What is the Ontario Caregiver Coalition?

Unpaid caregivers – the family, friends and neighbours who provide essential personal, financial, social, psychological, emotional and physical support for those living with disability, frailty or acute illness – make a significant contribution to our communities. However, because of the lack of supports in place for caregivers, they often struggle with financial distress, social isolation and compromised health.
 

The Ontario Caregiver Coalition (OCC) is a grassroots coalition of unpaid caregivers and organizations that support caregivers. Together, we work towards a world in which caregivers are valued, respected and supported. Guided by our members’ shared vision and passion, we raise awareness, undertake research, work in partnerships and advocate for change.

What do you do?

We work to support caregivers through a variety of initiatives. We engage in advocacy, we participate in research, we share our work and the work of our members, and we encourage others to join us in our work to build a movement of people looking to improve the lives of current and future caregivers in Ontario. We meet quarterly at meetings to share our initiatives at General Members’ Meetings and at our Annual General Meeting.

The OCC has five committees, in addition to our Board of Directors:

• The Caregiver Collective, where caregivers come together to share their experiences and weigh in on OCC decisions.

• Research & Advocacy, where we develop evidence and policy proposals to present to governments on how they can better support caregivers.

• Communications, where we promote the work our members do and resources for caregivers.

• Partnerships, where we develop new connections with stakeholders and communities impacted by our work.

• Membership & Governance, where we develop guidelines for our members, recruit new voices, and ensure proper stewardship of the organization.

​

These five committees each contribute to our mission and vision according to our values.

Do you provide any direct support services for caregivers?

We do not.

While we do advocate for services to support caregivers to be better funded and more accessible, we are an organization of volunteers who do not have the capacity to provide services directly.

What do you advocate for?

​

​

​

Our advocacy is informed by the feedback we receive from our members as well as evolving issues in public policy.

Do you participate in research?

​

Please contact us if we can support any ongoing research you are conducting.

Are you a charity?

We are a not-for-profit organization.

Do you receive any funding?

Our funding comes from our organizational members and honoraria from collaborating in research. We
can accept donations, but as we are not a charity, we cannot issue tax receipts. We do not receive any
direct funding from governments.

Still have questions? Email us at: ontariocaregivercoalitionocc@gmail.com.

 

 

FOR CAREGIVERS

Why become a Caregiver Member of the OCC?

OCC’s caregiver members include both current and past caregivers, from all over the province, and from all walks of life. Every caregiver has their own story, but we share a common experience of struggle and a desire for change. For unpaid caregivers, membership in the OCC offers the opportunity to:

• Meet and share support with other caregivers who have had similar experiences.

• Use your skills or learn new ones in a supportive environment.

• Join a movement of like-minded individuals working towards change for caregivers.

• Address the challenges you and others like you have and will face, to make it easier for future caregivers in Ontario.

 

What does membership involve?

Any individual who shares our mission and objectives, and who is or has been an unpaid caregiver, is
welcome to join OCC.

There are many ways to be involved in the OCC. We recognize that caregivers are busy people with many responsibilities, so our approach is flexible. Caregiver members may serve on committees or working groups, participate in quarterly general members meetings, and are involved in decision-making about the operations of the organization. Some caregiver members are deeply involved, while others focus on sharing their perspectives and goals through our General Members Meetings, or get involved in projects from time to time. Whatever time or skills you can offer us, we will work with you to figure out how best you can contribute to the organization.

​

Does it cost anything to be a member?

No financial contribution is expected from our caregiver members.

How do I become a Member?

The process of becoming a Caregiver Member is simple. You can complete the Membership Form below:

 

 

Once you have completed the Form, someone from our Board will meet with you to share more information about the OCC and discuss how you and to what extent you would like be involved. You will be invited to our General Members Meeting, added to our newsletter, and provided with our Members Orientation Guide.

Still have questions? Email us at: ontariocaregivercoalitionocc@gmail.com.

​

​

FOR ORGANIZATIONS

Why become an Organization Member of the OCC?

The OCC’s organization members include research institutes, health charities, service providers, and advocacy organizations. Organizations join the OCC to:

• More effectively support change for caregivers, by collaborating with others.

• Connect with other organizations with shared interests and values.

• Share information about their own work and learn about new initiatives related to caregiving.

• Learn directly from caregivers about their needs, experiences and goals.

 

The OCC’s unique structure allows organizations to connect directly with grassroots caregivers to validate their work and their priorities.

What does membership involve?

OCC welcomes as members organizations that share our mission and objectives, and who serve and support caregivers. Organization members generally contribute either financial or in-kind support to the day-to-day operations of the OCC. Organization representatives may serve on committees or work groups, participate in quarterly general members meetings and are involved in decision-making about the operation of the OCC. Recognizing the wide range of organizations that are members of the OCC, we will work with you to find an approach that meets your goals and capacities.

Does it cost anything to be a member?

Organization members are generally expected to contribute either financial or in-kind support (namely, staff time) to the operations of the OCC on an annual basis. Support can vary based on the size of the organization and the nature of their work.

How do I become a Member?

​

The process of becoming a Member Organization is simple. You can complete the Membership Form below:

 

 

Once you have completed the Form, you will be offered an opportunity to meet with the Board Chair or another member of the OCC Board, to share more about the OCC and discuss how you would like to be involved. You will be invited to our General Members Meeting, and provided with our Members Orientation Guide.

Still have questions? Email us at: ontariocaregivercoalitionocc@gmail.com.

​

​

​