Get Involved with CANA

Make your mark in cremation innovation!

CANA Members are leaders in our profession and have so much to contribute to our industry as a whole and our association in particular. There are many ways members can get involved with the work CANA does.

Standing Advisory Groups

In order to be a member of an advisory group (AG), the member must be employed by a Regular Member (voting member) in good standing. Each member must attend a majority of AG meetings per year (typically teleconferences) and may not be absent from attendance at two consecutive meetings of the committee per year. Members must abide by the CANA Code of Cremation Practice and the CANA Bylaws.

CANA has five standing groups, which are always open to dedicated individuals with innovative ideas. Interested persons can contact CANA's Membership Manager Brie Bingham for more information.

Convention/Symposium Planning Advisory Group

The mission is to plan, organize and conduct the Symposium and the Annual Convention as mandated by the bylaws and to offer the membership the opportunity to discuss the business of the association, to learn from their peers and from invited speakers, and to meet each other in a relaxed and non-competitive environment.

Meets bi-monthly by teleconference.

Education Advisory Group

The mission is to oversee development and implementation of CANA educational offerings outside of the annual convention and cremation marketing symposium. This will include the CANA Crematory Operations Certification Program, CANA Education Online, professional development seminars, educational partnerships and new offerings.

Meets as needed by teleconference.

Government and Legal Affairs Advisory Group

The mission is to ensure that there is adequate and appropriate monitoring, lobbying and oversight on federal and state/provincial legislation and issues that could affect the association and members. Separately, to make recommendations to the board of directors regarding any government activities that could affect the industry.

Meets as needed by teleconference.

Magazine Advisory Group

The mission is to oversee the development and production of association publications, including the magazine and any other newsletters, guidelines, or documents. To provide direction to editors and the staff concerning format, schedule, market and distribution, etc. concerning these publications. This includes the development and production of the annual and mid-year cremation statistics reports. The Advisory Group advises the methodology of the research and oversees the work of the statistician. This advisory group reviews opportunities for additional research projects.

Meets quarterly by teleconference.

Membership Advisory Group

The mission is to actively recruit new members, to advise staff on membership recruitment and retention activities, to review and advise on new member benefits and to encourage member participation in association committees and activities. The Committee will also determine if membership needs are being met and to recommend measures or services that will better meet the changing needs of members.

Meets quarterly by teleconference.

Committees

The Board of Directors has the following standing committees:

Executive/Governance Committee – chaired by president and comprised of the officers
Finance/Audit Committee – chaired by Treasurer and comprised of officers and interested board members.

Board of Directors

In order to be a member of the Board of Directors, the member must be a Regular Member (voting member) in good standing. Each voting member of the Board of Directors must agree to fulfill any CANA committee, advisory group or task force assignments as requested by the President; must attend at least one of two in-person meetings of the Board of Directors per year; not be absent from attendance at two consecutive meetings of the Board of Directors per year; abide by the CANA Code of Cremation Practice; and abide by the CANA Bylaws.

A significant commitment, members of the Board of Directors serve for a period of three (3) years after election commencing at the Annual Business Meeting at the CANA Annual Convention and concluding at the same function three years later.

Elections are held annually and interested individuals are welcome to apply within the candidacy window. Anyone interested in joining our board to shape the future of our association, and our profession, can find an application here. The application deadline is May 15, 2025.

CANA Ambassador - New!

A CANA Ambassador is an enthusiastic and welcoming member of CANA who enjoys sharing and gaining knowledge and understands, embraces and articulates the value of belonging to CANA. The Ambassador is also well-versed in the CANA’s products, services and opportunities available to members to address the profession’s needs. This volunteer opportunity does not require in-person meetings, though Ambassadors are encouraged to promote CANA wherever possible.

Here are some ways CANA Ambassadors can get involved:

Present on CANA’s activities at your local, state/provincial, or regional association meeting. We’ll send you a presentation to use!
When you’re at an industry event, such as a conference, dinner, or study group, make an effort to network and get to know your colleagues – and if they’re affiliated with CANA!
Follow us on social media and engage with our posts: like a post, leave a comment, watch the video, click the link, etc.
Make your own post about a CANA experience you had an enjoyed. Be sure to tag our channels, too!
Mention CANA in interviews, conversation, etc. as appropriate.
Recommend CANA content from our blog, magazine, or press releases to your local, state/provincial, or regional association newsletters, magazines, and meetings. Ask us for ideas!
Forward a CANA email to someone who might benefit from the content. Even if they’re already a member, you’re kick-starting a conversation with a colleague.
Recommend another member who would also make a great Ambassador.
Be available to speak with prospective members (referred by staff) who want a peer perspective on membership.
Add the CANA member logo to your company website.
Report back on your success – photos are welcome!

Ready to get involved? Complete our Ambassador Interest Form and we'll be in touch!

Ad Hoc

Make your mark on your schedule based on your interest and experience. From the comfort of your computer, share your expertise and tell us how we're doing.

Beta Test Online Courses – CANA is developing new education courses to make CE available to funeral professionals on their schedule, from their office. These programs benefit from rigorous testing of the platform, reviews of the content, and more.

Contribute Content – CANA publications benefit from the perspective of our members about their challenges and innovative solutions. Submit a written piece or a proposed topic to our editors for the magazine or blog, show-off your business by submitting your company for an upcoming feature, or review and contribute technical papers.

Review Consumer Pages – Kick the tires on CANA's webpages. With over 250,000 hits, CANA's website informs the general public about their options with cremation. But we want to make sure we represent our members effectively, so send any additions and edits and we'll take a look.

PR Toolkit – Put the toolkit, and any of our other member benefits, through its paces and tell us what we're missing, where the speedbumps were, and what you valued most.

And we occasionally establish ad hoc work groups to respond to a specific and short-term need. Engaging with CANA demonstrates your experience and expertise for future needs.

Contact Membership Manager Brie Bingham with your contributions.

Make the Most of Your Time!

We welcome input from our members on all our activities. Keeping the communication open between our members keeps us moving forward. Have an idea for a project? Comments about another benefit? Any idea that's not on this list? A special talent you want to share? Tell us! Contact Membership Manager Brie Bingham with your ideas and we'll make it work!