It’s difficult to sum up a year’s worth of work in a single brochure. Last year, the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations spearheaded a number of projects and initiatives to strengthen the nonprofit sector in our city. The 2016 annual report showcases our past work such as the Moving to Action initiative, board-to-board networking and capacity building workshops, while focusing on what lays ahead for the nonprofit sector in Edmonton. Within the annual report there are four key themes:
- Leading: Connecting boards and asking the question, how can the nonprofit sector work together province-wide and nationally on issues of importance?
- Capacity Building: Tackling evaluation and funding, providing resources and skill building opportunities
- Giving Voice: Speaking on behalf of Edmonton nonprofit organizations, researching issues that impact the sector, sharing opportunities for individuals and organizations
- Volunteerism: Volunteer screening, recruitment and collecting and sharing volunteer stories
At the Annual General Meeting, ECVO Russ Dahms explained in short, why our organization focuses on these key points: “It’s really about a strong vibrant community that is strengthened by an effective voluntary sector working with government and business.”
As for what’s ahead, ECVO recognizes that complacency is impractical in a rapidly shifting society; To be sustainable, organizations must adapt to these shifts. “When you think about the your organization and the work that you do, think down the road and ask the question what will sustainability look like?” asks Dahms. “It’s far better to create your path forward than to sit and stay static, old tight to the status quo.”