It used to be that the boundaries between organizations and sectors were pretty clear. Today, that is no longer the case. It is in part because of the complexity of such issues as poverty, racism, global warming, affordable housing, violence etc. that have made it necessary for sectors to come together to respond. Additionally, services that have typically been provided by traditional organizations are in some cases being outsourced to the private sector or are being delivered by businesses.
Today's complex health, social, economic, and environmental challenges require future-ready community leaders at all levels able to drive collective impact and large scale, transformative change. Unless leaders are working across sectors to ensure systemic change, It will become
Not a new concept to many but good to see that systems leadership is being championed at a global level. Of course that won't happen unless those in positions of authority prioritize "eco" systems rather than "ego" systems....here's hoping. In the meantime, what is systems leadership, and how can it change the world? Read more at this link from the World Economic Forum.
Interesting read via @SmartBrief that explores the relationship between curiosity and innovation. As the author Dave Coffaro suggests curiosity leads to questions, and questions are how we bring the Art of Inquiry to life.
Financial accounting is at the heart of the “operating system” on which the global economy runs. So why aren't the environmental and social effects of that economic activity part of that system? Companies, investors, and consumers need an expanded set of metrics that more broadly and accurately measure risk, return, and value. In addition, they need practices that support relevant data collection, management, and integration into strategy and decision making.
Read the thought provoking artlcle at Stanford Social Innovation Review
Many cities, regions and towns are in the process of developing music strategies. The best examples are those focusing on music as a holistic, community benefit, across economic development, tourism and inclusive growth. This thought-provoking article via the World Economic Forum suggests music is a vital urban resource that requires attention. How do we plan for it? Read more at this link.
Great article from Fast Company magazine that provides insights on the idea of a 'soft city' and how urban design can facilitate a neighborhood built on relationships! Good cities are ones that make these connections possible. They can look different and exist in different contexts, but they share an overarching and essential quality, which the author calls “softness”—a stark contrast to the rhetoric of “grind” and “harshness” that’s often applied to urban life .
The Toronto HomeShare Pilot Project is a provincially funded partnership between the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly – housed at U of T – and the City of Toronto, that matches post-secondary students with older adults willing to rent their unused space for the academic year.
77% of Canadians agree or strongly agree that arts experiences help them feel part of their local community. Article from Municipal World: 5 Ways to Build a Culture of Belonging Through Arts and Culture. Read more at this link.
The small towns that refuse to die: Schemes to woo new blood about more than just staying alive. Read more.
This blog by Seth Godin is brilliant, succinct and should really make you think about why work is or isn't going well. It will make you think not only about the future of work but where you personally want to be working. Read more at this link.
Can we resdesign cities to fight loneliness? Simple and smart ideas to create more connections in city life.
Doctor's Orders: The Montreal Museum of Fine Art (MMFA) partnered with the Médecins francophones du Canada doctors’ organization to let doctors write prescriptions for museum visits.
When British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed a minister of loneliness in January, it made news all over the world. Was a ministry devoted to something as intangible as a feeling seriously a thing? The jokes comparing the position to Monty Python’s “Ministry of Silly Walks” almost wrote themselves.
Some people become leaders no matter what their chosen path because their positive energy is so uplifting.
Even in tough times, they always find a way. They seem to live life on their own terms even when having to comply with someone else’s requirements. When they walk into a room, they make it come alive.
Benches, trees, multi-modal transportation, and local food are a few of the suggestions in the Center for Active Design’s new Civic Design Guidelines.
This excellent thought-provoking article by Rosabeth Moss Kanter takes a look at innovation and what it really means.
"In a poll, most Canadians thought that we were a top-five country for kids. We’re far from being a leading country.
Interesting trend. Bored retirees are turning to entrepreneurship.
Stuck? Looking to jumpstart new ways of thinking and fresh ideas?
One would think that focusing on your leadership strengths, authentic leadership, and taking a stance were tried and true leadership trends. Research may suggest otherwise.
A recent set of partnerships between Uber Canada and various car-
Great article from Baltimore about a program called Thread that is mobilizing the community to ensure kids have hope and success. Interesting to see how they are using an app called Tapestry. 
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The Windsor City Council Compensation Review Committee was disappointed that not a single member of the public showed up at a meeting this week to say whether the mayor and city councillors deserve pay raises.
