The CCR serves the networking, information-exchange and advocacy needs of our members. (For information on additional membership categories and how to apply, select one of the options in the lefthand menu).
As a CCR member, you receive all of these membership benefits and more:
- Contribute to a recognized, national and collective voice in dialogue with the Canadian government
-
Raise the volume on issues affecting refugees and other vulnerable migrants at meetings - in-person and at a distanceBring forward new issues and concerns for advocacy and change
- Changes in family sponsorship rules
- Access to services and information for protection for trafficked persons
- Access to services and strengthened rights of migrant workers
- Changes to healthcare for refugees
Offer input for CCR reports, projects, cross-country committees and activities, and contributions in national and international forums
Highlight cases that point to the need for policy changes
Vote as a member steers CCR policy positions. CCR members can also nominate candidates for election to the CCR Executive Committee
Support interventions by the pro-bono Legal Affairs Committee in key Federal Court and Supreme Court cases.
“In cases involving children who are separated from their parents and at risk, I ask the Canadian Council for Refugees to additionally advocate with Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the impact is always obvious. In one such case a young boy from the DRC was reunited with his mother within 6 months, after she had been trying for over 5 years on her own to get him here.”
– Jennie Stone, Inter Clinic Immigration Working Group, Toronto
- Receive the latest updates and receiving regular policy analysis and practical resources
-
Regular communications with analyses of policy changes, up-to-date information and tools to help with grassroots advocacy and public education efforts
- Messages to CCR members via online accounts
- Issue-based email updates
- National listserve (CCRLIST)
- Monthly electronic newsletter (CCR Chronicle)
"It’s an expression I never use, but now I must: what happened last evening was “totally awesome”! I sent off an urgent question on the CCRLIST, then I dashed off to the airport to meet new arrivals. When I returned home after midnight, there on my computer was an explosion of email responses – all helpful. I couldn’t believe it, but there it was. Even in the evening hours you are on duty! What an amazing community on this listserve! Thank you so much! Now this morning we have something to work with."
– Tom Denton, Hospitality House, Winnipeg
- Access networking and professional development opportunities across Canada
-
As a member you have access to exclusive professional development opportunities with the CCR for staff, volunteers and board members include:
- Free participation in CCR webinars and online national discussions. Our webinars are based on our members' needs, with experts discussing selected topics applicable to daily work with refugees and other vulnerable migrants
“As a Crisis Counselor working with immigrants faced with multiple and complex problems such legal, mental health, domestic violence, I need to provide general information about possible impact of these problems on their immigration status and refer them to appropriate resources. CCR webinars provide an opportunity to keep up-to-date with immigration trends, polices and laws and also a safe space for discussion and sharing of experiences.”
– Mira Musanovic, Crisis Intervention Counsellor, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), Halifax
- Lower registration rates at CCR Consultations - national conferences every spring and fall.
“CCR Consultations are an amazingly important opportunity to network and connect with other folks from across Canada who are passionate about welcoming refugees.
As a small group of volunteers dedicated to sponsoring and resettling refugees to our small, rural, interior B.C. communities, we treasure CCR Consultations as an opportunity to learn about what's new in the refugee world, find strength in our allies, hear what is happening in the cities and share what is happening in our little part of rural Canada. We return revitalized and inspired by the courage and commitment of the brilliant refugee advocacy community we meet at CCR Consultations.”
– Shauna Jimenez, East Kootenay Friends of Refugees Society, Kimberley BC
Access to the members-only area of ccrweb.ca through web-based accounts, with practical resources for frontline workers, outreach tools and more.- Access to the CCR Youth Network for newcomer youth looking to connect with like-minded peers as a part of a national network to address common issues and challenges.
- Gain visibility for your organization and strengthen the impact of your work
-
CCR members benefit from national promotion opportunities, including:- A customizable organization profile on the CCR website for others to see
- Promote your organization's activities at CCR Consultations
- Participating in actions at many levels – from local to international - that have an impact on refugees and other vulnerable migrants
- Comment in the media and resources such as talking points and model social media posts for your own media work
- Exchange and build working relationships with individuals and organizations involved in similar work
“As a faith based organization that sponsors refugees, we feel strongly about injustices such as threatening to lower the age of dependency for refugee children, but we can't take effective action on our own. The OPS working group gives us a place to work together with like-minded people to share information and pursue justice for refugees.”
– Rose Dekker, former Overseas Protection and Sponsorship Working Group co-chair and World Renew Refugee Coordinator
Click here to apply for CCR membership
Learn more about the CCR, how you can get involved and about CCR membership benefits.
Know an individual or an organization that would make a great CCR member? Share these reasons to join the CCR with them.