Fostering a Humane Future
Using broad public input, disciplined analysis and participatory facilitation to create strategic direction that leadership and community could own together.
The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is a cornerstone in the Ottawa community, providing emergency shelter, care, and advocacy for animals since its inception in 1888.
Each year, OHS touches the lives of thousands of animals and their owners, emphasizing the importance of supporting animals at both ends of the leash. With a mission to lead Ottawa in building a more humane and compassionate community, OHS serves as a critical resource for both animals and pet owners.
The Challenge
OHS was developing its 2024-2029 strategic plan while facing a pet affordability crisis, changing community expectations, infrastructure needs and the challenge of building a more inclusive animal-welfare movement.
How We Worked
- Reviewed and strengthened the organization’s consultation and survey approach.
- Integrated surveys, focus groups, presentations, multilingual outreach and a public Reddit AMA.
- Held pre-workshop interviews to understand stakeholder perspectives.
- Facilitated board and senior-team sessions to develop, test and refine strategic directions.
What Changed
- Engaged more than 3,000 people in the consultation process.
- Improved collaboration and decision-making between leadership and the board.
- Built a more inclusive strategy grounded in a wider range of community perspectives.
- Created clear strategic direction for the next five years.
Client Feedback
We especially appreciated her strong time management skills, which ensured the process stayed on track!
“We especially appreciated her strong time management skills, which ensured the process stayed on track! Manal recently facilitated the strategic planning process for our organization. Her objectivity and thoughtful questions contributed to a rigorous and efficient process and, as a result, a strong outcome. She provided great value add throughout the process, from her feedback on our community consultation to facilitation of the Board’s strategic planning day. She has a truly engaging facilitation style, which resonated well with very different personalities and thus ensured active participation of our whole group.”
Sharon Miko, President & CEO
Ottawa Humane Society