Your support is key to the success of Mainstream.  With your help, we are a constituency, a lobby and a cohesive force for change and advocacy.  Each voice that joins ours is the addition of greater public profile for individuals with developmental disabilities and enhances our ability to open doors and access resources for those we support. 

The added dimension of a committed membership shows our credibility and strong connection to the community.  I would like to urge you to purchase a MAPCL membership.  Annual membership fees are $5.00.  This entitles you to vote at general meetings, receive our regular agency e-newsletter, notification of events and meetings relevant to membership and play a role in the future of community living.  Please consider joining us now, and attending our Annual General Meeting on September 28, 2009. You will find our application form on-line

http://www.mapcl.org/MAPCL-download/Membership Form 2009.pdf

or can request a copy by calling our office at (604) 299-4001. New members wishing to attend this meeting, are asked to apply by September 11, 2009.

In addition to meeting other families, employees and Directors of the Board, we have invited a special guest speaker to the event. Ms. Vickie Cammack, a founding director of the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network and the Chief Executive Officer of Tyze Personal Networks. Vickie will be with us to share her insights on how we can become “Better Together.” In 2008, she was named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network. We are pleased to have her with us, and welcome you to join in the conversation.

Our work to streamline, increase and customize many services is just beginning.  As a member, your life experience and commitment assist us in acquiring the most relevant perspective on our services and help make Mainstream strong and responsive to the people we serve.  Please join us and be part of our bridge to improved services.  Together we can achieve the best possible future for people living with developmental disabilities.

Sincerely,
Fernando Coelho
Chief Executive Officer