‍A Commitment to Rights and Relationship

The Independent Rights Advice Service (IRAS) supports individuals detained and receiving involuntary treatment under British Columbia’s Mental Health Act. As a rights-based organization, IRAS is grounded in principles of equity, dignity, and accountability. Its governance approach reflects these same values – centering lived experience, prioritizing accessibility, and operating through decolonized, non-hierarchical structures.

When IRAS first approached me, they were establishing their Governance Committee and looking for facilitation support. They needed someone to guide meeting processes with care, ensure alignment with their values, and create an environment where everyone – regardless of governance experience – could participate meaningfully.

My Role

I began by facilitating monthly Governance Committee meetings, supporting structure and flow while nurturing trust within the group. Over time, my role expanded to include governance advising and the development of materials that would support committee onboarding and continuity.

IRAS wanted more than just well-run meetings. They wanted facilitation that could hold space for real connection, support their Executive Director in surfacing key updates and challenges, and honour the organization’s decolonized model of leadership.

An Approach Grounded in Respect

My facilitation approach was shaped by three guiding commitments:

• Relational Governance: Building trust and inclusion in every meeting
• Structural Support: Creating clear, predictable formats that support participation
• Values Alignment: Ensuring that facilitation decisions reflect IRAS’s mission and leadership model

Practically, this meant:

• Designing inclusive agendas with clear expectations and flow
• Creating space for all voices, particularly those new to governance
• Helping bridge operational realities with strategic oversight
• Developing accessible onboarding materials to support incoming members with care and clarity

What felt uniquely Foxfire about this engagement was the blend of structure and sensitivity – supporting both the human and technical sides of governance.

Outcomes and Ongoing Impact

This is an ongoing collaboration, and the work continues to evolve. So far, our efforts have resulted in:

• Consistent, meaningful meeting structures
• An onboarding process that welcomes new members with clarity and confidence
• Increased alignment between operations and strategic direction
• A stronger, more connected Governance Committee able to offer thoughtful, value-based guidance

IRAS’s commitment to non-hierarchical leadership, accessibility, and lived experience has deeply influenced how I think about governance – and continues to shape how I show up in other spaces.

Reflections

Working with IRAS is a privilege. Their approach to leadership is bold, thoughtful, and grounded in care. Supporting a model that centers those most impacted by the system has pushed me to deepen my own practice, and I’m grateful for the trust they’ve extended to me.

At Foxfire, we don’t just facilitate – we help shape governance spaces where people feel seen, respected, and empowered. Whether you're reimagining structure or refining process, we meet you where you are – with integrity, adaptability, and a commitment to working in a good way.

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