Get Involved

Become an ACAO Member

Belong. Participate. Help Shape Our Future.

The African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO) brings together individuals, families, community leaders and organizations committed to the wellbeing and advancement of African, Caribbean and Black communities in Ottawa and the National Capital Region.

Becoming a paid member means more than supporting ACAO's work. It gives you a voice in the organization, connects you to a growing community network and allows you to help shape ACAO's priorities and future direction.

Become an Individual Member Become an Organizational Member

$25 / yearIndividual Membership

$50 / yearOrganizational Membership

One yearMembership is valid for one year and must be renewed annually to remain active.

One representativeEach organizational member may designate one authorized representative to vote on its behalf.

Membership Benefits

What membership gives you.

Each organizational member may designate one authorized representative to participate and vote on its behalf at ACAO membership meetings, in accordance with ACAO's bylaws.

Individual Membership

Benefits of Individual Membership

As an individual member in good standing, you can:

Attend, participate in and vote at ACAO Annual General Meetings and other meetings of members.
Help elect ACAO's Board of Directors.
Be considered for nomination or election to the BoardSubject to ACAO's bylaws and eligibility requirements.
Have a voice in decisions concerning ACAO's priorities, governance and future direction.
Participate in members' consultations, committees, working groups and community initiatives.
Receive information about ACAO programs, events, volunteer opportunities and community activities.
Connect with community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, organizations and other members of the African diaspora.
Contribute ideas and lived experience to ACAO's advocacy and systems-change work.
Demonstrate your commitmentTo building a stronger, more connected and empowered community.

Become an Individual Member

Organizational Membership

Benefits of Organizational Membership

As an organizational member in good standing, your organization can:

Designate an authorized representativeTo attend, participate in and vote at ACAO Annual General Meetings and other meetings of members.
Help elect ACAO's Board of DirectorsAnd contribute to important governance decisions.
Participate in consultationsThat help shape ACAO's priorities, advocacy positions and community initiatives.
Connect and collaborateWith ACAO's network of African, Caribbean and Black community organizations.
Identify opportunitiesFor partnership, joint programming, community outreach and collective advocacy.
Share relevant community informationEvents and opportunities through appropriate ACAO channels, subject to ACAO's communication guidelines.
Participate in committeesWorking groups and collaborative community initiatives.
Strengthen its visibilityAnd relationships within the broader African Canadian community.
Contribute to a coordinated voiceOn issues affecting African, Caribbean and Black communities.
Receive timely informationAbout relevant programs, consultations, events and opportunities.

Become an Organizational Member ›

Governance

Your membership gives you a voice.

ACAO is accountable to its members. Paid members in good standing can participate in the Annual General Meeting, receive organizational updates, vote on matters presented to the membership and help elect the Board of Directors.

Membership provides a meaningful opportunity to influence ACAO's governance and ensure that its priorities reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves. Voting and governance rights are exercised in accordance with ACAO's bylaws, policies and membership eligibility requirements. An organizational member exercises its vote through its designated authorized representative.

Why It Matters

Why membership fees matter.

Membership fees help ACAO maintain strong governance, communicate with members, organize membership meetings and continue building a sustainable organization that serves and advocates for the community.

Your membership is both an investment in ACAO and a statement that you believe in collective action, community leadership and lasting change.

Join Today

Membership Year

Membership year and renewal.

Membership is valid for one year and must be renewed annually to remain active. To vote at an Annual General Meeting or other meeting of members, membership fees must be paid and the member must be in good standing by the applicable eligibility or record date established under ACAO's bylaws and meeting procedures. Organizational members are responsible for keeping the name and contact information of their authorized representative up to date.

Choose your membership

Select Individual ($25/year) or Organizational ($50/year) below.

Complete payment

Pay securely online with Stripe to activate your membership.

Stay in good standing

Membership fees must be paid to be eligible to vote by ACAO's record date.

Renew annually

Renew each year to keep your membership and voting rights active.

Join ACAO Today

Whether you're an individual or an organization, there's a place for you.

Whether you are an individual who wants to contribute your voice or an organization seeking deeper community collaboration, there is a place for you within ACAO.

Individual Membership — Annual fee: $25.
Organizational Membership — Annual fee: $50.
Payment is processed securely through Stripe.

Individual Membership — $25/year

Organizational Membership — $50/year

Questions About Membership?

If you have questions about eligibility, payment, renewals or organizational representation, please contact ACAO.
African Canadian Association of Ottawa · 200–888 Belfast Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 0Z6
Email: [email protected] · Telephone: 613-663-2940

Contact ACAO

Ready to join ACAO?

200-888 Belfast Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 0Z6 · [email protected] · 613-663-2940

Become a Member