"The Solidarity Working Group is a vital collaborative for the growth and development of the social innovation, social finance and community economic development sectors in Canada. In our collective work to build sustainable and inclusive communities, the Working Group provides us with an essential vehicle to ensure we are tackling structural issues including racism, colonization, and exclusion inside our own organizations and in our actions in the field."
Adam Spence (he/him), CEO SVX
“CMC believes in the need to have a more diverse, equitable and inclusive economy. The SETSI Solidarity Working Group is an opportunity for dialogue and the co-creation of initiatives to identify, address issues and raise awareness within our own social and solidarity ecosystem, which provides a leading voice in national conversations”.
Daniel Burnette, Director, Advocacy and Partnerships, Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada
“The Solidarity Working Group, facilitated by SETSI's, represents an important opportunity to apply a formative and generative IDEA lens to an ecosystem that is still at the early stages of thinking like a movement.”
Lauren Dobell, Executive Director - Table of Impact Investment Practitioners"
“The SETSI Solidarity Working Group is a wonderful way of bringing a wide range of diverse perspectives to those interested in advancing social good. This deeply engaged community of practice is making communities better across Canada.”
Njeri Kontulahti, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Vancity Community Foundation
“Set against the backdrop of global uprisings to assert the value and the dignity of Black lives, communities, and experiences during the last year, CCEDNet committed to an internal learning journey for all of our staff on anti-racism, anti-oppression, and collective liberation. Through your persistently loving and intelligent leadership, SETSI has helped us to develop common understanding, shared language, and a lot of collective energy amongst our staff, and we are tremendously grateful for this accompaniment as we deepen our personal and professional reflection, commitment to responsibility, and capacity to act.”
Hannah Atkinson Renglich (she/her) Director of Learning - Canadian Community Economic Development Network“
“The SETSI team has demonstrated leadership and innovation in their work with SPO’s, SME’s and the broader social finance ecosystem. I have personally participated in the training sessions and witnessed their transformative curriculum and I am fully endorsing their work.”
Susan Henry, Director, Microfinance & Economic Inclusion, Alterna Savings
“The SETSI SWG (Solidarity Working Group) is working to build a more equitable social finance sector which is clearly needed”
Narinder Dhami, Founder of New Power Labs
“I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity to have shared CCNDR’s work with SETSI's Solidarity Working Group. SETSI’s commitment to equity and systemic change aligns closely with CCNDR’s approach, and I truly appreciate the engagement, insight, and dedication of this community. The way SETSI mobilizes this group, creating a space of safety, agility and purpose, is truly inspiring. As we continue our work to build a digitally enabled nonprofit sector, I look forward to deepening these connections and learning from one another. Thank you again for such a warm welcome and for the important work you do.”
Wilfreda Edwards, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Non-Profit Digital Resilience
"The SETSI Solidarity Working Group is an important forum for VERGE Capital where we can learn from our peers in the social impact sector and be held accountable for our actions (or lack thereof) when it comes to advancing equity and justice in our work. We envision a more inclusive economy that promotes prosperity and belonging for all, and where no one is left behind, but we know we cannot accomplish that alone. We believe that being a part of the Solidarity Working Group helps us get closer to making that vision a reality."
James Chan, Verge Capital
“Being a part of the Solidarity Working Group is important to Buy Social Canada. As a social enterprise with the goal to advance social procurement, we acknowledge that the social economy sector has room to improve as we seek to be anti-racist internally within our organizations and externally across the sector. We applaud the work SETSI has done to convene the group and bring the ecosystem together to dig deep and collaborate to move forward. It has been a great opportunity to prompt learning for our team and build connections with others. Our goal is to shape healthy, vibrant communities and this won't be possible if those communities aren't diverse and inclusive.”
Tori Williamson, Director of Education and Communications
“I have been a member of the Solidarity Working Group (SWG) for over a year and I have seen it be a space where uncomfortable conversations are had in promotion of a more equitable impact investing ecosystem. All too often, these discussions are had within organizations or not had at all. The SWG is a critical space where folks in the ecosystem can come together and have informative conversations to learn, unlearn, challenge, be challenged, and advance meaningful action on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Allyship goes beyond ’standing with’ a marginalized group and must include action and accountability. The SWG is continuing to grow and morph into a space where constructive conversation and collective action can take place amongst major players in the impact investing ecosystem."
Keshiv Kaushal, Queens University
Testimonials
Ekua Quansah M.A., LL.B. (she/her)
Joining the Solidarity Working Group (SWG) has been an energizing experience. SWG brings together organizations that are deeply committed to social change and creates a space where we can connect, learn and find opportunities to work in alignment rather than in isolation. I recently had the chance to share more about the work of Quansah Consulting and to learn about the diverse initiatives others in the group are engaged in. I am grateful to be part of a community that is committed to moving forward together.
“It was an absolute honour and privilege to attend the SWG, and speak about the John Howard Society of Ontario’s work to advance fair chance hiring for jobseekers with criminal records in Canada. The opportunity to listen to the extremely passionate and accomplished range of speakers, innovative initiatives and organizations, was inspiring and also fostered synergistic connections outside of the meeting itself. Victor was an exceptional facilitator, and he and SETSI’s skill at and commitment to making connections that advance greater social and economic inclusion for all is as impressive as it is impactful. Thank you again for the opportunity to participate in such a rich discussion” – Jacqueline Tasca, Director of Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives, John Howard Society of Ontario.
Jacqueline Tasca - Director of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives
"I was deeply grateful to be a part of SETSI's Solidarity Working Group which brings together experts from diverse backgrounds and is truly inspirational in learning from our peers and deepening these connections in building a better and more resilient future"
Zoya Sodhi - Senior Program Manager at Evergreen Canada
I started working in Canada in 2022, and - since its inception - SETSI's channel has been a key way to get to know some of the amazing people working toward social, economic, environmental and racial justice. The Solidarity Working Group has also helped me better understand the theories of change and the goals that different organizations and networks hold - which is fundamental to getting into the type of deep collaboration that we need right now. SETSI is plotting the course for how we engage our current and our potential collaborators with the full spectrum of communication tools available to us, and I'm grateful for that.
Danya Pastuszek (she/her), President & CEO, Tamarack Institute
SETSI's Solidarity Working Group is an incredible asset and resource for the sector. It goes beneath the surface to get at the heart of key sectoral issues, and provides space for diverse leadership to share thoughts, experiences and reflection to a wider audience. It has helped to forge partnerships, inspire deeper and broader understandings of important issues and opportunities. They regularly feature and highlight the perspectives of brilliant, engaging and dedicated individuals from across the country. We need more of this! It's through learning from each other and our experiences that we can help build the kind of world that we know is possible. I wholeheartedly recommend the Solidarity Working Group community of practice without reservation.
Paul Taylor, Founder & Co-Managing Director of Evenings and Weekends Consulting
The SETSI Solidarity Working Group is a wonderful way of bringing a wide range of diverse perspectives to those interested in advancing social good. It is incredible to see the interest and hear from people who are deeply engaged in making communities better - here in Canada and around the world.
Bruce MacDonald, President & CEO, Imagine Canada
SETSI brings a fresh and thoughtful approach to the social impact and innovation space. Their commitment to amplifying diverse voices and connecting with leaders in the field has been instrumental in advancing critical discussions in our sector. The Solidarity Working Group they conduct go beyond surface-level dialogue, offering meaningful insights that inspire collaboration and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face. SETSI’s ability to bring changemakers together creates a ripple effect, fostering impactful partnerships and empowering organizations to pursue transformative community initiatives. Their platform has provided new perspectives and practical knowledge to better support equitable and sustainable change. I highly recommend SETSI’s SWG to anyone looking to engage with a forward-thinking and collaborative network dedicated to meaningful progress.
Susan Henry, Director, Community Impact Department, Alterna Savings
In amplifying diverse voices from across the social economy, SETSI’s Solidarity Working Group has broadened my understanding, both as an academic and an individual. By engaging Canadian leaders this platform goes beyond dialogue, using storytelling to foster a community rooted in empathy, collaboration, and shared purpose. It has strengthened my belief in the collective power of people to drive meaningful change and re-build an economy that puts people and the planet first.
Aoife Cummins, BSc., MSc, PhD(c) McMaster University
SETSI has become a vital space for thoughtful dialogue and collective action, and it is an incredible asset to have the breadth of voices they bring together in their communication and storytelling platforms. Their ability to ask the important—and often hard—questions demonstrate their commitment to social economy, social equity and social innovation. They do this with courage and clarity. SETSI celebrates the work of so many changemakers while fostering connections that strengthen our collective goals. They embody what it means to be network weavers and collaborators, creating a platform where diverse perspectives are valued and solutions are co-created. SETSI is more than a coalition; it’s a movement toward a better, more inclusive future.
Michelle Baldwin, Senior Advisor, Transformation, Community Foundations of Canada
As someone deeply committed to addressing technology poverty in the social economy, I’ve seen firsthand how resource limitations can hold back organizations and communities with big goals and even bigger potential. My work often extends beyond technology, it’s about empowering others, creating opportunities, and driving meaningful change. SETSI’s Solidarity Working Group has become a source of inspiration and alignment for me. By using storytelling to amplify diverse voices, it creates a community rooted in understanding, collaboration, and shared vision, a space where perspectives converge to spark meaningful action. Hearing the experiences of Canadian leaders - stories of struggle, resilience, and innovation has been both grounding and inspiring. These narratives have made me feel seen, heard, and understood in ways I rarely encounter. They have reinforced my belief that technology, when wielded with intention, can act as a powerful bridge to equity and inclusion. More than anything, the SWG has helped me feel deeply connected to a larger purpose, to others on similar journeys and to a community of changemakers dedicated to building a more inclusive and thriving future.
Charles Buchanan, CEO of Technology Helps
The work of building a better economy through social inclusion is guided by an increasingly broad range of leaders, operating from a diverse set of contexts, communities and backgrounds. SETSI’s work to seek out and highlight the perspectives of these changemakers is a valuable resource. It gives important work a platform, but more importantly it connects purpose driven leaders to each other. The SWG is a valuable reminder of the learning, connection and collaboration that can begin through storytelling. I’m not aware of another community of practice like it in Canada and it is a valuable tool for social innovators at all stages of their leadership journey’s.
Keith Taylor, Executive Director of Duca Impact Labs
SETSI's wonderful community of practice showcases the diversity of the social/solidarity economy and impact sector at large. The SWG allows us to learn and also connects us to people we may not have heard of but may want to collaborate with! Bravo to SETSI for the success of this work!
Suzanne Faiza, Knowledge Lead, Tapestry Capital
SETSI’s communicative practice channel has significantly informed our work at the Sustainable Impact Foundation and my perspective as a systems thinker and cross-sector weaver. By amplifying diverse voices and fostering community-rooted storytelling, SETSI inspires a collective reimagining of the social economy—one that centers equity, inclusion, and the interconnectedness of systems, people and planet. This approach reinforces our belief in the transformative power of collaboration and narrative to drive meaningful systems change, while offering vital insights into how we can co-create solutions that transcend silos and build a more just, sustainable future.
Alex Tveit, Co-Founder & CEO, Sustainable Impact Foundation
SETSI’s SWG is a network of changemakers and an incredibly valuable resource and platform that connects purpose driven leaders, shares learnings, impact opportunities and stories. It inspires collaboration and innovation to help build a more equitable, inclusive and resilient Canada and world. The platform and network inspire social enterprise innovation, social finance, impact investing, philanthropic, co-operative and community leadership in Canada and globally, and provides a safe space for connection, leadership, empathy and learning. I’m not aware of another resource like this in Canada available for social innovators wanting to drive catalyze positive change, and together, work to tackle some of the complex problems facing our communities today and tomorrow.
Eloise Duncan, CEO and Founder, Financial Resilience Institute
SETSI’s SWG is genuinely cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary in its nature, and its deep commitment to creating a space for the manifold voices and perspectives of those who contribute to innovation in the social sector, social innovation and social enterprise without ideological bias is inspiring. This is a space where those with an interest for addressing emerging social challenges, tackling wicked social issues and increasing societal well-being and prosperity can discover the diversity of the ecosystem and educate themselves about the fantastic work that is being done in Canada and much beyond. Victor Beausoleil’s vision and realisations as a convenor and as a champion of diversity in the social innovation ecosystem is formidable and we can all learn from it.
Sandra Lapointe, Professor of Philosophy and Director of The/La Collaborative at McMaster University, Founder of the Canadian Collaborative for Society Innovation and Policy and Convener of the Canadian Forum for Social Innovation
Curtis Whiley, Founder & President, Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust
“I appreciated the opportunity to share my work and to hear about so many inspiring initiatives. Listening to others across the sector is motivating and a powerful reminder that our individual efforts are part of a much larger, collective movement.”
Khushi Makhani, Summer Analyst, Canadian Purpose Economy Project
“I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in SETSI’s Solidarity Working Group. As a CPEP intern, having this platform to share and help amplify CPEP’s work was truly a valuable experience, and I appreciated the thoughtful and intentional space SETSI creates for collective impact.”
James Stauch, Author, The 55 Minutes
"The Solidarity Working Group provides a needed platform for dialogue and sews seeds of action to remind us all that economies are fundamentally about people: The wellbeing of communities, the flourishing of human potential, and the inclusion of the creative talent undergirded by strengthened democratic frameworks, all within a biosphere that is not unduly depleted or degraded. The people, ideas, and organizations that SWG profiles are 'islands of coherence', revealing emerging new forms and possibilities amid the chaos of old systems succumbing to their inevitable entropy."
Justine Janssen, Interim Executive Director, Employee Ownership Canada
"Thank you for the opportunity to share Employee Ownership Canada's work with SETSI's Solidarity Working Group. It was inspiring to learn about the great work happening across Canada."
Carissa Campetto, Founder, FoodRevolution Innovation
"I’ve had the pleasure of participating in SETSI’s Solidarity Working Group in 2025 — a powerful gathering of changemakers collaborating to build awareness, share knowledge, and drive impact across projects locally and globally.
Looking ahead to 2026 — be sure to secure your spot!"
Ben Gibbons, Co-Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer,
Waterpoint Lane
“We’re immensely grateful for the opportunity to have shared Waterpoint Lane’s work with SETSI’s Solidarity Working Group. SETSI’s unwavering commitment to equity and systemic change deeply aligns with our vision, and we value the collaborative spirit they bring to advancing impact.”
Vanessa Paesani, Executive Director,
Pond-Deshpande Centre at the University of New Brunswick
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to take part in the Solidarity Working Group stewarded by SETSI. Sharing our work and learning from peers across the country sparked several meaningful follow-up conversations that will help shape the future of our Centre.”
Matthew Mendelsohn, Chief Executive Officer,
Social Capital Partners
“I love taking part in SWG meetings. It is an accessible window into the great work going on in community in Canada. I always learn about projects or groups that I hadn’t heard of before. There are so many innovative community financing approaches being deployed in communities and learning about them informs and enriches our own work at SCP.”
Dan Oshodin, Chief Operating Officer,
Tribe Network
“Participating in SETSI’s Solidarity Working Group has been a deeply meaningful experience for me and for Tribe Network, grounded in trust, shared learning, and a genuine commitment to equity and community-led social innovation.”
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