|
There are many benefits to belonging to your local community association. To understand those of your local membership, please contact your community association. Click here to find your local community.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR ALL AGES – PRESCHOOLERS TO SENIORS
Community Associations offer programs directly or provide support to other organizations offering programs such as Girl Guides or Scouts. Many associations also partner with the City of Calgary to offer such programs as Park n Play and Youth Drop-in programs. Community associations may also provide support services to residents in need such as snow shovelling for seniors.
SPORTS
Community associations offer organized sport opportunity for children and
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Block Watch, Block Parent and bicycle safety programs are examples of how community associations ensure safety in the neighbourhood.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Many events are provided throughout the year which provides families an opportunity to meet others in the community and have some fun. Events include stampede breakfasts, craft fairs, skating parties, recycling days, and many others.
AWARENESS AND RESPONSIVE TO PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
The community association makes every effort to keep track of development and planning proposals in the areas such as transportation, roads, park and playground development, and traffic issues. The City of Calgary often consults with the community association on these issues.
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
The community association communicates to the residents the activities, programs and services that are happening in the community through a regular newsletter.
FACILITY OPERATIONS AND RENTALS
Many community associations operate a facility that is available for programs, meetings, social and private functions. Outdoor ice rinks and tennis facilities are also maintained for the benefit of the community residents.
HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE DISCOUNTS
Membership does have its benefits. Toole Peet Insurance will provide special group rates for all community association members. Click here for your quote today.
REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY ON REGIONAL COMMITTEES AND INITIATIVES
Community association designates represent the community on regional issues of interest such as major parks, major infrastructure projects in the area or social issues.
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
Community associations are created by individuals who want to improve the quality of life for themselves and others in the community. Share the feeling of community pride-become a community association member and volunteer.
In March of 2008, Presidents of local community associations were asked to comment on three questions about membership and the role of the associations. Click each question to see what they said:
In March of 2008, Presidents of local community associations were asked to comment on three questions about membership and the role of the associations. Click each question to see what they said:
Belonging: Why did you get involved in your own community?
- Engage Kids in Sports/Recreation
- Planning Issues that affected my community and surrounding area
- To assist in providing a voice in Community Life
- To build a sense of belonging by getting to know my neighbours
- Developing meaningful associations with people, organization and process
- Improve safety in my community
- Invest in my community by building a better community
- Concerned about transportation issues
- Concerned about environmental issues
- Sense of duty to my community
- Excited by the potential of what a CA can do for a community
- Ability to influence quality of life
Benefits: What benefits does your CA offer its members?
- Having a voice in improving neighbourhood life
- Sense of belonging
- Collaborating with a diverse community
- Input with the city
- Community planning and development input
- Traffic calming input
- A Place to Meet Neighbours and Work Together
- Friendship and Socialization
- A place to share ideas
- Being part of change
- Programs for everyone
- Information sharing through various communications tools (web, newsletter, email, meetings, etc.)
- Enhanced quality of life
- Increased community based amenities
- Support to those in need
- Benefits to membership – discounts at local business and at the CA
- Increased public safety through neighbour input and the support of community policing with the Calgary Police Service
- Ability to influence decision that impacts me and my family
- Ability to address environmental issues
- Source of interesting community history
- Gain skills, knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas
- Improves city hall accountability
- Increased awareness of place in a larger community
- Ability to demonstrate your personal commitment to building a safe, caring and vibrant community
Building: What role can Community Association’s play in building a sense of community
- Give residents a voice – listen to ideas and find creative ways to support those ideas
- Create a feeling of shared values and common interests – stand up for community values
- Act as a resource and the first stop for quality information
- Offer programs and services based on resident needs and interests
- Create a sense of community celebration, pride and identity
- Find ways to recognize residents and volunteers who make a difference
- Find ways to create an inclusive environment
- Make communication job one!
- Look to community resources, the City and others for collaborations and partnerships
- Host events that are inclusive
- Find ways to engage people in community planning – promoting a voice in municipal decisions
- Instill a renewed sense of community
- Partnerships with local businesses
- Promote the notion of safe communities through citizen engagement
- Tell your CA story – celebrate your achievement
- As a board member or CA staff person, reach out and get to know your own neighbours – it is a starting point
- By declaring and articulating a urgency to issues that affect community life
- Building and supporting amenities and facilities that create places for citizen interaction – could be a simple as a community garden
| 
