Join WECIL Membership – Have Your Say!
WECIL’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is fast approaching, and this is your opportunity to make your voice heard. As part of WECIL’s commitment to ensuring that Disabled people shape and guide the organisation, we encourage you to become a member and help influence the direction of our work. Applying is easy with this online form.
Why Join WECIL?
WECIL exists to promote independence, inclusion, and equality for Disabled people across the West of England. By becoming a member, you join a powerful community dedicated to challenging barriers and creating a more accessible and equitable society.
We offer three types of membership to ensure that everyone who shares our values has a way to be involved:
Full Membership
Full Membership is open to all Disabled people aged 16 or over. Full members are central to WECIL’s governance. As a Full Member, you have the right to vote at the AGM, helping shape the future of WECIL by electing Trustees and voting on important issues. This year’s AGM will be held on 22nd October at We The Curious, and members will vote on Trustee elections and proposed changes to WECIL’s constitution. To vote, your membership application must be approved by the Board of Trustees by Monday 30th September, so make sure to apply by Monday 23rd September.
Associate Membership
Associate Membership is perfect for non-disabled people who support WECIL’s mission and want to get involved in our work. As an Associate Member, you’ll receive all information about WECIL’s activities, events, and news. While Associate Members do not have voting rights, you will still be able to attend our AGM and contribute to discussions.
Associate Membership is an excellent way to support the Social Model of Disability and be part of a community that promotes equality and inclusion. If you’re passionate about creating a fairer society, Associate Membership gives you the opportunity to engage with our work and help advance our goals.
Full Junior Membership
Full Junior Membership is designed for young Disabled people under the age of 16. WECIL values the voices of all Disabled people, including young people, and Full Junior Members will have access to the latest news and opportunities to participate in events and discussions relevant to them. While Junior Members do not have voting rights at the AGM, they play a vital role in shaping the future of WECIL’s services for younger generations.
This is a great chance for young Disabled people to get involved, build connections, and contribute to a more inclusive world from an early age.
Full Members have the unique right to vote at the AGM, which is an essential part of WECIL’s governance. This year’s AGM will take place on 22nd October at We The Curious as part of our annual Access All Areas event. As a Full Member, you’ll be able to vote on key matters, including the election of Trustees and proposed changes to WECIL’s constitution. These votes shape the future of WECIL and the services we offer.
Important Dates
To be eligible to vote at the AGM, your membership application must be approved by WECIL’s Board of Trustees. The final Trustees’ meeting before the AGM will be on Monday 30th September, so make sure to submit your application by Monday 23rd September.
What’s Changing This Year?
This AGM will feature important discussions on updates to our constitution, which aim to improve our governance and representation of WECIL service users. Key proposals include:
- New Service User Representation: We’re proposing to create new Trustee positions for representatives of WECIL service users. This ensures the lived experiences of those who use our services are directly represented at the highest levels of decision-making
- Reducing the Minimum Age for Trustees: A new proposal aims to lower the minimum age for Trustees from 18 to 16, allowing younger Disabled people who use WECIL’s services to have a voice in how WECIL is run.
How to Join
To apply for membership, simply complete the online application form. If the online application form is not accessible to you, call our team on 0117 947 9911.
Full Membership is open to all Disabled people aged 16 or over who support the Social Model of Disability. By becoming a member, you can actively participate in shaping WECIL’s future, vote on crucial decisions, and stand for election to the Board of Trustees.
Together, we can continue to break down barriers and make real progress toward a society that values equality and inclusion for all Disabled people.
You can apply to be a member of WECIL at any time, but to vote at this year’s AGM, applications must be received by Monday 23rd September.
AGM: 22nd October at We The Curious
