Yes, in some circumstances. For instance, some free memberships are currently available to:

1. existing members that volunteer for and are selected to be a virtual mentor for other members, mentors can then get a free Regular membership currently for as long as they are mentoring
2. members and currently non-members that that fill out all of our online surveys, receive a free Subsidized membership for one month
3. members and currently non-members that host a OCI policy meeting or meet and greet in their areas so we are able to increase awareness of OCI and its mission. Free membership level will depend on the frequency of the hosted meetings.
4. volunteer virtually for various upcoming roles in the organization, earning a membership level depending on the role and time commitment
5. marketing orientated people: If you think you have a good approach on how you would promote our website online, or if you could see yourself participating with us in some other way, including marketing professionals, reach out to us and we could discuss the possibility of a free membership, and for individuals interested in promoting our institute online on social media

We would like to hear your ideas. Become a member and there are opportunities to get your ideas explored. Our target is currently that half of our research is to be chosen by members.

We have board committees that include: internal, external and governance. And we have working committees that report to the executive director, these include: left-leaning policy research, right-leaning policy research, economically left and culturally right. Further information about the committees is available to members, in the members only area after signing up, as well as on the Volunteer page and the Become a Member page.

Our research areas. Inclusive of left and right leaning thinking. As well as membership-based, grassroots (lead with membership driven). And as you can imagine, most think tank sector funding especially with the biggest well-know think tanks, comes from big corporate interests and other big money sources which can lead to research and results that leave out the interests of the general public, so if you want the average Canadian to have a say in policy research and development, then become a member and or donate today.

We have come up with volunteer position profiles some posted publicly on the Participation page and some in the members only area, but for those who are very excited to volunteer with us now feel free to reach out to us about these opportunities or those under development. Volunteer opportunities will grow with the institute, some could transition to part-time staff int eh future. If you have an idea of how you could volunteer with us, do come to us. And we offer letters of reference for volunteers for those who are in the workforce and who so desire one.

We are currently applying for charitable status.

We do not support any particular political party or ideology. Our members can be members of a political party however, as there are advantages to members our organization in being part of a political party if they choose, for example members that are involved learn more about policy ideas of political parties which we can later potentially develop research to improve upon them. Generally speaking, we recognize that some of our members are members of established political parties are encouraged to keep a lively conversation.

Members have their input into what research direction to take, for about half of our research.

Members have access to our communications on public policy research ideas. General ideas can be found on the About page and the Donate pages, although not all the ideas will get researched, depends on member interests and donors support to some extent.

Be one of our first 1000 members to get information sooner.

Yes, you may cancel anytime.

While membership fees are non-refundable, the financial commitment is only monthly. You can cancel your membership at any time, but if you're ever unsatisfied, we encourage you to reach out to us first. Refund policy is simple, cancel the monthly membership anytime, so no refunds. But we encourage you to reach out to us if there is someway we can improve in what we can do for you.

No, not necessarily. As we take no political positions, the findings, opinions, or conclusions presented in the independent research are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organization or its stakeholders such as members, donors, staff, board, suppliers, collaborators etc. The topics and/or conclusions of the researchers are not necessarily those of members, board or staff. While topics can be directed by larger donors, conclusions can’t be.

Let us know your priorities, which membership level will benefit you most and how you expect we can help, and we’ll send you a response so you can better decide.

As we currently have modest website traffic, at this early stage we can invest some time to have some introductory calls where we can let you know more about this nonprofit, answer some questions, as well as get your constructive feedback.

Yes, we monitor the mainstream news and the online news, so the issues that are currently important to Canadians we are looking into, but we don’t chase the latest news story, systemic long terms at or near top concerns.

Although we encourage members to take advantage of what we offer, many members participate lightly as they are altruistic, enjoy of membership only area and the satisfaction of knowing their membership sustains our great work for Canadians.

If you are a researcher and identify with any of our areas of research that you have seen on this website, please reach out to us to discuss, how we may engage your services at some point.

 We are in the process of brining on board members, and advisors, if you are interested, reach out to us.

The Social Capital page is a page unique to you, if you are registered as a Supporter or a Member, as it displays how many points you have accumulated for doing good things like sharing surveys or other weblinks on this website. You can’t see the contents on this page because you are not logged in to this website as a Supporter or a Member. It’s free to become a Supporter, simply go to a signup page, follow the steps to signup, and you’re in.

OCI is building a professional hub for government-adjacent, policy, and research professionals, designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer connections.

Paid membership provides early access to a growing community where members can:

• Connect with government-adjacent, policy, and research professionals

• Explore opportunities for collaboration, research partnerships, or consulting

• Discover contractors, service providers, or expertise aligned with their work

OCI is developing a structured networking offering. Early members will help shape this, which is intended to make it easier for professionals and organizations to find potential collaborators and opportunities.

Important: Membership does not guarantee contracts, employment, or collaborations. OCI facilitates connections but does not act as a broker or intermediary.