Join ECCMV • Strengthen Community • Build Legacy

Why Become a Member?

The Eritrean Cultural Center of Metro Vancouver (ECCMV) serves as a cornerstone for over 3,000 Eritreans who call British Columbia home. Since 1986, we've been dedicated to preserving our heritage while building a strong, connected community. Your membership helps strengthen this vision while providing you with valuable benefits and opportunities to engage with our vibrant community.

Membership Benefits

Community Engagement & Voting Rights
• Active voice in shaping our community's future through voting privileges
• Eligibility to elect and be elected to leadership positions after 6 months of membership
• Opportunity to serve on community subcommittees and programs
• Priority consideration for employment in community programs
• Right to participate in general meetings and contribute to community decisions

Cultural Programs & Services
• Free or discounted access to community activities and events
• Participation in cultural celebrations and traditional gatherings
• Access to bilingual resources (English and Tigrinya)
• Educational program participation
• Support with Canadian and Eritrean government services
• Access to necessary documents and forms
• Special assistance for members with specific needs

Family Support & Sponsorship
• Eligibility to participate in the Community Sponsorship Program
• Support in sponsoring family and relatives to British Columbia
• Access to settlement assistance services
• Connection to community support networks

Membership Categories & Fees

Full Membership
Annual Fees:
• Individual: $120/year
• Family: $180/year
• One-time registration fee: $20 (non-refundable)

Discounted Rates Available For:
• Retired persons
• Full-time students without income
• Persons with disabilities
• Members facing financial hardship
(Eligible for 50% reduction in annual fees)

Membership Requirements
• Must be 18 years or older
• Proof of Eritrean identity and BC residency
• Commitment to community values and bylaws
• Good standing in the community
• Six-month probationary period for new members

How to Apply

1. Complete Registration
• Fill out the official registration form
• Provide required identification documents:
  - Canadian document (PR Card or BC Health Card)
  - Eritrean identification document

2. Personal Interview
• Schedule an appointment with board members
• Discuss your interest in joining the community
• Learn about participation opportunities

3. Application Review
• Board review of application
• Written communication of decision
• Upon approval, three-month waiting period before membership services begin

Membership Renewal
• Annual renewal due by September 30th
• Maintain active status through regular participation
• Minimum one day per month volunteer commitment or equivalent contribution
• Option to provide monetary or in-kind contributions if unable to volunteer

Definition of Eritrean Eligibility
Membership is open to:
• Persons born from Eritrean parents (in or outside Eritrea)
• Persons with father or mother of Eritrean origin
• Spouses of Eritrean persons

Our Commitment to You
As a member of ECCMV, you become part of a legacy that stretches back to 1986. We are committed to:
• Preserving Eritrean heritage and traditions
• Facilitating integration within Canadian society
• Building strong community connections
• Supporting newcomers and established community members
• Creating opportunities for cultural exchange and learning

Join us in building a stronger, more connected Eritrean-Canadian community in Greater Vancouver. Your membership helps ensure our cultural heritage thrives for generations to come.

Contact Us
For more information about membership or to begin your application process, please contact our membership coordinator by using the "Contact Us" form below.

Complete our online Membership Application Form to begin your journey with ECCMV.