Eritrean Cultural Center of Metro Vancouver (ECCMV) – Vancouver, British Columbia
Effective Date: April 21, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing any services, attending events, or participating in programs organized by the ECCMV in Vancouver, BC (hereinafter referred to as the "Association"), you acknowledge and agree to be legally bound by the following Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Association's services or platforms.

2. Purpose and Scope
The Association operates as a non-profit, community-based organization whose primary purpose is to promote Eritrean culture, foster social cohesion, support members of the Eritrean diaspora, and engage in charitable, cultural, and educational initiatives within the Metro Vancouver area.

These Terms apply to all members, volunteers, guests, event attendees, users of the Association's website and digital platforms, and any individual interacting with the Association in any official or unofficial capacity.

3. Membership
3.1. General Eligibility
Membership is open to the general public who believe in and support the Association's Mission, Vision, and Mandate, and agree to abide by its bylaws and principles.
3.2. Membership Categories
The Association recognizes three categories of membership:
- Full Member
- Temporary Member (New Members)
- Honorary Member
3.3. Full Membership Requirements
Full membership is subject to specific eligibility criteria, including:
- Proof of Eritrean identity
- BC residency
- Minimum age requirement
- Individual application process
- Good standing status
For complete requirements, please refer to Section V of the Association's by-laws.
3.4. Temporary Membership
New members undergo a six-month probationary period before consideration for full membership. During this period, certain restrictions apply to voting and election rights.
3.5. Honorary Membership
May be granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to the Association. Honorary members have distinct rights and privileges as outlined in the by-laws.
3.6. Compliance
All members must:
- Maintain good standing with the Association
- Abide by the Association's code of conduct
- Support the community's best interests
- Participate in community activities as applicable to their membership category
3.7. Additional Information
For complete membership details, definitions, and requirements, please refer to Section V of the Association's by-laws.
3.8. Fees and Refunds
- Registration fee of $20 is non-refundable and subject to board amendment
- Annual membership fees:
  • Single membership: $120/year
  • Family membership: $180/year
  • Discounted rates (50% off) available for eligible members (retired persons, full-time students with no income, persons with disabilities, or those with known financial difficulties)
- Suspended memberships require new registration fee upon renewal
- All financial matters are overseen by the Association Treasurer
For complete details about membership fees, eligibility for discounts, and financial policies, please refer to Section V and XI of the Association's by-laws.

4. Code of Conduct
4.1. All individuals interacting with the Association must:
- Demonstrate respect for all persons, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, political belief, or national origin.
- Refrain from any form of harassment, discrimination, defamation, intimidation, or hate speech.
- Conduct themselves in a manner that preserves the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of all community members.
4.2. Zero Tolerance Policy:
The Association maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for harassment, violence, threats, or discriminatory behavior.
4.3. Reporting and Escalation:
Incidents involving harassment, abuse, threats, or criminal conduct may be:
- Reported to appropriate law enforcement or regulatory authorities as required under applicable federal, provincial, or municipal law.
- Grounds for suspension, permanent exclusion from Association activities, and legal action.
4.4. Criminal Conduct:
Any individual found engaging in criminal activity (including but not limited to physical or verbal assault, hate crimes, stalking, or harassment) will be reported to the Vancouver Police Department or other relevant authorities. The Association will cooperate fully with investigations and prosecution.

5. Use of Website, Digital Platforms, and Communication Channels
5.1. All users must:
- Refrain from publishing or sharing unlawful, defamatory, harmful, or offensive content.
- Not impersonate others, misuse confidential information, or disseminate unauthorized promotional materials.
- Use digital platforms in accordance with Canadian laws.
5.2. The Association reserves the right to monitor, edit, or remove content and to restrict access for violations.

6. Events and Activities
6.1. Attendance at Association-hosted events is voluntary and at the participant's own risk.
6.2. The Association disclaims liability for personal injury, property damage, or loss unless resulting from its gross negligence.
6.3. By attending events, participants consent to incidental photography and videography for promotional purposes.

7. Privacy and Data Protection

7.1. Data Collection and Storage

The Association collects personal information necessary for membership administration. This includes contact details, identification documents, and membership records. All personal information is stored securely in offline storage systems with no internet connectivity. Access to this information is restricted to authorized Executive Committee members only.

7.2. Data Usage and Protection

Personal information will only be used for membership administration, communications, and legal requirements. The Association will not share or sell member information to third parties unless required by law or authorized by the member.

8. Liability Disclaimer
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Association disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from participation in Association activities or reliance on information provided through its platforms.

9. Dispute Resolution
9.1. Internal disputes among members will first be addressed through informal mediation facilitated by the Association's designated Chairman.
9.2. If unresolved, disputes may be escalated to formal mediation or arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Act (BC).
9.3. All disputes shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia.

10. Amendments
The Association reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Notice of updates will be provided via the official website. Continued engagement constitutes acceptance of revised Terms.

11. Contact
For any questions related to the terms and conditions or anything else, please submit a general inquiry using the Contact form found below the website in the footer section.