Dear Ottawa Senior Pride Network Community,

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news about the future of OSPN! The OSPN’s Coordinating Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee, comprised of members who came forward on the March 2nd meeting, have been hard at work since late last year, dedicated to building a strong and vibrant future for our organization to be able to support and enhance the lives of our Older 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As such we have concluded that we will incorporate as a Non-Profit Corporation.

The non-profit incorporation status will:

• Allow us the flexibility to move to charitable status in the future should we choose.
• Allow us the status to ally with partners and collaborators as equals.
• Give us the structure and legitimacy needed to access funding directly, which would allow us to hire our own staff who would
  • work for us and with us,
  • address our specific needs,
  • direct our volunteer energy efficiently and
  • manage and lead a transparent, accountable, and accessible OSPN.
• Non-profit incorporation will support a viable organization with a clear mandate, role, and responsibilities that can continue its work as its members change.
• It will give us autonomy.
• It will empower us.
• It will keep us visible and valued.

Timeline of Key Events

December 14, 2023
Initial Meeting: All OSPN committees gathered to discuss roles and the need for better organization and communication within our community.

February 03, 2024
We met with numerous members of our 2SLGBTQI+ senior community on Feb. 3, 2024, at the Community Café, where we asked what the needs and desires of our community are as we all age. Four key directions were identified:

1. Build a Strong Organizational Foundation
2. Foster a Welcoming and Inclusive Community
3. Amplify Advocacy, Visibility, and Education for Queer Seniors
4. Increase Access to Information for the Older Queer Community

March 02, 2024
At the March 2 follow-up gathering, a dedicated group of volunteers started to meet to evaluate OSPN’s organizational structure and how it needs to change to be better able to support and bring enjoyment to the lives of our senior 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Since then, we have met regularly to redesign our vision, mission, and values and to envision a way forward to respond to our community’s needs.

This work led to a deeper understanding of our limitations as an unofficial, loosely organized, volunteer-run network of community members working with limited resources. It also highlighted our dependence on established non-profit organizations for support in accessing funding and other resources.

CONCLUSION: We will incorporate as a non-profit organization!

Here is Where You Come In

We want to tap into your talent and experience. We’re seeking passionate and dedicated individuals from our community to serve as directors, and other builders of the new OSPN. We are looking for individuals who possess skills and qualities, such as:

• Leadership and Strategic Thinking: Ability to guide the organization towards its long-term goals.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and oversight.
• Fundraising and Development: Experience in securing funding and managing donor relationships.
• Legal and Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with non-profit laws and regulatory requirements.
• Community Engagement: Programming background and strong connections within the community and ability to foster relationships.
• Advocacy and Communication: Effective communication skills and experience advocating for the community.

If you’re interested in helping to guide the future of OSPN and have the skills to contribute, please contact us at ospnboard@gmail.com

Next Steps

• OSPN will complete the legal requirements to incorporate as a not-for-profit organization in Ontario with an interim board.
• Once we incorporate, we have up to 15 months before the first Annual General Meeting (AGM). Before the AGM, the interim board will work on drafting the bylaws and membership criteria. There will be opportunities for community engagement in this process, and we will keep the community informed throughout with regular updates.
• Capital Pride (August): Come talk to us at the OSPN booth on August 24 and 25, from 12 to 8 pm, where we’ll share more information about our incorporation progress, what programs and activities we have going on, ask us questions, tell us what you want us to do, what YOU want to do with us. Share the excitement and energy of a revitalized OSPN.
• September, October, and November 2024: We continue to inform and involve the community in OSPN’s new structure and strategic directions.
• Annual General Meeting (AGM): At our first AGM, members will elect the first Board of Directors and approve our bylaws and membership criteria.

Thank you for being a vital part of the OSPN community. We’re excited about this next chapter and can’t wait to build a stronger and more vibrant future together!

In kindness and with gratitude,
Johane, Kerry, Eva, Jodan, Hugh, George
Interim Board of Directors of OSPN