"Really our goal is to ensure, as a Board and as a whole organization, we are doing the best for all Manitobans," she shares. "And our Board is one of the ways we can help to shape that direction that we go.

"So, we always encourage people to apply. We typically get more applications than we have positions available," adds Crawford. "This is fortunate for us, and I think speaks to the impact that dementia is having in Manitoba, that there are that many people interested in being involved in the work of the Alzheimer Society in helping folks who are facing dementia.

"So, even if people aren't successful one year because there are limited positions available, we always encourage them to apply again. If you've applied in the past, we encourage people to stay involved with our organization and apply again in the future." 

The successful candidate can be elected for a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms. CEO Erin Crawford manages a professional team with an annual operating budget of approximately $3 million and a client base of 5000. Directors and Officers Liability insurance is provided for all ASM board members.

Founded forty years ago, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba exists so that all Manitobans affected by dementia receive the help they need today and have hope for the future. As a province-wide organization, the Society seeks to achieve its mission by supporting individuals and families with First Link education and support programs, building dementia-friendly communities and funding research.

For more information visit their website here!

Interested applicants can forward a cover letter and resume by April 19, 2024 to:

Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Inc.
10 – 120 Donald Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4G2
alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca
Attention: GOVERNANCE NOMINATION COMMITTEE