Request for Proposal

WiSTAN Facilitator

YWCA Halifax is seeking to engage the services of a consultant to design, host, and report on Women in Skilled Trades Agency Network (WiSTAN) Meetings.

Background

YWCA Halifax is Halifax Regional Municipality’s only organization that builds economic security, promotes wellness, and creates opportunities for all women, girls, and gender diverse people by providing a strong voice and integrated services.

We are for, by, and about all women, girls, and gender diverse people. We transform lives by providing a continuum of critical services and programs that build capacity for lasting positive change. We strive to change the underlying causes and issues that are root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness.

As a multi-service organization, we operate in multiple locations throughout HRM and Nova Scotia and we offer a diversity of supports and services including childcare, housing, and community- based programs for diverse youth and adults. See more at www.ywcahalifax.com.

YWCA Halifax is one of the 32 Member Associations operating within YWCA Canada’s membership frameworks. The organization was one of the first YWCAs in Canada. We have promoted leadership and met community needs for more than 145 years.

Contract Description & Outputs

The YWCA Halifax will convene the WiSTAN group and first voice participants. Over several years, agencies and industry associations in Nova Scotia have come together to collaborate in service to women in trades. Unfortunately, even with the excellent work underway, the number of women accessing and advancing in this field remains low. We can do better. Since November 2021, we have met to explore how we could do more together to advance women and gender- diverse people’s economic empowerment in skilled trades. We have developed a purpose, approach, and values that align with local and national inclusion and equity work.

Our Purpose and Approach: To support those who identify as women in all their diversity in skilled trades throughout the journey by including and amplifying their voices and ensuring there is choice and opportunities for them to advance in this field of work. We will engage in a systems-based approach to work, which invests in building relationships to make positive changes and gains.

Agencies will do this by coordinating services and supports, collaborating on training, events, and programming, and continuous communication and learning work. Additionally, women and gender diverse people exploring and working in skilled trades will be included in this work.

Activities will include:

1.         Design, Host, Report

• Create a design, deliver and report on 8 WiSTAN meetings ranging from 2-4 hours per meeting over three years.
• Integrate in main meeting design, participate in (where needed) and support the Project Lead and other Shift Change staff to integrate 6-12 WiSTAN working group meetings a year in between and during (if needed) network meetings about 1-1.5hrs each.

2.       Strategy and Knowledge Translation

Provide advice and support around strategy and knowledge translation with Shift Change Project Team estimated at 2hrs every two weeks.

• Reviewing and sharing relevant materials and past
• Preparation of detailed agendas in consultation with YWCA Project
• Pre-meetings with YWCA staff and
• Preparatory work such as development of slide decks, images, infographics,
• Facilitation and capturing outcomes for all
• Evaluation, debrief and report for each meeting and
• Preparing for and participating in Project Team meetings once a month or as agreed

Outcomes expected:

• Increased coordination and collaboration between agencies by identifying ways to work together and sharing resources at regular meetings.
• Increased empowerment of women and gender diverse first voice participants by including them in a leadership role in the network.
• Increased impact by building capacity for network participants by creating shared working groups to coordinate decision making and effort.

Proponent Qualifications

The consultant must possess the following qualifications and show demonstrated experience in these areas:

• Understanding of Intersectional Feminism
• Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization and Inclusion
• Expertise in the design and facilitation of meetings
• Ability to communicate effectively and handle knowledge translation via various

Duration / Budget

This project requires the ability to commit to a three-year timeframe beginning as soon as possible. The anticipated budget is $20,000 – $25,000 over three years.

At the conclusion of the project, the consultant will hand over all materials collected and created. All work products are the property of YWCA.

Response Guidelines

Proposal must demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities outlined in the project’s objective and how your experience meets the required qualifications for the project. Please include a copy of your resume/ organization information with the submission.

All proposals should be sent via email to Devin West at d.west@ywcahalifax.com

Submission Deadline: Friday  February 7, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. “Your Name/ Organization, WiSTAN Facilitator”.

YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. YWCA Halifax is governed by, employs, and serves diverse individuals and community members. Self-identification by applicants does not guarantee an interview but we want you to know that we understand that lived experience of racialization, Indigeneity, disAbility, and gender diversity are their own knowledge and expertise. We value this expertise and consider it as we discern who to interview.