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Get Involved

Show your support for FSI’s values and beliefs. Become a member or a volunteer Resource Parent/Peer (RP) today!

Volunteer

Would you like to support other families faced with similar circumstances to you and your family? Are you looking to mentor others on their journey? Are you interested in finding ways to celebrate diversity with other families? Become a Resource Parent/Peer.

Benefits of volunteering with FSI


FSI MEMBERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER RESOURCE PARENT

What is the difference?

As an FSI volunteer Resource Parent/Peer (RP), you have formally agreed to join a network where you will be called upon to offer 1-1 support to families across the province. 

Volunteers: 

  • Mentor and coach;
  • Guide families to resources;
  • Attend meetings, take notes, debrief
  • Listen and learn.

FSI membership demonstrates support of FSI’s work.

Members are invited to an AGM and, if eligible, enjoy voting rights.

The people who are eligible to vote at the FSI AGM are family members to persons with a disability.

Membership sign up

So, I’m not automatically an FSI member when I become an RP?

Correct. Becoming an RP is separate from becoming an FSI member. However, we do encourage all RPs to become members and have their voices heard!

Am I required to be a member in order to be a volunteer Resource Parent?

No, there is no requirement to be a member in order to volunteer. These two things are not related.

Membership

Having a membership gives you the right to vote and have your voice heard at our Annual General Meeting. Show your support for our values and beliefs.

Membership Options

For families and individuals:
1 year = $25; 2 year $45; 3 year $60; 4 year $75; 5 year $90

For non-profits and government agencies:
1 year = $60; 2 year $110; 3 year $150; 4 year $180; 5 year $200

For corporations and businesses:
1 year = $100; 2 year $190; 3 year $270; 4 year $340; 5 year $400

Membership Sign-up 

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Voting Rights
A voting membership shall be limited to Persons with a disability and/or people related to a Person with a disability by blood, marriage, common law marriage or adoption. Please select Yes below if you meet this requirement, or No if you do not.
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Organizational / Corporate Memberships
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Donation Total: $25.00

Donate

When you donate to FSI you are helping us to support families all over BC.

Your donation goes towards strengthening our volunteer network with training, networking opportunities and assisting our peer mentors to be equipped to take complex calls.

Your funds can be directed towards advocacy, family support, peer networking, workshop development and mentorship. Your contribution can also help to ensure that our database is current, and that our computers have up to date software to we can keep all our records safe, secure and confidential.

FSI makes every effort for our work to be sustainable over time so your financial contribution will be long lasting and go towards many families who are in need of supports.

Every donation counts and your help is very much appreciated! When you donate we can offer you a tax receipt right into your inbox!

Thank you for considering a donation to FSI today.

Ways to Donate

CanadaHelps.org

CanadaHelps will send you a tax receipt as soon as your donation is processed. Your donation goes straight to FSI.

Donate a Car

Donate a Car Canada accepts vehicle donations for FSI. Working or not, old or new, donate your vehicle to this program and FSI will benefit. 

Offline methods

For offline methods such as cash or cheque, please complete this form and mail it to the FSI office.

FSI website

Donate directly from our website one time (or monthly) using a credit card or Paypal account through our website. Your personal information will be stored behind secure encryption. 

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Organizational / Corporate Donations
If you have donated on behalf of an organization or corporation, please let us know which. If not, leave this field blank.
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Personal Info

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This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.
Billing Details

Donation Total: $50.00 One Time

Leave a Legacy

Have you ever wondered about the future and what it might bring to families with family members with a disability? You can make a difference by designating the Family Support Institute of BC Society as your charity of choice when considering leaving a gift through your will or any other gift planning instrument (like the Leave a Legacy program). Through our volunteer network FSI has supported tens of thousands of families over the past 30+ years – building a better quality of life for families in communities throughout BC.

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Enrich People’s Lives

Every day families with family members with a disability are supported by the FSI office or through our volunteer Resource Parent/Peer network, ensuring that families receive the support they deserve and need.

Provide Support

Financial assistance is essential to support and sustain the charitable work of FSI. Many people generously give their money, time and energy to FSI and are unaware that by leaving a gift in their will or estate plan, they can continue to help families in need.

Leave A Memory

Choosing to leave a gift from the heart brings meaning, dignity and purpose to a life well lived. This is your opportunity to participate in the charitable and community work most meaningful to you, in a way that allows important causes like FSI to be well supported now and long after you are gone.

Build the Future

Many of us require some kind of assistance - physical, financial or spiritual. Maybe you were given a scholarship that made the dream of post-secondary education possible or experienced compassionate support during a crisis. Your gift can contribution to the future sustainability of FSI.

Celebrate your life and make a difference in the lives of families that follow.

Career Opportunities

Thank you for your interest! There are no employment opportunities at this time.

Title:  Regional Network Coordinator
(2) – VANCOUVER ISLAND and THOMPSON OKANAGAN
Classification: Part Time – 20 hours/wk.
Wage: $26.50/hr.
Reports to: Designated Team Lead
To Apply: Send a resume and cover letter to Patti Mertz, Director of Programs at   
   

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Family Support Institute of British Columbia relies on a network of over 200 volunteers across the province who provide free peer support to people with a disability and their families. These wonderful volunteers provide comfort, guidance and resources to help families navigation situations and systems for their loved one. FSI’s capacity to support families is a reflection of the strength of this network. We are looking for candidates who align with our mission and thrive in relationship-focused work.

The Regional Network Coordinator’s responsibility will be to engage, recruit, and onboard volunteer Resource Parents within designated regions in BC. RNCs are also required to develop and maintain relationships with community partners in their regions, informing them of the services and supports that FSI offers.  The scope of the role will have a specific focus on children, particularly as it relates to an initiative called the Ministry of Children and Family Development Early Years Service Framework.

The Regional Network Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Provincial Engagement Lead as a part of the volunteer Resource Parent onboarding team. Additionally, RNC’s will support the Provincial Engagement Lead for the planning and staffing of events, fairs, and display tables, and collaborate with their Provincial Team Lead to coordinate and facilitate online learning and support sessions.         

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

RP Network (Volunteers) 

  • Responsible for volunteer Resource Parent (“RP”) recruitment, intake, onboarding and training in collaboration with the Provincial Engagement Lead within their assigned Region with an intentional effort to strengthen FSI’s organizational capacity to be healthy and sustainable to better serve families. 
  • Provide feedback as needed to Team Leads for improvement of internal processes related to the volunteer network. 
  • Maintains open communication to the provincial volunteer network and ensures training and support needs are being collected, communicated and responded to. 
  • Collaborate with the Provincial Engagement Lead to help to ensure our volunteer information is current.   
  • Facilitate regular online RP Engagement networking opportunities in collaboration with the Provincial Engagement Lead. 
  • Support RPs to participate in committees, advisories, and community groups.  


External Relations
 

  • Liaise with community partners as needed to bring awareness of the services and supports FSI offers to families. 
  • Source opportunities for presentations on behalf of FSI, at events, committee meetings and community groups. 
  • Plan and facilitate Family Hang Outs, Learning Explorations, and online meetings for individuals and families by staying current on themes and issues of concern for families.  
  • Act as a subject matter facilitator for FSI Learning Explorations and presentations as needed. 
  • Liaise with MCFD Directors of Operations with the Early Years within their designated region as required.  
  • Participate in local and provincial committees and advisories with a focus on networking and raising awareness of FSI’s family support model.  


Training 
 

  • Plan and facilitate Family Hang Outs, Learning Explorations and online meetings for volunteers. 
  • Attends the annual Training Conference and assists as required. 
  • Assists the FSI Provincial Engagement Lead in coordinating the delivery of workshops and annual training conference for FSI. 


Accountabilities
 

  • Participate in FSI staff and training meetings and events – in person or zoom/teams video calls. 
  • Time Management and scheduling using MS Office suite  
  • Be familiar with and follow FSI policies and procedures as outlined in the FSI Orientation process. 
  • Establish positive, effective, and professional relations with all contacts (RPs, FSI staff, community partners, government, etc.) 


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 

Education, Training and Experience 

  • Certificate or diploma in a discipline relevant to supporting families with a family member with a disability, or equivalent experience 
  • Two to three years of relevant volunteer or work experience in the disability sector. 
  • Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the disability sector, including but not limited to, services and supports for children, youth and adults with a disability and their families, funding sources, provincial and local initiatives.  


Knowledge, skills and Abilities 
 

  • Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to FSI’s vision, mission and beliefs 
  • Overall diplomacy including polished and professional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 
  • Extensive knowledge of supports, services and resources for families of a child with advisability (any age, any disability, provincial level knowledge) or complimentary skillset. 
  • Ability to deal with sensitive issues in a tactful, respectful and when necessary, confidential manner. 
  • Self-starter able to work independently and collaborate effectively. 
  • Well-developed planning, organization, time management, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. 
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite Word, Excel PowerPoint etc.  


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS /EXPERIENCE
 

It is preferred that the candidate be a parent, guardian, or family member of an individual with a disability. 


WORKING CONDITIONS
 

This position of a Regional Network Coordinator is a flexible part-time position, and the Employee’s usual hours will be 20 hours per week.  The FSI Benefits package is available for RNCs if desired. This is a remote position; the incumbent should have a dedicated remote office space with reliable Wifi service. Much of the work of an RNC is done via online meeting software, email and phone; in-person meetings in your local area as required.

Sponsors & Donors

PLEASE NOTE that some sponsors and funders targeted their support towards a specific project or work. 

Donate Online

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Organizational / Corporate Donations
If you have donated on behalf of an organization or corporation, please let us know which. If not, leave this field blank.
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Personal Info

Credit Card Info
This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.
Billing Details

Donation Total: $50.00 One Time