VITAL SIGNS
Vital Signs is a periodic check-up that measures the vitality of our communities – gathering data and sparking conversation about significant social and economic trends to tell the story of how we are faring in key quality-of-life areas. Vital Signs aims to inspire civic engagement, provide focus for public debate and to mobilize the power of community knowledge for greater local impact. Residents, businesses, community organizations, educational institutions and government leaders use the information in Vital Signs to take action and direct resources where they will have the greatest impact.
Vital Conversation is a facilitated discussion with community members to learn more about the social and economic trends impacting local quality of life. The conversations are often used as a starting point to identify local priorities and mobilize a community into action. Vital Conversations can serve as a springboard to strengthen local relationships, develop new partnerships and determine funding priorities.
Vital Focus provides a comprehensive overview of a single prominent or emerging issue in the community. A Vital Focus Report can be tied to the annual national theme or linked to an issue that is specific to a community.
Vital Brief is shorter and simpler than a full Vital Signs Publication. It highlights one to three issue areas in the community along with data points. It is a snapshop of the community as it related to a few issue areas.
2022 Vital Conversations Report Back to the Community
2022 Report Back to the Community
Based on the statistics shared in the 2021 Vital Focus, Medicine Hat community members gathered to initiate a series of dialogue related to nine community pillars to learn more about how our community can support these needs. The conversations were based on preliminary data released from a survey completed by 461 residents.
The information and data gathered from the 2022 Vital Conversations is shared with community partners, stakeholders, funders, and donors. It will support the strategic planning and service delivery of many of our community’s service providers and charitable organizations, as well as help guide our Community Foundation for future granting priorities.
2022 Vital Conversations Resources
Past Vital Signs Publications:
2021 Vital Focus Report
This publication focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact that it had in our communities. The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta witnessed the establishment of community partnerships and collaborations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic which affected virtually every aspect of our daily lives. As a result, this report focuses on three impact areas that were substantially affected by the pandemic: Mental Health, Work & Economy, and Vulnerable Populations (highlighting food security, housing stability, and domestic violence).
2020 Youth Vital Conversations
2020 Youth Vital Conversations Report
In partnership with the RBC Foundation, CFSEA facilitated a number of Vital Conversations for youth ages 15-29, in February 2020. These consultations took place across Southeastern Alberta, including their three rural fund areas, and addressed the community’s most pressing needs and creative solutions. CFSEA heard their opinions and are moving forward to help co-create next steps for potential solutions.
