Ways to Be Involved
Membership
Everyone who supports the goals and values of the Empowerment Council (EC) and has been on the receiving end of mental health and/or addiction services is welcome to become an EC voting member. If you support our aims but have not had the personal experience, we welcome you as an ally and a non-voting member. We keep in touch with members through emails, newsletters and updates to the website.
CAMH EVP Communications, Susan Gapka, EC Chair.
Consultations
The EC speaks for the collective voice of service users. We do this through engagement via meetings, large and small and talk to people one on one – online, by telephone or in person. These consultations are open to all service users whether EC members or not. Through our work, we aim to prioritize under privileged and disadvantaged service users who have historically been excluded from shaping and participating in these processes.
Privacy
Your conversations with us are confidential, and will not be revealed without your permission.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is where members hear the annual summary of EC activities, the financial report, and elect half the Board.
Volunteering
EC volunteers assist with office management, consultations, research, attend meetings, etc. Lawyers have donated time representing and advising the EC.
“…those of us with lived experience are best positioned to address the systemic gaps in mental health and addiction services. Doing this work with the EC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
– Ash Mogg,
Empowerment Council Board Member
The EC Board
The Empowerment Council (EC) Board directs the Executive Director and sets policy for the EC. Members interested in joining can apply to run for the Board and stand for election at the AGM. The Board has two-year terms, so every year half the Board members are elected.