Thunder Bay Counts Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is collective impact?
A. Collective impact initiatives “are long-term commitments by a group of important social actors from different sectors to develop a
common agenda for solving a specific social problem. Their actions are supported by a shared measurement system, mutually
reinforcing activities, and ongoing communication, and are staffed by an independent backbone organization.” (Kania & Kramer, 2011)
Q. What will be done with the community goals?
A. The input from the community will be brought back to a roundtable to figure out clear indicators we can measure and will work
towards the community goals. The Thunder Bay Counts Roundtable chaired by Councillor Rebecca Johnson has already met with
twenty of Thunder Bay’s backbone education, business, philanthropy, health and social service organization who have committed to
helping us make this initiative successful in our community.
Q. Why does the United Way want to give people more of a say in its future direction?
A. We know that the well-being of people cannot be determined by or assigned to any one individual, organization or level of
government. The whole community, public and private sectors must share the responsibility to make Thunder Bay all it can be.
Q. What will a community forum look like/what can people expect and what will be asked of them?
A.. The community forums will engage people to share and discuss their aspirations for Thunder Bay. People will be asked questions
like: What do you value about living in Thunder Bay; If the very best quality of life existed in Thunder Bay, what would be happening;
Where would increased collaboration help; Where do you fit? A summary of the existing local research will be shared, along with the
process of Thunder Bay Counts
Q. Who do you want to see at the forums?
A. We hope to get broad representation from the people who make Thunder Bay their home. The purpose of this initiative reaches
beyond the United Way and affects all members of our community.
Q. What if I can’t attend the forums but I still want to have my say?
A. We will have an on-line survey available to those who cannot get out to the forums and focus groups.
Q. What is the overall goal of Thunder Bay Counts?
A. The long term, overall goal of Thunder Bay Counts is to improve quality of life so all people have the opportunity to reach their full
potential. Over the next 2 years our short-term goals include a vision for our community’s future; to have in place collective working
efforts, measurement and communication to ensure we are working towards that vision and to have the structures necessary to carry
out the work over the long term.
Q. Where can I get more information?
A. For more information about Thunder Bay Counts contact Sandra Albertson – United Way’s Director of Community Impact at
[email protected] or call 626-1766