What is the Community Sector Network of PEI?

The Community Sector Network of PEI (CSNPEI) was formed in 2018 following decades of advocacy and collaboration amongst several individuals and non-profit organizations.

Vision

A sustainable and valued community sector for PEI.

Mission

To develop an empowered community sector using its collective voice for change.

Values

Collaboration: We believe in the power of working together and seek to build strong relationships that foster mutual learning and growth.
Courage: We are committed to demonstrating courage in all aspects of our work, including taking bold actions, speaking up for what is right, and advocating for systemic change through innovative approaches.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We recognize and respect the diversity of our community and strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment where marginalized people feel valued, respected, and supported.
Transparency: We are dedicated to promoting transparency in our operations, governance, and decision-making processes, and we are committed to being open, honest, and accountable in all our interactions.

JEDDI - Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Diversity, Inclusion

CSNPEI recognizes that systemic oppression, including but not limited to colonialism, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism exists in our society, and that it is our responsibility to actively work towards dismantling these structures.

We believe that all people, regardless of their identities, deserve to have their voices heard and their needs met. We strive to create a safe and inclusive space for marginalized people to participate in our organization and benefit from our work. We acknowledge that this requires ongoing learning and a commitment to unlearning oppressive behaviors and attitudes.

As Treaty People living and working on the traditional territory of the Mi'kmaq, we recognize the ongoing harm caused by colonialism and are committed to reconciliation and decolonization efforts. We recognize the importance of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing and commit to learning from and working with Indigenous communities to achieve mutual goals.

We call on all organizations in the community sector to join us in this work. We encourage organizations to reflect on their role in perpetuating oppressive systems and actively work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all. We recognize that this is an ongoing process that requires humility, vulnerability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Our Areas of focus

Enhancing recognition of the Community Sector to ensure Islanders are aware of its importance to health and wellbeing within the province.

Sharing our expertise and working towards our shared goals to ensure we are strong and efficient.

Advocating on behalf of the Community Sector to ensure our voice is heard and respected by other sectors.

Ensuring the Community Sector has the resources it needs in order to deliver quality services in a sustainable manner.

Creation of CSNPEI

A great deal of work and commitment by many individuals and organizations laid the foundation for the Community Sector Network of PEI. Dating back to the 2011 Imagine Canada National Summit in Ottawa, and building on various research conducted in characterizing the sector, 8 leaders in the sector came together to discuss ways to make progress in the sector.

In the fall of 2017, United Way of PEI hosted a conference in partnership with the Community Foundation and Canada 150. This event was about celebrating the sector and providing sector-specific professional development. “We used that opportunity to begin the process of creating a shared vision for the community sector on PEI moving forward,” said Andrea MacDonald, CEO of United Way of PEI. “The consensus was clear that everyone wanted a vibrant, valued, and collaborative community sector for PEI.”

Core Working Group

Following the conference, a small “core working group” met several times to develop an action plan for establishing a formal organization, building on the work and energy from the past years. This group felt that there was enough information in order to start creating a plan, and wanted to now be active in drafting something tangible that others could comment on. Several mini-groups were also created and tasked with pieces of the development process.

This core working group included: Big Brothers and Sisters of PEI, Community Foundation of PEI, Community Legal Information Association, Cooper Institute, East Prince Youth Development Centre, Employment Journey, Habitat for Humanity, Newcomers Association of PEI, Peers Alliance, PEI Council of People with Disabilities, PEI Literacy Alliance, Special Olympics PEI, United Way of PEI, and the Women’s Network of PEI.

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Our Team

The Community Sector Network of PEI team is here to help your non-profit advocate for what matters to you, acquire necessary tools for success, connect with the non-profit community, and heighten your visibility.