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STRIVING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

STRIVING FOR SUSTAINABILITY. Melanie Bania , PhD YJO Annual Conference September 21, 2016. Workshop Objectives. Explore sustainability as a multi-faceted concept Share experiences, ideas, and resources around 6 Key Strategies related to sustainability

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STRIVING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

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  1. STRIVING FOR SUSTAINABILITY Melanie Bania, PhD YJO Annual Conference September 21, 2016

  2. Workshop Objectives Explore sustainability as a multi-faceted concept Share experiences, ideas, and resources around 6 Key Strategies related to sustainability Stimulate thinking for sustainability planning of your own initiatives

  3. Context & Methodology Pull together existing knowledge and tools on good practice in sustainability planningin one package “Striving for Sustainability: Six Key Strategies to Guide Your Efforts” • 1st Ed - summer 2013 • 2nd Ed – coming soon!

  4. Definition SUSTAINABILITY: “the overall stability of a [program]; its ability to weather temporary challenges, provide quality services in the present, and maintain a solid foundation for its future”(Wakeland & MacRae, 2006, p.1)

  5. Note: Responsibilizationof Community • sustainable social change and impact requires… • relationships of trust • consistency & continuity • time • sufficient resources • many funding arrangements are… • short-term • non-renewable • not applicable to core functions • uncertain

  6. By reviewing and synthesizing common themes in the literature, I identified 6 Key Strategies that contribute to sustainability…

  7. Ensure Ongoing Funding & Resource Development • diversification of funds • strategic financing / resourcing • social innovation Key Strategy #1

  8. Types of Funding & Resources

  9. Guiding Principles create passion for what you do understand the heart of the donor build a story be realistic but positive be mission-driven (avoid mission creep) be goals-driven (set objectives) be specific with your ‘asks’ always say ‘thank you’ in special and personal ways

  10. Tips & Resources A Framework for Resource Development Planning: http://educationnorthwest.org/webfm_send/168 Top 4 tips for fundraising: http://skollworldforum.org/2015/04/15/top-four-tips-for-fundraising/?series=live-from-skoll-world-forum-2015#.VTab1x8pWeI.email Good Works Blog (Fundraising in Canadian context): www.goodworksco.ca/blog/

  11. 3 Questions STRENGTHS: What are you doing that is working well in this area? CHALLENGES:What kinds of difficulties, roadblocks or barriers do you encounter in this area? OPPORTUNITIES:What more could or should you be doing, and how?

  12. Build & Maintain Effective Partnerships • various types of partnership for different purposes • who to seek, and what to partner on • characteristics of effective partnerships Key Strategy #2

  13. Types of Partnership Purpose & Behaviour

  14. Characteristics of Effective Partnerships

  15. 3 Questions STRENGTHS: What are you doing that is working well in this area? CHALLENGES:What kinds of difficulties, roadblocks or barriers do you encounter in this area? OPPORTUNITIES:What more could or should you be doing, and how?

  16. Partnership Asset Mapping & Development Planning

  17. Tips & Resources Partnerships: Frameworks for Working Together:www.strengtheningnonprofits.org Collaboration Toolkit: How to Build, Fix, and Sustain Productive Partnerships. U.S. Department of Justice: www.cops.usdoj.gov/files/RIC/Publications/collaborationtoolkit.pdf

  18. Ensure Effective Leadership & Staff Commitment • vision & passion • champions • credibility • consistency • relationship building • strong internal systems (structure) • adaptability (flexibility) • ongoing training, support, supervision Key Strategy #3

  19. Questions STRENGTHS: What are you doing that is working well in this area? CHALLENGES:What kinds of difficulties, roadblocks or barriers do you encounter in this area? OPPORTUNITIES:What more could or should you be doing, and how?

  20. Tips & Resources Staff Retention in Social Services: The Role of Leaders – Workbook: http://socialwork.msu.edu/outreach/docs/Workbook%201%20Role%20of%20Leaders%206-07-07.pdf Liberating Structures: Including & Unleashing Everyone in Creative Ways: www.liberatingstructures.com

  21. Foster Community Buy-in & Participation • It is important to broaden ownership of your initiative: Outside of your typical key partners, it is important to have individuals and/or local groups in the community who believe in, get involved in, promote the interests of, assist with, benefit from, and validate your initiative Key Strategy #4

  22. Guiding Principles get to know your community inside/out be respectful of existing processes understand cultural diversity, display cultural competency gain awareness of community perception of your initiative be clear about expectations for participation harness expertise show appreciation & recognition

  23. Tips & Resources Asset-Based Community Development Tool Box: www.abcdinstitute.org/toolkit/ Guide to Mobilizing Local Assets and Your Organization’s Capacity: www.abcdinstitute.org/docs/kelloggabcd.pdf

  24. Maximize Program Quality & Effectiveness • be evidence-informed (good practices) • be results-oriented • what does “success” look like? • what will we hold ourselves accountable for? • evaluate performance and process • evaluate outcomes and impacts Key Strategy #5

  25. Evaluation Logic: 4 steps

  26. Evaluation with Integrity & Purpose

  27. Questions Define what “success” looks like: How do you define “success” for your initiative? What does “success” look like for you? How will you know when you are being “successful”? What does that look like? How do your participants, partners, and other allies define “success”? What does a high quality program look like in your context? What does it achieve?

  28. Questions How do you (and how can you? measure that success: In relation to program quality (performance and processes)? In relation to program effectiveness (outcomes and impacts)?   How do you (and how can you) ensure continuous learning, celebration & improvement: Adjust and improve your initiative to maximize its quality and impacts? Celebrate your successes and accomplishments?

  29. Tips & Resources Program Evaluation Toolkit by the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child & Youth Mental Health Project Evaluation Guide For Non-Profit Organizations: Fundamental Methods & Steps by Imagine Canada Data Collection Methods Toolkit by Northwest Center for Public Health Practice Capacity Canada EvalU including evaluation Boot Camps and coaching Genuine Evaluation blog with resources on practical evaluation PerformWell data bank of outcome measures and tools

  30. Prioritize Good Communication & Visibility • visibility & accessibility are key • use existing communication channels • hold special events • get involved • highlight concrete achievements • develop a communication planwith key messages Key Strategy #6

  31. 6 Steps to a Good Communication Plan

  32. The “test” Can you describe your work in 30 seconds or less, in a way that clearly articulates what you do and what you’re trying to achieve, in order to capture the interest of others (i.e., your “elevator speech”)?

  33. Tips & Resources Tom Ahern Donor Communications:http://aherncomm.com/news.php 6 Tips on how to pitch to media:http://skollworldforum.org/2015/04/16/forum2015-six-tips-on-how-to-pitch-to-media/?series=live-from-skoll-world-forum-2015#.VTabFNK3ep4.email

  34. Questions & Discussion Thank you!

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