As a Member of OCASI your agency will have:
Input into OCASI Policy Development, Public Education and Advocacy Activities
- Position papers on current issues that affect the sector.
- Government relations activities at all three levels of government.
- Sectoral representation at various meetings and delegations throughout the province.
- Media coverage and public relations activities.
Have Your Voice Heard
- Nominate candidates to the OCASI Board of Directors and vote at the Annual General Meeting.
- Nominate candidates in your region and vote for Regional Directors.
- Join one of OCASI's committees or working groups.
Training for Immigrant Service Workers
- Over 600 immigrant service workers are trained each year at the Annual Professional Development Conferences and other regional and provincial events.
- Access the Professional Education and Training Project (PET).
Attend the OCASI Executive Director's Forum
OCASI Organizational Standards Initiative
- The purpose of the project is to facilitate dialogue on organizational standards and develop capacity building tools for immigrant and refugee serving organizations in Ontario as we strive to be optimally responsive, innovative, effective, well respected and accountable to immigrants & refugees, staff, partners, and funders. The project has piloted the Online Organizational Self-Assessment Tool.
Access to Your Colleagues
- Your agency profile will be listed in the OCASI Membership Directory and distributed throughout the province and posted on the OCASI website.
- Receive first notices and invitations to OCASI educational and information sharing events.
- Your agency has been included in the OCASI Issues List (a discussion forum for members only).
Access to OCASI's Publications
- OCASI Newsletter
- OCASI Issue Updates.
- Settlement AtWork Online Newsletter
How to Become an OCASI Member
OCASI has two categories of membership - Full Voting and Associate.
Membership Criteria
In order to qualify for membership, interested agencies must meet the following membership criteria:
A full voting member of OCASI:
- Is a non-profit, community based organization incorporated in Ontario for at least 1 year. Excludes municipalities, universities, schools, hospitals and organizations whose primary function is the enforcement of laws (i.e. Children's Aid Services, Police)
- Must have an elected Board of Directors or is guided by a decision-making structure which is elected or endorsed by its membership
- Is willing to endorse and actively demonstrate OCASI's mission and principles as outlined
- Does carry out a substantial level of activity in the interests of immigrants and refugees in at least one of the following:
- Social service delivery
- Public education
- Social planning
- Involve immigrants and/or refugees in decision making. (e.g. Board of Directors, Board Committees, Senior Management or Advisory Committees)
An associate, non-voting member of OCASI:
- Must be an organization incorporated in Ontario or Federally for at least 1 year
- Does endorse and actively demonstrate commitment to OCASI's mission and principles as outlined
- Must undertake one of the following in the interests of immigrants and refugees:
- Social service delivery
- Public education
- Social planning
- Involve immigrants and/or refugees in decision making. (e.g. Board of Directors, Board Committees, Senior Management or Advisory Committees)
To Apply
Interested agencies need to fill out the Membership Application Form. Then mail it to:
Membership Services Coordinator
OCASI
110 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario
M4R 1A3
The OCASI Membership Committee and Board of Directors considers applications quarterly. Applicant agencies are notified in writing of the membership decision.