The most critical recent changes that have deeply impacted every ASO in Ontario are the COVID-19 pandemic, the overdose crisis and a heightened understanding of anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism. These changes in the operating environment have once again, disproportionately impacted some of the most marginalized individuals and communities due to barriers in health care and other systems. ASOs had to make abrupt and significant shifts to how they delivered services and managed agency operations. While ASOs adapted with commitment and innovation to support individuals and communities, these key changes have demonstrated that the sector’s capacity to meet change can be strengthened. A critical approach to support organizational readiness in changing environments is anchoring work to intentional, ongoing, adaptive and flexible planning.

This toolkit is a planning resource for organizational leaders, that allows ASOs to drive to impact, even through these new times of ongoing change and relative instability. ASOs can use this toolkit on an ongoing basis to ensure sustainability and accountability, while also continuing to innovate in their work to meet their vision and mission. It is centered on the use of Ecocycle Planning as a formative tool for organizational impact. The toolkit includes multiple appendices which include both tools required for implementing the planning (Appendices B, D, E, F, G) as well as further theoretical information for those interested in a deeper exploration of key aspects of Ecocycle Planning (Appendices A, C, H).