CommunityWise Resource Centre

Organizational Overview:

CommunityWise is a nonprofit centre that, for 42 years, has existed to support and strengthen diverse grassroots groups and nonprofit organizations through our central location in the historic “Old YWCA” Building which we have operated and stewarded since 1979. We provide affordable and inclusive office and community space, administrative infrastructure (shared internet, mailboxes, office equipment), and collaborative capacity-building supports to 65 member organizations whose work spans a diverse spectrum of social, environmental, and cultural issues. We also engage in an array of community and nonprofit sector development work with a current focus on anti-racism and equity. We are located on Treaty 7 territory, home of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Tsuut’ina, Îyâxe Nakoda and Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.

Mission

To be a nonprofit hub, providing inclusive and affordable space and community development programs to support and strengthen diverse grassroots and nonprofit members.

Vision

A community cultivated by and for everyone.

Values

● Mutuality: We cultivate relationships, connection and collaboration because of their shared benefits and because together we can withstand individual and shared challenges.

● Inclusion: We respect and elevate diverse voices, practices and cultures, individual uniqueness and collective wisdom.

● Accountability: We are responsible to our shared space, to each other, to the larger community, and to the planet.

● Trust: We have confidence in the knowledge, experience, and ability of our members and partners, and actively work to keep their trust in us.

● Equity: We recognize and redress historical and current-day inequities experienced by certain equity-seeking groups and strive for their barrier-free participation.

Anti-Racist Organizational Change (AROC)

Since 2016, CommunityWise has used the principles of anti-racism to become a more equitable organization. Multiple evaluation activities have demonstrated that AROC has resulted in positive outcomes for both CommunityWise and our Members. The broader nonprofit sector has also been impacted through the dissemination of print and audio resources and through participating in anti-racism trainings provided by CommunityWise. In 2018, AROC was recognized by a Canadian Race Relations Foundation Award of Excellence (Community category) for excellence and innovation in combating racism. AROC continues to be the grounding framework for CommunityWise as we implement our 2020-2023 Strategic Plan. You can learn more about it at communitywise.net/aroc.