Getting Started > Know your organization

Know your organization

The experience and resources of your organization are the foundations for planning a new initiative. Take time to consider your resources and your mandate.

What resources are available to you?

Remember to look around your community as well as within your own organization for the resources you need, including.

Financial resources:
Do you have money for new programs, for staff, or for changes to your environment? Can you make do without having the financial resources? For example, you might use volunteers. Or, you might approach an organization or business in your community to sponsor some of your initiatives.

Physical resources:
What is your space like? This is especially important if you want to start an exercise program. Maybe you don't have room for a Tai Chi class but can start an outdoor walking club. Or perhaps you can find an indoor location nearby where you can host a Tai Chi class. Also, local arenas, gymnasiums, and shopping malls may be willing to allow your group to use their facilities for an indoor walking club.

People:
Who are some key folks to get involved? New initiatives are usually a team effort. You may need people who are good at promoting new ideas, leading a discussion, organizing an information session, coordinating activities or finding resources from the community. Who are the potential leaders in your group?

How can falls prevention fit with your organization's mandate and current programs?
An organization's programs are shaped by what it intends to achieve. This is often stated as its purpose or mission. The purpose of this Guide is to "promote the health and independence of older adults and veterans through falls prevention, active living and activity-friendly environments."

How does this purpose fit with what you hope to achieve within your organization? Can you begin to consider this mandate by building small changes into existing programs? For example, could you have a 10 minute break during bingo or card programs to do some stretching or Tai Chi? If you already have a walking club, could you encourage members of that club to look for potential fall hazards on their route? Little changes can make a BIG difference!

See Resources: Program Tool 1 - Your programs

Previous:

Getting started

Next:

Know your allies