Become a CANAR Member

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.  

Choosing the right CANAR membership depends on your role and involvement with vocational rehabilitation services. Below is a quick guide to help you decide:

1. AIVRS Membership (Voting Member – One Vote Each)
• For: Tribal programs funded under the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) program
• Benefits: Eligible to vote, can submit proxy votes for key decisions
• Best for: AIVRS Tribal programs looking to engage in CANAR governance

2. Institutional Membership (Voting Member -One Votes Each)
• For: Organizations focused on vocational/educational rehabilitation or research (e.g., State VR Agencies, Universities, National Disability Organizations)
• Benefits: Voting rights (limited to 29% of total votes)
• Best for: Institutions wanting to support and influence vocational rehab policy

3. Individual Membership (Voting Member – One Vote Each)
• For: Professionals in vocational or educational rehabilitation and research 
• Benefits: One vote in CANAR matters (not exceeding 20% of total votes)
• Best for: Individuals committed to rehabilitation services who want to participate in decision-making

4. Student Membership (Non-Voting)
• For: Students in rehabilitation training, research, or education programs
• Benefits: Membership access, networking, and learning opportunities
• Best for: Students pursuing careers in rehabilitation who want to connect with professionals

5. Participant/Family Member Membership (Non-Voting)
• For: Native Americans and Alaska Natives with disabilities who have used or may use AIVRS services, and their family members
• Benefits: Membership access and engagement opportunities, but no voting rights
• Best for: Participants and families looking to stay connected and informed

Still unsure? Contact us, and we’ll help you choose the best membership for your needs!

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

As a member of CANAR – you 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)

CANAR members meet throughout the year, also attent in every Annual & Mid-Year Conference.

As a member of CANAR, you play a vital role in shaping and enhancing services for Native American individuals with disabilities within your community. Through CANAR’s active presence and advocacy, your input helps influence policymakers on critical issues affecting Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) agencies.

Additionally, you have the opportunity to share your perspectives with the CANAR executive board, ensuring your voice is heard regarding how current events impact your agency and the people you serve.

• 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.

Download our W-9 Form for your financial office by follow this link Download W-9.

If you don’t want to become a member but would like to help, we welcome you to become a sponsor. Send us a message for more information.