Public Policy Institute
As we’ve witnessed over the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has not held back the non-profit sector.
To 2022 & Beyond!
As we’ve witnessed over the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has not held back the non-profit sector. Organizations, leaders, donors, supporters, and volunteers all stepped up to support their community. In addition to navigating their way to normality, organizations used this time as an opportunity to look inward to further enhance their offerings and empower their people, so they came out of the pandemic stronger than ever.
Non-profit organizations see the challenges in community firsthand and are often first on the frontlines, supporting people in community through these challenges. As a result of their presence in and connection to community, voices from non-profits can be the most powerful and impactful and is often where the big dreams and game-changing ideas originate from. That’s why, since 2011, the United Way Public Policy Institute offers training for individuals in organizations to learn how to better understand and influence the public policy process in B.C.
The word “unprecedented” has been used many times over the last two years – and perhaps, rightfully so. The Class of 2022 made history themselves by not only being one of the few cohorts to experience virtual sessions, but also being the first class that came back in person since the start of the pandemic. Thankfully, we were able to hold the final sessions and graduation in person again and it was truly a time to remember!
Class Summary
This year we were thrilled to welcome new faculty members to the Public Policy Institute, Ginger Gosnell-Myers and Andrea Reimer, along with a new faculty lead, Carole James. The program was hybrid with the first half being virtual and us coming back in-person for the second half. The range of policy initiatives we covered ranged from environmental to social issues, and everything in between. Our faculty ensured a comprehensive and relevant curriculum for the participants. While we began the year with a cohort of 23, given the demands on individuals in the sector, we ended with 19 and celebrated their graduation in June. We look forward to continuing to grow and helping leaders in the sector develop this skill set.
Daljit Gill-Badesha – Ida Goodreau Alumni Award
The Ida Goodreau Alumni Award is named in honour of a former Public Policy Institute faculty member. Ida was one of the original Public Policy Institute Faculty in the program’s 2010 inception year. She had extensive executive experience in both the public and private sectors. And contributed to the academic sector as well as the non-profit sector as a mentor and advocate. Ida was selected as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women three times and was chosen as the 2009 Consumer Choice Award’s Vancouver Business Woman of the Year. Ida found great satisfaction in mentoring young women in both her personal and professional life and supporting her community.
This year, we were pleased to present this award to 2011 Public Policy Institute graduate, Daljit Gill-Badesha. We had numerous alumni apply for the award, and what stood out was the diversity in Daljit’s work, along with the desire to lead and mentor others. See the short video clip below to learn more about Daljit’s journey since graduating, how it has impacted her work, and what the award means to her.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=H5HNEyrsVEE%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%3A
Partners leading community change
Earnscliffe Strategies CEO Craig Robinson presenting at the Public Policy Institute (June 2022)
The United Way Public Policy Institute is privileged to be supported by amazing sponsors.
Thank you to UBC Robson Square, with help from UBC Community Engagement, for being such gracious hosts again this year. Our Faculty and participants were honoured to be one of the first groups to experience your newly renovated and upgraded facilities. UBC has provided full-service support and access to meeting and classroom facilities since the Institute’s inception 11 years ago.
We’d also like to acknowledge first-time sponsor Earnscliffe Strategies. Thank you for recognizing the tremendous value our Institute brings to community by lending your sponsorship support to this year’s cohort.
The commitment made by these organizations helps make social change, that will benefit communities across B.C., possible. From all of us at United Way British Columbia, thank you for your amazing show of local love.