The Latest

Through the Lens of Local Context

Every community, large or small has inherent capacity. In December, Tamarack hosted a tele-learning session with Mary Emery from the University of South Dakota. Mary shared information about her work with the community capitals framework which has been used with small and rural communities in the United States to help local leaders uncover the capacity that exists. The community capitals framework is an interesting approach to thinking differently about our communities.

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The Power of Measuring Volunteer Impact

For twenty-­two years, The Optimist Club of Orangeville have hosted Christmas in the Park at Kaycee Gardens throughout the month of December. Countless volunteer hours go into creating this free, pet­friendly event that transforms a small local park into a magical winter wonderland with more than 50,000 bulbs lighting up several unique Christmas­themed displays. Musical groups and other local talent take turns offering live performances throughout the month, making this local tradition, a perfect way for people young and old to enjoy the holiday spirit.

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A Residency in Social Innovation

Social innovation skills are needed now more than ever to tackle the urgent challenges of our times.  Complex problems confront individuals and communities in many different sectors. Whether your concerns lie with culture, climate, industry, justice or policy, creating the change we need in the world depends on gaining knowledge and finding new approaches. 

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Youth Collective Impact

The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and Laidlaw Foundation recently announced the launch of Youth CI: an initiative that strengthens existing and emerging collaboratives that are working to advance outcomes for youth in Ontario by fostering collective action between organizations serving youth locally. Youth CI is generously supported by the Government of Ontario to improve outcomes for youth as a part of its Ontario Youth Action Plan.

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Community-Campus Partnerships

Universities and Colleges in Canada are rich in resources that are often in short supply in the community sector: Knowledge, research capacity, and the energy and enthusiasm of students. So how can we mobilize this potential on behalf of our communities?

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Understanding Complexity and Developmental Evaluation

Complexity -- it's everywhere we look. If you're working to engage communities and create meaningful, sustainable change, then you're going to come up against complexity. This becomes even more complicated when you're not only trying to make change, but evaluate your efforts in making change.

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