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 Leaders' Forum
- The annual Leaders' Forum is an opportunity for sector leaders to engage in open dialogue on sectoral priorities, issues and concerns with their peers, and with representatives from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and other stakeholders.
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 classes of members:
a) Member Agencies (Full voting members of OCASI)
b) Associate Member Agencies (Non voting members of OCASI)
Municipalities, colleges, universities, school boards and hospitals are not eligible for OCASI membership.
Membership Criteria
(a) Member Agencies – (full voting member)
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be organized and operated on a non-profit basis and have been organized for at least one year before the date of their application for membership;
- Have an elected board of directors or such other decision-making structure which is elected by its membership;
- Actively demonstrate a commitment to OCASI’s mission and principles;
- Have a substantial focus of services and activities in the interests of immigrants or refugees or both, in at least one of the following:
- Social service delivery
- Public education
- Social planning
- Involve immigrants and refugees in their decision-making (e.g. Board of Directors, Board Committees, Senior Management or Advisory Committees).
(b) Associate Members (non-voting member)
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be organized and operated on a non-profit basis and have been incorporated in the Province of Ontario or federally for at least one year before the date of its application for membership;
- Have an elected board of directors or such other decision-making structure which is elected by its membership;
- Actively demonstrate a commitment to OCASI’s mission and principles;
- Have a stated interest in or, as part of their work and activity, provide some incidental service to or in connection with the interests of immigrants or refugees or both, in at least one of the following:
- Social service delivery
- Public education
- Social planning
- Involve immigrants and refugees in their 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.