GEORGIAN COLLEGE
True Inclusion the key to regional belonging, says new report by Georgian College and YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

To drive true inclusion and belonging in the region, current policies and systems need to incorporate trauma-informed, decolonized and environmental perspectives, according to a new Insight Report released on September 17 by Georgian College and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and Georgian College unveiled an Insight Report from their Future of Belonging project, along with a new Community Impact Lab space in the Barrie Public Library's Downtown Branch. From left: Lauren Jessop, CEO of the Barrie Public Library; Pamela Marck, Vice President of Brand Experience & Strategic Initiatives, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka; Kevin Weaver, President and CEO of Georgian; Nicole Norris, Director of Social Innovation at Georgian; and Jill Tettmann, CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.

The report was released at a special event at the Barrie Public Library's Downtown Branch, where Georgian and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka also unveiled a new Community Impact Lab that's open to the public.

The report and lab are part of a larger, ambitious project, called The Future of Belonging, about fostering a stronger sense of belonging and inclusivity in the region and sparking positive change through innovation. Over the last year, Georgian and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka held sessions that brought together diverse voices, including community agency decision-makers, newcomers and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, to hear their feedback and ideas about local belonging.

"This event was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the important work we've been doing through the Future of Belonging project," said Nicole Norris, Director of Social Innovation, Georgian College. "The insights we've gathered and the tools we're unveiling today are just the beginning. We're excited to see how our community will continue to come together to build a more inclusive and innovative region."

The first Insight Report provides valuable insights, highlighting key findings and actionable recommendations that will guide future efforts.

For example, the report notes that 35 strategic plans of local organizations were reviewed and most of them expire in the next two to three years, providing an opportunity to develop new tools and approaches for these plans across Simcoe Muskoka.

"Our project has highlighted a critical need for a community-based ecosystem that boosts local capacity for innovative and equitable solutions. Insights from our first year of data collection and engagement reveal key challenges related to belonging, well-being, and economic development. To address these needs, we are excited to propose the creation of a rural-based community innovation ecosystem that drives community-led systems change," said Pamela Marck, Vice President of Brand Experience & Strategic Initiatives, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.

One of the event's highlights was the unveiling of the Community Impact Lab at the Barrie Public Library. It's a space designed to support local organizations and individuals in their efforts to drive inclusive innovation.

"The Barrie Public Library is proud to collaborate with the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and Georgian College on this initiative. These Labs will serve as accessible physical spaces for community co-design, combining in-person and digital collaboration tools. They will empower diverse community groups with the resources needed for citizen-led change, support non-profit strategic planning, foster social enterprises, and influence policy shifts," said Lauren Jessop, CEO, Barrie Public Library.

The launch of the Community Impact Lab represents a significant step forward in creating a hub for inclusive innovation within the region. Equipped with collaborative workspaces, and a variety of resources, the lab is designed to be a catalyst for community-driven solutions. It offers a welcoming environment where local organizations, students and residents can experiment with innovative ideas, develop innovative projects, and collaboration.

The Community Impact Lab seeks to integrate lived experiences into our communities' strategic design. This new ecosystem will be anchored by a Community Innovation Network, guided by a Community Innovation Council. By leveraging the insights gained from the Future of Belonging project, the network aims to mobilize local organizations, leaders and residents to work collaboratively in shaping a more inclusive future.

The Future of Belonging Insight Report is available at The Future of Belonging website, and the Community Impact Lab is open to Barrie Public Library members for exploration and innovation.