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Capacity Waterloo Region |
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everyone anytime anyplace |
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“I’m often asked to explain exactly what Capacity
Waterloo Region is,” admits Cathy Brothers. “I believe
it’s about consciously encouraging every person, and
all of our region’s sectors, to come together to achieve
bold social change.” |
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Think of our region as a living, breathing being who
is doing everything possible to coordinate all moving
parts as efficiently as possible in order to be healthy.
‘The leg bone’s connected to the hip bone’. A healthy
community, like a body, must be actively linking all its
parts in order for it to stretch its capacity. The more of
us who think and act cooperatively, the more likelihood
of achieving success, however we measure that. |
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People focus |
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“Sometimes it’s as simple as organizing pods of likeminded
leaders into peer groups to share experiences
and generate ideas,” Cathy explains. “There’s clear value
in the synergy that occurs when you gather people who
have a common interest or role. Everyone wins ... and
that strengthens our community.” |
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A good example is Capacity Waterloo Region’s
peer groups of non-profit/social profit leaders;
people with a demanding and often lonely job that
seldom presents the luxury of peer support. Each
group consists of 6 – 8 individuals. The purpose may
be temporary and focused on a particular sectoral
issue, or it may be ongoing and link with other
groups to learn and discuss common challenges of
communication, governance, volunteers, marketing,
staff, etc. In a separate program, experienced executive
directors mentor others seeking technical or personal
growth in their roles. Inspiration happens here! |
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Yes we can |
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The thread that weaves through all of these
initiatives is attitude. You’ll discover that the rapidly
growing numbers of those engaged with Capacity
Waterloo Region, itself a social profit organization,
share an intense belief in our community and in
its potential for the future, an unshakeable positive
spirit, and a willingness to contribute to energizing
our community ... right now. As Cathy says, “It begins
with attitude about change. When approached with a
new idea, consider saying ‘yes’ and go down that path.
It’s a good habit for all of us.” |
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Business link |
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One of Capacity Waterloo Region’s most vital
roles is as a connector. Every day brings new faces
with seemingly unique challenges. But, as Cathy points
out, “there’s a similarity to these calls. Identifying the
real need allows us to connect social profit/non profit
leaders with resources and individuals who are eager
to share their expertise with others.” |
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Last year we launched a pilot program to connect a
corporate Chief Technology Officer with organizations
calling for help. Chris Howlett, also an advisor with
Communitech, worked with several organizations,
including Strong Start, to find ways for technology to
enhance organizations’ abilities to achieve their missions. |
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“We had many technology gaps,” explains Machelle
Denison, Executive Director. “I was eager for any help
and rushed to Capacity Waterloo Region when I heard
of the program.” With the experience and knowledge
provided, Strong Start has been able to enhance its
program by leveraging technology to do more with
limited resources. The assistance is helping to build an
infrastructure that will also allow the program to grow. |
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I like what’s happening here. We can all take on
another layer of ‘thinking’, like a fresh template, where
we no longer merely exist in our own personal world
but rather coexist with everyone with our actions
continually and deliberately considering the bigger
picture; collaborating to expand our own thoughts
and energizing ourselves with those of like mind.
Perhaps it’s not enough to simply be a citizen any
longer. There clearly is a great need and potential for
each of us to engage and re-energize as a Community
Builder. Yes, you can make a difference. |
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