RAFIO Strategic Planning Session

Event Report:

Date: July 26, 2024

Location: 310 Olmstead Street

Theme: “Strategic Planning” (Funded by TROPICANA)

Partner: SFC Ottawa

Introduction

On July 26, 2024, RAFIO organized a key strategic planning event aimed at improving its interventions for the groups it serves. The event took place at the offices of SFC Ottawa (our partner) and brought together various participants to discuss and develop a strategic plan focused on service improvement and overall governance within RAFIO.

This day would not have been possible without the financial support of TROPICANA, an organization funded by the government and one of three entities that received significant funding to support capacity building for Black-led organizations in Canada serving Afro-descendant communities.

The day was structured around a breakfast session, a presentation by facilitator Aïssatou Soumaré, group discussions, and a plenary synthesis session.

Event Overview

a. Breakfast and Welcome

The event began with a networking breakfast, allowing participants to meet and exchange in an informal setting. This helped create a relaxed and open atmosphere for the rest of the day.

b. Facilitator Presentation

Aïssatou Soumaré opened the formal session with icebreaker activities, including a creative exercise where participants described RAFIO using the letters of its acronym. The objectives of the day were also clearly presented.

c. Round Table

A round table session allowed each participant to briefly introduce themselves and share a few words about their background. This helped build group cohesion and engagement.

d. Group Discussion Session

Participants were divided into discussion groups based on RAFIO’s target populations: youth, seniors, and single-parent families. Each group discussed the following themes:

• Specific needs and service pathways: Identifying key challenges faced by each group

• Potential solutions: Proposing adapted responses to identified needs

• General observations: Recommendations for improving RAFIO services

  
  

e. Lunch Break

A lunch break allowed participants to eat and engage in informal conversations. This moment of relaxation also served as a transition into deeper afternoon discussions.

f. Plenary Synthesis Session

After lunch, participants reconvened in a plenary session to share the results of their group discussions. The collected insights were compiled and organized to serve as the foundation for the strategic document that will be developed by the appointed consultant.

Discussion Results

a. Youth

Identified needs:

• Integration difficulties

• Challenges in securing employment

Proposed solutions:

• Strengthen newcomer support upon arrival and provide information on available services in Ottawa (e.g., immigrant resource guide)

• Improve dissemination of job opportunities through word of mouth and networking strategies

General observations:

• Youth show reluctance to participate in events; more informal and engaging approaches are needed, such as social gatherings and youth-focused recreational events

  
  

b. Seniors

Identified needs:

• Home visits

• Social and cultural activities tailored to their needs

• Information on Canada’s banking system to avoid credit-related pitfalls

Proposed solutions:

• Expand home visit services

• Organize regular social and cultural events

• Provide workshops on financial literacy in Canada

General observations:

• Seniors seek more opportunities for social engagement and support, particularly to address isolation

  
  

c. Single-Parent Families

Identified needs:

• Financial support and access to affordable childcare services

• Better work-life balance

Proposed solutions:

• Develop alternative childcare programs, including engaging isolated seniors in childcare support roles

• Offer workshops focused on work-life balance

General observations:

• Single-parent families require targeted support to reduce financial pressure and improve access to essential services

  
  

Conclusion

The strategic planning event held on July 26, 2024 provided valuable insights for RAFIO’s future direction. Group discussions helped identify specific needs, propose practical solutions, and gather important observations. The collected data will serve as the foundation for the strategic document developed by the appointed consultant, ensuring that RAFIO’s future plans effectively respond to the needs of its beneficiaries.

The support and collaboration of participants were essential to the success of this event, and RAFIO looks forward to implementing the recommendations to enhance its services and community impact.