Building Healthy Communities

YMCA OF NORTHERN ALBERTA

Social Innovation-How do we get there?

The Front Line PerspectiveOctober 23, 2015

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Agenda

• What the heck is social innovation?• What does Social innovation look like in the

work place• 4 ways we sabotage innovation daily• What we do at the YMCA to avoid sabotage• Innovation in the North (Wood Buffalo Region)• What are you currently doing• Where do I begin?

Definition

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What does innovation look like?

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• Front line ideas are not seen as important• Leaders tend to be focused on the bigger idea• Most organizations assign the responsibility for

innovation to a few functions or individuals• Organization’s systems and policies are

typically set up for control and coordination rather than ideas and innovation

4 Ways we sabotage innovation daily

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What are we doing at the Y?

YMCA MissionThe YMCA of Northern Alberta creates life-enhancing opportunities for the

growth and development of all people in spirit, mind and body.

YMCA VisionStrong kids, healthy families, thriving communities.

YMCA of Northern Alberta

Building Healthy Children, Healthy Families and Healthy Communities

• YMCAs are in over 120 Countries around the World

• 2 million people turn to the YMCA everyday with their needs for child care, employment, and physical activity.

• There are 52 YMCA’s and YMCA/YWCA’s across Canada

• YMCA of Northern Alberta is the 2nd Largest in Canada

• The YMCA of Northern Alberta – Wood Buffalo Region has 40 years of History with an annual budget of $7.8 Million

YMCA International, Canada and Local

Building Healthy Children, Healthy Families and Healthy Communities

Innovation at the YMCA

Innovation at the YMCA

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Innovation in the North

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Innovation in the North

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Innovation in the North

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Lessons Learned

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What are we already doing?

• Give yourself a pat on the back if you’ve:– Made relationships with other service providers in your community

outside of your organization– Laid awake at night wondering how you could have helped a client

differently– Thought of a new way to do your job– Took a risk at trying something new– Came here today and saw someone being innovative?

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Where do I begin?

• Trust your partners• Collaborate• Get out of your silos• No one can do this alone• Be creative• Think outside the box

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Final Thoughts:

• NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US