Twenty-Fifth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a generative framework with which to address local and global risks and societal needs through sustainability solutions. In Canada, development goal-setting and achievement at the national or federal levels cannot be separated from the elimination of organizational and systemic challenges at the level of communities. As an example, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on vulnerable populations was seen as a localized issue that was linked to larger systemic crises highlighting vulnerabilities in systems of health, social inclusion, and resilience. On an ongoing basis, vital empirical data is required to guide social service provider organizations and policy-makers to devise interventions aimed at addressing challenges at points of need, build organizational and systemic resilience, and plan for future crises. This paper presents findings of a participatory study of 20 social service providers and 20 service users at a community-based not-for-profit agency that provides on-site and mobile support services in Toronto. Utilizing a survey and in-depth interviews, the study aimed to understand how community-based agencies can support populations to negotiate access to nutrition (SDG 2— Zero Hunger), health (SDG 3—Good Health and Well-being) and build inclusive communities (SDG 11—Sustainable Cities, Inclusive and Resilient, Communities). Findings reveal an increased need for social protection and fine-tuned organizational responses to meet those needs. An SDG logic, when applied to localized social service provision, is a useful framework that can foster resilience practices, support organizations and vulnerable populations, and enhance SDG delivery broadly.