Given SPARC BC’s commitment to partnership, the CDE program is delivered through a multi-sector collaborative process entitled Learning Initiatives for Rural and Northern BC (LIRN). The LIRN process involves the coordination of a provincial Expression of Interest process and the co-design and co-delivery of up to twenty community-based learning initiatives each fiscal year.

 

The LIRN process is led by a working group of government and non-government organizations that are committed to excellence in the practice of community capacity development in BC. The LIRN partners are the Canadian Rural Partnership, Service Canada (New Horizons for Seniors Program), PeerNetBC, Public Health Agency of Canada, Community Capacity Building – Canadian Cancer Society (an initiative of the BC Healthy Living Alliance), Fraser Basin Council (Smart Planning for Communities), RuralBC Secretariat -Ministry of Community Development, Interior Health, Heritage Branch - Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, and BC Healthy Communities.

 

In the month of April, the LIRN partners distribute an Expression of Interest (EOI) to 10 provincial networks. Applications are due in mid-June. All applications are reviewed and prioritized by the LIRN partners in accordance with an objective list of criteria, which is organized according to the following themes: (1) Community Location, (2) Organizational Profile, (3) Community Support, and (4) Community Interests, Issues, Assets and Anticipated Outcomes.

 

The LIRN partners will try to provide learning events to as many of the applicants as possible within our respective budgets. Check the SPARC BC website in mid-April for details, or contact Scott Graham at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it