Intergenerational Mentoring through CBI

The Capacity Building Institute (CBI) is one of the social enterprises under Sustainable Capacity Solutions, and they are dedicated to training environmental leaders throughout the Ottawa nonprofit sector. By providing capacity-building training and coaching support to small environmental nonprofits, they aim to bolster Canada's environmental sector. CBI offers a range of training programs aimed at nonprofit leaders at every stage of their journey - from founders, to executive directors, to volunteers, board members, fundraisers and other staff.

To date CBI has trained over 145 individuals and nonprofits throughout Ottawa, and has partnered with PERC on many grants to support their training courses.

Currently, they are looking to connect seniors (55+) with a range of environmental, nonprofit groups across Ottawa to have the opportunity for intergenerational mentoring, virtual participation in community volunteering and ongoing learning. CBI is proposing the project as a response from our nonprofit network and their need for experienced and educated individuals to support their organizations and environmental initiatives. Most nonprofits work with volunteers and they are vital for their operations while simultaneously there are many seniors looking to give back to society and contribute to their communities. We have identified a strong need for seniors within the sector and we aim to facilitate and promote their participation.

There are two parts of this initiative:

1. Having seniors join a board of directors of environmental nonprofits in the Ottawa area to provide advice and expertise on the sector

2. To speak as a guest panellist/speaker for CBI's Intern Training Program, as part of the "Stories from the Sector", providing further opportunity for intergenerational mentoring

CBI is currently doing a call-out for individuals 55+ in the Ottawa area that would like to share their expertise on environmental project management, and their experience in the nonprofit sector. They are also asking any Ottawa nonprofits that are seeking new board members to reach out and apply to their Board Match program to be matched with candidates.

Chantel Haigh is the Executive Director of Sustainable Capacity Solutions. She is a graduate of Trent University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree of International Development Studies and an Honours Minor of Environmental Studies.