Networking is an essential way for social impact professionals to make new connections, find jobs, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects. Ensuring that networks remain alive during the pandemic is one important way for the sector to remain collaborative and focused at a time of great uncertainty.
About 386,000 Canadians have recovered from COVID-19, and another 76,000 have active cases. With potential long-term physical, mental and even social impacts of having survived the virus, these hundreds of thousands, and many more, will likely need support for years into the future — and social impact organizations could support their recovery in a number of ways.
Canada just approved a COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, Toronto’s Black community is getting infected with COVID-19 at disproportionately high rates. Medical inequities and distrust are part of the problem and the incoming vaccine may not be enough.
Ottawa’s fall economic statement is traditionally a snapshot of spending from the previous year. In 2020, the document represents another hint for the Liberal government’s priorities in the upcoming federal budget. Its contents will be significant for struggling social impact organizations.
Social isolation is one of the most severe consequences of public health restrictions intended to curb the spread of COVID-19. Building meaningful community among marginalized service users requires not only addressing persistent social inequities, but also figuring out how to keep them connected.