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It’s clear that #WECharity will experience tremendous fallout from recent events.
Let me start here. I have many issues with the #CSSG program itself, the process of how it was rolled out, and how WE operates.
But I’m more concerned about where this all goes.
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Let me start here. I have many issues with the #CSSG program itself, the process of how it was rolled out, and how WE operates.
But I’m more concerned about where this all goes.
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Rightfully, WE and the government are under the microscope for a wealth of valid reasons which are covered in great detail elsewhere. Court is in session (including the court of public opinion), and I want to have faith that justice will prevail.
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What’s concerning is how much the story is being used for political agendas, generating media consumption and validating exaggerated criticism of the charity/NFP sector as a whole.
We’re losing sight of what this is supposed to be all about. Doing good and more of it!
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We’re losing sight of what this is supposed to be all about. Doing good and more of it!
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The response by the charitable sector as a whole since the pandemic began has been nothing short of remarkable. This is under circumstances where revenue is way down but demand is way up, based on the nature of the work being done.
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Most charities in Canada run in an ethical, sound, well-governed way (although we should always be learning and doing better) and are creating measurable, positive change. Although, like in any industry, there are some that deviate from the right path.
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The real question is, how do we prevent this from happening again? What have we learned that will help charities, boards, government agencies, politicians, donors, and so on ask better questions, build better relationships and ultimately strengthen this work?
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If you haven’t already checked it out, last year the @SenateCA released many recommendations to create stronger law, policy, and relationships that will enable more good works and better decisions.
7/ https://sencanada.ca/en/info-page/parl-42-1/cssb-catalyst-for-change/
7/ https://sencanada.ca/en/info-page/parl-42-1/cssb-catalyst-for-change/
Create more pathways for discussions between government and the charity/NFP sector through more representation by those well-versed in both. If the goal was supporting youth financially, consultation about the CSSG idea would have generated a lot of important feedback.
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Consulting more with those specializing in volunteerism like @VolunteerCanada @YMCA_Canada @UWCCanada and those connected to youth like @CFSFCEE @PathwaysCanada at inception I’m sure would have yielded a different program, perhaps wildly different from the CSSG.
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Let’s give donors and the public more education and information about how to understand work being done by charities, what to look for (other than just financial ratios) & understand that the charities that are the best marketed and supported already aren’t the only choices.
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Let’s support charities in having stronger governance and oversight through funding training and Board/leadership support, evaluation methods and implementation, as well as in having an equity/anti-oppression lens in all of this work.
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And maybe let’s share and discuss stories of good work being done more often. Let’s highlight the amazing minds and hearts of tens of thousands of people working on creating social good every day in a variety of ways while also being accountable.
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I have so much love & respect for everyone out there staffing shelters, advocating for equity, raising funds against the odds, providing childcare, healthcare, & mental health services, connecting with seniors, running youth programs.
To me, that’s the real story here.
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To me, that’s the real story here.
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PS - I appreciate that @goodpartnersinc has brought together an excellent group to look at what’s next. I’m going to be joining this for sure on Thursday. @AineMcGlynn @narinderdhami @HYMire @malburrs @canadiancharity @missladyniobe @kate_bahen
https://signup.thegoodpartnership.com/donordiligence?r_done=1
https://signup.thegoodpartnership.com/donordiligence?r_done=1
