Canadian Federation of Voluntary Sector Networks

Exploiting Momentum is growing across Canada to build cohesion in the broader voluntary sector with the simultaneous and independent emergence of local, regional, provincial, and territorial networks of voluntary organizations. Though different in origin and structure, our member coalitions, councils, consortium, chambers, and initiatives all seek to build healthier communities through a recognized and vibrant voluntary sector.

Many of these networks have joined together to form the Canadian Federation of Voluntary Sector Networks. Working together, the networks will strengthen their impact in their respective communities, regions, provinces, and territories to:

Exchange information and resources within the voluntary sector

Related Initiatives

Network Development

Ottawa Chamber of Voluntary Organizations

Neighbourhood Planning Initiatives

Cente for Urban Research and Education

Facilitate and promote collaboration
Raise the profile of the voluntary sector
Build the capacity of the voluntary sector
Impact public policy development
Dialogue with other sectors

Vision
The voluntary community-based sector is recognized for the essential role it plays in building the capacity of communities across Canada toward a civic, caring, and just society.

Mission
To support and promote the significant contributions of Canadian voluntary organizations to community vitality by growing and strengthening sub-sectoral local, regional, provincial and territorial voluntary sector networks.

Definition of Voluntary Sector Networks

A voluntary sector network brings together voluntary organizations from different sub-sectors within a defined geographic constituency, deals with cross-cutting sector-wide issues, and builds connection, cohesion, and capacity, within voluntary organizations and the voluntary sector as a whole.

Goals

To increase the linkages and forms of collaboration between existing and emerging coalitions across Canada.
To mobilize voluntary sector coalitions to effectively impact public policy.
To influence the development of meaningful and appropriate investments in voluntary sector networks.
To promote, recognize, and celebrate the voluntary sector.
To promote approaches to collective brokering of products, services, and benefits needed by the organizations in the sector.
To support and strengthen leadership in the sector.
To identify and secure long term resources to connect, grow and sustain voluntary sector networks.