Looking Ahead

How could collaborative action around Aroha help new families?

So far about some families in Ontario have acted on their own to incorporate what we call an Aroha. We have shared our experience when asked and given a few presentations. Perhaps the time is coming for some more formal kind of collaborative action? We might see how many groups are seriously interested over the next few months. A possible model might be Vela Microboard Association of BC , “a small non-profit organization that does the big job” of developing and connecting more than 750 member Microboards throughout British Columbia.

What might an equivalent umbrella organization do in Ontario?
·    In general, be a resource for information, connections and shared experiences    
·    Advise and mentor family groups in process of planning ands incorporating an Aroha   
·    Advise and mentor new Aroha facing transition times, such as creating a home or facing illness or end-of-life of parents or primary family members   
·    Help in determining whether to apply for direct funding, & developing proposals, rationales and budget   
·    Advise on all the responsibilities of being an employer or how to contract with ISPs etc; understanding relevant regulations, policies and procedures   
·    Mentor with advocacy, mediation and training   
·    Provide resources for communication and networking among Aroha including website etc, newsletters, workshops and even conference on any and every aspect of supporting a good whole life in community from self-advocacy, microenterprises, widening circle of friends.   
·    Networking with other organizations and resources, provincially, nationally, internationally   
·    Possibly offer some combined business supports, such as shared employee benefit plans or umbrella insurance policy.   

These functions might be assumed by an existing organization with the same values and independence from service agencies. It might have some paid staff or work more simply by connecting experienced Aroha with new ones in the same region or with similar challenges and interests. A larger organization would be needed to form and sustain Aroha around people who are without families. An umbrella organization could be an incorporated not-for-profit and a registered charity.