About – SPNO

About Us

In 1992, social planning organizations throughout Ontario joined together to create the Social Planning Network of Ontario (SPNO). SPNO is a collaborative network of social planning organizations committed to fostering social and economic justice, equity, and community well-being across Ontario.

Driven by Community Needs and Community Well-Being

Overview of SPNO

The Social Planning Network of Ontario (SPNO) is a collaborative network of social planning organizations committed to fostering social and economic justice, equity, and community well-being across Ontario.

SPNO exists to strengthen the capacity of voluntary, community-based social planning organizations to: share knowledge and skills, promote social and economic justice and human rights, provide a common voice to influence policy development and implementation, and improve the quality of life and community well-being.

Our vision is to be a strong, effective catalyst for positive social change by promoting social planning in Ontario.

Founded in 1992, SPNO is a coalition of social planning councils (SPC), community development councils (CDC), resource centres, and planning committees. We work collaboratively to address social, economic, and cultural challenges that impact individuals, families, and communities across Ontario.

Each individual organization has their own mandate but are connected in the cause of effecting change on social policies, conditions, and issues.

Our Mission

The Social Planning Network of Ontario exists to strengthen the capacity of voluntary, community-based social planning organizations to:

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a strong, effective catalyst for positive social change by promoting social planning in Ontario.

Our History

Guiding Vision, Community Leadership

SPNO Board of Directors

The SPNO Board is composed of committed leaders from across Ontario’s social planning landscape. They provide strategic direction, uphold our mission, and ensure our work remains community-driven and equity-focused.

Rishia Burke

Chair

Community Development Halton

Jin Huh

Vice Chair

Social Planning Toronto

Kim Martin

Treasurer and Secretary

Social Planning & Research Council of Hamilton

Reuben Mulinda Nashali

Social Planning Council of Ottawa

Audrey Owen

Social Planning Council Oxford

Devin Ruttan-Stokes

Social Planning Council of Kingston and District

Parastou Saberi

Community Development Council Durham

What is an SPO?

Independent and Nonpartisan

Free to Speak, Focused on Change

Social planning organizations operate with the autonomy needed to question existing systems and propose bold alternatives. Unlike many public sector bodies or direct service agencies, they are community-driven and not bound by political agendas, allowing them to offer honest, critical perspectives on policies and practices. While this independence may occasionally challenge relationships with funders or institutions, it is a vital force for driving meaningful, community-focused change and ensuring accountability in public decision-making.

Inclusive

All Voices, One Community

Social planning organizations are grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table. They intentionally create inclusive spaces where participation is encouraged and supported regardless of gender, race, cultural background, religion, age, ability, or personal identity. By embracing diversity in all its forms, these organizations ensure that community development efforts are enriched by a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Inclusiveness isn’t just a principle — it’s a vital strength that drives more just, balanced, and lasting social change.

Community Driven through Citizen Participation

Empowering Community Voices in Every Decision

Active involvement lies at the heart of effective community development. Social planning organizations encourage and empower individuals to take part in shaping the policies, services, and decisions that affect their everyday lives. By fostering opportunities for civic engagement, they help build a sense of ownership, accountability, and trust within communities. This inclusive participation ensures that change is not only top-down but also community-driven, rooted in the voices and needs of the people themselves.

Knowledge-Based Action

Turning Insight into Impact

Social planning organizations bridge the gap between research and real-life community experiences. By combining data-driven analysis with lived knowledge from residents, they develop well-informed strategies to address complex social challenges. This approach ensures that actions are not only evidence-based but also grounded in community realities, leading to more practical, sustainable, and inclusive solutions. It transforms information into tools for advocacy, planning, and measurable change.

Collaborative

Building Confident and Capable Communities

Social planning organizations are dedicated to strengthening the capacity of individuals and communities to influence the decisions that shape their lives. By fostering leadership skills, providing education, and supporting civic participation, they help people understand and navigate democratic systems with confidence. They work with others including governments, nonprofits, grassroots groups, and residents to make real, positive change happen.

Community Accountability

Leadership That Reflects the People

Social planning organizations are rooted in democratic governance. By being membership-based and governed by boards elected by the community, they ensure that decision-making remains transparent, inclusive, and directly informed by the people they serve. This structure reinforces a strong sense of responsibility to the public, allowing community members to actively participate in shaping priorities, strategies, and outcomes. It also builds trust by ensuring that leadership remains answerable to the community, not just funders or external bodies.