Join Green Communities Canada
Green Communities Canada Membership
As approved by the Green Communities Canada Board of Directors: 29 November 200
General definition of a GC member. Green Communities Canada is the Canadian umbrella group for non-profit community-based organizations that deliver environmental programs and services. GC membership is subject to acceptance by the GC Board, and members are subject to ejection as provided in Article 40 of By-law 1. Members must meet the following criteria (see Full and Associate Membership policy for further details on the application of these criteria to the two tiers of membership):
- non-profit
- accordance with existing GC policies - formal endorsement, including GC mission and values
- community-based - based within the community served by the member, serving a defined territory that will generally conform to appropriate municipal boundaries, with a community board of directors, and local partnerships
- environmental - delivers environmental programs and services, preferably over a range of environmental program areas, to individuals, households and the community
- results-oriented - focussed on action and measurable results
- demonstrated organizational capacity - minimum standards include:
- incorporation
- permanent paid staff and management
- an established board of directors - board is independent of paid staff
- a broad and substantial community-base, as demonstrated by partnerships, board membership, endorsements, track record, profile, and reputation
- appropriate programming, as evidenced based on past, current, and planned future activities
Responsibilities of the GC. The GC will endeavour to ensure the success of its members within their respective territories, to achieve the ends defined by GC Board policies, through the exercise of functions established by GC Board policies.
Membership development. The GC seeks to grow its membership throughout Canada, consistent with GC membership policies, available resources, and other GC priorities. The GC office will provide limited support, orientation, and guidance to newly forming GC members and existing qualified organizations that wish to join.
Responsibilities of the GC member. The GC member will:
- uphold policies adopted by the GC Board of Directors
- uphold the interests of the GC and its member organizations
- inform the GC office of local activities and significant developments
- share information and resources of value to other members and/or the GC office
- identify and pursue opportunities for program replication, joint programs, and other shared initiatives with the GC office and/or other GC members
- participate in decision-making in accordance with GC policies and by-laws
- provide input to the GC office for planning, policy, and decision-making purposes
- pay membership dues in accordance with GC policies
Promotion and use of the GC name. The GC member will:
- publicize its membership in the GC whenever feasible, with the words: "A member of Green Communities Canada" (GC website URL and logo optional)
- establish a link to the GC website from the GC member website
- support and participate as appropriate in GC communications initiatives
- refrain from issuing statements in the name of the GC and/or other members without authorization, except in accordance with GC policies or programs
Senior partnerships. Except as otherwise agreed, the GC office will manage relations with senior partners, including utilities, governments, businesses, agencies, and other organizations that have or may establish relationships with a significant proportion of GC members. The GC member will coordinate with the GC office to ensure appropriate interactions with senior partners.
Programming. The GC and its member organizations support the objective of full scope environmental programming in all communities, including GC joint programs as locally appropriate, and will cooperate with efforts to ensure their successful delivery. By mutual agreement with existing GC members, or where no local GC member exists, the GC may enter into agreements with suitable non-member organizations for delivery of joint projects. Non-members will be encouraged to become members.
