In the next few months, the London, Ontario-based Pillar Nonprofit Network will be rolling out an innovative peer-to-peer program for Executive Directors. London-area Executive Directors will form discussion circles to explore issues of long-term financial sustainability. ONN talked to Pillar's Executive Director Michelle Baldwin this month about the importance of networking in tough times.
ONN: Can you describe the program?
Michelle Baldwin: Executive Directors will come together for the first meeting and co-design what their circles will look like as far as the structure and the topics. They'll plan the year out as a group. Maybe they'll schedule a guest speaker or write specific discussion questions. A volunteer facilitator will help the process along. Each group member will make a commitment to attend each circle, no matter what the topic is. As a group member, sometimes you're supporting other people, sometimes you're getting support.
ONN: Why are you doing this now?
MB: We've tried peer learning circles with EDs before, and we've seen that they work. And then, last September, we had a community conversation with different members of the London, Ontario nonprofit sector around the economic situation. We saw there was a need for a peer-to-peer learning circle around financial viability and sustainability in nonprofits.
ONN: What are you hoping to accomplish with this program?
We are building a network of support, sharing best practices and fostering a sense of collaboration. We'll also be developing shared strategies to deal with tough economic times. There may be some partnerships that spin off from this. The exciting part is that you never really know what will happen.
Pillar ED Michelle Baldwin has offered to share the details of the peer-to-peer program with other nonprofits and ONN is also exploring the possibility of offering this province-wide. If you would like more information about setting up your own peer-to-peer program, contact Michelle at 519-433-7876 or mbaldwin@pillarnonprofit.ca or Constance Exley, ONN Director, at 416-642-5786 or constance@ontariononprofitnetwork.ca.
