is a new project that seeks to support residents and community-serving organizations in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) who want to include more community members on their Boards of Directors and committees. The Let’s Speak Up! project is in its first year of 3 years and is financially supported by the Vancouver Foundation and the City of Vancouver. WHY NOW? The DTES is facing increased pressure and
organizations, scrutiny, as Vancouver evolves. Within a climate of increasing income inequality, unaffordable housing, gentrification and an opioid crisis, non-profits in the DTES need to collaborate on strategic plans that include the perspective of those with lived experience. Major change is expected with the building of a new St. Paul’s Hospital and the removal of the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts. aims to prepare residents and organizations for effective and relevant representation to advocate for the DTES community in a time of flux. WHY GOVERNANCE? Generally, Board membership for non-profit organizations in the DTES has minimal resident representation. aims to develop resources that organizations can use to help decrease the social,
structural, and economic barriers residents face when choosing to participate in governance structures and increase a Board’s capacity to welcome diverse members. From this foundation, organizations can have a better understanding of their impact, make more informed place-based decisions, unpack their approach to community problem-solving and address inequity. PROJECT ACTIVITIES
1. Create a personalized access program by reducing the barriers for individual community members to serve on boards
2. Support and offer resources to board and community members who have committed to including more DTES residents in their governance structures
3. Develop a charter for inclusive governance that will be signed by participating organizations
4. Instigate a public dialogue around the benefits of equity and socio-economic diversity in social service governance and their impacts on community resilience
