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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:
Council Chair Alex Evanshen (right) emceed the forum on aging, which included Ross Chilton, CLBC CEO.
North Shore Sunshine Coast Community Council
The North Shore Sunshine Coast Council hosted a forum called Plan for a Better Future: Aging Parents and Caregivers.
The forum gave families, self-advocates and care givers from the North Vancouver area an opportunity to connect and learn from each other and service providers.
There was so much interest, that registration had to be closed nearly a month before the event.
Click here to read all about the forum.
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.