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Council volunteers make a difference in many ways. They help build awareness of the importance of having a community where everyone belongs. They work together to advance inclusive housing, build relationships with Indigenous leaders, and identify employers who provide meaningful work for people with developmental disabilities. Councils provide leadership opportunities for self-advocates and work on projects with municipalities, like mapping and sharing places for social connection.
To learn more, click here to find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Community Councils.
Stories of how Councils are making a difference
CLBC Community Councils across the province are successfully working with their community leaders to organize and host events to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion and full citizenship of all people.
These events include the North Okanagan Shuswap Council organizing a dance party in Vernon, the North Shore Sunshine Coast Council hosting Inclusion Fest in Roberts Creek, and the Vancouver Council organizing a community celebration attended by local city councillors.
Councils have also worked with many municipalities to have October’s Community Inclusion Month proclaimed locally.
Read more stories below:
South Island Community Council
CLBC’s South Island Community Council is leading an important accessibility initiative for people who are non-speaking and/or use picture-based communication systems. CLBC is excited to be piloting the use of Communication for Everyone boards in offices across the province.
A communication board is a visual tool that can help people communicate and talk with those around them through symbols and images.
Click here to read more about the Communication for Everyone boards and initiative.
North Shore Sunshine Coast Community Council
Members of the North Shore Sunshine Coast Community Council at their event, “Beyond Walls: Inclusive Housing”
The North Shore Sunshine Coast Community Council hosted Beyond Walls: Inclusive Housing, an event that brought together over 100 people to learn about and promote the importance inclusive housing for all.
Attendees included self-advocacy leaders, families, service providers, city planners, developers, MLA representatives, and CLBC staff. The event highlighted exciting housing projects and partnerships that are making a difference in the community for people and families served by CLBC.
Click here to read the full story and watch recordings from the event.
Kootenay Community Council
The CLBC Kootenay Community Council is planting trees with local municipalities to raise awareness of inclusion and self advocacy. The tree pictured here was planted in the West Kootenay town of Nakusp to symbolize the roots the roots that people with diverse abilities have planted to keep our community solid and inclusive.
The Kootenay Council strives to break down barriers and help make a difference in the lives of the people CLBC serves in communities across the Kootenay region including Castlegar, Cranbrook, Creston, Fauquier, Fernie, Fruitvale, Golden, Grand Forks, Invermere, Kimberley, Nelson, Nakusp and Trail.
The North Council recognized Smithers Safeway for building inclusion as a long-term inclusive employer.
North Community Council
The CLBC North Council acts as a regular gathering place for individuals, families, local organizations and community members to exchange information, share stories, host presentations and make new friends.
Past initiatives include launching an Accessibility Map of Northern B.C. as well as presenting recognition letters to individuals and organizations throughout the North who are making a difference in the lives of the people CLBC serves. The purpose of the initiative is to raise awareness about the good work being done, and to strengthen community partnerships.