The National Collaborative is a committee that provides a national network for accessing evidence-informed practices, leveraging resources and capacity, and identifying national opportunities for shifting policies and systems with a goal of supporting improved outcomes for under-represented youth as they navigate transitions from high school to post-secondary education, training and careers.
In September, I had the privilege of Co-Chairing the National Collaborative’s first quarterly meeting alongside Tamarack’s Co-CEO, Liz Weaver. Together, we welcomed the members of the committee as we collectively embark on this collaborative mission. By virtue of being a cross-sector leadership table with participants from a diverse set of backgrounds - such as youth serving organizations, government, and the business community, the discussion centred around identifying the particular experiences and expertise that we can each bring to the table. At this point, I was truly inspired by the vast diversity of knowledge that makes up the National Collaborative and the enthusiasm that each unique participant brings to this exciting endeavour. Building on this, we began to identify several priorities for the National Collaborative as we move forward with our mandate. One key priority discussed included the importance of discussing the ways in which we can best support communities tackle the barriers that they face, especially for the youth within them.
For myself, this meeting was an exciting opportunity to meet and learn from a truly diverse group of inspiring leaders from across Canada. In this time of social confinement and isolation, the National Collaborative has proved to be a great way of maintaining linkages while collaboratively working towards a better future for our communities and youth. While there is still much more work that needs to be done, the first meeting proved to be an important first step in this process and I am looking forward to our next meeting in the new year.