Input will help build network of organizations

This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on October 13, 2009.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

This past spring, FUSION was awarded $25,000 through the Population Growth Secretariat’s Youth Engagement Funding Program. FUSION was one of 20 provincial organizations to receive funding, which is designated for youth engagement initiatives for people between the ages of 15 and 35, youth-driven community engagement initiatives, and efforts that increase awareness of opportunities in the province.

With the successful creation of FUSIONs in Halifax, Bangor and Detroit, FUSION sought this funding so that we could recreate and implement our model a little closer to home. A steering committee has been established to oversee the project and consultant Christina Taylor has been hired to help build the FUSION framework and assist individuals in Moncton and Fredericton to set up shop and implement this model.

Creating a model is not as simple as just assembling a “how-to” manual based on current practices and operations. It requires an assessment of the things we are doing well and areas for improvement, and a review of best practices from other like-minded groups in Canada and the United States. More importantly, it is an opportunity to incorporate feedback and ideas from people across the province to make sure the models that will be implemented in other regions will be effective in attracting members and addressing the needs of those communities.

To that end, a needs assessment survey is currently in the works, which will soon be available on the FUSION Saint John website. It will provide an opportunity for New Brunswickers to let us know what is important to them in terms of their vision for both their community and their province, and to share their thoughts and suggestions on how to best make the FUSION model work in their cities.

“We’ve gotten positive feedback from interested individuals on working together – it’s a great opportunity to link different communities and the involved persons together, so that these cities aren’t competing against one another,” Taylor said.

Feedback from our members, supporters and sponsors has historically been the catalyst that has allowed FUSION to improve and evolve to attract members and better serve Saint John. In seeking counsel from people across the province, we are applying the same approach with a broader stroke.

The success of this project will be based on the number of people we engage and the quality of feedback we can collect. How can you be a part of it? Look for the needs assessment survey, as well as other future opportunities to share your thoughts, and encourage your friends, family and colleagues across New Brunswick to do the same. Your input will help build a network of community organizations that serve the individual needs of their members and communities, while working with others across the province to propel New Brunswick forward.

For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.

Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca

Update - Here is the link to the needs assessment survey!