RCD/DRC Membership Information
Purpose of RCD
The purpose of the RCD is to give people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the community to the fullest extent of their ability and to improve their quality of life by working for Inclusion, Independence and Empowerment. The RCD serves as an advisory body and spokes group to local government, business and the community on issues and barriers faced by people with disabilities and through its work has contributed to the overall physical and attitudinal accessibility of the community.
Vision and Mission of DRC
Vision the DRC is a consumer centred organization committed to enabling all people with disabilities in making informed choices, creating opportunities, meeting their goals and reaching their full potential. We offer an empowering, friendly environment where we work to provide quality services that lead to inclusion for people with disabilities and greater public awareness. We achieve our mission by being financially independent with secured corporate and government funding, revenue generating programs and proactive fundraising efforts.
Our Mission Statement To empower people with disabilities to participate in the life of the whole community to the level of their desires and abilities by providing information, resources, support and by increasing community awareness.
Structure
The DRC is a program of the Richmond Committee on Disability (RCD), which is a not-for-profit society incorporated under the BC Society Act (S-34547) and a registered charitable organization under Revenue Canada (BN 88832 8432 RR0001). The RCD Board of Directors is the governance body for the operation of the DRC. Services, activities and events are planned and produced by the Executive Director and staff member of DRC through the service-providing centre, which is a consumer-driven, cross-disability entity. The DRC is a member of the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC), in support of the Independent Living Movement. CAILC is a national organization run by and for persons with disabilities. CAILC and its network promote the Independent Living philosophy that is premised on the belief that all people with disabilities have the skills, determination, creativity and passion for life necessary for full and meaningful inclusion.
The RCD/DRC membership is open to any individual with disabilities, their families, friends and community members who are interested in the promotion of self-determination; any organizations of/for persons with disabilities; any person who provides assistance or services to people with disabilities; or volunteers who contribute their services to the organization.
- Full Voting Member entitle the individual membership to voting privilege at the RCD Annual General Meeting, and become eligible to run for and serve on the RCD Board of Directors.
- Participating Member individual membership to all persons with disabilities to access the services and participate in the activities at the DRC.
- Associate Member individual membership to all person with disabilities, families and friends of persons with disabilities, as well as community members who are interested in self-determination, particularly who are passionate and supportive of the goals and mission of the DRC.
- Organization Member open to any business, professional, government, institutional or community-based entity that is interested in and supportive of the purpose of the RCD.
- Honourary Member any member of society as special recognition for outstanding services rendered to the disability community at large.
All members will receive a Member Initiation Package detailing the services and activities of the DRC, as well as history and information about the RCD. All members are welcome to become involved with the DRC community, and participate in the monthly Centre Committee meeting, which will make recommendation to the RCD Board of Directors regarding directives and governance of the DRC. Members also have free access to the DRC Resource Library, and Information and Networking Services. In addition, there is the option to receive the DRC newsletters and announcements of functions and activities.
Fee Schedule
- Full Voting Member $20 membership fee, renewable on an annual basis, subsidy available or any amount affordable
- Participating Member $5 one-time membership fee, subsidy available or any amount affordable
- Associate Member $5 one-time membership fee, subsidy available or any amount affordable
- Organization Member $20 membership fee, renewable on an annual basis
- Honourary Member free membership, by invitation from the RCD Board only
The Importance of Being a Member
The RCD is dedicated to the full participation of persons with disabilities in the social, economic and cultural life of their communities. We actively support and promote the rights, freedoms, and responsibilities of individuals to determine their own destinies. The DRC is the bridge to the disability community and the site to deliver appropriate services and activities; to increase public awareness of disability and accessibility; as well as broadcast the voice of people with disabilities. By being a RCD/DRC member, you can bring to us and the community at large, the following benefits:
- Contribute your knowledge, experience and insight to the shaping and evolution of the DRC and to the fulfillment of our mandate.
- Provide the RCD/DRC with the coveted broadness of representation of the disability community, both quantitatively and qualitatively.
- Being a source of information on matters related to and act as a voice for people with disabilities.
- Contribute, from the perspective of a person with disabilities, your ideas and opinions on economic, political, social and cultural aspects of the community.
- Suggest, facilitate or support DRC projects, services and activities that may be required to achieve the charitable purposes of the organization.
- 6. Demonstrate your general support for the existence and work of the RCD/DRC and be an active member to lead or ride along the exciting journey by accessing our services, attending functions, participating in committee, or simply showing your moral and financial support.