The Society for Community Development (SCD) was established in 1989 as a non-profit and non-partisan social planning organization to support the communities of Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody. Prior to 1995, SCD was called the Social Development Council of District 43. SCD is a registered charitable organization and in 1997 became a United Way Member Agency.
SCD works towards empowering all who live, work or play in the Tri Cities to address social issues present in our community. We promote activiites which bring together our community members - whether individuals, neighbourhoods, non profits, businesses, levels of governent, community groups, organizations and agencies. We champion activities which build community and we believe in celebrating individuals who make a difference in our communities. We believe that citizens must be provided the opportunity to communicate their needs, desires and priorities for their local communities.
The SCD has participated in activities focusing on teens, families, environment, connecting neighbours and neighbourhoods, multiculturalism, violence prevention, affordable housing, health care, child care, inclusion of people with disabilities, and anti racism. At the present time, much of our time and efforts are spent addressing homelessness, poverty and affordable housing.
Vision: A strong and resilient community
Mandate: To provide leadership and support in helping citizens identify and address social planning/community development issues.
Mission: To encourage and support participation in our community by all who live, work or play in the Tri Cities
We bring people together to connect, collaborate and celebrate.
Our Aims: While working at the grassroots level, SCD aims to empower individuals to become responsible citizens. This end is achieved by:
- Promoting the process of sustainable community development, including its social, economic and environmental aspects
- Encouraging actions and practices that promote a strong and resilient community
- Identifying issues of concern in consultation with citizens
- Raising individual awareness about issues that affect community health
- Embracing and celebrating diversity
- Promoting community recognition of exemplary citizenship
Our actions include:
- Holding public forums on current community issues and concerns
- Educating the public on issues of community development/social planning
- Responding to community impact profiles
- Working wtih residents to identify concerns and issues
- Assisting organizations and partnering with other community organizations to build healthy communities
- Provide ongoing community learning opportunities
Principles that guide our activities:
- Proactive
- Inclusive and collaborative
- Consensus oriented
- Democratic and non-partisan
SCD is rooted in the belief that citizens must be provided the opportunity to communicate their needs, desires, and priorities for their local communities.
On-going Activities:
SCD is a key member of numerous community groups and task groups through which we work to create the healthy community that is our vision. We are currently focusing on the issues of homelessness, the development of an increased stock of affordable rental housing, and on poverty reduction. SCD is a member of Solutions by Design, the Tri Cities Homelessness Task Group, the Homelessness Advocacy Sub committee, the Tri City Drug Awareness Task Group, and the Tri Cities Housing Coalition.
Save the date: September 2010 for TASTE of the TRI CITIES, co-sponsored with the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce. Please check out the photos from 2009 Taste as a PAST ACTIVITY.
The Spirit of Community Awards: SCD plans to re-birth this gala event recognizing those in the Tri Cities that live their passions and in so doing create a better community for us all.
