CMHA/PEI Division Membership Update

As part of the responsibilities that come with being a division of the CMHA National organization, divisions and branches across the country have participated in a task force that reviewed CMHA’s membership structure, with the intention of establishing consistent membership criteria throughout Canada.  

As a result of that review, CMHA/PEI Division is now undertaking a Membership Campaign with the goal of establishing a solid membership base that will help support our organization in its delivery of mental health program, education and advocacy services across our province. 

To establish that membership base, we need your help.  If you have been a direct supporter of CMHA in the past, you will receive a membership information package in the mail during October/05.  For those who receive this package, please take the time to read it and respond.  However, we know there are many people out there who support our activities but who will not receive the mailed package.  We ask that you take the time to read the information we provide here, complete a membership form (28k - pdf file) and mail it to us.

For the first time ever, we are setting up a membership fee.  There will be a split fee structure ... an annual fee of $20 for a general membership and an annual fee of $2.50 for those with limited income.  Simply indicate your category on the membership form.  The benefits, rights and responsibilities associated with CMHA membership will be the same for all.

Following is an open letter from our President at the time, Charlene Duffy, which explains why we are moving to a more formal membership structure and also explains some of the benefits of becoming a member of CMHA.

October, 2005   Friends of Mental Health Prince Edward Island   Canadian Mental Health Association/PEI Division Membership   Dear Potential Member;   In accordance with CMHA National’s Membership Policy, CMHA/PEI Division is in the process of initiating a formal membership structure, including the use of membership fees.  Our annual general membership fee will be $20/person, or $2.50/person for people with limited income.  Our year will extend from one Annual General Meeting to the next (usually held in late October).   Membership adds credibility to any organization.  Even though most Islanders recognize our name and have seen our messages, when it comes to getting support for programs and having the flexibility to deliver services where they are needed, it is important for us to be able to translate this recognition factor into membership numbers.  We believe members are vital to the success of our Association.  The more members our Association has, the greater our opportunity to inform, educate and work with the community we serve.  You can make a difference in the lives of people who are at risk or in the lives of those who have a mental illness, and their families and friends, just by becoming a member of CMHA/PEI Division.   In addition to the services offered to the general public, as a member you will receive: a CMHA/PEI Division (provincial) membership card education/information publications such as our newsletter, annual report and other materials invitations to special CMHA events voting privileges at the Division AGM opportunities for personal development by being an active member or volunteering your time A membership form is linked and the form can be printed and mailed to our Division office or dropped off at any one of our Charlottetown, Summerside or Alberton offices.  In addition, you will have an opportunity to sign on at our Annual General Meeting scheduled for October 27 in Summerside.  For your information, a flyer for the AGM is linked that will give you an overview of our planned program for the evening.    We ask you to please indicate your support for our work by becoming a CMHA member. Your membership will send a clear message to our funders in the public and private sector that CMHA is valued across this province.   Thank you very much for your consideration … and for helping us make mental health matter to all Islanders.     Yours truly, Charlene Duffy, President

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