Membership

The Advocacy and Resource Center is a Chapter of The Arc New York (formerly NYSARC), which is New York State's premier advocacy organization for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. When you become a member of our Chapter, you also become a member of The Arc New York.

The Arc New York and our Chapter, is associated with The Arc, which is a national organization that was founded over 55 years ago by families united by a shared vision to improve the lives of their disabled loved ones. Today, The Arc is the world's largest community based organization, with over 140,000 members affiliated with more than 850 state and local chapters across the nation.

Membership to our Chapter allows you to network with other parents/caregivers and to become involved with the Chapter to the extent that you desire. You become an advocate for disabled individuals, as well as give our Chapter a greater voice in our own advocacy efforts with the local, State and Federal governments.

To be a member, you must be 18 years of age or older, must have an interest in the welfare of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and live in the United States. Chapter membership is renewed annually at several different levels, with minimal dues. Please consider becoming a member of our Chapter and allowing us to continue with our mission. Please note that members can only be a member of one Chapter.

Become A Member Today!

Read Membership Requirements

Direct any Membership Questions to:

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518-563-0930

Please submit payment using PayPal or send check made payable to "Advocacy and Resource Center" and indicate "Membership" in memo section to:

Advocacy and Resource Center
Attn: Membership
231 New York Road
Plattsburgh, NY 12903

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First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone

Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code

Referred by ARC Staff Member, if applicable.

Check all that apply.

I wish to receive Advocacy and Resource Center mailings.

I am a blood relative of an individual that receives services through Advocacy and Resource Center.

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Pay now by credit or debit card using PayPal.

Pay with check made payable to "Advocacy and Resource Center", indicate "Membership" in memo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I become a member?

Members have a direct impact and involvement on our state legislature in developing and presenting agendas that address the needs of people who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes maintaining funding at current levels to support existing services, which in turns supports our employees with being able to maintain employment and benefits. The Arc New York continues to play a vital advocacy role with the Governor and Legislators to increase funding to allow agency’s to pay a “living wage” to employees.

Membership equals votes. The more votes or members we have representing our agency, the more say we have on matters that affect the state organization and ultimately our agency at the state level. Without membership, our “votes” will be fewer than city chapters that dominate the decision making authority of the board of governors.

Members have opportunities to network with other families, service providers and organizations that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Members may have free or reduced costs/access to trainings, seminars, workshops, events and consultations.

Members truly have a voice! Being a strong advocate for the needs of individuals we support every day is one of the best ways we have of ensuring their needs are met!

How does membership work?

It's easy! Just agree to be a member of our Chapter and pay the membership fee.

Who can sign up?

Must be 18 and older.

Must have an interest in the welfare of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Must live in the United States. For example: cousin receives services, aunt lives in Florida.

Must only be a member of one Arc Chapter.

What are the membership levels?

1 Year: $2

5 Years: $8

10 Years: $15

Lifetime: $100

What are the benefits of a membership?

Membership is a tax deductible donation.

People can choose to receive mailings from ARC Life, The ARC New York (state level) and ARC of US (national level).

Membership provides awareness of programs/services in our local community.

Allows participation in determining the type/quality/range of services provided in the community.

Provides a support group for family/parents.

Did you know...

Our membership campaign runs from March through April but we can accept memberships through the end of July.

March is Disabilities Awareness Month and we focus on getting as many paid memberships as we can.

Membership to our agency also means you are a member of The ARC New York (previously known as NYSARC), our parent corporation at the State level, who is also affiliated with the national ARC of United States!

Our Chapter, here in Clinton County, has the 6^th largest number of members in all of New York State and had been the fourth largest for many years but many Chapters are now trying to increase their own membership totals because they realize how important membership is.

In 2018, NYSARC’s 52 Chapters, supported 60,000 people with developmental disabilities and hit an all-time high record for active members at over 109,000.