An Update from the Canadian Representatives to DRI
With Contributions from Aleksandra Zivanovic and Marcus Snowden
CDL’s active partnership with DRI provides the Association’s Volunteer and Staff Leadership the opportunity to participate in training sessions and discussions on the governance and operations of member-based civil defence organizations. This peer-to-peer exchange provides CDL with valuable ideas, as well as lessons learned from across North-America.
In October of 2024, the President, 1st Vice President and Executive Director participated in the DRI Leadership conference, alongside volunteer leaders and staff from DRI and as well as dozens of State and Local Defence Bar Associations.
The October 2024 Conference kicked off with Association Industry Expert Sarah Sladek where she presented on the need for Associations to create Belonging and Community first, at a time when there is growing low and no cost offerings for Professional Development.
Also at the October meeting, CDL’s Executive Director had the chance to meet with her colleagues from across North-America to discuss administrative and operational issues of concern. A virtual meeting is also held quarterly and is chaired by the CEO of DRI.
In May of 2025, the President and Executive Director participated in the DRI Regional Conference, alongside Volunteer and Staff leaders from Central and North Central States; between these annual meetings participants join monthly video calls where they share what’s new, what’s working and lessons learned from local programs and events.
CDL enjoys a unique relationship with DRI functioning both as a Country-to-Country counterpart, while enjoying the support received by multi-jurisdictional regions within the DRI structure. The Canadian Region is represented on the Board of DRI by Aleksandra Zivanovic, Canadian Regional Director, and by Marcus Snowden, Canadian Regional Representative.
Marcus and Aleks were appointed by CDL for a three year term ending in 2026. Several CDL members are actively engaged in DRI in addition to her role as Regional Director, Aleks is the Co-Chair of the DRI’s Membership Committee, Susan Gunter is an active member of DRI International, and Laura Emmett is an active Committee volunteer.
This summer DRI comes to Canada, in partnership with CDL for the first ever DRI North-America session. Exploring cross border issues with an exciting list of American, Canadian and Mexican Speakers. Hold the date August 21 and join us in Toronto. More details to come.
In October of 2024, the President, 1st Vice President and Executive Director participated in the DRI Leadership conference, alongside volunteer leaders and staff from DRI and as well as dozens of State and Local Defence Bar Associations.
The October 2024 Conference kicked off with Association Industry Expert Sarah Sladek where she presented on the need for Associations to create Belonging and Community first, at a time when there is growing low and no cost offerings for Professional Development.
Also at the October meeting, CDL’s Executive Director had the chance to meet with her colleagues from across North-America to discuss administrative and operational issues of concern. A virtual meeting is also held quarterly and is chaired by the CEO of DRI.
In May of 2025, the President and Executive Director participated in the DRI Regional Conference, alongside Volunteer and Staff leaders from Central and North Central States; between these annual meetings participants join monthly video calls where they share what’s new, what’s working and lessons learned from local programs and events.
CDL enjoys a unique relationship with DRI functioning both as a Country-to-Country counterpart, while enjoying the support received by multi-jurisdictional regions within the DRI structure. The Canadian Region is represented on the Board of DRI by Aleksandra Zivanovic, Canadian Regional Director, and by Marcus Snowden, Canadian Regional Representative.
Marcus and Aleks were appointed by CDL for a three year term ending in 2026. Several CDL members are actively engaged in DRI in addition to her role as Regional Director, Aleks is the Co-Chair of the DRI’s Membership Committee, Susan Gunter is an active member of DRI International, and Laura Emmett is an active Committee volunteer.
This summer DRI comes to Canada, in partnership with CDL for the first ever DRI North-America session. Exploring cross border issues with an exciting list of American, Canadian and Mexican Speakers. Hold the date August 21 and join us in Toronto. More details to come.