We requested input from the Salt Spring Foundation, explored merging with another organization and began to re-examine our purpose. We researched what other community ed programs across North America were doing. Many were changing their focus from offering general interest courses to "community building" - providing workshops to enhance the effectiveness and performance of groups within their neighbourhoods.

The financial success of the book sale in 2010 caused us to be particularly careful in our deliberations as we believed that the money raised needed to be utilized wisely to benefit our community. After much discussion, we decided to begin providing workshops and seminars focusing on the skills needed by non-profit organizations, small businesses, artisans and others which would contribute to their success. Starting this fall, in partnership with the Salt Spring Foundation, we will be offering workshops to help strengthen our volunteer organizations. We are also looking at partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and others to determine the professional development needs of their members.

Due to this significant change in direction, we will begin with a small number of courses, and gradually increase as course needs are identified and skilled instructors are found. Partnering with others is not only a way to keep costs affordable, but also a step in building our community - together.