Become a Member

Joining CANAR offers networking, professional development, advocacy, and community engagement opportunities, while also allowing you to support a meaningful effort that aligns with your interests and values in Native American and Alaska Natives Vocational Rehabilitation.

We look forward to you joining us!

On behalf of the CANAR Executive Board

We extend our sincere gratitude to those of you who have been active CANAR members. We welcome new members who have an interest in identifying with a body of stakeholders vested in the successful employment after Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Native Americans and Alaska Natives who experience disabilities.
CANAR, through your volunteer elected officers and appointed committee chairs, has continued to represent Native American Vocational Rehabilitation Services Agencies through changing times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of memberships are there?

CANAR has the following categories for membership:
• AIVRS Membership
• Institutional
• Individual
• Student
• Participant/Family Member

AIVRS Membership (one vote each) Every American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) Tribal program is eligible for membership in CANAR, Inc. under this category. AIVRS membership shall be contingent upon payment of the annual membership dues.  AIVRS members in good standing shall have one vote each and the overall weight of the AIVRS vote in comparison to the total vote shall be tabulated as, at a minimum, 51% of the overall vote.* If an AIVRS member cannot be present for a vote they shall be prepared with a written/signed proxy vote. A Super Majority, 65% of all eligible voters, will be required for key decisions. These include merging with other organizations, dissolving the CANAR, Inc. organization, amending or revising the CANAR, Inc. by-laws, and removing elected officials. These votes will also require mandatory proxies. Institutional Membership (one vote each) Institutional membership in CANAR, Inc. is open to any organization or agency whose primary focus is vocational and/or educational rehabilitation or research. Organizations in this category may include but are not limited to: State VR Agencies, Universities and Colleges, National Disability Organizations, and other American Indian and Alaska Native Organizations.

Institutional membership in CANAR, Inc. shall be contingent upon payment of such annual membership dues. Institutional members in good standing shall have two votes each and the overall weight of the institutional vote in comparison to the total vote shall be tabulated so as not to exceed 29%.

Individual Membership (one vote each) An individual whose primary focus is vocational and/or educational rehabilitation or research shall be eligible for an individual membership in CANAR, Inc. Individual membership in CANAR, Inc. shall be contingent upon the payment of annual membership dues. Individual members in good standing shall have one vote each and the overall weight of the individual vote in comparison to the total vote shall be tabulated so as not to exceed 20%.

Student Membership Students are eligible for membership in CANAR, Inc. if they are a student in rehabilitation training, research, and/or an education program with career goals in rehabilitation. Student membership in CANAR, Inc. shall be contingent on the payment of annual membership dues. This membership category shall be non-voting, and shall not have the privilege of holding office.

Participant/Family Member Membership Any Native American and Alaska Native with a disability who is a present, past, or potential participant of AIVRS Tribal program services shall be eligible for membership. Any family member of an American Indian participant shall be eligible for membership. participant/participant family membership in CANAR, Inc. shall be contingent on the payment of annual membership dues. This membership category shall be non-voting, and shall not have the privilege of holding office.  

What are membership dues?

AIVRS PROGRAM MEMBERSHIP (1 Vote) American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Tribal Programs - $500

INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP (1 Vote) Organization or agency whose primary focus is vocational and/or educational rehabilitation or research - $500

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP (1 Vote) Individual whose primary focus is vocational and/or educational rehabilitation or research - $125

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP (Non-voting) Students in rehabilitation training, research, and/or an education program with career goals in rehabilitation - $50

PARTICIPANT/FAMILY MEMBER (Non-voting) American Indian with a disability who is a present, past, or potential consumer of AIVRS Tribal program services - $50

What are our voting rights?

As a member of CANAR
• You have had the opportunity to have input and information that will assist Native Americans and Alaska Natives with disabilities in your communities in receiving the best possible VR services. Your input into important issues comes via CANAR’s visible presence and audible voice to the policymakers. You can make your voice known to the CANAR executive board regarding how current events impact your Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation agency.

AIVRS PROGRAM MEMBERSHIP (1 Vote) 
INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP (1 Vote)
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP (1 Vote)

How often do you meet?

Throughout the year and every Annual and Mid-Year conferences. 

What are the benefits?

As a member of CANAR...
• You have had the opportunity to have input and information that will assist Native American people with disabilities in your communities in receiving the best possible VR services. Your input into important issues comes via CANAR’s visible presence and audible voice to the policymakers. You can make your voice known to the CANAR executive board regarding how current events impact your Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation agency.

• Partners and other stakeholders can network with the breadth of grassroots Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Services providers in Tribal communities across the country.

• CANAR informs you about current events, as well as what is coming in the future by co-sponsoring 2 training conferences a year. CANAR Members will receive discounted conference registration fees.

• CANAR conferences give Tribal VR staff a forum to get together to build a peer network with whom to discuss our concerns.

• Maintaining professional credentials, CANAR conferences will give you a way to earn CRC or CEU credits.

Networking Opportunities: Membership connects you with a community of professionals, administrators, and organizations dedicated to vocational rehabilitation services for American Indians with disabilities. You can build valuable relationships, share insights, and collaborate on initiatives. Access to Resources: CANAR provides members with access to resources, information, and updates related to vocational rehabilitation policies, best practices, research, and funding opportunities.

Professional Development: Membership often includes access to training, workshops, and educational events that can enhance your skills and knowledge in the field of vocational rehabilitation. Advocacy and Influence: As a member, you can contribute to and support CANAR's advocacy efforts aimed at improving policies and services in the vocational rehabilitation sector, especially for Native Americans and Alaska Native communities.

Community Engagement: Joining CANAR allows you to actively engage with and support Native Americans and Alaska Native communities by participating in initiatives that aim to enhance vocational rehabilitation services. Cultural Competence: CANAR emphasizes culturally appropriate services, and as a member, you can gain insights into how to provide rehabilitation services that respect the traditions and values of Native Americans and Alaska Native populations.

Sharing Best Practices: Membership enables you to share and learn from best practices and success stories within the vocational rehabilitation field, helping you become more effective in your work.

Visibility and Recognition: Being a member of CANAR can raise your professional profile within the vocational rehabilitation community and demonstrate your commitment to serving American Indian communities.

Collaboration Opportunities: Membership opens doors to potential collaborations, partnerships, and joint initiatives with like-minded professionals and organizations in the field.

Supporting a Meaningful Cause: By becoming a member, you actively contribute to the mission of enhancing vocational rehabilitation services for American Indians with disabilities, making a positive impact on individuals and communities.

Where can I get a W9?

Download our W9 for your financial office - Download now by follow this link Download W9 

CANAR needs all of you - - please, consider playing an active role in CANAR by running for an elected position, volunteering to serve on a committee, or at least by giving your input to the Executive Board on how current issues impact the individuals with disabilities in your community.

CANAR is YOUR organization advocating for YOUR success so that YOUR agency can assist Native Americans with disabilities obtain success. Contact us for more information.