1. Planning
In the summer of 2003, the Board had two major planning sessions. The results of these sessions were used by the Social Issues Committee to bring the strategic policies (mission, vision, values and aims statements) up to date. Subsequently the Board approved an amended form of those policies. The new strategic policies are:

Mission
" The LSPC strengthens Thunder Bay by providing collaborative community responses to social issues, research and access to human service information."

Values
" We value:
The inherent worth and dignity of all individuals.
The strength of individuals, organizations and community.
Citizen participation and Volunteerism.
Equal opportunity.
Collaborative partnerships.
Diversity.
Advocacy"

Aims
" We aim to:
Bring people together.
Promote social and economic justice.
Develop programs and services.
Link people to services.
Research social, economic, environmental and health issues."

Vision
" Within 5 years to have a community contract process under way on at least 4 different social issue projects."

Priority Issues
LSPC has identified the following issues for it to address as a social broker:
First Nations/Non-First Nations Partnership
Homelessness
Poverty
Youth Strategy

We are committed to forming the partnerships that are necessary to ensure the realization of our vision.

2. Process
Many different organizations have partial responsibilities and authority for any particular social issue, but usually none have the total authority to implement all of the changes necessary to attack the roots of the problem. The LSPC mission is to bring these organizations together in a Steering Committee to plan and coordinate the efforts.

This will be attempted by the development of a Community Contract between the partners, the implementation of which will be monitored by the Steering Committee. A draft proposal for the Community Contract Process has been developed by the Social Issues Committee.

Submitted by
Don Watson