Kris and I recently had the privilege of attending an event organised by the Todd Foundation and the J.R. McKenzie Trust, bringing together 40 social impact charities from across the country. This gathering felt incredibly special, a unique opportunity to connect, share, and reflect on the collective mission we all share. For us at DECA, it was especially insightful to join other charities working tirelessly to support those most in need. The other organisations present were predominantly citizen-facing, focused on critical issues such as homelessness, food security, disability support, refugee assistance, and care for victims of violence. Alongside these, others, like us, are supporters of broader community networks—organisations empowering driver’s licensing programs, healthcare networks, kai sovereignty initiatives, and more. We were the only digitally focused org in the mix giving us a unique position within this ecosystem and helped us clarify our role in the broader social impact landscape.

Our interactions over the two days reminded us that our mission at DECA goes beyond supporting digital equity and closing the digital divide. Our role as a collective extends to supporting these frontline charities, many of whom serve isolated communities or individuals facing significant struggles. Lots of attendees approached us with requests for resources, connections, and support to bridge the digital gaps they face daily. Some needed laptops for remote communities affected by recent weather events, while others sought digital skills training for refugees, hoping to connect with those in our network who could empower their clients with these essential skills. It became clear mahi DECA’s mission is intertwined with theirs; by facilitating digital resources and skills, we can strengthen the very services and outreach that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

One of the most interesting discussions during the event revolved around Social Impact Return on Investment (ROI) modeling and reporting. Together, we explored ways to approach ROI that would yield both quantitative and qualitative insights, making reporting transparent, accessible, and low-cost for charities. This open-source and accessible approach is critical as most not-for-profits operate on limited budgets yet still need to demonstrate their impact effectively for fund holders.

As you can imagine we also tackled the challenges brought about by government cutbacks on citizen-facing services and the funding to charities that provide these essential services. As public support frameworks diminish, our collective resilience and resourcefulness become increasingly important.

Another resonant theme that emerged in the conversations was the fragmentation of voice and messaging within the social impact sector. This fragmentation can dilute our collective efforts to advocate for and support our communities. For lasting impact, it’s essential that we communicate in unison, aligned in purpose and message. This reminds me of the “Girls Can Do Anything” posters that decorated the walls of my school classrooms, an iconic campaign that made a powerful, unified statement. Today, our mahi calls for a similar approach—creating a shared language and cohesive message that speaks to the heart of the issues we collectively address.

In a time when the social impact sector faces mounting challenges, we must strive to “sing from the same song sheet.” By aligning our voices, we amplify our message, strengthen our impact, and make it clear that we stand united in our mission to uplift communities and advocate for those most in need.