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Values Added CURA completed this project in May 2008
Project Summary
Led by the Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador (CSC) in partnership with
faculty from Memorial University, the Values Added CURA focused on the Strategic Social Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador (SSP) released in 1998. The SSP, an ambitious experiment, called for involvement of the voluntary, community-based sector (VCBS) and citizens in policy formulation. Government established six Regional Committees with representatives of institutions and organizations, a Premier's Council on Social Development, and a Secretariat within Executive Council. These structures were to facilitate interdepartmental collaboration, public consultation and citizen engagement, and to link voluntary organizations and communities to Government. Our research revealed that the public lacked knowledge of the SSP; linkages and community outreach were weak; and the VCBS and Government still largely operated in silos. Lack of capacity and resources to build bridges, complexity and longevity issues hindered implementation. We learned innovative policy instruments require different operating procedures and long-term investment. A new administration dismantled the SSP, but on its foundation created a Rural Secretariat emphasizing rural sustainability. Nine Regional Councils made up of individuals (not organizational representatives) and a Provincial Council (regional representatives plus other community leaders) provide vehicles for engagement.
Two final knowledge exchange events were convened in May 2008. A Symposium brought together government policy shapers, community leaders, academics and experts from outside the province to share our research results and stimulate discussion around government – community collaboration. We learned that considerable shifts are taking place which signal that the underpinning values and objectives of the SSP are taking root, with increased focus on horizontal policy planning, community collaboration and integrated place-based development. As well, new Provincial Strategies for Healthy Aging, Wellness, Poverty Reduction, Violence Prevention, Cultural Initiatives, Sport and Recreation, and Immigration promote SSP principles. There are cross-references among the strategies and often several departments are involved with their development. It is unfortunate that the Values Added CURA ended before a full analysis of these continuing impacts could be undertaken.
The second event convened non-profit leaders to discuss formalizing a provincial alliance of voluntary sector organizations: the benefits, challenges and potential priorities. CSC is also piloting an area-based model for non-profit cluster development to support collaboration and networking. These initiatives may address a CURA-identified weakness: lack of cohesion in the sector to act collectively. CURA has produced substantial spin-offs and its work has been augmented with leveraged funds contributing to policy and programming. Funding from the Provincial Government and ACOA is building further program and policy knowledge around community enterprise. Vibrant Communities St. John's, an exemplary model of multi-sectoral collaboration, received multi-source funding to continue work to 2012, and CSC's operating grant from the Province increased substantially in 2008. CSC is engaged in national projects with local focus examining shared services opportunities, best practices for government-community collaboration and a history of social development and poverty reduction.
Values Added findings are beneficial to Canadians in any jurisdiction interested in the voluntary,
community-based sector and processes for government-community collaboration in policy formulation. Download Values Added CURA publications and related documents.
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