Alliances for Community Engagement (ACE) Painting a picture of the region

The introductory meeting Attendees (Continued) Person Person Person In October, 2013 community leaders and Tracey Fleming Coalition Against volunteers from across the Clarenville- Violence Lethbridge-Bonavista region met at the Fishers’ Louise Newell Neighbourhood Clarenville Loft Inn in . They came together to of Friends FRC lay the groundwork for the Alliances for Colin Holloway Rural Secretariat Clarenville Community Engagement (ACE) project, which Graham Keats Local Service Lethbridge will be spending much of the next year at work District in the region, building connections between Edith Samson Sir William Ford Port Union community groups, citizens, businesses, and Coaker Foundtn. government. Donna Butt Rising Tide Trinity Theatre With a locally-driven project model, the first Jim Miller Trinity Historical Trinity step for ACE was to bring together some Society informed voices to get a sense of the issues and Tammy Eastern Health Clarenville existing dynamics in the region. This document Greening presents the results of those discussions and a Diane Thorpe Community Bonavista follow-up questionnaire filled in by all 24 non- volunteer CSC attendees at our initial workshop on Kay Young Community Bonavista volunteer October 9th, as well as surveys filled in by the 17 Lora Swyers Harbour Quarters Bonavista attendees of a motivational workshop hosted at Calvin Hayley Tourism Elliston Elliston the Fishers’ Loft ten days later. This session was Gary Gosse Recreation Clarenville focused on community volunteers, and their Association responses are instructively different to what Joan Kane Bonaventure Bonaventure community leaders had to say. Find them on English Harbour the final two pages of this document. Dvlpmt. Assn. Community Leaders Kayla Hobbs Connections Keels Committee 30 people attended the first event in Port Monica Connections King’s Cove Rexton, from a wide range of backgrounds: Thomas Person Organization Community Committee Penny Rowe CSC St. John’s Jackie Dean Community Lethbridge Josh Smee CSC St. John’s volunteer Barry Pearce CSC Bonavista Deanne The Packet Clarenville Eliza Swyers CSC Bonavista Hiscock Bettina Ford CSC Gander Camilla O’Shea Ability Clarenville Darlene Scott CSC St. John’s Employment Marilyn Hayley College of the Bonavista Greta Dillon Advanced Clarenville- North Atlantic Education and Bonavista Maisie Caines College of the Clarenville Skills (AES) North Atlantic Joanne Morgan AES Clarenville- Jennifer Cheeks WRDC Clarenville Bonavista

Alliances for Community Engagement (ACE) Painting a picture of the region

Another 17 people attended a motivational businesses and nonprofits to develop workshop 10 days later: economically viable partnerships Person Community Engaged Youth and Strengthened Tourism Marjorie Swyers Bonavista • To bring more young people on board Marjorie Sparks Clarenville to carry on what we’ve already started Dawne Marlow Trinity Bight and had success with from a tourism Anne Chaulk Bonavista Catherine Squires Clarenville perspective. Engaging youth to further Sally Ball Bonavista develop our tourism potential Peggy Russell Bonavista • To develop the historical significance of Sheila Diamond Melrose our forestry and agricultural Roger Ball Bonavista development Sandra Durdle Bonavista • A sustainable community with a Mark Aylward Knight’s Cove sustainable tourism industry consisting Harvey Tucker Lethbridge of many small businesses employing Kevin Penney Lethbridge community residents (year-round Diane Thorpe Bonavista Linda Freeman Catalina employment) Tom Cooper • Having the heritage district completed Gerald Spurrell Trouty and creating economic development for my community. One big wish Connected and Strengthened Communities Here’s what our attendees on October 9th told • Both our older and younger community us they wished for in their communities: members can come together and realize A Stronger Labour Market what our small communities have to offer and the benefits that are available • A stable industry developed in the OCI if we all decide to work together plant in Port Union • I wish that funding sources would get a • A creative way to engage youth to good understanding of their participate in the labour market expectations of volunteers. • Ways to engage at-risk youth or • I wish that we actually would share our individuals to participate in the labour spaces. There are many groups and force, training or government organizations in partnerships, but there programming to make them more active are many too who are very caught up in members of society and become less turf issues. In the end most of us want reliant on government supports the same for all of our communities • Opportunities (i.e. jobs) that would • I wish we had a formal community entice families to move home and stay leadership program which encouraged • Major industry to come in, hiring young and supported emerging and new people so they can stay at home leaders to develop the skills needed to • A 2-million dollar investment fund for promote the sustainability of the region expanding seasonal activity, allowing

Alliances for Community Engagement (ACE) Painting a picture of the region

• Vibrant communities with quality of life The Clarenville-Lethbridge-Bonavista Region is for all sectors of the population (youth large and diverse. One of the first goals of the to seniors, including those with introductory session on October 9th was to get barriers/challenges) some input from the group as to where those • I wish transportation would not be an connections are strong, and where they need issue for anyone who wants to get strengthening. There were a number of key involved in their community to themes: volunteer, participate in community Clarenville is disconnected from the rest of events, or access services the region • More linkage of government agencies As an important service centre for the and ordinary citizens communities nearby, Clarenville sees a great • To have the communities more engaged deal of traffic from residents of smaller with what is happening in their communities. There is not, however, a strong communities connection going the other way – Clarenville Clean and Active Places residents don’t often head out the peninsula, • I would like to see everyone in my and the connections between community community look around and see the groups are not strong. One exception is within beauty like I see it. On my walks I see so government, where there are a number of much trash on the roads, and also Clarenville-Bonavista links. Some connection dumping close to the water with Clarenville has also been driven by Eastern Health. • A multipurpose centre where there are a activities for both young and old, i.e. a Clusters of connections between other gym for sports, gym for working out, communities already exist game centre, computer centre, etc. A Elliston/Trinity/Port Union have collaborated place for community involvement on initiatives and proposals, and share a • Introduce more recycling options for the common vision around extending the tourism town to reduce our footprint on the season. Local service districts also provide environment; community composting connections between communities - Lethbridge, • A large courtyard/garden to be able to Brooklyn, Portland, Jamestown, Sweet Bay and walk around and enjoy the scenery, Charleston are connected in this way. mature trees, ponds, flowers, etc (like Dynamics at work the Public Gardens in Halifax) Attendees noted that there was some • Multi-purpose centre for wellness and competition between neighbouring leisure and childcare, with activities communities for resources, which has hindered promoting our mental, physical, and the development of connections between them. emotional well-being • To have more recreational facilities. Mapping Connections

Alliances for Community Engagement (ACE) Painting a picture of the region

Session 1: October 9th, Port Rexton

We also surveyed all of our participants on the 9th to get a sense of what the patterns of connection were in the region. The biggest share of participants was from the Clarenville area, which also attracted the most regular visits (tied with the Bonavista area). The smaller communities of the Lethbridge area and the Port Rexton/Trinity area were quite likely to be rarely visited by those who didn’t live there. Sub-region I live I visit I rarely I never here regularly visit visit Clarenville, Shoal Harbour area 38% 58% 0% 0%

Lethbridge, Brooklyn, Princeton, Summerville, King's Cove, Plate Cove, 21% 25% 38% 8% Open Hall, Tickle Cove area Bonavista, Elliston, Port Union, Catalina Area 21% 58% 17% 0% Port Rexton, Champneys, English Harbour, Trinity, Bonaventure Area 4% 46% 38% 4% A large majority of people head to Clarenville for personal reasons like shopping, appointments, and visiting. Interestingly, people also visited Clarenville most often for volunteering. Sub-region I visit for I visit to attend I visit I visit for personal reasons, volunteering events, theatre, for appointments, shopping, with community museums, work visiting family/friends organizations festivals, dining

Clarenville/Shoal Harbour Area 54% 83% 21% 42%

29% 29% 4% 29% Lethbridge, Brooklyn, etc... Bonavista, Elliston, etc.. 54% 38% 13% 50%

Port Rexton, Champneys, etc... 25% 29% 4% 67% Finally, we wanted to get a sense of how much people in the region hear about what’s going on nearby:

I hear about community Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always activities in… Clarenville/Shoal Harbour Area 0% 4% 38% 29% 29% Lethbridge, Brooklyn, etc... 0% 38% 21% 29% 8% Bonavista, Elliston, etc.. 4% 17% 21% 33% 25% Port Rexton, Champneys, etc... 4% 29% 38% 21% 8%

Overall, some patterns emerge: the groups of communities on the northern and southern sides of the peninsula were less well-known than the area around Bonavista and the area around Clarenville. Although people reported relatively few connections with Clarenville, they were more likely to visit there than any other region for volunteering.

Alliances for Community Engagement (ACE) Painting a picture of the region

Is there a common vision for the communities that want to provide region? such supports? • The Geopark initiative: this involves Participants on October 9th generally said no – collaboration from Southern Bay around at least not completely. There was some sense both sides of the bay that the communities outside Clarenville do • Opportunities for collaboration around agree on some big-picture ideas, if not on how health and recreation to get there. The standout is around tourism, • Building coastal trails and other where there was a sense that a shared vision environmental initiatives has been emerging. • Self employment – potential to connect with There were a number of reasons cited for a lack skills inventory. Turn hobbies into of shared vision. The region was considered too businesses large, making it difficult to cater to everyone. • Firefighting and other local services that People there are not always aware of what could be shared more often. people can offer or what the services are. Many participants raised the issue of competition for When we surveyed our participants the resources and funding structures that push consensus was that, while there are many communities to compete. People in the region opportunities for collaboration, it’s not quite so don’t want to lose their sense of autonomy. It easy to turn them into actions. was also noted that some of the resources that have been helpful in developing shared visions Opportunities for Collaboration – local resource people and offices – have been closing. Answer Options Disagree Unsure Agree Key opportunities for collaboration There are lots of opportunities to 4% 0% 96% The group was able to identify a number of collaborate and opportunities for closer collaboration, network including: It is easy to get new • Supports for seniors. Examples: ideas off the ground 33% 50% 17% o Random Age-Friendly Communities in my community Initiative It is easy to get new o Example at CNA: 5-week program ideas off the ground 29% 67% 4% of computer training for seniors, in my region totally volunteer based. Many youth We have ways to get volunteering for this program together to talk about challenges Transportation initiative for seniors 5% 36% 59% o and new within the Clarenville-Shoal opportunities across Harbour community (i.e. to the region appointments, groceries, etc). Could Barriers that be a shared practice with other

Alliances for Community Engagement (ACE) Painting a picture of the region

Along with the many opportunities for Resources, of course, are a challenge. There are collaboration, participants on October 9th also not always resources around to support new identified some significant barriers. This section partnerships, and the cost of travel in the region summarizes the key points of that discussion. is high. There are fewer people on the ground serving as resources for the region than there There was a sense that there can be a lack of once was, which can pose a challenge. A lack of communication between local agencies and coordinating bodies can challenge the communities, and an element of competiveness dissemination of useful information. between communities that can interfere with cooperation, particularly if they are competing There is a strong sense that while there are for funding. Both partisan and small-scale shared values in the area and a desire to move politics can also create barriers to working forward, local leaders do not want to repeat the together or to good ideas moving forward. common experience of going to a meeting, having a great discussion, then nothing getting More broadly, there is a general sense that done. communities and organizations may not always want to pursue partnerships and collaborations; Taken together, the challenges identified by these types of initiatives can, from time to time, participants speak to the need for creative new threaten the sense of autonomy that is approaches to community coordination and important for many. There are concerns about network-building in the region. top-down decision making.

Volunteering also poses some challenges in the region; there can be a financial burden on the volunteer for things like transport (the area is quite large). Expectations placed on volunteers can be very high. As is often the case, organizations have struggled to recruit volunteers whose own lives are particularly busy. Awareness can also be a challenge. Organizations are not always aware of what local people have to offer, or of the opportunities and initiatives already on the move in the area. There can be duplication of effort happening, and it can be difficult to get a handle on the sheer number of groups and projects on the go in the area. This can be something of a barrier to building a common vision for the region. The general public is also not always aware of what is happening in the region at large.

Alliances for Community Engagement (ACE) Painting a picture of the region

How can ACE help? There are a number of ways in which ACE may definite need for leadership development. be able to help bridge some of the gaps towards Workshops on how to build confidence in making the region a more collaborative place. people, especially those in a leadership role, Many participants wanted more opportunities will help accomplish this. Overall, many such as this one – chances to bring people participants mentioned ACE as having a together. It doesn’t have to be the full region potential role in helping communicate (and every time. ACE could also find ways to share develop communications skills) and perhaps in information about community development fostering the shared vision that is, still, and accessing community services. If people somewhat lacking in the region at large. knew more they would not be afraid to get There definitely needs to be conversation about involved or reach out. There is potential for how people share and connect. It doesn’t have ACE to help connect people to programs such to be collaboration, but could be networking. A as the Job Creation Program (JCP), where discussion is also needed regarding volunteers: applicants often need help developing their many people doing voluntary work don’t ideas. necessarily recognize themselves as Regarding idea and proposal development, “volunteers.” ACE might play a role by bringing in people to Finally, ACE may have a role to play help facilitate. Training sessions on how to developing connections with the private sector, nurture ideas would go a long way, and there is by creating a safe space that makes the potential to connect people to funding through conversation about something broader than CNA's office of applied research. There is also a donations. How to get the word out?

We also asked our participants how they like to hear about what’s on the go. Here’s what they said:

Alliances for Community Engagement (ACE) Painting a picture of the region

Session 2: October 19th, Port Rexton

On Saturday, October 19th ACE returned to the Fishers’ Loft for a motivational workshop led by The Unity Guy, Barry Green. The focus of this workshop was different: we aimed to engage some community members who were not already deeply involved in community initiatives in the area. To help thicken our understanding of the local context, we provided identical surveys to the participants on the 19th as were received by the people on the 9th. Here is a summary of the results:

Where were participants from? Trinity Bay North, Trouty, Bonavista (7), Knight's Cove, Catalina, Melrose, Lethbridge (2), Clarenville (2), Spillar's Cove, Trinity Bight

Local travel patterns: Participants in the workshop were slightly less likely to regularly visit Clarenville than those participating in the earlier meeting on the 9th. Otherwise, patters are similar – the Lethbridge and Trinity areas are much less visited than the larger communities at either end of the region.

I visit I live here I rarely visit I never visit regularly

Clarenville, Shoal Harbour area 13% 75% 13% 0%

Lethbridge, Brooklyn, Princeton, Summerville, King's Cove, Plate Cove, Open Hall, Tickle Cove 21% 21% 43% 7% area

Bonavista, Elliston, Port Union, Catalina Area 56% 39% 6% 0%

Port Rexton, Champneys, English Harbour, Trinity 13% 31% 56% 0%

Alliances for Community Engagement (ACE) Painting a picture of the region

Reasons for travelling:

In general, travel reasons were similar for the community volunteers who participated on the 19th, but fewer of them found their way to Clarenville for personal reasons like appointments. In this group, fewer people noted that they visited other communities for dining or entertainment; when they did, the Trinity region continued to be the most common destination. See the chart on the next page for a breakdown of these results.

I visit for personal I visit for I visit to attend reasons, volunteering I visit for events, theatre, appointments, with work museums, shopping, visiting community festivals, dining family/friends organizations

Clarenville, Shoal Harbour area 19% 69% 6% 13%

Lethbridge, Brooklyn, Princeton, Summerville, King's Cove, Plate Cove, 14% 36% 21% 7% Open Hall, Tickle Cove area

Bonavista, Elliston, Port Union, Catalina 33% 44% 28% 28% Area

Port Rexton, Champneys, English 19% 19% 13% 38% Harbour, Trinity

We also asked how well people were acquainted with what was on the go in their area. In general, few people were often or always aware of things outside of the Bonavista area (which the largest number of participants came from).

Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always

Clarenville/Shoal Harbour Area 0% 31% 50% 13% 6%

Lethbridge, Brooklyn, etc... 6% 38% 38% 13% 6%

Bonavista, Elliston, etc.. 0% 18% 12% 47% 24%

Port Rexton, Champneys, etc... 6% 31% 50% 13% 0%

Unsurprisingly, participants at the motivational workshop were much less aware of activities happening in neighbouring communities than our sample of community leaders; clearly, there is work to be done connecting the grassroots in the region. Similarly, the participants on the 19th were much less likely to think that there were many opportunities to collaborate and network in the region.

Alliances for Community Engagement (ACE) Painting a picture of the region

Answer Options Disagree Unsure Agree

There are lots of opportunities to collaborate and 22% 28% 50% network It is easy to get new ideas off the ground in my 33% 56% 11% community It is easy to get new ideas off the ground in my 28% 67% 6% region We have ways to get together to talk about 6% 39% 56% challenges and new opportunities across the region

On methods of communication, community workshop participants we much less engaged than our sample of organization leaders regarding social media, and somewhat less with most other ways of getting information. Either way, email still dominates.