Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries
The Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries (SPCCND) is a non-profit, registered charitable organization incorporated in 1989, and is governed by a community-based Board of Directors. We are widely recognized for our responsiveness to local needs and opportunities and our applied social research expertise. We use community research evidence to engage local residents, agencies and decision-makers in moving toward progressive social change.
An Agent of Positive Social Change
Mission
The Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries is a recognized leader in promoting greater social and economic equity through research, planning and community development.
Values
The core values for the Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries are:
• Integrity
• Social Justice
• Inclusion
Our Goal
To improve the quality of life in Waterloo Region through Social Research and Planning, Community Engagement, Community Development and Information & Referral.
How we accomplish this
Social Research and Planning
Identify social trends and issues in our community
Produce publications in order to guide the work of community groups and programs
Develop policy and trend analysis to inform our community in making evidence based decisions
Community Development
As an agent of positive social change we partner with community groups, agencies and individuals.
Community Engagement
Engage members of the community and agencies through education, social media and community forums
Share information through presentations to government. agencies and the public
Promote the voice of citizens.
Information and Referral
Management of the Regional Community Database
Information Cambridge and North Dumfries
History of the SPCCND
Discussions around the creation of a Social Planning Council in Cambridge and North Dumfries began in 1985. In 1987 a steering committee was formed to work out the feasibility, structure and mandate of such a group and a motion was passed to form the Social Planning Council of Cambridge and District. The Social Planning Council was originally tasked with networking among social service agencies, information sharing and community awareness of services available in Cambridge, conducting research on local issues, and promoting co-operation among local agencies to avoid duplication of programs and services.
Over the years the Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries has worked on a number of projects in the local community. Projects have looked at affordable housing, homelessness, child care, transportation, age friendly communities, the eradication of poverty and newcomers to Canada to name a few. The SPCCND has engaged the community through educational forums looking at employment standards and tenant rights and. The annual Poverty Symposium began in 2005 and has educated community members on poverty issues such as Ending Child and Family Poverty, The Social Determinants of Health and The Working Poor. Prior to each federal, provincial and municipal election the SPCCND hosts All Candidate Meetings to help Cambridge and North Dumfries voters to make informed decisions at election time.
In May of 2015 the SPCCND held it's 25th Anniversary Celebration at City Hall. Guest speaker Marvyn Novick shared his passion regarding the work of social planning councils.
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