This is the fourth piece in a new series about advocacy work in our sector. Civic discourse and participation are two of the most important indicators of a healthy, vibrant democratic society. In an increasingly polarized political environment, social sector organizations have a critical role to play in fostering social cohesion, facilitating meaningful political dialogue, and…
As we mark the 150th anniversary of confederation, The Philanthropist is profiling Canadians from across the non-profit sector and putting a face to 150 individuals who work or volunteer in Canada’s social sector. Name: Joanne Cave Profession (current role in the sector): Research and Evaluation Analyst at Homeward Trust Edmonton (and a part-time researcher with Mowat…
In many ways, 2016 was a year of flux for Canada’s non-profit sector. Our lagging economy put pressure on non-profit organizations and charities to deliver essential services, creating a “structural deficit” along with new fiscal challenges for provincial governments (Emmett, 2016). Meanwhile, the Fort McMurray wildfire in May demonstrated the sector’s critical role in times…
Funding Policies and the Nonprofit Sector in Western Canada: Evolving Relationships in a Changing Environment, edited by Peter R. Elson, Toronto, University of Toronto Press, 2016, ISBN 9781442637009 Social, political, and economic environments in Western Canada have been changing quickly; it is essential that non-profit sector leaders across Canada pay close attention. A new book…
SUMMARY: How should nonprofit organizations (charities or otherwise) respond to changing political environments, leverage digital tools, maximize their impact on policy change, and assert themselves as thought leaders? In her article, Joanne Cave discusses the implications of recent elections and draws a roadmap for effective advocacy during times of political stability. She offers 10 policy…
SUMMARY: This article discusses key milestones for Canada’s non-profit sector in 2015, specifically highlighting landmark policy discussions, research projects, and sector-wide initiatives that have paved the path for 2016. It then identifies five emerging trends for nonprofit organizations in 2016: (1) the emergence of new leadership development and capacity-building opportunities for Canada’s sector leaders; (2)…
Show Roger Hart’s Ladder of Young People’s Participation (1997) to a room full of engaged young people and you will likely be greeted with vigorous head nods. “How many of you have experienced the bottom three rungs of the ladder—manipulation, decoration, or tokenism?” I tentatively asked a youth audience several years ago during a civic…