By Valentina Kibedi

What do we believe?
Who do we want to become?
Five years from now, what will our organization look, sound, and feel like?
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of working with PositiveVibes T.O (PVTO), a non-profit based in Toronto that focuses on educating, empowering, and supporting Black and other racialized communities through services targeted to issues identified within Black communities, and performing arts programs within Black and other racialized communities.
PVTO is young, entrepreneurial organization with big dreams.
Organizational Growth

While their vision and goals are unique, their origin story is not unlike many other non-profits: the founder saw a need in the community, came up with ideas to address the need, and rallied family, friends, and like-minded folks to get to work on bringing those ideas to life.
Through grit, determination, and creative problem-solving, the founding members have managed to grow from a simple idea to an incorporated non-profit organization delivering a wide array of programs and services to the community.
Now, with experience under their belts and facing the prospect of rapid future growth, it was time to pause, take stock, and think strategically about the future.
Working Through the “Big Questions”

In late November, I met with the Board and Executive Director to spend half a day together talking strategy and thinking about the “big questions.” The intended outcomes of our work together were to clarify strategic direction and begin strengthening the organization’s foundations to ensure a sustainable future.
Through a series of workshops and facilitated discussions, we reflected on the current state and successes to date, considered PVTO’s unique value proposition, engaged in visioning exercises and a SOAR analysis, and identified areas of strategic priority for the future.
The Results
In the words of the participants:
“The workshop inspired and challenged us to think and have open dialogue.”
“It really got us thinking as a group.”
“I appreciate how the workshop allowed us to come up with strategies based on what we expressed that we needed.”
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with PVTO. For me, few things are quite as fulfilling as delivering value to a group of dedicated people doing inspiring work. PVTO’s board and leadership have an ambitious vision for the future, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.

Your Turn
If you’re feeling stuck, it might be time to have the real, meaningful conversations with your board or leadership team. Get in touch and let’s make it happen.