Ontario Care Collective Regional Network

OCC Regional Networks provide members with an opportunity to connect with colleagues in their geographic area, strengthen local relationships, and ensure regional perspectives are represented within the work of the Ontario Care Collective.

Each region is supported by an OCC Board member serving as the Regional Lead. Regional Leads act as a direct point of contact for members, helping to facilitate communication, provide support and guidance, identify regional priorities, and bring forward feedback and emerging issues to the appropriate OCC discussions.

Regional Networks are intended to foster connection, collaboration, and information sharing among members facing similar opportunities and challenges within their communities. From time to time, Regional Leads may organize virtual or in-person meetings, networking opportunities, or discussions based on the interests and needs of members within the region.

Regional Networks are not committees and do not have a formal governance or decision-making role. Rather, they provide a valuable way for members to stay connected, share their perspectives, and strengthen OCC's understanding of the diverse realities experienced across Ontario.

Members are encouraged to join the Regional Network that aligns with the area in which they work or provide services.

Available Regional Networks

• North Region
• East Region
• Central Region
• West Region
• Toronto Region

Why Join a Regional Network?

By participating in your Regional Network, you can:

• Connect with other OCC members in your area;
• Build relationships and share resources and best practices;
• Raise questions, concerns, and emerging regional issues;
• Receive support and guidance from your Regional Lead;
• Help identify priorities and opportunities within your region; and
• Ensure your region's voice helps inform OCC initiatives and future discussions.

Your experiences and perspectives are important. Together, our Regional Networks help strengthen communication, collaboration, and collective leadership across Ontario.

Regional Network Terms of Reference

Purpose

The purpose of OCC Regional Networks is to strengthen communication, collaboration, and engagement among members within specific geographic areas of Ontario. Regional Networks provide members with a direct connection to the OCC Board of Directors through Regional Leads, creating opportunities to share regional perspectives, identify emerging issues, and support the collective work of the Ontario Care Collective.

Regional Networks are intended to foster connection and information sharing and do not function as formal committees or decision-making bodies.

Objectives

The objectives of OCC Regional Networks are to:

• Strengthen relationships and communication among OCC members within each region;
• Provide members with a direct point of contact through an OCC Board-appointed Regional Lead;
• Create opportunities for members to share experiences, resources, best practices, and regional insights;
• Identify emerging trends, challenges, priorities, and opportunities within each region;
• Facilitate the exchange of information and peer support among members;
• Ensure regional perspectives help inform OCC initiatives, discussions, and advocacy efforts; and
• Encourage member engagement and participation across the province.

Regional Structure

The following Regional Networks are established under the Ontario Care Collective:

• North Region
• East Region
• Central Region
• West Region
• Toronto Region

The OCC Board of Directors may review and revise regional boundaries or establish additional regional structures as needed.

Regional Leads

Each Regional Network will be supported by a Regional Lead, who is a member of the OCC Board of Directors.

Regional Leads serve as a connection between OCC members within their region and the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities of the Regional Lead include:

• Serving as a direct point of contact for members within their assigned region;
• Answering questions related to OCC initiatives, communications, and activities;
• Directing members to appropriate OCC resources, staff, Board members, or committees when additional information is required;
• Providing support and guidance to members, as appropriate;
• Facilitating communication and relationship-building within the region;
• Identifying regional priorities, concerns, and opportunities;
• Organizing virtual or in-person regional meetings, networking opportunities, or discussions, where beneficial;
• Bringing forward relevant regional feedback, themes, and emerging issues to the OCC Board of Directors and/or appropriate OCC committees; and
• Promoting member engagement and awareness of OCC activities.

Membership

Participation in Regional Networks is open to employees of organizations that are current members in good standing with the Ontario Care Collective.

Members are encouraged to participate in the Regional Network aligned with the geographic area in which they work or provide services.

There is no limit to the number of participants within each Regional Network.

Role of Regional Network Participants

Regional Network participants are encouraged to:

• Attend regional meetings and networking opportunities when possible;
• Share insights, experiences, and regional perspectives;
• Raise questions, concerns, and emerging issues relevant to their region;
• Contribute constructively to discussions;
• Respect differing viewpoints and experiences;
• Support a collaborative and inclusive environment; and
• Act in a manner consistent with OCC's mission, values, and Code of Conduct.

Meetings

• Regional Networks may meet virtually or in person.
• Meetings will be scheduled at the discretion of the Regional Lead, based on member interest, emerging issues, and identified priorities.
• There is no minimum meeting requirement; however, Regional Leads are encouraged to facilitate opportunities for regional engagement periodically throughout the year.
• Meeting notices and relevant materials will be shared with participants in advance whenever possible.

Decision-Making Authority

Regional Networks serve in an informational and advisory capacity only.

Regional Networks do not have authority to:

• Make decisions on behalf of the Ontario Care Collective;
• Commit OCC to any action, expenditure, or position; or
• Direct the activities of the OCC Board of Directors or OCC committees.

Feedback and recommendations arising from Regional Network discussions may be shared with the OCC Board of Directors and relevant committees for consideration.

Confidentiality

Regional Network participants may, from time to time, discuss sensitive operational matters or sector issues. Participants are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and exercise discretion regarding information shared through Regional Network activities.

Term

Regional Leads will serve in accordance with their term as determined by the OCC Board of Directors.

Participation in Regional Networks is voluntary and ongoing. Members may join or withdraw from a Regional Network at any time by notifying OCC staff.

Reporting and Communication

Regional Leads may provide updates to the OCC Board of Directors regarding:

• Emerging regional trends and issues;
• Questions or concerns raised by members;
• Opportunities for collaboration;
• Feedback relevant to OCC initiatives and advocacy priorities; and
• Recommendations for further discussion by the Board or committees.

Review of Terms of Reference

These Terms of Reference will be reviewed periodically by the OCC Board of Directors and updated as required to ensure they continue to reflect the needs of the organization and its members.