When people belong, communities thrive. Across the country, people are reconnecting with one another and their communities as they move out of the pandemic. This National Vital Signs Report dives into a series of interrelated topics – belonging, engagement and well-being – vital to building communities where everyone belongs. This report is based on findings from a survey that examined how people living in Canada felt, or didn’t feel, connected to their communities. The data identifies some significant barriers to ensuring that as communities move out of the pandemic, no one is left behind. The findings are surprising in some ways and not at all surprising in others. In stark terms, it is shocking to see the number of people who feel more isolated and less engaged in their community and the worrying trends around well-being. But those in the philanthropic and charitable sector feel and see the pandemic’s significant and long-term impacts in their day-to-day work. For many in the sector, the data will likely confirm what they already knew. At Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), our intent with this data and analysis is to provide statistics to communicate what the sector is observing. We also hope it shows the underlying threads that connect belonging, engagement and well-being. INTRODUCTION
From coast to coast to coast, in every community, connection is key. This research helps to ground the idea of connection and demonstrate how it is more than an amorphous concept. Connection is a crucial resource that impacts the well-being of individuals and, in turn, communities. The people most in need have the least access to support from family, friends and their community. This is true across the country, in every region, province, big city or small town, and has a real impact on their well- being. Funders need to ensure that communities have both the resources needed and the critical connections in place to enable people to thrive. Community foundations are well-placed to foster connections that support the programming and services communities need. Community foundations are community connectors. They know the neighbours, the schools, the nonprofits and the local businesses. Together, through these connections and as a network of over 200 community foundations, we are relentlessly pursuing a future where everyone belongs.
Photo credit: The Tampa Bay Estuary Program
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