Social Development
What is Social Development?
Social Planning/Development differs from urban planning in that urban planning has a focus on land use, buildings and streets, Social Planning/Social Development focuses on people, community and the factors that influence quality of life. In Mission, Social Planning/Development involves working with a Municipally appointed Social Development Commission and its related working groups to effect positive change, education and awareness in the community. Social Planning/Development also involves working with a variety of community groups and needs, building and encouraging community cooperation and providing support to community groups working towards social issues and community development. The terms Social Planning, Social Development and Community Development are often interchangeable. The District of Mission uses the term Social Development to encompass the above areas.
Mission’s Social Development Plan
The District of Mission’s stated purpose is to be a safe, healthy and inclusive community abundant in economic, recreational and cultural opportunities. Council appointed the Social Development Commission in November of 2006 with the purpose of developing and implementing a Social Development Plan that realizes the vision of the District of Mission’s purpose statement.
In collaboration with the community, the Social Development Plan was created. This document reflects the commitment and efforts of the community in Mission, in particular the Mayor and Council, the 2006 and 2008 Social Development Community Workshop participants, the District of Mission staff and the Social Development Commission. Follow the link to view the Social Development plan Social Development Plan
Social Development Plan Status
The original Social Development Plan is under review by the Social Development Commission. Stay tuned for updates and edits!
Who is involved in Mission’s Social Development Program?
The Social Development Manager works with the Social Development Commission, Social Development working groups, community-based organizations and various levels of Government. The Social Development Manager also provides support and information to local community groups, non profit organizations and individuals. The Social Development Program also consists of a Municipally appointed Social Development Commission whom are dedicated volunteers in the community working in an advisory role to both Council and the community. Additionally, Commission members are involved in volunteer working groups addressing various social priorities in the community.
Social Development Commission
The Social Development Commission, established by Mission City Council in 2006, is made up of 12 community members who represent diverse organizations in Mission. The current 2010 Social Development Commission includes representatives from the School Board, Xyolhemeylh First Nations, Ministry of Child and Family Development, RCMP, Women’s Resource Society of the Fraser Valley and Fraser Health as well as representation from the Indo-Canadian and Senior community. Commission members first and foremost bring their passion for community involvement above all else. The Social Development Commission is Chaired by Mayor Atebe and coordinated by the Social Development Manager.
The Commission provides a broad social and community perspective to Council and city staff on the social needs in the community. The Commission also acts as a liaison with community groups, agencies, the public and other Government services. Commission members are appointed by City Council and serve a two year term. If you are interested in being a part of the Social Development Commission and are passionate about making a difference your community contact Kirsten Hargreaves for more information khargreaves@mission.ca
Social Development Working Groups
Community workshops were held in 2006 and 2008. The outcome resulted in11 priority areas as identified through a community facilitation process. These are the original 11 priority areas outlined in the Social Development Plan. Currently, in 2010, 6 of these groups are active and meeting on a monthly basis. Upon review of the goals of the 11 initial areas, some of these priority areas were condensed if it was found that goals were similar. For more information about each of these groups please click on the following links.
Working Groups in 2010
Housing
Outreach
Town Squares
40 Developmental Assets
Central Resource Bureau
Community Schools
Social and Community Health Profile
This section is underway and will be completed summer 2010. Please check back at a later date to review this information.
8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Question : What is a Social Development working group?
Answer: A working group is a group of people organized and brought together for a specific purpose in a topic that they are interested in. The terms working group and sub-committee are often interchangeable; however for the purpose of Social Development, the term working group is used.
2. Question: Do I need to be an expert or knowledgeable in the working group areas to join?
Answer: No expertise is required to join a working group, just interest in the topic area and a desire to help in your community
3. Question: How often are meetings held?
Answer: Meetings are held once a month on average at a time and date agreed upon by the group. Sometimes individuals or organizations that cannot be involved monthly due to time contraints will place themselves on the e-mail list to receive updates and information regarding the group’s work in the community.
4. Question: What happens if I can’t attend a meeting?
Answer: Working groups understand that life happens and we are all very busy people; however, your participation is valuable and therefore you will be expected to attend meetings as often as you are able or to contribute your thoughts and ideas via e-mail.
5. Question: How long is the time commitment for a working group?
Answer: Generally one year
6. Question: What do we actually do at meetings?
Answer: Each meeting has a designated Chair who is responsible for meeting facilitation. Through discussion and task delegation, you work as a group to problem solve and work towards decreasing challenges the community is facing.
7. Question: What if I don’t like public speaking or I have a physical or mental disability preventing me from participating fully?
Answer: That’s no problem at all, group dynamics allow for all levels of involvement. The group will also do its best to find meeting space that is accessible for all if this is a concern.
8. Question: What are the current working groups I can volunteer to be a part of?
Housing
Outreach
Town Squares
Central Resource Bureau
40 Developmental Assets
Community Schools
Come check out a meeting and see what we are all about!
Kirsten Hargreaves (Manager of Social Development) Office: (604) 820 – 3752