By sponsoring, presenting, moderating and attending events where the purpose is cross-cluster dialogue, 3Spheres helps promote the evolution of sustainable society. We believe that the discovery and sharing of best practices across the traditional borders of the worlds of business, not-for-profit organizations and academia/research is the key to a sound and rewarding future.

On December 7th, 2006, JDQ’s 3Spheres sponsored and presented the first in a series of public round tables and discussion groups in partnership with the ASQ – Vancouver Section:

Business, Non-Profits & Education in Dialogue: Breaking Down the Barriers.

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS THE TIME FOR GIVING (AND HELPING, LEARNING AND PROFITING)

• Discover what the three spheres of non-profit, business and academia need from each
  other and can offer in return:
• Hear success stories from non-profit groups and enjoy a lively forum of discovery.
• Learn how the changing economic environment is requiring non-profits to adopt new
  business processes
• Realize the benefits of the NPO “Appreciative Process”
• Understand how “Quality” is defined by the non-profit sector
• Explore the similarities and differences between Volunteers vs. Employees.
• Are there ways to increase the satisfaction of volunteers and employees by bringing NPO’s
  and business together?
• Experience how academic research and mentoring can help non-profit and business
  work together to create a thriving community.

This lively discussion and question & answer forum featured a panel comprised of six leaders of the Lower Mainland’s business, nonprofit and educational spheres:

• Joel Bronstein, Executive Director, Little Mountain Neighbourhood House Society
• Marilyn Herrmann, Executive Director, Surrey Food Bank Society
• Jon Morris, President, JDQ Systems Inc.
• Gregory Pyc, National Operations Manager, Neil Squire Society
• Louise Routledge, Mathematics Dept. Program Head, BCIT
• Richard Vurdela, Principal, IQ Systems Inc.
• Dr. Gary Wagenheim, Adjunct Professor, Simon Fraser University

The event was an resounding success. Most in attendance (more than fifty audience members plus additional webcast listeners) including panelists, made a special effort to express their appreciation:

Louise Routledge, Mathematics Dept. Program Head, BCIT:
“I wanted to thank you for last evening. The whole event was wonderfully organized. I know, all too well, just how much thought goes in to such a well orchestrated event. I think it struck a really nice balance. Great food for thought. Many are appreciating your fine efforts this morning.”

THE FUTURE:
As part of our 3Spheres program plan, we will be organizing and sponsoring dialogues that help bridge the gap between not-for-profit organizations; research, mentoring and academic organizations; small and medium-sized business social responsibility; and the SR initiatives of larger businesses.