North Shore Chapter Seeking New Board Members
CARP is in the process of rebuilding the executive group of the North Shore Vancouver Chapter. Current or prospective CARP members interested in joining the new Board, or seeking more information about CARP in your community are invited to contact:
Anthony Quinn
Manager, Community Development
a.quinn@carp.ca
1-888-363-2279 x.224
Some information about CARP in the Community
CARP Chapters: “Club Houses” for Canadian Zoomers
The ABCs of CARP
• Advocacy. CARP is first and foremost an advocacy organization with a social mission, functioning as a national non-profit, non-partisan association advancing and protecting the interests and rights of Canada’s Zoomers
• Benefits. In addition to the satisfaction that comes with supporting the social mission, it is important to provide value-added benefits in products and services with membership in CARP
• Community. Building a strong sense of community (local, national and international) through a network of committed and engaged chapters is key to the success of CARP.
Chapters represent CARP’s national infrastructure
To support and advance its mission, CARP needs a strong, active network ofChapters throughout the country. Our Chapters’ leadership and commitment to volunteerism is an invaluable resource that strengthens CARP and its members. Chapters not only provide a means of extending CARP’s objectives and presence at the community level, they are, in effect, “Club Houses” for CARP members. They provide an organizing principle for members to collectively develop ideas and activities; take leadership roles in their communities; promote volunteer service and partner with others.
Chapters facilitate the lines of communication between the national office and members throughout the country and help keep members informed and involved in the policies and priorities of the organization.
CARP’s Chapters provide a means for members to get involved in CARP’s mission at the local level, providing a relationship between members, communities and the National programs and services.
Chapters provide a means for members to put their talent, creativity, energy, knowledge and sense of community-spirit to work in the service of their community and on behalf of Zoomers throughout the country.
All of which make communities with Chapters better places to live.
Chapters advance CARP’s mission, programs and activities in a range of ways, including:
• Community Service
• Leadership
• Advocacy
• Communication
• Recruitment
• Fellowship
• Education
One of the objectives of the Chapters is to promote CARP’s healthy image of ageing by demonstrating community-based vitality, creativity and leadership.
Measures of Success (This applies to Chapters and the National organization)
• Is the membership growing and stable?
• Do members express a high degree of satisfaction with the activities and
accomplishments?
• Do we maintain a positive image and is CARP perceived as a valuable
resource in their community?
• Is there an effort to identify and encourage future leadership?
Chapter excellence involves activity in key areas:
• Membership—creating a welcoming environment for current and potential members.
• Programming—providing creative programs, topics and guest speakers related to the strategic mission, and partner with other like-minded organizations.
• Community Service—identifying service opportunities and initiatives that are of value in the community.
• Leadership Development—providing opportunities for members’ skills and talents, with a focus on teamwork, to be utilized in the service of the Chapter.
• Strategic goals—create a framework or plan for more than one year and set benchmarks for success.
Common Chapter activities include:
• Education sessions (Health, Finances, Diversity, Advocacy, etc.)
• Lifestyle, Health and Wellness Fairs (fund raisers)
• Support for National Advocacy campaigns
• Leadership and advocacy training
• Influencing municipal, provincial and federal councils and legislatures
• Social Networking and Events (its important for Zoomers to have fun)
• Membership generation and renewal events
• Community support activities (job fairs, volunteer fairs, blood donor clinics,
community fitness programs, environmental initiatives, etc.)
CARP & Chapter Values:
• Strive for excellence
• Support committed individuals
• Leadership by example
• Commitment to the values of integrity, honesty and mutual respect
• Respect diversity of needs, interests and contributions
• Demonstrate social responsibility in our actions.
Our strategic membership goal is to have a million members by the end of 2010.
Target demographics
• Younger Members, 45-65
• Traditional CARP Members, largely 65+
• Diverse Populations, Ethno-Cultural groups
• Individuals in Different Life Stages (Still working, semi-retired, “Sandwich Generation”)
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Ross Mayot
