About the Social Planning Council of Ottawa (SPCO).

Since 1928, the Social Planning Council of Ottawa (SPCO) has been a catalyst for sustainable social and economic development in Ottawa. We are a non-partisan, not-for-profit, charitable organization run by an elected Board of Directors.
Our mission is to provide residents of Ottawa with the means to exercise informed leadership on issues affecting their social and economic well-being. Today, the SPCO uses modern research and communication methods and works with Ottawa’s social agencies, concerned residents and decision-makers to understand and advocate the social needs of our city. For several years we have applied our core services around four priority action areas: Access to Basics, Creating Inclusion, Support to the Voluntary Sector, and Community Economic Development.

Our vision is to achieve our mandate through:

  • Identifying and analyzing the social needs in the community
  • Providing leadership in planning and establish priorities for meeting the identified needs
  • Monitoring and evaluating changes in the policy and resource environment
  • Encouraging informed involvement by our members and the wider public in critical social issues
  • Encouraging and enabling social service organizations to respond to change
  • Taking an active advocacy role on social and economic policy
  • Influencing decision-makers by making them aware of the need for and consequences of social and economic policies.

Invitation to join the Board of Director

Are you interested in joining an organization that makes a lasting impact in our community? Are you passionate about social justice and equity? Are you willing to translate your passion into action? If so, we’d like to meet you.

SPCO is currently recruiting volunteers to join our 12-member board of directors.

The Board of Directors at the SPCO play a crucial role in guiding the organization towards achieving its mission. Generally, their responsibilities include:

  • Strategic Oversight: Providing strategic direction to ensure the SPCO’s activities align with our mission and meet the community’s evolving needs.
  • Financial Stewardship: Overseeing the responsible management of the SPCO’s assets and financial resources, including budgeting, investment strategy, and risk management.
  • Governance and Compliance: Ensuring the SPCO adheres to legal, ethical standards, and
    maintains transparency and accountability.
  • Community Engagement and Advocacy: Engaging with the Ottawa community to advocate for the SPCO’s mission and building partnerships to enhance our impact.
  • Fundraising and Resource Development: Mobilizing resources by leveraging networks and influence to secure funding and other resources essential for the SPCO’s initiatives.

We are seeking volunteer board members who are passionate about community development and capacity building, and who are willing to dedicate a minimum of 10 hours per month to board work and committees or ad hoc working groups. Candidates should be deeply committed to the community and the role of a Board of Director.

We are particularly looking for people with the following background;

  • Skills in communications and marketing.
  • Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
  • Fundraising and Resources Development.
  • Human Resources.
  • Finance and Accounting.
  • Legal knowledge.
  • Community Engagement.
  • Willingness to advocate for the SPCO’s mission.
  • Ability to collaborate and work in partnership.
  • Organizational/Business Management.

If you are interested in this opportunity to make a meaningful difference, please, send an email with some information about you to the following email addresses:
office@spcottawa.on.ca or board_president@spcottawa.on.ca

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