Video Inspiration: Bruce MacDonald CEO of BBBS Canada

“On June 23, 2010 SiG@Waterloo invited Bruce MacDonald to come speak to a crowd gathered at the Canadian Clay and Glass Museum in Waterloo, Ontario.

Bruce is the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and spoke about the organization’s new approach in applying systems thinking to examine how a nationally federated organization can evolve into one that is more nimble and responsive to the needs of its members. More fundamentally, it is looking at how innovative approaches to mentoring can be created within a system that has been functioning for many years.

Bruce’s presentation focused on the organization’s journey to evolve and change, the signposts along the way and the questions that are being asked.

Bruce’s talk is part of SiG@Waterloo’s “Innovators in Action” Speaker Series which explores the application of social innovation to a number of specific sectors and issues.”

Click here to access video of presentation (approx 50 mins)

Click here to access video of panel discussion that followed

Imagine Canada releases 2nd Sector Monitor report

“Imagine Canada today released its second report from the Sector Monitor survey program that was launched at the end of 2009. The program is designed to regularly monitor the state of charities across the country and their ability to deliver their missions.

The goal of the Sector Monitor program is to provide relevant and timely information on the issues facing charities and nonprofits to the sector itself and to various sector stakeholders, including Imagine Canada members, policymakers, business leaders, the media and the Canadian public.

This issue of the Sector Monitor report compares conditions from the first half of 2010 to the baseline established by the first survey. The primary focus is on exploring the effects of the economic downturn that have continued to unfold since 2009. The report summarizes the responses of 1,523 leaders of registered charities who participated in our survey between June 16 and July 18, 2010.

“A key question currently facing our sector is whether the worst effects of the downturn have passed or if worse is yet to come,” shares Marcel Lauzière, Imagine Canada President and CEO in the Sector Monitor’s foreword. “Overall, this Sector Monitor indicates that we continue to face considerable challenges. Although a few of the most acute challenges related to the economy have slackened for many organizations, many other challenges remain or have increased. Although the broader economy is showing signs of slow recovery, this does not appear to be the case for the sector as a whole and we collectively need to watch this closely in coming months and even years.”

Click here to access the report

50 Ways to Foster a Culture of Innovation

“As your organization continues rebounding from the financial meltdown, here are 50 ways to ensure that it becomes increasingly conducive to ongoing innovation. Commit to a few of these today and make some magic.”

Click here for the 50 ways