English – Canadian CED Network

The Survivors’ Flag is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. Learn more at https://nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag/

This Saturday, September 30, is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is an opportunity for all of us in the community economic development (CED) movement to honour the courage, wisdom, and worldviews of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. It is also a reminder that, in order for the CED movement to be effective, everything we do must be grounded in the principles of decolonization and reconciliation.

The last residential school may have closed in 1996, but that doesn’t mean that the violence of colonialism has disappeared. Whether we are settlers or Indigenous, colonialism is an oppressive force that continues to structure our lives, our economies, and our communities.

As CED practitioners, a commitment to decolonization and reconciliation requires us to ask ourselves questions that may make us uncomfortable. For example, how do we uphold and benefit from colonialism, whether we intend to or not? What sacrifices might we have to make in order to redistribute power and wealth equitably to Indigenous communities, as well as to other peoples who are held down by colonial oppression?

We should not shy away from the discomfort produced by such questions. However, we shouldn’t get trapped in it either, because the process of envisioning decolonial futures can also be tremendously energizing. Decolonization and reconciliation are pathways toward building community economies where interdependence, sustainability, and abundance are made reality for all. These concepts are all foundational to the CED movement, which of course has always been shaped by contributions from Indigenous peoples, such as the Neechi Principles. Therefore, decolonization and reconciliation (especially economic reconciliation) should not be thought of as something external or optional to doing effective CED — rather, they must be embraced by everyone in the movement.

CCEDNet offices are closed on Monday so that staff can observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in whatever ways feel meaningful. Here are a few resources that are helping us reflect on the roles that we all might play in honouring truth and committing to reconciliation:

Video – Phyllis Webstad explains the story of her experience at Residential School and the origin of Orange Shirt Day in Canada. She discusses the present situation and her hopes for the future.
Vidéo – The vision of Kukpi7 Fred Robbins, also from the Orange Shirt Society.
More videos from the Orange Shirt Society
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: prepare, mark and honour, from the McConnell Foundation
Residential schools left an economic hole that persists across generations, David Parkinson, Globe & Mail, Aug 1, 2022
BROAD PERSPECTIVE: Decolonization for Reconciliation, an interview with Amanda Kennedy
Reconciliation and the Solutions Economy (27 min video), a conversation between Chief Robert Joseph of Reconciliation Canada and Shaun Loney at EconoUs2017.
What ‘land back’ means: Serpent River First Nation chief
Step into the River: A Framework for Economic Reconciliation, Co-authored by Sxwpilemaát Siyám (Chief Leanne Joe, Squamish Nation) and Lily Raphael, published by SFU Community Economic Development, June 2022
Indigenous Canada – University of Alberta MOOC
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Government of Canada
Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023 Lunch and Learn recordings from National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Land Back and Cash Back – two red papers from Yellowhead Institute

Unlock your FULL leadership potential! Join leaders from across the country in our Community Leadership Programs that are designed to cultivate strategic positive impact in your organization. Navigating Change for Leaders and the Leadership Intensive REGISTRATION is now LIVE!

Only a few spots left for our FREE Leading Through Change Workshop on September 19th!

CCEDNet’s Leadership Programs offer learning experiences for individuals or teams who seek to move forward in their leadership journeys with intention and purpose. Through interactive instruction, collaboration with peers, and embodied self-reflection, participants learn, connect, and grow.

Leading Through Change Workshop – FREE fall intro session!

“This workshop offered lots of opportunities to interact with peers and discuss the level of needs/challenges we face in our work environments. These interactions with other leaders aren’t always feasible – or plentiful. Thank you!”

“Leadership styles and resilience factors! Just taking the time out of the regular work day to be reflective at this level had the greatest impact.”

Testimonials from Leading Through Change workshop participants

Inspire and deepen your leadership practice! Join colleagues for an engaging and energizing 2.5 hours to discuss and explore approaches, strategies and ideas that build leadership resilience and help you navigate organizational change. We’re thrilled to be sharing these impactful frameworks explored in the 2-day and 6-day leadership programs!

Only a few spots remain, so sign up today!

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 10:30am – 1:00pm Eastern Time.

Navigating Change for Leaders Program: 2-day Program

“I highly recommend Navigating Change for Leaders to anyone planning or experiencing change in their organization! The ability to work on your real life change scenario throughout the two days means it’s a very productive time. The variety of participants and how they approach each segment allows you to see how the principles can be applied in different settings. My immediate needs were met and I came away just bubbling with ideas and a fresh energy for my project after these two days.”

Dorothy Franklin, Strategic Planning for Not-for-Profits | Navigating Change for Leaders program participant

“This was the most effective professional development experience I’ve had as a nonprofit leader. The workshop made me feel less alone in my change management frustrations and gave me just the boost of confidence and planning I needed to face change head on. The tangible nature of the course ensured I could almost immediately put what I was learning into practice in my work life. The workshop was absolutely worth the time investment. I reflect back on the content often and would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone.”

Testimonial from Leading Through Change workshop participants

Organizational change is not easy but a constant in the social and community sectors. This carefully designed 2-day course will provide you with high quality change management concepts and approaches, a concrete opportunity to create an action plan, and energy and momentum as you embark on new strategies and approaches to transforming your environment.

Designed for leaders navigating and overseeing various change scenarios, this program is offered to individuals through our Open Enrollment Sessions and also organizations interested in customized group training!

Registration is now open for Navigating Change for Leaders. Sign up today!

Leadership Intensive: 6-day Program

“I loved the variety of learning strategies and the scope of practical tools offered. I really appreciated having participants from different sectors (all within the social impact family) from across Canada. I loved the combination of plenary and small group work, very impactful!”

“I have a new understanding of my role as a leader among leaders in my organization. I’ve been empowered to see different ways in which I can improve as a leader and become a better supporter to the people I lead, and have also been edified to see there are things that I’m already doing alright at!”

“It has been awhile since reflecting on my leadership and at this stage of my career it was helpful to reflect on this through a series of tools. I feel I have clarity on how I want to lead in the next phase of my career.”

Testimonials from Leadership Intensive program participants

98% of past participants would recommend this Leadership Intensive to a friend or colleague! Join the next cohort of brave, innovative and determined leaders from across Canada to examine self-leadership, leading and understanding others, and leading within an organization through 6 sessions of supported and embodied learning that will help strengthen your collective problem-solving and creativity.

Designed for leaders of all stages, this program is offered to individuals through our Open Enrollment Session and also organizations interested in customized group training!

Registration is now open for our Leadership Intensive. Sign up today!

Accessibility: Increasing ease of access for people of every identity and ability is our priority. Closed captioning will be available. But, if there is a barrier preventing you from fully joining us for our programs, we want to help! Additional accessibility accommodations may be made available by contacting Adriana Zylinski at .

💥The Community Leadership Program (CLP) is back, and we’re pleased to announce registration is now open!💥

Our Community Leadership Programs help mid and senior level managers and leaders explore approaches and strategies to move forward in their leadership with intention and purpose and to build organizational strength and resilience. Level up your leadership and register today!

Learn more about the 2-day Navigating Change for Leaders Program and register

Fall course dates: Module 1: October 12, 2023 / Module 2: October 26, 2023

Navigating Change for Leaders is a two-day course for leaders who are handling changes within their organization. As a participant, you’ll arrive with a change management issue in hand, and then develop an action plan around it. Upon completing the course, you’ll feel confident in your ability to support your team and energize your stakeholders as you achieve your vision for change.

“I highly recommend Navigating Change for Leaders] to anyone planning or experiencing change in their organization! The ability to work on your real life change scenario throughout the two days means it’s a very productive time. The variety of participants and how they approach each segment allows you to see how the principles can be applied in different settings. My immediate needs were met and I came away just bubbling with ideas and a fresh energy for my project after these two days.”
–Dorothy Franklin, Strategic Planning for Not-for-Profits |Navigating Change for Leaders program participant

This was the most effective professional development experience I’ve had as a nonprofit leader. The workshop made me feel less alone in my change management frustrations and gave me just the boost of confidence and planning I needed to face change head on. The tangible nature of the course ensured I could almost immediately put what I was learning into practice in my work life. The workshop was absolutely worth the time investment. I reflect back on the content often and would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone.
-Testimonial from past participant

Register Here for the 2-day Program: October 12, 2023 / October 26, 2023

Learn more about the 6-day Leadership Intensive Program and register

Fall course dates: Bi-weekly, every Thursday beginning October 5, 2023 and ending December 14, 2023

Leadership Intensive is a six-day course in which learners explore three vital areas of leadership: self-leadership, leading and understanding others, and leading within an organization. The course is built around popular education principles, blending lessons on impactful management frameworks with supportive exercises for doing deep personal work.

“I loved the variety of learning strategies and the scope of practical tools offered. I really appreciated having participants from different sectors (all within the social impact family) from across Canada. I loved the combination of plenary and small group work, very impactful!”

“I have a new understanding of my role as a leader among leaders in my organization,. I’ve been empowered to see different ways in which I can improve as a leader and become a better supporter to the people I lead, and have also been edified to see there are things that I’m already doing alright at!”

“It has been awhile since reflecting on my leadership and at this stage of my career it was helpful to reflect on this through a series of tools. I feel I have clarity on how I want to lead in the next phase of my career.”
-Testimonials from past Leadership Intensive program participants

Register Here for the 6-day Program: Bi-weekly, every Thursday beginning October 5, 2023 and ending December 14, 2023

Sounds great, but is it the right fit for me?! Or simply want an energizing refresher on leadership? Register for a FREE Intro Session to sample our Community Leadership Programs!

Are you interested in further developing your leadership skills but wondering if the strategies and frameworks used in our Community Leadership Programs are the right fit for what you and your organization need? Join colleagues for an engaging and energizing 2.5 hours to discuss and explore approaches, strategies and ideas that build leadership resilience and help you navigate organizational change. Check out our free Leading Through Change intro workshops on September 12th and 19th to experience a sample of these strategies and learn more about the CLP programs.

Register here for Intro session on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 1:00pm – 3:30pm Eastern Time

Register here for Intro session Tuesday, September 19, 2023 10:30am – 1:00pm Eastern Time

More Questions?

If a group of leaders from your organization are interested in CLP, we can tailor the program to your organizational context and learning needs. Contact Adriana Zylinksi for more information or visit our CLP page.

Last year, on International Youth Day (August 12), the United Nations asserted that climate change demands intergenerational solidarity:

“Youth [are] on the frontline when it comes to facing the impacts of the climate change challenges in the long-term,” said Ovais Sarmad, Deputy Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change. “The young generation is a generation that has grown up with climate change and which is rightly demanding intergenerational solidarity and inclusion of their asks in policymaking.”

Young people have their whole lives ahead of them on a planet in crisis, and it is absolutely true that climate policy must center their needs, demands, and dreams.

However, young people aren’t the only ones in need of intergenerational solidarity, both now and in the future. Seniors, for example, are especially vulnerable to the cascading health and economic risks related to environmental crisis. Moreover, under interlocking systems of oppression such as colonialism, racism, ableism, and classism, people of all ages are at risk.

Effective intergenerational solidarity requires us to understand that the frontlines of climate change are expansive – and, as the crisis intensifies, that they’re also expanding. The scope of the problem can feel destabilizing, but it also presents a vital opportunity to build a bigger ‘we.’ If we all are affected by the climate crisis, then we all have a material interest in taking meaningful, sustained collective action.

To build a “we” that includes people of all ages, young people need to recognize that their needs, demands, and dreams are bound up with those of their elders, and vice versa. Fortunately, community economies provide a supportive site for nurturing such solidarity.

Consider Climate Action Team (CAT), a coalition of Manitoba-based organizations (several of them CCEDNet members). CAT has published Manitoba’s Road to Resilience, a series of reports that outline an achievable and concrete pathway to a climate resilient future, while considering human and economic impacts. Many CED principles and practices are foundational to the pathway, such as social procurement, a just transition for workers, and local food sovereignty, among others.

In order to push policymakers to implement the Road to Resilience plan, CAT launched Consider Climate, MB earlier this summer. This grassroots, non-partisan campaign is already generating significant traction, and according to CAT’s Bethany Daman, intergenerational solidarity is one of the keys to its early success.

Bethany says, “At our campaign launch this July, attendees ranged from elementary school age to seniors – all concerned about climate change. We had four speakers who shared why they believe climate action is so important: a youth, a soon-to-be parent, a grandparent, and a retired nurse. Each person’s story was able to connect and resonate with people differently, and the feedback we received about the intentional intergenerational involvement was that it really helped people feel connected. There was less ‘oh, this movement isn’t for me,’ but rather ‘I see that other people like me are involved, there must be a space for me too.’

Volunteer submissions have been coming in almost daily from people across generations who want to get involved in the Consider Climate campaign because they recognize that climate change is something that’s not only affecting them, but also something that’s affecting future generations they care about deeply. Grandparents are constantly sharing with us that they’re getting involved because they’re concerned about their grandchildren’s future.

We’re already seeing the impacts of this intergenerational involvement, the Consider Climate campaign is by-far the most impactful campaign we’ve ever worked on – and it’s only just begun.”

Read the full interview with Bethany below.

Intergenerational-Climate-Action-Climate-Action-Team Download

Are you fostering intergenerational solidarity in your community? If so, email with any advice, ideas, or questions you’d like to share with the CED sector. We’ll gather these contributions and share them via our social media channels.

Ben Losman

Ben manages communications for CCEDNet. He has also helped implement and manage projects such as CreateAction and Community Leadership Program.

Prior to joining CCEDNet, Ben did communications and programming for a number of social purpose organizations across the U.S., Canada, and India. His professional perspective is shaped by his studies in social justice education and his experiences in the world of anti-colonial activism and popular education.

Ben’s ideal community is built around the principles of Indigenous sovereignty, ecological justice, prison abolition, free and wonderful public transit, and abundant access to great local food.

Outside of work, Ben loves exploring the world with his kids, participating in movements for love and justice, and reading.

The Canadian Community Economic Development Network has embarked on a new project called “Community Action for Workforce Development,” an initiative funded by the Government of Canada through the Community Workforce Development Program.

This project seeks to pilot intersectional, community-led workforce planning models in three rural communities across Canada that support economic diversification strategies that take action on climate change and contribute to clean growth. These communities are Arnprior (ON), Slave Lake (AB) and Golden (BC).

In each community, the process engages small and medium enterprises from a range of industries and sectors as well as relevant community-based organisations and public agencies in community workforce planning, training and work placements in order to provide upskilling and reskilling training, wrap-around supports and work placements.

CCEDNet is working with the following project partners:

Factor 5 Group (Factor 5): Factor 5 is leading direct community engagement and is the point of contact for municipal and business partners who wish to be involved in the project.
Community Data Program (CDP): CDP is preparing a rural community workforce development data portal for all municipalities across Canada to provide secondary data that can support these communities in developing their own workforce development plans and enacting a similar project.

Please click here to learn more about the project and ways to get involved!

Community Action for Workforce Development Download

The Community Leadership Program (CLP) is back, and we’re pleased to announce our open enrollment course line-up for Fall 2023!

What is the Community Leadership Program?

CLP offers learning experiences for passionate leaders who seek to move forward in their leadership journeys with intention and purpose. Through interactive instruction, collaboration with peers, and embodied self-reflection, participants learn, connect, and grow.

Sounds great! How can I get a better sense of the CLP experience?

Attend a Leading Through Change Workshop! These FREE virtual sessions provide a meaningful glimpse into the CLP experience. Meet our team, engage in collaborative learning, and connect with other leaders from across Canada.

Loved the intro workshops. So, what full courses does CLP offer?

Fall course dates: Module 1: October 12, 2023 / Module 2: October 26, 2023

Fall course dates: Bi-weekly, every Thursday beginning October 5, 2023 and ending December 14, 2023

What does “open enrollment” mean?

Our open enrollment courses are open to anyone seeking to support their current management and leadership approach. Attend one of these courses and you’ll be part of a diverse group of learners who bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to the table. Not only does this enhance the learning experience, it also expands your professional networks.

All open enrollment courses are delivered via Zoom.

Open enrollment is not the only option. If a group of leaders from your organization are interested in CLP, we can tailor the program to your organizational context and learning needs. Contact Adriana Zylinksi for more information.

When does registration open for the full courses?

✳️ September 6th. Worried you’ll forget? Fill out this form and we’ll send you a personalized reminder. ✳️

Want to know more? Visit our CLP page or contact Adriana Zylinski for more information.

Our CCEDNet team attended the Social Finance Forum on June 15, 2023 both virtually and hybrid with some of our Investment Readiness Program (IRP) team attending in-person events in Toronto. We listened and shared much with others in the social finance ecosystem as we attended panel discussions, networked and participated in Braindate small group sessions.

Something that became more and more evident over the course of the 2-day event was that there are an overwhelming amount of questions about the Social Finance Fund which launched in May 2023 and how to navigate the social finance field more broadly. We’ve also noticed this dynamic when asked to present about the IRP, Social Finance Fund, and social finance at conferences, webinars, or guest lectures. Not to mention, as hosts of the IRP website irp-ppi.ca, many of the same questions also come to us through the ‘help desk’ on that site.

Part of the issue is that the social finance ecosystem is being built, and some questions will be answered as the new Wholesalers get established. But a major barrier is the jargon and an understanding of the concept and practice itself.

Some of the questions we were hearing were sentiments of:

How does a Social Purpose Organization (SPO) apply to the Social Finance Fund? When do we learn more about this?
How are the Investment Readiness Program and Social Finance Fund related? What does it mean to be ‘investment ready’?
We hear that the Social Finance ecosystem wants to ‘shift power’ but what does this really look like?
How is the Social Finance Fund and the Social Finance sector different if we are only talking about how change is needed in order to better support underfunded, equity-denied Social Purpose Organizations instead of having concrete steps and plans in place?
How are we reaching SPOs effectively and ensuring that this Social Finance sector support and Social Finance Fund money is actually getting to where it needs to go in order to affect change?

There is clearly a need for conveners and ecosystem builders in the field to offer clearer and more accessible information so that the greater audience of Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) which this social finance movement aims to reach and support in more tangible, fulsome ways than traditional financial systems, can be meaningfully engaged in the growing social finance marketplace in Canada.

So, as we reflect on these recent observations, we are taking steps towards a hub of information built by and for the ‘demand-side’ of this social finance ecosystem – the grassroots organizations, Social Purpose Organizations, co-operatives, social enterprises, ecosystem builders, and their direct supporters who are figuring out where they fit in this field. To start, we are seeking input from you to inform our work and make sure we’re understanding the problem fully. Some organizations perhaps may think they might be part of this SF ecosystem and are not sure or would like to be considered part of it – we need to hear from you too!

Fill out our questionnaire here. Your contact information will remain private, we do not share this with anyone, and you have the option of remaining anonymous should you wish.

We hope this feedback will ensure we build a digital resource and tools that helps us all navigate the social finance ecosystem in a clear, efficient manner. This is an emergent project we are embarking upon with guidance from the demand-side community, made for these communities to develop tools for way-finding and connecting to make deeper impacts for everyone in the social finance ecosystem.

To connect further about this project, contact Susanna Redekop, Engagement Manager for the Investment Readiness Program: .

Sincerely,

IRP Team

Part of the Regional & Strategic Initiatives strategy at the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet)

Susanna Redekop

Susanna Redekop is the Engagement Manager for the Investment Readiness Program (IRP), part of the Regional Initiatives team at CCEDNet. As part of the Investment Readiness Program team, Susanna builds and maintains relationships and communications between the various partner organizations involved in delivering and supporting the IRP to ultimately support a stronger Social Finance / Social Innovation ecosystem for Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) and communities across Canada.

On June 20, 2023, at the invitation of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) convened Investment Readiness Program (IRP) partners and social purpose organizations to take Government of Canada senior officials on a virtual tour of Investment Readiness Program (IRP)-funded social innovation and social finance initiatives across Canada.

The following report provides more information about the tour, and features the presentations from the four host organizations.

SISF-Tour-for-ADMs-June-2023-English-Final-Links Download

CCEDNet Manitoba is looking for proposals for programming for the Gathering on October 20, 2023!

The Gathering is a day filled with hope to anchor you to others working to challenge the status quo and build positive alternatives. We are looking for workshops, panels, and presentations for facilitating connecting opportunities between participants, and for fun & engaging ways for the community to connect.

Read the Call for Programming Proposals for more information and submit your ideas online!

The deadline for submissions has been extended to August 18, 2023.