From Our Vantage Point

🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

In the bustling and challenging world of non-profits, effective communication can make all the difference. Recently, our CEO, Zahra Esmail, caught up with Nadia Tchoumi, the founder of New Hope Media, to learn more about her journey and insights into supporting Black-led and Black-serving non-profits through media and communications. Nadia will be one of the keynote speakers at our 2025 BC Non-Profit Leadership Conference on June 5 & 6, and her story is one of passion, transformation, and hope. Here’s a glimpse into their conversation! Grab your latte and join! Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Humanity Financial, for their support of these important conversations! 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy.  Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too. Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

In this episode of Coffee Chat, Joyce Lin and Tyler Arnold from the Vantage Point team talk about the importance of the 2025 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector Survey and why they’re inviting voices from across the province to take part. Now in its fifth year, the survey offers a crucial check-in on the realities non-profits in BC are facing. Joyce shares the story of how this initiative began during the pandemic and how it has become a powerful tool to support funding decisions, government relations, and sector-wide advocacy. Tyler explains how sector data is helping to shape submissions to government and why it’s essential for telling a clear, collective story of the sector’s needs and strengths. This year’s survey also includes new questions about funding, staffing, and organizational capacity to better capture the challenges non-profits are navigating right now. 📅 The survey is open until July 18 and takes about 20 minutes to complete. 📊 Results will be shared this fall through a summary report and new interactive data dashboards. Add your voice to the story of BC’s non-profit sector. Take the survey today: surveymonkey.com/r/SOTS2025 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy.  Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too. Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Correction: At approximately 50:12 in this episode, Mita intended to say “Rest is Resistance” instead of “Rest is Revolutionary.”  🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Collaboration Lab: Bridging People, Organizations, and Sectors: https://thevantagepoint.ca/training/all-labs/collaboration-lab/ 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Resources🎥🎞️ Watch the From our Vantage Point episode and presentation on Vimeo here:  🎧 🎙️Listen to the episode on the From our Vantage Point podcast here: https://from-our-vantage-point.simplecast.com/episodes️🖥️📚 The presentation used in the episode, can be found and downloaded separately here: Misconceptions about Rules of Order, Governance, and Minute Taking .pdf🎁The full episode resource pack can be found here: Misconceptions about Non-Profit Governance - Resource Package - Vantage Point.pdf 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Guests:Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon | University of British ColumbiaKevin McCort | Vancouver FoundationWalter Pela | Greater Vancouver Board of TradeHost:Zahra Esmail | Vantage Point’s Chief Executive DirectorResources:Vantage Point State of the Sector ReportsBC Non-Profit NetworkVancouver FoundationGreater Vancouver Board of TradeGreater Vancouver Board of Trade AI Adoption ProgramUniversity of British ColumbiaUBC Community EngagementBC Non-Profit Leadership ConferenceHumanity Financial 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Guests:Chrissy Bennett | Kidney Foundation of CanadaHost:Maria Turnbull | Vantage Point’s Associate Executive Director 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Guests:Hildy Gottlieb | Creating the FutureHost:Maria Turnbull | Vantage Point’s Associate Executive DirectorEditor:Paul Wang 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Guests:Gordon Holley | Humanity FinancialHost:Rafik Karwa | Vantage Point’s Director of FinanceEditor:Paul Wang 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Guest:Alex Wilson | Big Sisters BC Lower Mainland and the Association of Fundraising ProfessionalsHost:Zahra Esmail | Vantage Point's Chief Executive OfficerEditor:Paul Wang 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Watch this podcast with closed captions here.Guests:Christopher T. Sutton | Wavefront Centre for Community AccessibilityShelagh Levangie | Harbour West ConsultingHost:Maria Turnbull | Vantage Point's Associate Executive DirectorEditor:Elijah Walsh 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Guests:Megan Dykeman | British Columbia’s Parliamentary Secretary Prairie Chiu | Vantage Point's Director of Engagement and AdvocacyHost:Zahra Esmail | Vantage Point's Chief Executive OfficerEditor:Paul Wang 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Guests:Dr. Delbar Niroushak | Dr. Delbar's LinkedIn | Coaching for Change EnterpriseHassan Pardawalla | Hassan's LinkedInHost:Rachelle Smalldon | Vantage PointEditor:Elijah Walsh 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Resources:2023 State of the Sector Report: thevantagepoint.ca/sector-reports/Guests:Christoph Cloudius | The Discovery GroupCarol Hall | Victoria FoundationLynette Milkashen | YMCA – Northern BCHost:Cherie Payne | Vantage Point 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Resources:Tamarack Institute’s Resources: Collaboration Spectrum Tool and A Guide for Building a Sustainable and Resilient CollaborationAdrienne Mare Brown’s Holding Change: The Way of Emergent Strategy Facilitation and MediationSustained Collaboration Network tools for non-profits: https://www.sustainedcollab.org/for-nonprofits/Resource on effective mergers and amalgamations: Merging for Good Resources on co-location/shared space: https://www.edmonton.ca/sites/default/files/public-files/documents/PDF/Non-profit-SharedSpace-Toolkit.pdf 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Strengthening the capacity of the Non-profit sector is a primary focus at Vantage Point. Through all our work we seek to support, convene and uplift non-profit organizations in British Columbia. That’s why this conversation is so important to us. How can we use effective fund development practices and efficient technology to support our sector? The tools are out there. How can we use them best? Why are inclusive fundraising practices important? Who is responsible for financially supporting the sector? In this episode, our host and CEO of Vantage Point, Zahra Esmail, talks with Bryna Dilman, the Senior Director of Growth and Marketing at Keela, exploring the importance of strong and inclusive fund development and how data-driven technology can help us in building a stronger non-profit sector. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy.  Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too. Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Warrior Life PodcastSqueaky Wheel PodcastBryce, P.H. (1922). The Story of a National Crime. James Hope & Sons Ltd, Ottawa.The Gift Of Sacred Being. In L.B. Brown, "Two Spirit People: American Indian Lesbian Women And Gay Men by: D. ChampagneDaschuk, James. (2013). Clearing the Plains: Disease, Politics or Starvation, and the Loss of Aboriginal life. University of Regina Press, Regina.Geddes, Gary (2007). Medicine Unbundled. Heritage House, Victoria.  Joseph, Bob. (2018). 21 Things you May not Know about the Indian Act. Indigenous Relations Press, British Columbia.Manuel, Arthur & Derrickson, Ronald. (2017). The Reconciliation Manifesto: Recovering the Land, Rebuilding the Economy. James Lorimer and Company Ltd, Toronto.Palmater, Pamela. (2015). Indigenous Nationhood: Empowering Grassroots Citizens. Fernwood Publishing, Nova Scotia.Reynolds, Jim. (2018). Aboriginal Peoples and the Law. Purich Publishers, UBC Press, Vancouver.Teillet, Jean. (2019). The Northwest is our Mother: The Story of Louis Riel’s People, The Metis Nation: HarperCollins Publisher’s Limited, Toronto.Out Saskatoon, Two Spirit Missing and murdered indigenous womens report  🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This episode we speak with Kevin McCort, CEO of the Vancouver Foundation, and Katie Clogg, Executive Director of the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre about the new Recovery & Resiliency Fund – $34 million of new funding available for not-for-profits and open for applications until September 30. It is an eye-opening conversation about what these two leaders have learned about good practices in past funding models, and what this new Fund can seek to correct with novel approaches, innovative evaluation criteria, and commitment to multi-year funding to ensure sustainable staffing and projects. BC not-for-profits and charities can apply for a grant from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund at this link: https://www.vancouverfoundation.ca/grants/recovery-and-resiliency-fund 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy.  Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too. Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Timestamps 00:08 | Intro01:36 | Hello, Darrell!05:46 | What is coaching?10:19 | Why is coaching an essential leadership skill?16:14 | Coaching stories23:26 | Ad24:21 | Choosing your timing29:36 | Ethical concerns & common mistakes35:07 | Final suggestions & resources36:24 | Outro & BOSS Conference InfoResourcesOrganizational Coaching Certificate (UBC)Introduction to Coaching (Vantage Point)See next available in our events calendarLove + Work by Marcus BuckinghamOak Management ConsultingEssential Impact 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

The Community Engagement office at UBC supports university and community partners to work together, bringing the full force of combined experiences, expertise, and knowledge to advance a more just and sustainable society. This episode features Kat Cureton, Advisor at Community Engagement, and Katie McCallum, who is the Manager of the Community Engagement office. It was great to talk to them both about where possible opportunities lie for not-for-profits and universities to work together towards their common goals. Before we jump into the conversation, I’d like to introduce you to our guests.Timestamps00:00 | Intro 03:00 | Self introductions: Kat & Katie                           05:51 | What part can universities play?10:07 | Navigating the university system 14:29 | Stories from the Help Desk17:43 | Funding opportunities & hiring students23:12 | Resource re-cap23:35 | Humanity Financial Ad24:28 | Making the ask28:14 | How can universities listen?33:12 | Reciprocity35:28 | Accessible learning opportunities38:45 | Closing reflections40:40 | Outro ResourcesCommunity Partner Help DeskContact email: [email protected]: @ubcCommEngageFunding for community partners:Partnership Recognition FundCommunity University Engagement Support FundMitacsUBC Arts AmplifierUBC Centre for Community Engaged LearningSocial Impact LabUBC CareersOnlineCommunity Scholars ProgramEdXUBC Extended Learningevents.ubc.ca  🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Timestamps00:00 | Intro 01:37 | Financial Wellbeing: Stage 104:07 | Warning Signs of Stage 104:35 | Financial Wellbeing: Stage 207:47 | Financial Wellbeing: Stage 308:48 | Financial Wellbeing: Stage 411:54 | Financial Wellbeing: Stage 516:30 | Most Common Barriers to Financial Liberation19:20 | OutroResourceshttps://humanityfinancial.ca/https://www.charitydata.ca/ 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Timestamps00:00 | Intro01:52 | How it all began04:28 | How boards can make a difference06:39 | Who is Our Kids Climate for?07:43 | What action looks like11:37 | Does keeping up mean “going green”?12:30 | Mitigation and Adaptation16:06 | Ad17:01 | Exploring Our Kids Climate Sessions20:06 | Strategic planning for climate justice21:23 | Scoping sector interest in climate action26:26 | Getting started27:56 | Expecting the unexpected31:25 | Outro-----------------------Resourcesourkidsclimate.caEp. 63: Democracy, Equity, and Climate Change - oh my!------------------------SummaryNot-for-profit leaders are uniquely situated in the fight against the climate crisis – regardless of their organizational mission. Michael Davis of Our Kids Climate joins for our third episode of the year to discuss how boards can integrate meaningful environmental sustainability dialogue into their work and act towards climate justice within their own organizations. We also talk about how a focus on climate is a matter of keeping up with social innovation and being a leader in inevitable public policy changes. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Leah Coss of Build a Biz Kids joins the podcast this month to talk about the benefits of engaging skilled volunteers. Rowan and Leah discuss what it can look like to take the leap and re-envision volunteerism in your organization, and how organizational leaders can get creative with volunteer engagement. Resources Build a Biz Kids bit.ly/3vfkN8Y Episode 55: “A For-Profit Lens in Not-for-Profit Organizations” bit.ly/3vdtHUq Book: The Lean Startup bit.ly/3JSvwdD Book: Lean Impact bit.ly/3IiuB5L Engaging Skilled Volunteers Workshop bit.ly/34YKpwo Customized Training at Vantage Point bit.ly/3JSYAlq Timestamps 00:00 | Intro 02:10 | A for-profit lens 06:37 | Volunteerism at Build a Biz Kids 19:12 | Why volunteer? 24:52 | Ad 25:33 | Volunteer recognition 29:45 | A closer look at group interviews 37:08 | Re-evaluating your volunteer program 41:50 | Outro 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Jennifer Walowic of SFU’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue returns to From Our Vantage Point to expand on democratic engagement and introduce her new workbook, Where to Start? A Workbook for Evaluating Democratic Engagement Impacts. This is a sequel to our February 2020 podcast, The 5 Principles of Democratic Engagement. Resources: Podcast – The 5 Principles of Democratic Engagement https://bit.ly/3H6PvV1 Workbook: Where to Start? A Workbook for Evaluating Democratic Engagement Impacts https://bit.ly/3rUYTVo Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue https://bit.ly/3KZYB8u Participedia https://participedia.net/ Time stamps: 00:00 | Intro 02:40 | About the Workbook 04:36 | Five Principles Re-Cap 08:22 | Unpacking Dialogue 11:00 | “Yes, And...” 12:00 | Ad 12:42 | Choose Your Own Adventure 15:07 | Step 1 17:17 | Step 2 21:08 | Step 5 23:37 | Humanity in Research 26:08 | Wrap-up & Outro 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Celebrate the end of 2021 with us Vantage Point staff members as Rowan interviews fellow colleagues Cherie Payne, Maria Turnbull, and Shagun Bhanot. After what was a turbulent year for many of us in BC and the not-for-profit sector, we thought it would be nice to come together, enjoy each other’s conversation, and celebrate the challenges we surpassed in 2021 as well as look ahead to the future. We also had a great discussion on where Vantage Point is at and what our most recent changes might mean for you, our community members. We hope you enjoy our farewell to 2021 and we’re looking forward to the work to come in the new year. To find out more about the staff behind the scenes at Vantage Point, go to www.thevantagepoint.ca/about/our-people/ Episode moments: 00:00 | Intro 01:06 | Guest intros 01:52 | A Vantage Point memory from 2021 03:45 | A sector memory from 2021 06:15 | Looking ahead with Vantage Point’s new leadership 10:26 | Reflections on the AGM 16:28 | -------- Ad --------- 17:19 | Reflecting on a year of change in the sector 22:20 | What keeps us motivated 27:50 | 2021 inspirations for 2022 30:33 | Online shopping or online meetings? 33:44 | Thank you’s and farewells 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This month’s podcast features Mark Friesen, a familiar face at Vantage Point for his work on the team as a consultant for many years. Mark was instrumental in the development of our Capacity Lab, a series of learning opportunities designed for not-for-profit leaders to apply the Lifecycles Model. It allows them to take a step back from the day-to-day to identify where their organization’s growing pains exist and strategize how to move forward. In this episode, Mark explains the Lifecycles Model and how Capacity Lab came to be out of a need for this overarching self-evaluation, and a space where leaders can convene to support each other in their assessments and strategic planning. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This month’s podcast shines a light on fat employees and how leaders can build safe working environments for employees of any size! Sasha Burden joins From Our Vantage Point for a great discussion on what inclusion in the not-for-profit (and for-profit) workplace looks like when it comes to employees of size: What are some things to consider when planning team building activities? How do we account for fat employees’ needs in HR policies? We even discuss healthy ways to talk about health. We hope this episode answers some of your “taboo” questions relating to culture and policy planning. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

In a special edition podcast, Director of Government Relations and Sector Development Cherie Payne guest hosts a conversation with Parliamentary Secretary of Community Development and Non-Profits, Niki Sharma. Niki was appointed her role as a first for BC’s provincial government in 2020 and has lots to say about her work bridging the connection between not-for-profits and government. Together, Cherie and Niki cover an array of topics, from emerging gender inequality trends and insights in the work force since the start of Covid-19, childcare funding allocation and unique community needs, and how decisions around funding the not-for-profit sector are made in government at all levels. We hope you enjoy! 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

We centre food insecurity in the Lower Mainland with Zahra Esmail, Executive Director of South Van Neighbourhood House, and Upkar Singh Tatlay, Executive Director of Engaged Communities Canada Society in this very special podcast. While food insecurity is the theme, Zahra, Upkar, and podcast host Rowan discuss how racial biases impact the lives of immigrants, refugees, and street-entrenched individuals and how ECCS and Neighbourhood House support the work to meet their needs. Meet Our Sponsor: Humanity Financial [https://humanityfinancial.ca] 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Anna Whelan, Executive Director of the HiVE, and Board Member Juliana Craig, join us to introduce Vancouver’s only not-for-profit coworking space. Here we discuss what the HiVE’s pandemic recovery looks like and how collaboration and community have bolstered and uplifted staff, members, and the sector in general throughout times of change. HiVE Vancouver is a not-for-profit social enterprise serving the social venture community. Their space is a unique coworking space located in the Gastown neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC. They are home to change makers, social enterprises, environmental sustainability groups, and other creative class individuals that support social and environmental sustainability. With over 100 desks, three board rooms and 9,000 square feet of space, there’s a home for just about everyone at the HiVE. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This week, Nav joins the podcast from the other side of the From Our Vantage Point table and discusses her work at Vantage Point, her vision for the podcast, and what’s next. Nav is the new Marketing & Communications Manager at Take a Hike Foundation, although many know her as the voice of the Vantage Point podcast. Listen in on this brief chat to mark the end of an era and join Rowan as he picks up where Nav leaves off as the third host of From Our Vantage Point. Take a Hike Foundation engages vulnerable youth in a full-time program of intensive and continuous clinical counselling, outdoor adventure, academics, and community. They partner with public school districts who provide a high-quality education, and together empower youth with the skills and resilience they need to graduate high school, build healthy relationships, and navigate their own path to success. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Our April podcast brings an in-depth conversation with Elodie Jacquet, Manager of Knowledge and Practice at SFU’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. We chat about democracy, equity, climate change, and how they come together to form many intersections within the sector. We chat about what must change, how systems can be addressed, and building the future. The SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue The Centre uses dialogue and engagement to facilitate transformative conversations and create real-world impact for society’s most pressing challenges. They strengthen Canadian democracy by promoting democratic values and innovation, spread best practices by providing dialogue training and tools, and help governments to engage citizens and stakeholders through our consulting services. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

In this in-depth conversation with Kris Archie, Chief Executive Officer of The Circle, we discuss the colonial nature of philanthropy and how it upholds white supremacy in the not-for-profit sector and affected communities. Then, we imagine how a decolonized philanthropy model could look and explore the necessary steps to reach an equitable funding system. The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada (The Circle) transforms philanthropy and contributes to positive change between Philanthropy and Indigenous communities by creating spaces of learning, innovation, relationship-building, co-creation, and activation. The Circle works alongside Indigenous-led organizations, Indigenous informed organizations, organizations with Indigenous beneficiaries, our members, and philanthropic signatories of The Declaration of Action to encourage individuals and organizations to learn, acknowledge, and understand more about reconciliation and the decolonization of wealth. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Dorla Tune, Organizational Consultant at Vantage Point, joins us to chat about philanthropic narratives and the impacts they can have on our communities, how funds are allocated, and who works within those narratives. We have a frank and honest discussion about what needs to change and why philanthropic narratives matter. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Hildy Gottlieb, co-founder of Creating the Future, and Omar Dominguez, Director of Government Relations and Sector Development at Vantage Point, join us to chat about catalytic thinking and how it can be used to create the future through uncertainty. We will use our upcoming revamped BOSS conference as a case study as we dive into an innovative new way of thinking. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This month we are joined by Sam Bradd, Principle of Drawing Change, to chat about Graphic Recording. We go into depth about what Graphic Recording is, how to utilize it within an organization, and how it acts as a tool for inclusion in meetings and convening sessions. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This month we are joined by Jennifer Wolowic from SFU’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue and Alisha Masongsong from Exchange Inner City. Together, we dive into SFU’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue’s “Five Principles of Democratic Engagement” and chat about how these principles can function well within an organization. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Mark Friesen, Executive Director of the Columbia College Society, joins us to chat about public policy and how an organization can begin this work and what it means to get into advocacy work. We also chat about how Vantage Point is taking on public policy and what we hope will come from it. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Margaret Mason, a Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright joins us this month to chat about why you shouldn’t start that charity you’ve been mulling over. We talk about partnership opportunities, how to cultivate collaboration for your mission, and much more. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This month we are joined by Bob Wang, senior advisor at Deloitte, to find out how using a corporate lens can help further the impact of your organization. We chat about programs, services, and financials - and how assessing them differently can elevate the way we do our work. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Ruby Ng, Executive Director for the Disability Foundation and Vantage Point board member, joins us this month to discuss the impact a branding strategy can have on an organization. We explore how to approach branding, what to do when getting started, and how often organizations should reassess their strategies. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Gordon Holley, Vantage Point board member and Humanity Financial’s CEO joins us this month to explore how to leverage financial systems to maximize organizational impact. We discuss how efficient and effective financial systems can make all the difference when considering the impact of an organization both internally and externally. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This month we sit down with Vantage Point’s Consulting Manager, Lisa Torreggiani to chat about why client relations matters and what can happen when organizations take on client relations management thoughtfully and what can happen when they don’t. Lisa takes from her experience not only at Vantage Point and other not-for-profit organizations but also from her work in private sector sales and management. Presented by Humanity Financial Management From our Vantage Point is brought to you by Humanity Financial Management, a CPA firm dedicated to helping Canadian not-for-profit, charitable and social enterprises build capacity for strong internal financial management. Humanity Financial Management’s part-time controllers and CFOs provide support for budgeting, reporting, audit preparation, policies and procedures, and internal controls. Their results: Financial risk reduction and asset protection. Visit Humanity Financial Management online at humanityfinancial.ca. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This month we sit down with Sherry Small to discuss what we mean when we speak about Truth in Truth and Reconciliation. Through her work with MVAEC, as an educator, and as an advocate Sherry empowers individuals and communities by strengthening the spirit first. In this podcast, Sherry speaks about Truth and how we as people living in the Coast Salish Territories interpret this Truth and what we can do to learn more throughout our journey to Truth and Reconciliation. Presented by Humanity Financial Management From our Vantage Point is brought to you by Humanity Financial Management, a CPA firm dedicated to helping Canadian not-for-profit, charitable and social enterprises build capacity for strong internal financial management. Humanity Financial Management’s part-time controllers and CFOs provide support for budgeting, reporting, audit preparation, policies and procedures, and internal controls. Their results: Financial risk reduction and asset protection. Visit Humanity Financial Management online at humanityfinancial.ca. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

We are excited to be reach the big 5-0! To celebrate this special occasion, our podcast host Nav Nagra sat down with Vantage Point's former podcast host, Maria Turnbull. Maria tells us how From Our Vantage Point got started, tips for new podcasters, and some funny stories from behind the scenes! A BIG thank you to our listeners. Whether you've listened to one episode, all 49, or something in between, we're so pleased you've come on this journey with us! Presented by Humanity Financial Management From our Vantage Point is brought to you by Humanity Financial Management, a CPA firm dedicated to helping Canadian not-for-profit, charitable and social enterprises build capacity for strong internal financial management. Humanity Financial Management’s part-time controllers and CFOs provide support for budgeting, reporting, audit preparation, policies and procedures, and internal controls. Their results: Financial risk reduction and asset protection. Visit Humanity Financial Management online at humanityfinancial.ca. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This month, Bhupie Dulay, a registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology joins us to discuss safe spaces in organizations and the meaning of safety. This episode explores what can be done to create safety from both an organizational standpoint but also as an individual. Bhupie reminds us that safe spaces exist along a continuum, not a binary. Listen in to explore this thought-provoking topic and learn how you can apply these practices in your organization. Presented by Humanity Financial Management From our Vantage Point is brought to you by Humanity Financial Management, a CPA firm dedicated to helping Canadian not-for-profit, charitable and social enterprises build capacity for strong internal financial management. Humanity Financial Management’s part-time controllers and CFOs provide support for budgeting, reporting, audit preparation, policies and procedures, and internal controls. Their results: Financial risk reduction and asset protection. Visit Humanity Financial Management online at humanityfinancial.ca. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

Mary Childs joins us this month to share her insights on changing your not-for-profit’s constitution and bylaws. Mary is a lawyer at the Vancouver chapter of Miller Thompson LLP and Board Chair of the BC Board of Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. In this episode she shares what to keep in mind when changing your constitution or bylaws in accordance with the BC Societies guidelines. Tune in to learn these best practices! Presented by Humanity Financial Management From our Vantage Point is brought to you by Humanity Financial Management, a CPA firm dedicated to helping Canadian not-for-profit, charitable and social enterprises build capacity for strong internal financial management. Humanity Financial Management’s part-time controllers and CFOs provide support for budgeting, reporting, audit preparation, policies and procedures, and internal controls. Their results: Financial risk reduction and asset protection. Visit Humanity Financial Management online at humanityfinancial.ca. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This month, Deb Abma-Sluggett, Director of Philanthropy and Government Relations at Take a Hike Foundation, discusses the possibilities of board giving within an organization and dives into common misconceptions around giving. Whether you’re pro or con, Deb helps us break down the argument and explore what board giving is all about. Presented by Humanity Financial Management From our Vantage Point is brought to you by Humanity Financial Management, a CPA firm dedicated to helping Canadian not-for-profit, charitable and social enterprises build capacity for strong internal financial management. Humanity Financial Management’s part-time controllers and CFOs provide support for budgeting, reporting, audit preparation, policies and procedures, and internal controls. Their results: Financial risk reduction and asset protection. Visit Humanity Financial Management online at humanityfinancial.ca. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.

This month, speaker and thought leader, Daryl Hatton discusses the emerging not-for-profit trends in digital fundraising and what organizations can do to stay on top and innovate. Daryl uses his expertise as the CEO and founder of FundRazr to break down how organizations can rethink the relationship between digital media and fundraising. Presented by Humanity Financial Management From our Vantage Point is brought to you by Humanity Financial Management, a CPA firm dedicated to helping Canadian not-for-profit, charitable and social enterprises build capacity for strong internal financial management. Humanity Financial Management’s part-time controllers and CFOs provide support for budgeting, reporting, audit preparation, policies and procedures, and internal controls. Their results: Financial risk reduction and asset protection. Visit Humanity Financial Management online at humanityfinancial.ca. 🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is a podcast by Vantage Point, sharing real conversations and practical insights from BC’s non-profit sector. Vantage Point provides high quality, practical education, facilitation, and consulting support to BC’s non-profit sector as well as programs that support sector success through convening, facilitation, and advocacy. Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.Generously supported by our partners at Humanity Financial.