Are We Up to the Challenge? Responding to and Recovering from the Pandemic

By David Mitchell, CCVO President & CEO

In the absence of a vaccine to help defeat COVID-19, we’re compelled to rely on the only available antidote: trust. I’m referring to trust in each other and in our institutions. Research shows us that communities with high levels of social and political trust are faring much better during this global health crisis. In spite of the tragic circumstances and severe economic challenges that have befallen us in Alberta, we can feel fortunate that the severity of the crisis has so far been mild compared to some other parts of the world. And I believe this is in large part owing to the strength of civil society in our province. We trust that our neighbours, employers, and governments are behaving responsibly, relying on the best available scientific evidence and public health advice.

We’re fortunate in Alberta that our strong civil society holds us together and inspires confidence that we’ll behave responsibly in the face of the pandemic.

NEIGHBOURS HELPING NEIGHBOURS

Each and every day now, I’m amazed by the stories I see and hear about people who are stepping up to the challenges of looking out for their families, friends, and communities. Whether it’s the essential employees in our health care system; grocery stores or transit systems; or the patiently disciplined individuals who are self-isolated, working, and living at home, everyone is playing an important part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. And, of course, numerous charities and nonprofit organizations are continuing their important missions to help some of the most vulnerable during these extraordinary times.

All citizens across all sectors are contributing to these collective efforts. And we’re learning a great deal in the process. At CCVO, we’re documenting our lessons learned, and I encourage others to do the same. For when we eventually move from response to recovery, we’ll need to understand the impact this crisis has had on our lives, relationships, and aspirations.

ADAPTATION OF THE SECTOR

In the nonprofit sector, for instance, it’s becoming clear that structural adaptation is being accelerated. Even with unprecedented support from governments and committed funders such as community foundations, United Way, and others, necessary changes are now being actively explored. I have recently received several requests for information about how to dissolve a charity or nonprofit; some organizations won’t survive this crisis. At the same time, we’re now seeing much more interest in partnerships and collaboration. This may now be spurred by the inspiring recent announcement of the merger between Aspen Family and Community Network Society and Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary. It’s an opportune moment to be developing strategies for a nonprofit sector equivalent of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

At the same time, I’m pleased to note that the response to the pandemic has seen governments acknowledge the growing importance of the nonprofit sector. For example, when the federal government indicated it would provide a significant wage subsidy for small and medium-size businesses, it was made clear that nonprofits and charities would also be eligible for this support. This was a tacit recognition of a point we had been advocating for in recent years, that nonprofit organizations should be viewed as anchor enterprises in their communities.

Similarly, at the start of the crisis, the provincial government announced the establishment of the Premier’s Council on Charities and Civil Society (I’m pleased to serve as a member). And while it had been planned prior to the advent of COVID-19, this advisory council further illustrates recognition by the government of the sector’s importance.

Are we up for the challenge? In spite of the serious, and tragic, impacts of this health crisis, I see the extraordinary resourcefulness and resilience of the nonprofit sector as encouraging. There is some good coming out of these trying times.

For helpful resources created for your organization during this time, please see our COVID-19 nonprofit resources page.