Joining the COC

The Canadian Orchid Congress is an association of Canadian Orchid Societies that is dedicated to serve the Canadian orchid-growing public. An orchid society is defined as group of individuals that regularly hold meetings devoted to the advancement of the culture, conservation and appreciation of orchids. Such a group would fulfil our objectives and be eligible to be a member of the COC.

Quoting from the COC Constitution - item 2. "Membership".

  1. Society Membership - shall mean any Canadian orchid society who wishes to support the Congress and shall be entitled to Congress privileges and activities, including ONE vote per member society. The fee for such membership and dues shall be determined by the Board of Directors from time to time and shall not be refundable.
  2. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, applications for membership shall be screened by the Board of Directors, who shall have the sole authority to accept or deny such membership, and membership shall become effective only upon approval by the Board of Directors.
  3. All members are in good standing except a member who has failed to pay its current annual membership fee or any other subscription or debt due and owing by him to the Congress and is not in good standing so long as the debt remains unpaid.
  4. Any member may withdraw from the Congress at any time by delivering written notice to the Secretary of the Congress, but upon such withdrawal, the member shall not be entitled to any refund of any fees or dues that such member has paid.

Any Canadian orchid society may, with the approval of the COC Executive, become an Affiliated Society (i.e. member of the COC). Application for approval shall be made in writing to the COC President and contain information about the applying group as per the application form. Either the COC President or Membership Chair will notify the applicant of their acceptance as an affiliated organization immediately after this decision has been made.

The cost of membership is $1.00 per individual member of any Affiliated Society. This fee is due on January 1st each calendar year and must be paid before January 31st in order to maintain an Affiliated Society in good standing. Societies that apply for affiliated status during the course of any calendar year shall be expected to pay the full amount of $1.00 per each of their members for that year.

An Affiliated Society in good standing is entitled to:

  • One vote at the COC Annual General Meeting (AGM)
  • Free access to the slide library (postage is required)
  • Free receipt of three copies of COC newsletters, per publication
  • Free listing of their shows and other data in the COC newsletter and on the COC website
  • Free listing of regional orchid sellers (and related materials) on the COC website
  • Free possible aid in providing temporary websites for new societies
  • Free annual COC trophy to be awarded at their shows
  • Acquire COC lapel pins at cost
  • Inclusion in the offer for insurance coverage (liability) at preferred rates
  • Inclusion on a voluntary basis in a COC speaker tour with (associated) plant sales
  • The COC provides for the representation of its member societies in areas of orchid conservation and importation at both the national and international levels.
  • Additional benefits may be established from time to time.

Each Affiliated Society will be expected to appoint as COC Representative one of their members in good standing who will act as the liaison between her/his society and the COC. One of the main duties of this COC representative will be to keep the COC informed of their society's executive contacts and update this information as changes occur. Copies to be sent to the COC President, Membership Chair and Newsletter Editor, as listed in the COC newsletter.

No Affiliated Society shall have any claim on the COC or its executive members.

The membership fee may be changed from time to time at an AGM of the COC. The status of any COC Affiliated Society may be cancelled at an AGM, following the advice of the COC Executive Council.

Please fill out the membership application form (PDF format or DOC format), sign it, and mail it to the COC Treasurer.