Community Sector Network of PEI is a voice for non-profits across the Island

by Ruby Arsenault, Employment Coach/Facilitator with Tignish Employment Resources (ER) Centre

In October, Kevin Porter, Executive Director for Community Inclusions & staff hosted a “Tea & Talk” social to introduce the new Community Sector Network of PEI.

The event was held at the cozy Maple House Bakery & Café, which is owned and operated by Community Inclusions. The sponsor of the event was Tyne Valley Teas Café.

Connecting conversation for non-profits across the Island was the theme of the social, says Community Sector Network’s Executive Director Alexia Riche.

What is the Community Sector Network (CSNPEI)

CSNPEI was formed in 2018 following decades of advocacy and collaboration amongst several individuals and non-profit organizations. It is an Island-wide organization that includes non-profits from the arts, environment, sport, social services, youth, health, animal welfare, education, and others.

Their vision is to develop a sustainable and valued community sector for PEI, and their mission is to develop an empowered community sector using its collective voice for change.

Values

• Collaboration: They believe in the power of working together and seeking to build strong relationships that foster mutual learning and growth.
• Courage: They are committed to demonstrating courage in all aspects of their work, including taking bold actions, speaking up for what is right, and advocating for systemic change through innovative approaches.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: They recognize and respect the diversity of the community and strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment where marginalized people feel valued, respected, and supported.
• Transparency: They are dedicated to promoting transparency in their operations, governance, and decision-making processes, and are committed to being open, honest, and accountable in all their interactions.

At the event, members of various non-profit organizations were welcomed by Christine Batten, Membership Coordinator for CSNPEI. “This is a new role for me,” says Christine. “I started my position in early July. I work remotely, and I split my time between Alberton and Charlottetown.

“I am presently working on gathering memberships from our area and I welcome anyone who is interested to contact me and check our website at www.csnpei.com

“We welcome members from non-profits organizations, charities, social networks, volunteer groups, and others,” says Christine.

The benefits of becoming a member:

• Bring people together as a whole across PEI
• Strength and power in numbers pull resources together
• Provide info on resources available to organizations and the membership
• Achieve more by working together and connecting resources
• Offers job postings, fundraising events, supports, newsletters etc.
• Serve all Islanders across PEI
• Create and support focus groups
• Create and share services such as an accountant
• Respond to various government departments as an Island-wide sector

“We have more than 55 members, who are listed on our website,” says Christine. “CSNPEI has a board of directors comprised of executive directors from other non-profit organizations on the Island.

“We want to build on what is already constructed on the Island, not re-invent. The many supports, organizations and resources across PEI are wonderful. We want to gather them together and in turn become a stronger voice.

“I’d love the opportunity to meet with volunteer groups interested in learning more about CSNPEI and the benefits of membership. We have a growing database of resources, perks and upcoming workshops that may be helpful to their non-profit or charity organization. These are often free or at a minimal cost to members.

“There is an annual membership fee to join CSNPEI, but we are keen on having local volunteer-led groups join us as well. We don’t want cost to be a barrier, so for them there is a to ‘pay what you can’ option.”

Check this link for details: www.csnpei.com/join-us