RCE Saskatchewan-2015
Duration of project:
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 to Monday, November 2, 2015
1. Describe coordination and management of the project. Please also reflect how the RCE as a network organisation has contributed to the project. (Character count 400 words):
The Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN) is an interdisciplinary, community-university collaborative comprising of students, the voluntary/nonprofit sector and faculty/staff. VSSN is administered out of the VSSN office at Luther College at the University of Regina. Luther College provides logistical support and office space, and initially funded the project with seed money ($60,000). In 2015, a 2-year grant to support strategic planning and initiatives was received from the Saskatchewan Community Initiatives Fund (CIF). VSSN is coordinated by a Facilitator (founding faculty member), Acting Director (faculty member), and Coordinator. These three people are responsible for oversight of education and research programs, administration, budget, and funding proposals. Decisions are made by a Steering Group consisting of the above three individuals and volunteer members drawn from the voluntary/nonprofit sector, university faculty/staff, and students (5-7 members from each of these three groups). There is complete commitment to a collaborative management framework in which decisions are made by consensus.
RCE Saskatchewan’s Co-coordinator, Dr. Roger Petry, is a founding and continuing member of VSSN’s Steering Group. His input on collegial governance, sustainable development as a central goal, and links to community organizations is an integral component of VSSN. VSSN’s work promotes and supports the vigour and sustainability of the voluntary/nonprofit sector, which is critical to community and economic sustainability and the development of sustainable and alternative (including those based on volunteerism) livelihoods. The RCE Saskatchewan recognized the work of VSSN with its RCE Saskatchewan ESD Recognition Award in May 2015. This award significantly enhanced the reputation and visibility of VSSN, and aided in acquisition of the funding award from the Community Initiatives Fund.
RCE Saskatchewan’s Co-coordinator, Dr. Roger Petry, is a founding and continuing member of VSSN’s Steering Group. His input on collegial governance, sustainable development as a central goal, and links to community organizations is an integral component of VSSN. VSSN’s work promotes and supports the vigour and sustainability of the voluntary/nonprofit sector, which is critical to community and economic sustainability and the development of sustainable and alternative (including those based on volunteerism) livelihoods. The RCE Saskatchewan recognized the work of VSSN with its RCE Saskatchewan ESD Recognition Award in May 2015. This award significantly enhanced the reputation and visibility of VSSN, and aided in acquisition of the funding award from the Community Initiatives Fund.
2. What are the current results of the project in terms of output (e.g. publications, developed practices, course materials)? (Character count 300 words):
*Research
-Research report: VSSN Cross-Canada Scan on Voluntary Sector Programs
-Research report: Student Survey on voluntary/nonprofit sector courses and careers
*Education (formal and informal)
-Developing a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Innovation (NIL) proposed for the University of Regina: extensive consultation with the voluntary/nonprofit sector, students, Luther College, and the University of Regina, and cross-Canada survey of analogous programs at other institutions to determine core competencies and to identify the specific courses
-Two VSSN courses offered in 2014-2015: "Nonprofits in Society" and "Mixed Methods Research on the Voluntary Sector"; these courses also provided a model for courses taught in other disciplines
-Led peer-group teaching circle on participatory, community-engaged, project-based pedagogy and a research circle on community-based research
*Institutional sustainability of the VSSN
-Steering Group with terms of reference
-Received $60,000 seed money and a subsequent $210,000 two-year grant
-Appointed a practicum student and Acting Director; hired a Coordinator
-Developed strategic, action, and communication plans
-Ongoing social media and website content updates
*Establishment of a collaborative network linking university and voluntary/nonprofit sector
-Extensive face-to-face sector-university consultations
-Several outreach events to students
-Developed several outreach tools (logo, website, social media sites, bookmarks, info sheets)
-Set up and send out monthly news to an e-network comprising more than 200 organizations and individuals in Saskatchewan
-Developed a comprehensive communications plan
-Met with senior government officials in provincial government ministries to discuss and promote the sector
-Research report: VSSN Cross-Canada Scan on Voluntary Sector Programs
-Research report: Student Survey on voluntary/nonprofit sector courses and careers
*Education (formal and informal)
-Developing a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Innovation (NIL) proposed for the University of Regina: extensive consultation with the voluntary/nonprofit sector, students, Luther College, and the University of Regina, and cross-Canada survey of analogous programs at other institutions to determine core competencies and to identify the specific courses
-Two VSSN courses offered in 2014-2015: "Nonprofits in Society" and "Mixed Methods Research on the Voluntary Sector"; these courses also provided a model for courses taught in other disciplines
-Led peer-group teaching circle on participatory, community-engaged, project-based pedagogy and a research circle on community-based research
*Institutional sustainability of the VSSN
-Steering Group with terms of reference
-Received $60,000 seed money and a subsequent $210,000 two-year grant
-Appointed a practicum student and Acting Director; hired a Coordinator
-Developed strategic, action, and communication plans
-Ongoing social media and website content updates
*Establishment of a collaborative network linking university and voluntary/nonprofit sector
-Extensive face-to-face sector-university consultations
-Several outreach events to students
-Developed several outreach tools (logo, website, social media sites, bookmarks, info sheets)
-Set up and send out monthly news to an e-network comprising more than 200 organizations and individuals in Saskatchewan
-Developed a comprehensive communications plan
-Met with senior government officials in provincial government ministries to discuss and promote the sector
3. What are the expected/confirmed outcomes (e.g. impact of the project, such as changed practices, improved capacity, institutional changes, etc.)? Please provide evidence where applicable. (Character count 400 words):
The VSSN program embraces three inter-related themes – learn, research, innovate. The VSSN enables students, voluntary sector staff and volunteers as well as university faculty/staff to become involved in dynamic and mutually beneficial relationships while learning, researching and innovating. We believe that by enhancing connections among these diverse groups, the potential for reciprocal learning for everyone involved is great – indeed, the creation and sharing of knowledge is multi-directional. The reciprocal learning and networking benefits and builds sustainable communities as people move forward and act on these new ideas.
In addition, we know that three components constitute our society – the government sector, the market sector, and the voluntary sector – but the voluntary sector lacks a coordinated and comprehensive academic presence in Saskatchewan. While the University of Regina currently has strong linkages to the business community (for example, through the Paul J. Hill School of Business), to government (through the Johnson-Shoyama School of Public Policy), to human services (through the Faculties of Social Work and Nursing) and to sport/recreation (through the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies), there is no focused program of study on the voluntary sector as a whole for students. Further, most provinces/territories have post-secondary education institutions that offer certificate programs, undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees that focus on supporting the voluntary sector, but Saskatchewan does not. The VSSN arose to fill this gap. The VSSN is the first formal program of study on the voluntary sector as a whole in Saskatchewan. At VSSN, a buzz of activities, conversations and problem-solving about real-world issues that the voluntary sector deals with unfold daily.
In addition, we know that three components constitute our society – the government sector, the market sector, and the voluntary sector – but the voluntary sector lacks a coordinated and comprehensive academic presence in Saskatchewan. While the University of Regina currently has strong linkages to the business community (for example, through the Paul J. Hill School of Business), to government (through the Johnson-Shoyama School of Public Policy), to human services (through the Faculties of Social Work and Nursing) and to sport/recreation (through the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies), there is no focused program of study on the voluntary sector as a whole for students. Further, most provinces/territories have post-secondary education institutions that offer certificate programs, undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees that focus on supporting the voluntary sector, but Saskatchewan does not. The VSSN arose to fill this gap. The VSSN is the first formal program of study on the voluntary sector as a whole in Saskatchewan. At VSSN, a buzz of activities, conversations and problem-solving about real-world issues that the voluntary sector deals with unfold daily.
Are there any unexpected/ unplanned results achieved by your project? If yes, briefly describe or list them. (Character count 200 words):
The magnitude of the positive and indeed very enthusiastic response to and support of VSSN was unexpected. Voluntary/nonprofit sector organizations and individuals have participated in VSSN informal education and consultation events in such numbers with such high enthusiasm. For example, the electronic network grew from a few members to over 200 members in a few months, and continues to grow by new members every week. Similarly, the response from students has been much greater than anticipated. At each outreach event, nearly 200 students have spoken with VSSN representatives, asking about careers, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs equipping them to work in the sector. Many university faculty and staff have indicated their wish to be involved with VSSN in teaching and research. The VSSN has been contacted by individuals and organizations across Canada seeking professional development and certification for work in the sector. Finally, VSSN’s presentation to senior members of the provincial government resulted in great interest and support. It is clear that VSSN is addressing important needs of the sector and gaps between the sector and the university.
4. What are the remaining challenges and/ or limitations for further development? (Character count 300 words):
The greatest need at the current time is funding for a full-time faculty position to continue to develop and enhance VSSN and its research, learning, and innovation activities. Funding is being sought at the current time. Currently two faculty members are sharing the direction of VSSN. There are many challenges associated with the magnitude of the needs and the enthusiasm of individuals who want to be involved in VSSN—a good problem to have! Yet, VSSN needs more personnel and funding resources to address the potential. VSSN is not limited by enthusiasm and commitment!
What is the project’s contribution to innovative and transformative educational processes for sustainable development (especially regarding formal/ non-formal learning/ research)? (Character count 500 words):
The VSSN enables students, voluntary sector staff, volunteers and university faculty/staff to become involved in dynamic and mutually beneficial relationships while learning, researching and innovating. We believe that by enhancing connections among these diverse groups, the potential for reciprocal learning for everyone involved is great – indeed, the creation and sharing of knowledge is multi-directional. The reciprocal learning and networking benefits and builds sustainable communities as people move forward and act on these new ideas.
The VSSN facilitates many public events throughout the year for students, voluntary organization staff and volunteers as well as faculty/staff. These events are educational in nature and work towards solving real-world problems that the voluntary sector is currently facing in Saskatchewan (e.g., a public forum on funding models for the sector that struggles with inadequate funding). These opportunities create dialogue among attendees to allow learning from each other and forming relationships.
Learning at VSSN is both formal and informal and encompasses different models of course delivery: semester-long courses, online courses, webinars, block classes, evening seminars and ‘weekend university’. As already noted, there are three main groups of learners at VSSN: undergraduate students, voluntary sector staff/volunteers, and university faculty and staff. A Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Innovation is under development. As well, VSSN will provide professional development for those already working in the sector through collaboration with the Centre for Management Development at the University of Regina.
The VSSN facilitates many public events throughout the year for students, voluntary organization staff and volunteers as well as faculty/staff. These events are educational in nature and work towards solving real-world problems that the voluntary sector is currently facing in Saskatchewan (e.g., a public forum on funding models for the sector that struggles with inadequate funding). These opportunities create dialogue among attendees to allow learning from each other and forming relationships.
Learning at VSSN is both formal and informal and encompasses different models of course delivery: semester-long courses, online courses, webinars, block classes, evening seminars and ‘weekend university’. As already noted, there are three main groups of learners at VSSN: undergraduate students, voluntary sector staff/volunteers, and university faculty and staff. A Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Innovation is under development. As well, VSSN will provide professional development for those already working in the sector through collaboration with the Centre for Management Development at the University of Regina.
How can you scale up and mainstream ESD and SD practices of the project and enable it to contribute to the implementation of the Global Action Programme (GAP) as proposed by UNESCO? (Character count 300 words) :
VSSN directly addresses both objectives and the five priority action areas of GAP (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco-world-conference-on-esd-2014/esd-after-2014/global-action-programme/ ) through the following VSSN activities:
*VSSN is working directly with the Government of Saskatchewan to promote the voluntary/nonprofit sector. In this way VSSN is “Advancing policy”.
*VSSN’s development and mentoring of innovative pedagogies acts in “increasing the capacity of educators and trainers” and “integrating sustainability practices into education and training environments (whole-institution approaches)”.
*Development of a proposed Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Innovation for undergraduate students makes knowledge about and entry into the work of the voluntary/nonprofit sector directly accessible to students. It empowers students to make a difference through their volunteerism and career choices and skills. In this way VSSN is “empowering and mobilizing youth”.
*The voluntary/nonprofit sector is increasingly important to the transformation to alternative and sustainable lifestyles. By promoting the value of and knowledge about the sector to students and the wider public, VSSN is directly enhancing the effectiveness of the sector in promoting these lifestyle transformations. In this way, VSSN is “Encouraging local communities and municipal authorities to develop community-based ESD programmes”.
*VSSN’s work places this information in the public domain through its website, through its workshops and focus groups with the sector and the public, and through the promotion and publication of research. In this way VSSN is “Encouraging local communities and municipal authorities to develop community-based ESD approaches”.
*VSSN is working directly with the Government of Saskatchewan to promote the voluntary/nonprofit sector. In this way VSSN is “Advancing policy”.
*VSSN’s development and mentoring of innovative pedagogies acts in “increasing the capacity of educators and trainers” and “integrating sustainability practices into education and training environments (whole-institution approaches)”.
*Development of a proposed Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Innovation for undergraduate students makes knowledge about and entry into the work of the voluntary/nonprofit sector directly accessible to students. It empowers students to make a difference through their volunteerism and career choices and skills. In this way VSSN is “empowering and mobilizing youth”.
*The voluntary/nonprofit sector is increasingly important to the transformation to alternative and sustainable lifestyles. By promoting the value of and knowledge about the sector to students and the wider public, VSSN is directly enhancing the effectiveness of the sector in promoting these lifestyle transformations. In this way, VSSN is “Encouraging local communities and municipal authorities to develop community-based ESD programmes”.
*VSSN’s work places this information in the public domain through its website, through its workshops and focus groups with the sector and the public, and through the promotion and publication of research. In this way VSSN is “Encouraging local communities and municipal authorities to develop community-based ESD approaches”.
How does you project contribute institutional and policy reforms as part of sustainability change? (Character count 500 words):
The Nonprofit Leadership and Innovation Certificate proposed by VSSN would achieve institutional change at the University of Regina in several ways:
*Promoting the voluntary/nonprofit sector as a career opportunity for students
Developing and mentoring pedagogical innovations in the classroom, including project-based, experiential, and community-engaged learning
*Promoting collaboration in teaching and research among several Faculties, including Arts, Social Work, Kinesiology and Health Studies, Education, and Business
*Building and mentoring research and formal and informal learning opportunities between the voluntary/nonprofit sector and the university
VSSN is promoting the value of the voluntary/nonprofit sector directly to the Government of Saskatchewan. Governments tend to underrate the importance of this sector; but increasingly, with the economic, social, and political challenges of the 21st century this sector is key to addressing these issues. VSSN also demonstrates to the government how formal and informal learning opportunities can enhance the effectiveness and accountability of the voluntary/nonprofit sector, leading to increased government interest in funding and promoting the sector. This work will lead to policy changes.
*Promoting the voluntary/nonprofit sector as a career opportunity for students
Developing and mentoring pedagogical innovations in the classroom, including project-based, experiential, and community-engaged learning
*Promoting collaboration in teaching and research among several Faculties, including Arts, Social Work, Kinesiology and Health Studies, Education, and Business
*Building and mentoring research and formal and informal learning opportunities between the voluntary/nonprofit sector and the university
VSSN is promoting the value of the voluntary/nonprofit sector directly to the Government of Saskatchewan. Governments tend to underrate the importance of this sector; but increasingly, with the economic, social, and political challenges of the 21st century this sector is key to addressing these issues. VSSN also demonstrates to the government how formal and informal learning opportunities can enhance the effectiveness and accountability of the voluntary/nonprofit sector, leading to increased government interest in funding and promoting the sector. This work will lead to policy changes.
5. How does your project further improve capacities of various partners and stakeholders on the theme? (Character count 500 words):
The VSSN is building sustainable communities by developing the tools required to equip Saskatchewan’s voluntary sector with the knowledge and skills they need in order to continue working toward the enhancement of the quality of life and well-being of all people in Saskatchewan. The collaboration and partnerships between the university and voluntary organizations in Saskatchewan builds capacity to work together and is a strategic way of using the voluntary sector to sustain communities and build social, human, natural, and financial capital. Further, VSSN provides students and voluntary organization staff various educational opportunities (formal and informal).
The VSSN believes it needs to inspire "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". VSSN serves the entire voluntary sector and as such, supports the evolution of communities across the province toward improved environmental stewardship, social justice, and economic sustainability. VSSN intends to help build a healthier voluntary sector, which will result in healthier communities due to enhanced heritage/cultural preservation, healthier natural environment (e.g., wetlands preservation), a better social environment (e.g., reduction in family violence, reduction in discrimination, etc.), and healthier people (e.g., more affordable and accessible recreation programs for everyone), to name but a few. Given VSSN's foundational knowledge about the voluntary sector being a complex ecological system, VSSN knows that it must work carefully to ensure that the environmental, social justice and economic pillars are each strengthened simultaneously.
Finally, VSSN is aware that many aspects of the voluntary sector are marginalized from the mainstream, thus its work unfolds with a social justice lens. VSSN believes in the equitable treatment and enhancement of the quality of all life for everyone.
The VSSN believes it needs to inspire "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". VSSN serves the entire voluntary sector and as such, supports the evolution of communities across the province toward improved environmental stewardship, social justice, and economic sustainability. VSSN intends to help build a healthier voluntary sector, which will result in healthier communities due to enhanced heritage/cultural preservation, healthier natural environment (e.g., wetlands preservation), a better social environment (e.g., reduction in family violence, reduction in discrimination, etc.), and healthier people (e.g., more affordable and accessible recreation programs for everyone), to name but a few. Given VSSN's foundational knowledge about the voluntary sector being a complex ecological system, VSSN knows that it must work carefully to ensure that the environmental, social justice and economic pillars are each strengthened simultaneously.
Finally, VSSN is aware that many aspects of the voluntary sector are marginalized from the mainstream, thus its work unfolds with a social justice lens. VSSN believes in the equitable treatment and enhancement of the quality of all life for everyone.
6. How does your project link to the SDGs or other global frameworks (e.g. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Convention on Biological Diversity, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030)? (Character count 300 words):
Organizations similar to VSSN exist in other jurisdictions, but there are few to any linkages among them. VSSN has undertaken and is planning research projects that specifically address and inform the development of these linkages. For example, the research report that surveyed voluntary/nonprofit education opportunities in Canada is available on the VSSN website. The next research project will include an inventory and characterization of Saskatchewan voluntary/nonprofit organizations, and discussion of how best VSSN can sponsor mutually-beneficial relationships and activities among them.
What is novel about the project within the RCE network and what could other RCEs learn from this experience? (Answer only if relevant) (Character count 250 words):
Some theorists argue that the voluntary sector itself is a complex ecological system with a diversity of agents (e.g., nonprofit organizations, governments, funders, businesses), acting in a diversity of ways and creating a diversity of forces, conditions and reactions. Voluntary sector organizations have to adapt to these (i.e., mutate) or succumb to threats (i.e., cease to exist). There is also the emergence of new organizational forms and foci to deal with new conditions and realities that emerge in their environment (e.g., most HIV/AIDS organizations did not exist 25 years ago). This foundational knowledge helps orient VSSN to its work, and informs RCEs globally about the importance of this sector in addressing a variety of goals: transformation of livelihoods, enhancing equitable treatment and enhancement of the quality of all life for everyone, furthering social justice, meeting the needs of the world’s most vulnerable populations, and educating young, and indeed all, people about the value and rewards of working in the sector.
VSSN is contributing to the theoretical and practical development of the voluntary/nonprofit sector. This knowledge will be directly relevant to other RCEs because this sector is so important to sustainable development. The VSSN experience will demonstrate to other RCEs how valuable such work is and will provide a model for similar work in other areas.
VSSN is contributing to the theoretical and practical development of the voluntary/nonprofit sector. This knowledge will be directly relevant to other RCEs because this sector is so important to sustainable development. The VSSN experience will demonstrate to other RCEs how valuable such work is and will provide a model for similar work in other areas.
What is the significance of this project for the region? How important are its results for its particular project category? (Character count 250 words):
Saskatchewan has at least 8,000 registered charities and nonprofits, has the second highest number of voluntary organizations per capita in Canada and has the highest volunteer rate in Canada. This voluntary sector provides many public benefits, is woven into the historical fabric of Canada, is active in myriad areas (e.g., arts/culture, heritage, environment, sports and recreation, health, education, social, religions, housing, international development, law and advocacy, fundraising and voluntarism promotion), has $75 billion in revenues, is found in every community, has thousands of staff, and draws on millions of volunteer hours every year. The VSSN is building sustainable communities by developing the tools required to equip Saskatchewan’s voluntary sector with the knowledge and skills they need in order to continue working toward the enhancement of the quality of life and well-being of all people in Saskatchewan. The collaboration and partnerships between the university and voluntary organizations in Saskatchewan builds capacity to work together and is a strategic way of using the voluntary sector to sustain communities and build social, human, natural, and financial capital.
