Introducing Our New Membership: A Stronger Voice for the SCI Community

I am thrilled to share some exciting news that will help us build a stronger, more united voice for those living with spinal cord injuries across Ontario. We are officially launching SCIO’s new Membership program, a crucial step forward that reflects our commitment to empowering the community we serve.

Why Membership Matters

From our earliest days, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario was built on the voices of people with spinal cord injuries, their families, and caregivers who believed in the power of advocacy and community support. With the introduction of our updated Membership, we are returning to our roots in a way that will have a lasting impact.

This new Membership structure, developed in response to recent updates to our by-laws, aims to be more inclusive and representative of our community. Members now have the opportunity to influence SCIO’s direction by participating in board elections, voting on critical organizational priorities, and shaping the strategic initiatives that drive our mission forward.

Who Can Become a Member?

Our membership is open to those who:

• Are 16 years or older
• Live in Ontario
• Have an SCI, are a family member of someone with an SCI, or are an unpaid caregiver (including chosen family members who are emotionally and physically invested in the care of someone with an SCI)
• Alternatively, qualify as Directors of our Board

This refined definition is intentionally inclusive, acknowledging the diverse ways people support one another in the SCI community, especially those who don’t fit traditional definitions of family.

Member Benefits

As a member of SCIO, you’ll have a direct say in our governance and the opportunity to:

• Elect board members who will represent your interests
• Vote on priorities that impact our services and advocacy work
• Attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM), where your voice can help shape our future

Beyond governance, members are also an essential part of our advocacy efforts. Together, we can push for improved access, better funding for support services, and systemic policy changes that enhance the quality of life for people with SCI.

More Ways to Get Involved

While membership is a powerful way to make a difference, there are many other opportunities to engage with SCIO:

• Give Your Time: Volunteer or become a peer mentor to support those in our community.
• Give Your Voice: Advocate for policy change and help connect SCIO with key stakeholders in your community and government.
• Give a Hand: Support our fundraising initiatives, whether by giving a gift or helping us form meaningful partnerships that bridge the gap between government funding and community needs.

For more details about the impact we’ve had over the past year, I encourage you to read our 2024 Annual Report

Join Us in Shaping the Future

Becoming a member of SCIO means joining a community dedicated to driving change and supporting one another. We need your voice, your passion, and your commitment to ensure that we can continue to advocate for better services, funding, and access for all. To learn more or to sign up today, please visit https://sciontario.org/about/membership/

Thank you for your ongoing support and for being an essential part of our journey. Together, we can make a lasting impact.