Notre structure
When we started in 1997, we resolved to keep the structure of the CYHNEO non-hierarchical and flexible, trusting not to some grandiose master plan but to the expertise and passion of those who choose to be involved. Our shared mission, maues and goals provided the bedrock, and we saw no need for more structure than this.
This decision was made deliberately: our organization would shape itself as the environment changed. We wanted to engage people who represent the full diversity of Eastern Ontario, and we knew they’d look at things differently and have goals, plans and insights we wouldn’t have thought of on our own.
Our “members” don't pay dues or carry cards – they just get involved when an issue arises that they feel passionately about. Through the Network, members find other knowledgeable people willing to help. Obviously, some members are more active than others, but as far as the Network itself is concerned -- if you’re on our mailing list, you’re an indivudal member!
We organize the Network actions into Working Groups to address specific issues effecting the region. After the initial set up, it is usually up to the groups themselves to set their own agendas and to branch off in whatever direction seems appropriate. If new issues come up, anyone can recruit interested partners for a new group to be supported by the resources of the Network.
In the fall of 1998, an Network Advisory Committee was formed to reduce dependence on a staff resource for day-to-day coordination and to ensure the CYHNEO is regionally represented for decision-making between partner meetings.
As we had expected, Working Groups and projects came and went over the years as tasks were completed or needs changed. Since the creation of the Network, the region has changed and networking and coalitions are more prominent. For that reason, we are increasingly getting more involved in network-to-network partnerships, such as Child and Youth Health Networks of Canada. Just as a network accomplishes what no organization can do alone, we can now tackle huge issues that no network can do alone!
The Network also partners with individual organizations – whatever it takes to get things moving. An example of this type of partnership is our Middle Childhood Matters project, which we undertook in collaboration with United Way Ottawa. Similarly, the Campaign to End the Clawback of the National Child Benefit Supplement is a collaborative project between the Network and several other organizations under the umbrella of the Ottawa Child Poverty Action Group.
Now we’re looking at strengthening and renewing our “institutional glue” for everyone who has been, is, or would like to become involved. Part of that is our new communications plan, featuring a revamped website and regular newsletters. Very soon, we hope to get people talking in our web-based forum. Whether you’re a parent, a social worker, an educator, a health professional, a policy expert or just someone concerned about the well-being of young people, we want this to be the place you come to when you need to share information, get answers, compare perspectives on issues or just let off steam to others who understand the pressures you’re under day to day.
Our Partnership Agreement We agree to:
- Build on our individual and collective capabilities and resources.
- Respect and value each other’s opinions and ideas.
- Respect each other’s differences and diversity.
- Work together toward common goals.
- Ensure that the focus of our efforts stays where it belongs: on children and youth.
- Engage in open, honest and transparent communication.
- Work collaboratively and inclusively.
- Meet regularly, and ensure that appropriate time is allowed for discussion of each issue.
- Reach decisions by majority vote, while recording dissidence and abstentions, and working toward consensus wherever possible.
- Develop and implement a process for the ongoing evaluation of this important partnership.
- Be advocates for the Network.
- Be creative, take risks, be action-oriented — and have fun!
