Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Providing Clarity for Informed Engagement
FAQs: Your Questions Answered About Suzuki Elders
Have questions about the Suzuki Elders and how to get involved? Our FAQs provide answers to the most common inquiries about our mission, membership, events, and sustainability efforts. Whether you’re curious about our initiatives, looking for ways to contribute, or seeking guidance on environmental advocacy, this page offers the information you need.
We understand that joining a new community or participating in environmental action can come with many questions. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of FAQs to help you navigate our work, understand our values, and find the best ways to engage. Whether you want to learn more about our working groups, advocacy projects, or upcoming events, you’ll find the answers here. If you don’t see your question listed, feel free to contact us—we’re always happy to help!
How can I join the Suzuki Elders?
If you agree with the Suzuki Elders’ values expressed in the Declaration of Interdependence, Perspectives and Goals and Mission statement fill in the Membership Application and send it to us online. Applications are reviewed and approval is voted upon at the monthly meetings of the Suzuki Elder Council.
How old should I be to join?
We consider all ages, although most of our members are close to, at, or beyond “official” retirement age.
How do I get involved as a Suzuki Elder?
Learn what the Suzuki Elders do by looking at the most recent member activities and the most recent annual report. Note that activities fall into three broad categories:
- Education & Community Engagement
- Communication
- Membership
How do I become a member of the Suzuki Elder Council?
First, join the Suzuki Elders, as above. We ask for nominations for Council members three months before the annual meeting, and then vote at the annual meeting of our membership.
Is a Suzuki Elder expected to donate to the DSF?
We do not solicit donations. You are free to donate to the David Suzuki Foundation or other project partners e.g. SPEC-Elders, The Jellyfish Project.
Do Elders do more than sit around and tell each other stories?
Can you help me promote my project?
Like the David Suzuki Foundation, the Suzuki Elders do not endorse other projects or programs, although we often provide information and links to groups doing work of direct interest to the Suzuki Elders.
Do you hold an Annual General Meeting?
Yes – in the spring of each year.
Can you provide a link from your web site to my environmental website?
Typically no, we don’t have links to other websites, other than the David Suzuki Foundation.
How much time is involved in being a Suzuki Elder?
It’s your choice. We have an annual meeting and a gathering or two during the year. We have three or four committees that meet monthly. Some elders work from home, submitting posts to the website and/or our Google Group. Some members are voted to Council and attend monthly meetings in addition to working group meetings.
Where do you hold your regular meetings?
Council meetings are held via Zoom, no longer at the David Suzuki Foundation office at 340 – 1122 Mainland Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L1
Phone 604-732-4228 or toll free at 1-800-453-1533.
Some of our working groups also meet up in members homes.
What is the relation between the David Suzuki Foundation and the Suzuki Elders?
The Suzuki Elders have a historical relationship with the David Suzuki Foundation, but as of 2024 relate as volunteers assigned to the DSF Future Ground Network.
Exploring our FAQs is just the first step in learning about the Suzuki Elders and how you can make a difference. Our FAQs are designed to help you understand our mission, values, and the many ways you can get involved.
Whether you’re interested in advocacy, attending events, or joining a working group, our FAQs offer guidance on how to take action. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for in our FAQs, we encourage you to reach out, ask questions, and become part of our growing community. The answers in our FAQs can help you take the next step toward meaningful environmental engagement—start exploring today!