Membership Criteria And Guidelines
Welcome to the Sri Lankan Association of Regina (SLAR)! Our community is built on inclusivity and shared values, fostering connections among those with Sri Lankan and Canadian roots or a genuine appreciation for Sri Lankan culture, all within the vibrant city of Regina.
To become a member of SLAR, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a Sri Lankan origin, descent, affiliation, or a deep admiration for Sri Lankan culture, combined with residency in Regina.
- Embrace the objectives of our Association and commit to following our established bylaws.
- Membership aligns with the Fiscal Year as defined by our organization.
- The Association’s Board holds the authority to decline membership if an individual’s actions discredit the Association or its esteemed members. The Board will provide transparent communication about their decision and the rationale behind it, with the Board’s judgment being final.
- Formalize your membership by completing and submitting a printed or electronic application form with the appropriate membership fee.
- Timely payment of membership fees is crucial, with a grace period of 90 days from the application date. Failure to fulfill this requirement will lead to membership termination.
- At SLAR, we stand against any form of discrimination. We embrace diversity and inclusivity by not differentiating members based on sexual orientation, age, race, gender, ethnicity, occupation, religion, or political affiliation.
You become an integral part of our warm and diverse SLAR community by adhering to these guidelines. Join us in celebrating Sri Lankan culture and fostering connections that transcend backgrounds and affiliations.
Membership Categories
At the Sri Lankan Association of Regina (SLAR), we offer two distinct membership categories to cater to the diverse needs of our community:
Family Membership: This category is designed for families who share a residence and wish to engage with SLAR collectively. Family membership benefits two or more individuals living within the same household. Families can enjoy our community’s events, cultural activities, and connections as a unit by choosing this membership type.
Individual Membership: Individuals eighteen (18) years of age or older and do not qualify for family membership can opt for the individual membership category. This membership provides opportunities for personal growth, cultural exploration, and engagement within our vibrant SLAR community.
We believe in fostering connections that unite people as families or individuals. Regardless of your membership category, SLAR welcomes you to immerse yourself in Sri Lankan and Canadian culture, connect with like-minded individuals, and enrich experiences celebrating our shared heritage.
Privileges and Rights of SLAR Members
Being a valued member of the Sri Lankan Association of Regina (SLAR) comes with a range of privileges and rights that contribute to the vitality of our community:
- Voting Entitlement: Members aged eighteen (18) years or older, who are in good standing, can vote on Association matters during Annual General Meetings or Special Meetings of Members. This includes the election of Directors and Officers. Individual members hold one vote each, while Family members enjoy a maximum of two votes, emphasizing our commitment to inclusivity and representation.
- Eligibility for Leadership Roles: A member in good standing, who is at least eighteen (18) years old and meets residency criteria, can stand for nomination and election as a Director or Officer of the Board. This involvement requires a minimum one-year residency in Regina before nomination (See Bylaws/ Constitution for details). However, adhering to the aforementioned conditions, only one person from a Family Membership may stand for nomination and election as a Director or Officer during the same fiscal year.
- Volunteer Engagement: Members are encouraged to participate in the vibrancy of SLAR by volunteering for special committees and contributing their unique skills and perspectives to enrich our events and initiatives.
- Resignation Process: Should a member decide to resign from SLAR, a written resignation must be submitted to the Director of Community Support. The resignation becomes effective upon Board acceptance. It’s important to note that contributions, donations, and membership fees are non-refundable upon resignation.
- Proxy Voting Exclusion: In matters of elections or decisions made during Annual General Meetings or Special Meetings, members are not permitted to vote by proxy, ensuring a transparent and accountable democratic process.
At SLAR, we celebrate the active participation and engagement of our members. These privileges and rights empower individual voices and collectively shape our association’s direction and success.
Membership Fees and Renewal Process
We want to ensure your membership experience with the Sri Lankan Association of Regina (SLAR) is seamless and rewarding. Here’s everything you need to know about membership fees and renewals:
- Membership Term: When you become a member of SLAR, your membership is valid for one year, commencing on April 1 and concluding on March 31 of the following year.
- Payment Process: Membership fees should be paid to the Director of Community Support upon submission of your membership application. To maintain continuous membership, fees must be settled annually as part of the application process.
- Renewal Requirement: To keep enjoying the benefits of SLAR membership, renewing your membership annually is essential. Renewal entails submitting a fresh application along with the corresponding membership fee.
- Fee Review and Adjustment: Periodically, the Board may review the existing membership fees and propose adjustments. Any proposed fee increase for a membership category will not exceed 20% of the current fee level. Such increases require majority approval from the members during a meeting.
- Rejoining Former Members: Should former SLAR members wish to rejoin the association, they will need to pay the current year’s membership fee along with fees for the preceding years, up to a maximum of two years.
- No Refund Policy: We uphold a no-refund policy for membership fees, irrespective of circumstances. Once paid, membership fees are non-refundable, and there will be no pro-rating of fees.
Your membership fees support our association’s endeavors and enable us to offer a wide array of enriching activities and experiences. We appreciate your commitment to SLAR, and by adhering to these guidelines, you ensure that our community remains vibrant and thriving.