All programs need a supportive organizational home where there is a solid fit in terms of mission, goals, and values. There is a natural tendency to think that a Big Brothers Big Sisters program needs a home in a Big Brothers Big Sisters agency, or that a Boys and Girls Club needs a home in a Boys and Girls Club organization. The stories throughout this workbook indicate other options that have been very successful in local communities across Canada, and have contributed to the sustainability of those programs and clubs. At this point, all options need to be considered, including:
- Fitting the program or club into an existing organization in your community. This might be an existing Big Brothers Big Sisters agency, or an existing Boys and Girls Club. Or, it might be another non-profit organization in your community that already works with children and young people. Try reading the stories of Miramachi on page 17, Stettler on page 18, and Red Deer on page 58.
- Creating the program or club as a satellite or field office of an organization in another community, or the broader region. Try reading the stories of Squamish on page 94, and Abottsford, Mission, Ridge Meadows on page 96.
- Starting a new organization42. Try reading the story of Wetaskiwin on page 92.
- Making the program or club a joint venture of several organizations43. Try reading the programs of the Sunshine Coast on page 29 and Edmonton on page 98.
This chapter focuses on the pro’s and con’s that need to be considered in making this decision.
The discussions about finding a supportive organizational home can be quite difficult. For many of us, talking about programs focuses us on the needs and interests of children and youth. But, talking about organizations brings up many hidden feelings and assumptions about histories, power, values, culture, name, and identity.
You might consider the following process with your steering committee.
- Read through all of the options first
- Then, re-read some of the success stories that give local colour and shape to these options
- Brainstorm further pro’s and con’s for each option, particularly in the context of your community
- Develop a set of criteria for yourselves for making a sound decision. Look at what is most important to you and your steering committee in making a sound decision
- Evaluate each option against the criteria
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