"Building on Strength"
in the Voluntary Sector

Challenge and Change

THIS IS A CHALLENGING TIME FOR THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR. As governments cut back their support for important programs and services, charitable and voluntary agencies are being called on to take on more responsibility than ever in their communities, often without adequate resources and infrastructure. As they scramble to do more with less, deal with growing community needs, work with new business and government partners, keep volunteers motivated and effective, and compete for scarce funds, voluntary organizations are stretched to the limit in almost every aspect of their work. To add to the challenges, they are increasingly expected to be “accountable” to various audiences, and to measure their “outcomes” even when this is difficult due to the long-term nature of their intervention.

A group of national voluntary organizations and coalitions formed the Voluntary Sector Roundtable (VSR) in 1995 in an effort to respond proactively to these challenges, and “strengthen the voice of Canada’s voluntary sector.” In 1997 the VSR set up the Panel on Accountability and Governance in the Voluntary Sector (PAGVS), chaired by Ed Broadbent. After releasing the discussion paper Helping Canadians Help Canadians: Improving Governance and Accountability in the Voluntary Sector in May 1998, the Panel held consultations across the country and received written briefs from almost a hundred organizations. Building on Strength: Improving Governance and Accountability in Canada’s Voluntary Sector is the final report on the Panel’s research and consultations. It contains 41 recommendations, aimed at voluntary organizations, funders, corporations, and governments.

“Building on Strength”

Building on Strength makes it very clear that “extensive accountability already exists in the sector.” It makes the case that “we also need to look seriously at ensuring that capacity exists to support existing and new demands within the sector. In order to do their work, voluntary organizations need resources, infrastructure, skills, knowledge, support and under-standing. Capacity building is a vital component of increased accountability and improved governance. Without it, efforts to enhance accountability will fall short of their mark.” (continued)