1. Building Healthy Communities YMCA OF NORTHERN ALBERTA Social Innovation-How do we get there? The Front Line Perspective October 23, 2015

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3. Agenda What the heck is social innovation? What does Social innovation look like in the work place 4 ways we sabotage innovation daily What we do at the YMCA to avoid sabotage Innovation in the North (Wood Buffalo Region) What are you currently doing Where do I begin?

4. Definition

5. What does innovation look like? 5

6. Front line ideas are not seen as important Leaders tend to be focused on the bigger idea Most organizations assign the responsibility for innovation to a few functions or individuals Organization’s systems and policies are typically set up for control and coordination rather than ideas and innovation 6 4 Ways we sabotage innovation daily

7. What are we doing at the Y? 7

8. YMCA Mission The YMCA of Northern Alberta creates life-enhancing opportunities for the growth and development of all people in spirit, mind and body. YMCA Vision Strong kids, healthy families, thriving communities. YMCA of Northern Alberta Building Healthy Children, Healthy Families and Healthy Communities

9. YMCAs are in over 120 Countries around the World 2 million people turn to the YMCA everyday with their needs for child care, employment, and physical activity. There are 52 YMCA’s and YMCA/YWCA’s across Canada YMCA of Northern Alberta is the 2 nd Largest in Canada The YMCA of Northern Alberta – Wood Buffalo Region has 40 years of History with an annual budget of $7.8 Million YMCA International, Canada and Local Building Healthy Children, Healthy Families and Healthy Communities

10. Innovation at the YMCA

12. Innovation in the North 12

13. Innovation in the North 13

14. Innovation in the North 14

15. Lessons Learned 15

16. What are we already doing? Give yourself a pat on the back if you’ve: –Made relationships with other service providers in your community outside of your organization –Laid awake at night wondering how you could have helped a client differently –Thought of a new way to do your job –Took a risk at trying something new –Came here today and saw someone being innovative? 16

17. Where do I begin? Trust your partners Collaborate Get out of your silos No one can do this alone Be creative Think outside the box 17

18. Final Thoughts: NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US 18