What is the Elders Council for Parks in British Columbia?
The Elders Council for Parks in BC is an independent society. It is a medium for individuals who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to our parks and protected areas systems in BC to lead or participate in specific volunteer projects to ensure the long term well being of this world class parks system.
How did it get started?
Bob Peart and Chloe O'Loughlin from the BC Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society met with a couple of retirees in March 2004 who had worked with the federal and provincial governments, to float the idea. There was good support, a steering committee was formed, and the society was established in September 2004.
How do you join?
Anyone who has spent much of their career or volunteer life working for parks and protected areas in BC can join if they are prepared to actively lead or contribute to the work and projects of the council. In order to ensure that all of our parks elders can be informed and participate, we have no membership fee. Individuals are encouraged to make a financial contribution to the best of their abilities in order to ensure that the work of Elders Council can be accomplished. Elders may be engaged in fund raising and volunteer recruitment as part of their project involvement.
How many members do you have?
We have identified about 250 potential elders. 175 individuals came to our inaugural launch event and believe that there are others who will want to join the council.
How is the Council structured?
- The five directors are the individuals who signed the society papers and are responsible for the society.
- The steering committee meets every month or so and is composed of the founding directors and project leaders. They adopt, review, support and organize projects.
- The Elders Council are those individuals who step forward and formally express interest in and actively assist the steering committee with accomplishing the goals and objectives of the society.
- The elders are all those individuals who have made a significant and sustained commitment to parks and protected areas in BC.
What are the objectives of the Council?
- To RECOGNISE those who have led and/or continue to lead and foster the creation and continuing stewardship of the parks of British Columbia.
- To BUILD PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING SUPPORT FOR AND COMMITMENT TO the parks of BC.
- To ADVOCATE for the long-term ecological integrity and provision of recreational opportunities within the parks of BC, that can engender appreciation of nature and the outdoors, and encourage healthly lifestyles.
That's a bit of a mouthful, what's the short hand?
To provide folks who have helped to create and build this world-class system with the opportunity to continue to support it when they retire from full time park work or advocacy, through action-based project work.
See our project list and find out how you can get involved.
What is your relationship with the BC Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society?
The Council is a fully independent society and takes no direction from CPAWS. However, it has established an administrative partnership arrangement for CPAWS to assist with organizational and financial services.
How do I make a contribution to the work of the Elders Council for parks in BC?
Simply send your donation to CPAWS-BC clearly marked "for the Elders Council of BC". This money will be held for the specific use of the Elders Council. Until we receive charitable status, a tax receipt for your donation will be issued by CPAWS.
Elders Council for Parks in British Columbia
410 - 698 Seymour St.
Vancouver, BC V6B 3K6
tel: 604-685-7445
fax: 604-629-8532
Down load the free all-in-one form (pdf 17kb) to register, make a finalcial contribution or get involved with a project. |
