Coady Institute Sets Path Forward

In a world with growing complexities, Coady Institute is committing itself to continue to work with local and global communities in creating a full and abundant life for all. “Walking with Community,” a new five-year strategic plan, shows how the Institute will continue to provide programs focused on asset-based and community-led development and adult education in this new era.

Coady will continue build upon the Antigonish Movement and the historical roots of the St. Francis Xavier University Extension Department (established in 1928) and Coady International Institute (established in 1959). These two identities, now one under the name of Coady Institute, will work in Atlantic Canada, across Canada and Turtle Island, and on the international stage. The strategic plan was a culmination of more than a year’s work.

“We were deliberate in making sure the plan was a collaborative effort not only internally within Coady, but also within the University community and beyond,” Eileen Alma, Coady Institute Executive Director, says.

“More than 200 participants from around the world provided feedback as did many of our local and international partners. Each of these groups brought forth ideas and outcomes that are reflected in the plan and I am appreciative of everyone’s input.”

Coady’s strategic plan is also guided by and contributes to the university’s overall strategic framework. The plan articulates the Coady team’s values in interacting with each other and in its work with communities and also outlines six core beliefs that will serve to guide the Institute’s work.

These include how: education ignites leadership and contributes to justice and equity; all people and communities have strength; histories inform our futures; peace and understanding are achieved through listening and dialogue; different ways of knowing and doing enrich our understanding of the world; and we are all connected. The Institute will “prioritize programs which align with key areas of focus identified by communities while leaving space for emergent issues.”

“Our asset-based and community-driven development approach has a proven history which we will continue to amplify inclusion, diversity, equity, and justice,” Eileen says.

The strategic plan outlines outcomes and actions for the next five years in the areas of education, partnership and community engagement, knowledge co-creation, StFX connections, networks, and sustainability. Coady will begin working to develop and launch a for-credit Graduate Diploma in Community Led Development in collaboration with StFX. The education program includes a variety of online courses, regional in-person courses, and on-campus fellowships among other initiatives.

Coady will collaborate with partners to build strategic community-centred partnerships and build relationships with communities in line with the Institute’s values. This includes the African Nova Scotian, Mi’kmaq, and other Indigenous communities. People’s Schools will address community priority issue areas and lessons learned. There will also continue to be responsive community support in Northeastern Nova Scotia.

During the consultation with Coady graduates, knowledge co-creation and networking were important areas of work that they wanted take part in. The Institute will be supporting capacity building of community leaders to support community development and advocacy. Graduate engagement will include supporting local and international graduate chapters which amplify opportunities, Coady will continue to build collaborations within StFX by providing internships for StFX students, and providing Coady-led courses, activities, and events that are of benefit to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

“I’m excited about the ways in which we support the University in creating further opportunities for StFX students as well as bringing the university out into the world through Coady programming,” Eileen says.

Ensuring organizational sustainability is a major component of the strategic plan. Coady will deepen and diversify financial support for core educational work by building relationships with funding partners and champions while clarifying and unifying Coady’s overall brand. This includes delivering a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan that demonstrates the impact of programs.

“The strategic plan is clear roadmap of where Coady is headed in the next five years and demonstrates our commitment to social change,” Eileen says.

“I want to thank our supporters including Global Affairs Canada, other funding partners, foundations, and individual donors. Their past, current, and future support allows us to address the various challenges faced today.”

Walking with Community: Coady Institute’s Strategic Direction for 2025 to 2030 can be found here:  https://issuu.com/coadystfx/docs/walking_with_community