New Report: Reimagining Non-Profit Governance through a Social Justice Lens

Non-profit governance discussions have undergone a transformation over the past decade, shifting from a focus on boards to a focus on governance as a complex system of people, structures, and processes embedded in a particular organizational culture and broader social ecosystem.

Similarly, discussions about equity, inclusion, and social justice have transformed. These discussions have shifted from a focus on diversity to a focus on equity and inclusion at systemic and institutional levels.

This report responds to the question: how might we use a social justice lens to reimagine non-profit governance in Alberta?

Based on conversations within ECVO and a review of academic and grey literature, the report explores topics such as:

• Governance practices in a neoliberal context
• A history of governance approaches
• Democratizing non-profit governance
• Case studies in participatory governance

This report serves as both a foundational document for the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations in charting a course for supporting Alberta non-profits in reimagining their governance approaches as well as a beginning guide for any non-profits interested in making their internal governance practices more equitable.