As a member, you and your organization will benefit from your peers’ shared knowledge and experience. You will also contribute to the sector’s growth by sharing your expertise and experiences with your colleagues.

Membership is available to Canadian non-profits that support families and individuals through community social services.

Dues

$470 up to $3,500 per year, depending on your agency’s annual operating budget. The membership year is from April 1 to March 31.

Criteria

To be eligible for a Family Service Canada Membership, an organization must

• function primarily to strengthen family and individual life in Canada by providing counselling, family education, or prevention services or through the improvement of the social environment;
• be organized as a Canadian not-for-profit;
• governed by a voluntary board of directors; and
• be supported in whole or in part by voluntary funds.

A principal member may also be a division or agency of the Government of Canada with any one or more of the primary functions listed above.

Membership Benefits

Networking

Open the door to new relationships with a diverse group of colleagues across Canada. Each of us brings different skills and perspectives, but we all lead family-serving agencies. You can gain relevant and ongoing opportunities for inspiration, idea-sharing, and problem-solving.

No more working in isolation

More than networking, membership with Family Service Canada can help you create deeper connections with other Executive Directors. We can support you and help boost your confidence when challenges arise in your organization.

Nationwide communication

Gain access to online, interactive communication tools, including a member-only resource library. We’re always working to create opportunities for members to share ideas, identify emerging issues, and participate in ongoing dialogue about current challenges with colleagues in other parts of Canada.

National perspective

Many of our members have noticed changes often appear in one region before trending across the country. Collaborating with agencies in other parts of the country can help you prepare for growing issues. Applying what others have learned can help you address challenges at your local or regional level.

Support for new or upcoming leaders

Each of us who is an executive director or CEO knows the excitement and the challenge of stepping into that role for the first time. Membership can help you connect with seasoned leaders of community-based social service agencies who can offer experience, guidance, and other useful insights.

Community of Learning

Our annual Community of Learning provides for in-person interactions, learning opportunities, dialogues, leadership training for up-and-coming staff, and information sharing. Members benefit from one free seat at the conference, making it easier to bring your second in command or your successor.

Governance experience

Members can serve on the board of Family Service Canada and gain a wealth of governance experience through leadership on a national board. Interested members stand for election at the Annual General Meeting, held each autumn.

Voting rights

Principal membership comes with full voting privileges at the Annual General Meeting. Claim your voice in the strategic directions of Family Service Canada to ensure it continues to meet your needs and remains relevant to your organization’s work.

Share job postings

Access new circles of talent. Let your colleagues know about job opportunities in your agency through our job post distribution system.

Consideration to be an FSEAP provider

Members can apply for consideration to become FSEAP providers in their area. There are specific criteria that need to be met. More details are available by contacting [email protected].

Rights to use the FSC logo

Collaboration is becoming increasingly important in the sector. Use of the FSC logo in your print or online materials can signal to funders or governments your commitment to working closely with others to improve client service.