Blog: Exploring, Learning, and Investing in Social Infrastructure

Mar. 18

At the beginning of this year, Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) adopted a new strategic plan that challenges us to explore, learn more about, and invest in a system of social infrastructure across our region. We are considering social infrastructure as the system of organizations, spaces and experiences that enable people to connect with each other. Everywhere we look, we see the need to build more trust and more civic participation to create a sense of belonging and wellbeing in all our communities. We know this is needed from the southern edge of North Dumfries to the northern tip of Woolwich, throughout the neighbourhoods spread across all our cities and townships.

Since that initial roll-out, it's been gratifying that so many individuals and organizations have reached out to tell us that they too see the importance of creating meaningful interactions between different communities, different neighbourhoods, different groups, and different generations.

I love that there is no shortage of ideas for where to start. And our team – and volunteers – are excited to see which ideas are submitted for this round of Community Grants focusing on building social infrastructure systems and bridges across our region. If you have an idea please reach out soon, as the application closes Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

I’m also enjoying that since we announced our shift to social infrastructure, you have been sending me links. Lots of links like…

The reminder that a decade ago, KWCF had dug deeply into how we can design belonging.
The 2023 National Vital Signs® Report, Reconnecting Communities showing the national declines in rates of belonging, engagement, and well-being.
Toronto’s Vital Signs® 2023 Special Report, The Power of Us, calling for a revived connective tissue to enable progress on big issues facing their communities.
Materials from the 7GenCities collaborative that speaks of inclusive social infrastructures and embedding the principles and actions of Truth and Reconciliation.
An article from The Atlantic Magazine entitled Why Americans Suddenly Stopped Hanging Out.
The City of Vancouver’s Social Infrastructure Strategy focusing on the need for more inclusive and accessible physical spaces for community.
The Reimaging the Civic Commons partnership that strives to foster engagement, equity, environmental sustainability, and economic development in U.S. cities.

I read them all. I enjoy stories of how this work manifests in communities. I nerd out contemplating different sets of data to measure this work. I’m intrigued by opportunities to build on what has already been done, taking into consideration the state of our region today and its ambitions for tomorrow.

If you have other links to share, please send them my way. My email is eric@wrcf.ca. Our team is learning more every day and welcomes your ideas on what’s possible as we build a system of social infrastructure that is right for our region, our residents, and our communities.