Who We Are
The New West Neighbourhood House is currently operating out of the hall at the St. Barnabas Parish. In 2025 the two organizations signed an agreement that illustrates their partnership in use of the space and continued relationship.
We are dedicated to creating a welcoming space where everyone can connect and feel a genuine sense of belonging and friendship. We approach our work with curiosity and trust, listening more than speaking, and honouring the unique experiences of all community members. We are also guided by an asset-based community development ethos – focusing on the strengths, skills, and relationships that already exist within our community and working together to support their growth.
In the last two years, the New West Neighbourhood House (NWNH) has been growing as a community hub and inviting neighbours to our monthly Welcome Dinners. We have been developing our internal policies, programming plan for 2026 and a membership drive.
Our programs are designed to strengthen community connections by creating welcoming spaces where people can come together and feel a sense of belonging. At our community dinners, neighbours recognize one another, share stories, and build relationships. Through the simple act of gathering over a meal, we are fostering connection, mutual support, and gradually establishing a reputation as a trusted food hub in the neighbourhood.
With initial funding from the Alexandra Foundation and the City of New Westminster, we have been able to develop the NWNH and offer our programs to community members. We’re now inviting community members to join us. We’re seeking Board Circle Members as well as volunteers who want to support the ongoing development of the Neighbourhood House.
Join our Board Circle
We are seeking community-focused individuals to join our Board Circle!
Who We Are:
We’re a group of like-minded folk who are enthusiastic about our volunteer work as Board of Directors for the New West Neighbourhood House. We are parents, educators, professionals, advocates for social justice and (mostly) all live here in the neighbourhood! We are currently looking for more board members to join our board circle.
The New West Neighbourhood House is operating as a sociocracy model. Sociocracy is a system of organizational governance that emphasizes collaboration, equality, and effectiveness. Decisions are made by consent rather than majority vote, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and no objections are ignored.
Sociocracy promotes transparency, accountability, and shared leadership, making it especially effective for mission-driven, collaborative organizations.
What is a Board Circle you ask?
In sociocracy, the Board Circle is a top-level governance circle responsible for setting the organization’s long-term vision, purpose, and overall strategy. It connects the operational circles with the organisation’s mission and external stakeholders.
Key roles and functions:
- Sets direction and priorities for the entire organization.
- Links to outside stakeholders (e.g., funders, legal/regulatory bodies).
- Receives input from and gives guidance to the General Circle (operations).
- Makes high-level policy decisions, such as finances, compliance, and mission alignment.
All decisions are made by consent, not majority vote, and roles are selected by peer election within the circle.
Position: Member of the Board Circle
We are looking for folks with values-alignment with the New West Neighbourhood House and an interest in applying their knowledge, strong communication skills and leadership to the Board Circle. Experience with non-profits, and/or knowledge of the Brow of the Hill neighbourhood are assets. See below for more info on the role of board members.
About our Organization:
The New West Neighbourhood House is a small but growing community-based organization that was founded in 2024 to support local residents to gather, learn, and connect. It offers a variety of programs and services, such as educational workshops, recreational activities, social support, and cultural events, tailored to the needs of the community.
New West Neighbourhood House holds our meetings and events on the unceded and unsurrendered land of Halq’eméylem / hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. We recognize that this acknowledgement is a tiny piece in the larger context of the ongoing work that must be done to challenge the legacies of colonialism and create palpable, disruptive change and true reconciliation.
To learn more about the New West Neighbourhood House please visit us at www.newwestnh.ca.
Our Approach to Community Development
As a new organization, the New West Neighbourhood House saw an opportunity to challenge the status quo and structure themselves differently from a traditional non-profit organization that was more in line with our values of inclusion and community development. As a result, we have adopted the sociocracy model of governance.
The Board Circle is unique in that it holds the fiduciary responsibility for the organization, but delegates decision-making to the Middle Circle to ensure a flatter, more inclusive, and less hierarchical approach to our work.
There is a certain ‘culture’ that is strongly evident in NWNH’s Board. Do you see these skills and values in yourself?
- Diversity Reflective of the Community: The NWNH Board focuses on elevating the cultural diversity of our team. It is vital that the strategic goals of the organization are consistent with and reflective of those in our community.
- Consensus Bias: The Board has always strived toward consensus decision making. All issues relating to key decisions are discussed thoroughly, and most often resolved prior to the decision being taken. Concerns are addressed such that the majority of the decisions are unanimous.
- Mutual Respect: Board members are all peers, regardless of background and personalities. Discussion and decisions are made objectively, with a respect for everyone’s viewpoint. Egos are checked at the door.
- Having Fun!: There is an overall casual, friendly atmosphere at NWNH’s Board. It is exciting and rewarding to participate or contribute at all levels of NWNH’s operation, and the Board is no exception.
Time commitment:
The New West Neighbourhood House Board is a working Board and it is expected that members play a very active role in the regular and ongoing work of the organization. We are looking for individuals who can contribute between 10 – 20 hours per month between their work on the Board Circle and supporting other Circles.
Ideally you would be interested in continuing on the NWNH board for the full-term of 3 years. Board members need to commit to meeting on the third Friday of each month. Anyone interested in more details on the position can contact Mary Trentadue at admin@newwestnh.ca.
The role of the Board is:
- To help establish NWNH’s mission and direction, and to lead us there
- To help provide continuity for management and administration
- To help provide an overall policy framework for running of the House
- To communicate NWNH’s identity to the community at large
- To serve on a Circle (Sustainability, Governance, and Strategic Planning)
How to apply:
Please send use an email outlining your interest to admin@newwestnh.ca
The New West Neighbourhood House exists to support and encourage different identities, lived experiences and perspectives, they make our neighbourhoods more vibrant and alive. As part of this, we recognize there may be skills comparable but different than those in this posting and welcome applications for those who have the skills and knowledge to meaningfully engage with our diverse communities.