Partners in Action – Overview
What We Are
The Partners in Action Committee is a solution-oriented, community driven committee that addresses crime prevention through social development (CPTSD). We work mainly in the areas of housing, homelessness, recreation, childcare, and neighbourhood capacity building but take on other topics as well. Our goal is to problem solve by bringing the right partners to the table and creating real change on a community level.
What We Do
The Partners in Action Committee delivers! We create action teams that work together until problems are solved. There can be up to 15 to 20 action teams working at any given time and 50 to 60 different agencies, businesses and groups involved in the action teams. We are also the “home” for community strategies. We ensure that recommendations are followed through by organizing action teams to complete the strategies.
Description of Model
The Partners in Action Committee is a solution-oriented, community driven committee that addresses crime prevention through social development (CPTSD). CPTSD is a proven approach that focuses on strengthening the foundations of a community (for example, adequate housing, recreation, childcare etc) thereby preventing crime at its root cause and increasing the overall health of the community.
Partners in Action Model Description (132Kb PDF)
Goals
- identify, describe & analyze specific community problems
- Coordinate action teams to address the problems (goals & objectives)
- Support action teams to implement solutions (resources and support)
- Monitor & evaluate the results (determine impact on community)
Action Teams
The key to this model is to break down larger social and safety issues into manageable solutions. When an issue or problem is identified or brought forward to the coordinating committee, an action team is created. The task of the action team is to problem solve. Key players for the action team are recruited from the community based on the skills, knowledge and connections needed to reach a solution(s). Action teams can be created ad hoc or include already established committees in the community. Once a solution(s) is reached, the action team disbands.
Coordinating Committee
Members are recruited based on the skills and knowledge they bring to the table, in addition to representation of an agency or group. Each member will be responsible for linking the committee to their particular resources (committees, organizations, individuals who are knowledgeable in this area). The role of the Coordinating Committee is to identify problems and/or solutions and then create and oversee action teams.
Funding Sources
In May 2006, the Social Planning Council applied to the Province of BC Safe Streets and Safe School Program for funding to adapt and test a new model of action planning for crime prevention in our community. In January 2007, additional funding was supplied by the City of Vernon, Community Futures and United Way for the ongoing coordination of the committee. Due to the success of the committee, the City of Vernon is now providing funding for the Coordinator until 2015.
Contact
For more information, please contact Annette Sharkey at the Social Planning Council administrative offices at 250.540.8572, or by e-mail at [email protected].
