Manitoba Voluntary Sector Initiative

The voluntary sector of Manitoba, Canada, has initiated a three-year community-based process to develop and improve the long term sustainability of the voluntary sector in their area.

The Manitoba Voluntary Sector Initiative (MVSI) is driven by the challenges facing the voluntary sector in Canada and elsewhere which suggest to community leaders that it’s time to plan for the future.

Through the MVSI, they aim to come up with a fresh approach and more assertive voices and to provide answers to the urgent questions regarding the sustainability of the voluntary sector.

The voluntary sector contributes to democracy, civil society and innovation and is a powerful advocate for improved community life. Yet, as the world need for voluntary social activity is increasing, special challenges are emerging.

The challenges include:

• Increased demand for diminishing funds
• More demands for services because of a stressed economy
• Volunteer and staff burnout
• Donor fatigue
• Increasingly complex accountability requirements

The MVSI held a two day conference in March 2002 and a follow-up Forum in May 2002. These two events identified facts, problems, strategies and future solutions.

The MVSI Action Plan is based on the belief that the key to a stronger voice for the voluntary sector is communication. It will gather essential information regarding the voluntary sector’s nature, needs and impact and hopes to create a Made-in-Manitoba data-base to build closer cooperation between the voluntary sector and government, business and labour.

For further information

Contact	:	Martin Itzkow , Director
Address	:	Manitoba Voluntary Sector Initiative Secretariat on Voluntary Sector Sustainability
Phone	:	1-204-284-8516
Fax	:	1-204-287-8785
Email	:	volsec@mb.aibn.com

WWW

:

http://www.voluntarysector.mb.ca