September 2024 Edition

September 2024 Edition

Truth and Reconciliation

Today we reflect on the history of this country we call Canada. Truth and Reconciliation has been a part of our dialogue on this land for the past decade following the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In 2015, the commission put forward 94 Calls to Action engaging almost every sector of Canadian Society. We now look to education to provide strong and truthful knowledges and about Indigenous peoples, we look to our Justice System to do better and to implement alternatives to the incarceration of Indigenous youth, we look to a deep reform of Child Welfare mandates to an embracing of Child Well-being and family reunification, and we look to each other to share and acknowledge the good in each other. Reconciliation Day is about reflecting on our history, but it is also about setting a positive and inclusive tone for our future as a country.

Written by: Cynthia Wesley-Equimaux

Board Member, Capacity Canada & Chair on Truth and Reconciliation, Lakehead University Orillia and Thunder Bay

   

In Memory of John B Carter

The governance community is mourning the loss of John Carver, who passed away on August 16. John Carver made profound contributions to what is coming to be known as modern board governance. His legacy as a governance author, researcher, teacher, and consultant has significantly shaped both the theory and practice of board governance. Today, Carver’s Policy Governance® Model in its fullness is widely practiced around the world, and it has significantly influenced how many not-for-profit boards operate. In a time when many seek to “decolonize” board practices, Carver’s framework offers an effective method for establishing clear role delineation, fostering a board culture informed by its community, and creating a performance-driven and value-oriented environment.  

Read More about his legacy on our website

 

YMCA Fellowship of Honour Medal Winner!

Congratulations to our Executive in Residence, Scott Haldane, for being awarded the esteemed YMCA Fellowship Honour Medal this week in Ottawa.

Scott is among just 12 dedicated individuals recognized for their exceptional contributions to the YMCA in communities throughout Canada.

   

Learn More

 

Capacity Canada maintains accreditation from Imagine Canada

We are pleased to announce that Capacity Canada has successfully maintained its accreditation from Imagine Canada. Under Andrew Wilding’s exceptional leadership, we have met the rigorous standards for continued accreditation. This achievement reinforces our commitment to excellence and ensures our ongoing recognition and trust within the community. The Imagine Canada Standards Trustmark lets donors, volunteers and community members know that when supporting an organization, their goodwill is in good hands. Nonprofits that showcase the Imagine Canada Standards Trustmark have completed a rigorous independent peer review of their operating and governance practices.

Capacity Canada Welcomes new EIR!

Julie Newman, M.Sc., CHRL, CRM, is the founder and principal at Willow Hall HR. A certified human resources leader with over 15 years of HR experience, she was formerly a senior leader at Camino Mental Health + Wellbeing. Julie specializes in creating inclusive and psychologically safe workplaces. With a background in Kinesiology and Medical Science, she offers unique insights into organizational culture, performance management, and employee relations. Julie is dedicated to creating innovative HR solutions that align with organizational strategies and resource constraints. As part-time faculty at Conestoga College, she mentors future HR professionals and is actively involved in supporting immigrant talent through Waterloo Region’s Workplace Immigrant Network.

We are excited to have Julie as part of our family!

Read More about her on our website

 

Tackling Climate Change in Calgary with Design Thinking!

The Calgary Climate Hub, started in 2017 by a small group of local citizens interested in working on climate change, is taking significant measures to enhance its volunteer engagement and campaign effectiveness to counter climate change.

One of the four participants in Capacity Canada’s Design Collective program, the team wanted to acquire techniques for organizing and leading volunteers in campaigns against climate change that made a difference and had a significant impact. The Calgary Climate hub has started implementing the principles of design thinking in their volunteer groups and has successfully conducted three workshops.

 

Learn More about their experience with Design Collective Program here

 Capacity Canada extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Suncor Energy Foundation (SEF) for its unwavering commitment to building sustainable and resilient communities across Canada. SEF’s generous support has been instrumental in making our Design Thinking work in Calgary and Newfoundland possible.  

Learn more about the Design Collective on our website.

Limited spots available for Board Governance BootCamp! Register now! There is still time for you to register for Capacity Canada’s highly anticipated Board Governance Bootcamp! This year, the Bootcamp will be held on November 26, 27 and 28 at Bingemans Conference Centre in Kitchener. What’s exciting? You will have the flexibility to choose a governance track for the entire three-day BootCamp, and we are also offering two optional concurrent Pre-BootCamp Workshops!

Limited spots are available!

 

Learn More about our BootCamp & Register Today!

Nine Non-profit Organizations Selected for Creative Day for Social Good

Over the years, Capacity Canada’s Creative Day for Social Good (CD4SG) has provided non-profit organizations with valuable design and marketing expertise for no cost. It has made it possible for charitable non-profits to access professional resources to build their brand and have a more significant social impact. This year, 9 non-profit organizations are participating in the program. These selected non-profits will receive marketing tools and communication material, including website designs, videos, and brochures, among others. The organizations selected this year are: 

• Waterloo Wellington Self-Management Program
  • Cambridge, ON
• Hope House Community Hospice
  • Richmond Hill, ON
• Saskatchewan Alternative Initiatives
  • Saskatoon, SK
• ARMAGH
  • Peel Region
• Volunteer Canada
  • Ottawa, ON
• NB Lung
  • New Brunswick
• Together: For Perinatal Mental Health
  • Waterloo Region
• Health Charities Coalition of Canada
  • Ottawa, ON

Learn More about CD4SG on our website

Support Capacity Canada

Each year, we help non-profits from all across Canada with Board Governance training. We are always grateful for our non-profit partners, community leaders, and their support. We are also grateful for the ongoing generous support of Suncor Energy Foundation and the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation. Your financial support will help Capacity Canada bring together the ideas, people, and resources that fuel social innovation.

Donate Today

Thank You To Our Funders