DCA - Why & How we do it

The objectives of the DCA Ottawa Valley / Outaouais

• retain and promote the Dutch cultural heritage in the Ottawa Valley
• promote the mutual relationship in Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley / Outaouais between Dutch, living in the region, Canadians of Dutch descent, friends and family of, and those interested in the Netherlands
• support Dutch immigrants adopt to their new environment
• retain relations with the Netherlands

DCA - Raison d'être

According to the 1991 census, there are close to 8000 people of Dutch descent in the Ottawa-Hull area. Of those, 3130 claim Dutch as the first language spoken. Although their numbers may be small, Dutch Canadians have made, and still are making important contributions to the professional, technical, business and social elements of the Capital Region. 

How we do it

We meet these objectives by organizing or promoting events of interest to the groups mentioned above.  Throughout the year the DCA organizes various activities. The Association announces when and where events take place on its website and through mailings and who to contact for further information.

Our main source of revenue is membership fees. The membership fees are used to cover the expenses. There are number of annually recurring expenses as insurance premiums, the PO Box rental fee, reproduction and mailing of our newsletter, promotion, advances to organize an event, banking fees, hosting of our website, etc.

At the Annual General Meeting in April, a Board of Directors is elected. The elected members serve for two years and may be re-elected.  

The DCA's infrastructure may also be used by others with a Dutch touch to announce their activities. The DCA attempts to communicate for all organizations if those organizations chose to use the DCA to reach out to the Dutch community.

Volunteers

Volunteers keep the world going: the DCA wouldn't be able to organise activities without the help of volunteers. The board takes the load on the shoulders, but teams of volunteers help to decorate, shop for food, work at the Prinses Margriet Café etc. It is a great way to meet new people and get you away from the tube. You don't have to commit to any long term work, just do one thing a year. It helps the board tremendously and of course the Dutch community at large.