The Journey Continues: The Second Report to Canadians on Implementing
An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector
Background Paper: Voluntary Sector Implementation
A. The Foundations for Change
Overview of the Voluntary Sector Forum
As the leadership structure guiding the voluntary sector’s
activities as part of the VSI, the Voluntary Sector Forum (the
Forum) has a three-part mandate:
- Oversee the VSI
One of the Forum’s main priorities is to oversee the work
of the VSI during its implementation phase. As part of its work
in this area, the Forum is directing a number of projects designed
to deliver concrete tools and results for the sector. A major
focus is on implementing the Accord and Codes of Good Practice.
- Advance the sector’s interests on national issues
The Forum is taking a leadership role in promoting the sector’s
interests on three issues of national importance, two of which
relate directly to the Accord and Codes of Good Practice on Funding
and Policy Dialogue. One of these areas is voluntary sector financing,
including efforts to change the funding regime and the funding
climate in which sector organizations operate. Another priority
is to gain recognition of advocacy as a fundamental role for the
sector by ensuring that charitable organizations can participate
fully in developing national policies. The Forum is also committed
to exploring the problems of voluntary sector organizations related
to liability and risk management.
- Build and engage the voluntary sector
Part of the Forum’s mandate is to reach out and engage the
voluntary sector’s diverse membership. With this in mind,
the Forum participates in a number of activities, such as expanding
its network of contacts, and developing and delivering information
on its activities through a variety of media – including
its Web site and an electronic newsletter.
Forum Members
The Forum’s 20 members reflect the diversity, knowledge
and interests of Canada’s voluntary sector.
- Monica Patten (chair), Community Foundations of Canada
- Yvonne Atwell, Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women’s
Health
- Darlene Bessey, YWCA of Canada
- Lani Cooke, Consultant
- Marlene Deboisbriand, Volunteer Canada
- Gordon Floyd, Children’s Mental Health Ontario
- Bonnie Greene, United Church of Canada
- Al Hatton, United Way of Canada
- Damon Johnston, Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development
Inc.
- Marcel Lauzière, Canadian Council on Social Development
- Esperanza Moreno, Canadian Council for International Cooperation
- Marjorie Northrup, Volunteer Bureau of Montreal
- Liz O’Neill, Big Sisters and Big Brothers Society
- Penelope Rowe, Community Services Council Newfoundland
and Labrador
- Georgina Steinsky Schwartz, Canadian Centre for Philanthropy
- Shauna Sylvester, IMPACS
- Charlotte Thibault, Fondation canadienne des Femmes, Montréal
- Michael Weil, YMCA Canada
- Sylvan Williams, Consultant
- Megan Davis Williams, Ottawa Art Gallery
