Annual Report 2013
Executive Director’s Report Another successful, exciting, and eventful year under our belt! 2013 was a year of
change for Connected in Motion and like any time of change, it had its ups and downs. People have told me over the years that it takes five years to make or break a small
organization. As we passed by our fifth anniversary in 2013, we had the chance to look back at how far we have come. From its infancy when Chloe took the giant leap and brought her ideas and dreams to life as Connected in Motion in 2008, to today with
Connected in Motion running more educational programming for adults with Type 1 diabetes than has ever existed in Canada - we feel like we have been through it all; and we feel that we have made it.
It was an exciting year, with change in almost all aspects of what we do. We have
seen the pharmaceutical industry evolving––causing us to look at what we do from
a different perspective, seek out new partners, and create new opportunities for ourselves and our sustainability. We have felt the Type 1 community itself evolving in
Canada to one in which people are proud of all they achieve living with the disease and recognizing all that they can do because of diabetes and not despite it. And, perhaps
the most impactful change of all, we have seen the CIM Team evolve and leadership
change. In a way, this might have been the shock that CIM’s system needed to force us to change, grow, and re-think. In July 2013, Chloe officially took a leave of absence
from CIM. It has been a stressful, strange, and eye-opening six months since her
departure, but it has also been a time of excitement, vibrance amongst our community, and of intense support. Equally as brave as kickstarting this organization was Chloe’s decision to truly do something for herself, trust in the community she had nursed since its infancy, and take a step back to find her best fit.
Over the past six months I had a chance to settle into a new role as the Executive
Director of Connected in Motion. I am excited for the all that we will achieve in 2014
and beyond. We invite you all to join us in the Slipstream and the adventures that will be had.
Jen Hanson, RKin, OCT, MEd Executive Director Connected in Motion
Words from the Founder Word spreads fast in a small community. As you may (or may not) have heard, I have some news to share with all of you. As the founder of CIM, and as a friend, I wanted you to be amongst the first to know that I have decided to take a leave from my role as Executive Director of Connected in Motion. Having made the final call this month with the support of the Board of Directors, Jen, Virtue, and my family, I feel an incredible sense of lightness and I know it’s the right decision for me at this time. I set off on an journey six years ago - to meet other active, positive-thinking, adventurous Type 1’s. My goal was simple; I wanted a hub, a space to connect with my diabetes community, learn from others’ experiences, feel supported by others’ presence and be inspired by our collective stories and achievements. That hub evolved to become Connected in Motion, that space, The Slipstream. Personally, I knew I needed The Slipstream so that I could conjure the strength, motivation and courage to continue to live my own life journey with diabetes without limits. Turns out, many of you felt the same way. I didn’t know at the time, but I was embarking on the ride of a lifetime. I look back in awe, amazement and wonder at what has burgeoned from a simple idea, one Winter Slipstream event hosted with 25 people back in 2009. The road just kept rolling out before me, fresh opportunities at each intersection, undulating challenging terrain, unexpected twists and turns, and with each new section of road more incredible people joining the ride. Many of you have been there through it all. As I write this, a million and one hilarious, ridiculous, happy, exciting and overwhelming moments flow through me, bringing with them a flood of emotion. Our CIM family is amazing. Breaking trail for the CIM Slipstream over the past six years has meant a chance to experience the power of vision, the result of hard work and the strength of community. CIM has offered me countless opportunities to grow, explore, experience, try, fail, experiment and learn. It is that continued desire to grow, expand, and explore that brings me to this place, time and my current decision. That, and I am exhausted! Along with all the positive energy and celebration, it has also been an incredibly challenging road to travel. It’s been tough raising this kid; demanding of my emotional, physical, mental health, and ironically, my own diabetes management! CIM will always be a part of me, as I will be of it. I have given everything I was able to give over the past six years. Sometimes that was enough, and at times, it wasn’t. But I can say with no hesitation that I have done my best. Now, it’s time for me to focus inward for a bit, to rest, slow down, spend some time close to home with my family and refuel for the next shift. For the next little bit, I need to cruise in the Slipstream that has been created, and in doing so, create space for new leadership and fresh legs at the front of the team. I remember my shock a few years back when I realized a select handful of people cared, believed in and were dedicated to CIM as much, if not more, than I was myself. During this transition, CIM will be guided by the capable hands of Jen, Virtue, and our Board of Directors – with the support, of course, of our tremendous ambassadors and volunteers. I am filled with deep gratitude, thanks and admiration for the CIM Community, those of you who have decided to join in the journey and be part of the momentum. We, the CIM Team, greatly value your continued support as we flow through this transition and find a new balance, for CIM and ourselves. Looking forward to the next chapter,
Chloe Vance, BPHE, BA, BEd Founder Connected in Motion
About Connected in Motion We are people with Type 1 diabetes who share a vision––To create a culture of support and engagement in diabetes self-management through peer-based experiential diabetes education, physical activity, and outdoor adventure pursuits. By creating a community that is motivating, supporting, and inspiring individuals to take charge of their health today, we are helping to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes now and tomorrow.
Just as a cyclist tucks in and drafts with the peloton or Joshua Jackson leads his fellow Ducks in the famous ‘Flying V’ formation, when people living with diabetes travel together, we move further, faster, and stronger. It was this philosophy from which Connected in Motion was borne and CIM founder, Chloe Vance, created a diabetes slipstream that has been taking the Canadian diabetes community by storm.
adults living with Type 1 diabetes, and the Slipstream was born. The slipstream phenomenon Chloe experienced while riding with a group of HypoActive’s Type 1 cyclists in New Zealand provided for her both the literal and metaphorical foundation upon which the Connected in Motion community has been built. When we travel together, we can take turns breaking trail, forging paths, and providing direction; creating a slipstream for the Type 1 community to ride along in.
In 2008, seven years after being diagnosed, Chloe’s journey on her with Type 1 diabetes took an unexpected turn after being By taking turns in the lead, we allow introduced to a community of Type for the community to explore the 1s in New Zealand. Before her trip, diverse environment that surrounds Chloe had lived her life without a us, often pushing our own limits and diabetes community. When she ran stepping outside of our comfort zones into a challenge, she worked hard to - always knowing that someone has overcome it on her own, when she ‘got our back’. We also allow ourselves succeeded, she quietly celebrated to take breaks, to come along for the and moved on. In fact, she had never ride, and to realize the ease at which considered that diabetes community we can cruise when surrounded by a even existed––until she found herself community who has been there, done smack-dab in the middle of one. that, speaks the language, and ‘gets it’. Chloe was introduced to HypoActive, a group of healthy, active, young
Mission To foster a communit y of people living with Type 1 d i a b e t e s t h r o u g h p e e rbased experiential diabetes education, physical activity and outdoor adventure pursuits so that they may inspire one another to live life without limits.
Vision A community of healthy, active, and educated adults living with Type 1 diabetes who are supported and engaged in diabetes self-management.
Goals • Connect • Inspire • Motivate
2013 KEYS TO
2013 Objectives
1 2 3
SUCCESS 1
Increase capacity of the Ambassador Program
2
EXPANDED CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS New partnerships with program sponsors in 2013 included Sanofi and BD. In addition, CIM fostered and continued to grow relationships with Medtronic, Animas and Bayer.
3
NEW AND INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING CIM piloted several successful programs in 2013 including a T1 Surf Camp in Western Canada and Pacific NorthWest Slipstream in the United States. Additionally, CIM solidified the Ottawa Race Weekend and Slipstream in the City as key fundraising events, and hosted several single day events.
4
CIM TEAM GROWTH & EVOLUTION The CIM Team has been working steadily towards solidifying the roles of CIM Staff, Ambassadors, and Volunteers within the organization. In 2013, CIM committed time to formalizing staff roles and responsibilities, experienced a change in leadership, and brought new team members on board.
Solidify framework and structure of organization
Improve programming within Western Canada
NON-PROFIT PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT In 2013, CIM created dynamic partnerships throughout the Type 1 diabetes community - partnerships that have allowed many unique and innovative opportunities. CIM solidified a growing relationship with Riding on Insulin - working in partnership to bring access to outdoor adventure programming to individuals with Type 1 across North America, regardless of age. CIM and ROI piloted the first ever US Slipstream Weekend and continue to work together to share resources and expertise in an effort to provide better services to individuals living with Type 1 diabetes.
THE CIM TEAM JEN HANSON
Director of Operations (January 2013 - June 2013) | Executive Director (July 2013 - present)
Jen’s early beginnings as a campfire-loving, bug-catching, mud-puddle-jumping, treeclimbing tot sparked in her a love for the natural world that has been fostered and grown into a full-blown passion for everything outdoors. Jen has degrees in Kinesiology and Education and specializes in Outdoor and Experiential Health education.
CHLOE VANCE
Executive Director (2008 - June 2013) | Founder
Outdoor spaces are Chloe’s classroom, office and playground. With degrees in Physical & Health Education and Geography from Queen’s University, as well as a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Outdoor Experiential Education, Chloe has spent the past decade teaching Outdoor Education and guiding canoe and raft-based expeditions in Ontario,
VIRTUE BAJURNY
Community Manager + Fundraising Co-ordinator Virtue leans closer to ‘diabetic online geek’ than ‘diabetic outdoors enthusiast’. Fittingly, her major research while completing her Masters of Social Work focused on the ways in which people express life with diabetes via online applications. As part of CIM she is expanding her physical activity endeavours, while learning to mix more #outdoorsy #diabetes hashtags into her Twitter vocabulary
MIKE LAST Photo & Web
Mike has been traveling and enjoying the outdoors his whole After finishing a 4 year Managerial and Organizational Studies degree at the University of Western Ontario, Mike moved to Toronto where he is currently working in marketing and photography. Oh yeah, he’ll continue helping to bring Connected In Motion to the internet. You can see Mike’s photo work at www.mikelastphoto.com.
HANK DEVOS Film
Hank is an aspiring film director currently working on small film projects and working on developing a feature length film. He aspires to be a great director one day, those close to him have already bared witness to his immense talent and completely humble approach to his creative endeavors. Some of his work can be seen on his production companies website http://www.hankdevos.com
CIM Board of Directors STEPHEN GRAUP
Chair
Stephen Graup is an Information Technology professional who is a partner in a software design and development company bringing enhanced productivity and efficiencies to various organizations with software. Stephen is happily married and has two lovely daughter’s of whom one is a Type 1 diabetic.
CHRIS CARMICHAEL
Treasurer
Chris Carmichael is a Certified General Accountant and the president of CRIS Inc., a company that provides accounting, financial reporting and advisory services to Canadian publicly listed companies. Â Chris Carmichael is a father of two children and has Type 1 diabetes.
CHRISTOPHER HIRST Director
Chris Hirst is a technology and marketing professional currently acting as an Account Director with Toronto-based startup BNOTIONS. When not building apps, websites, and APIs, Chris puts his time against Connected in Motion fundraising and marketing initiatives. As an older brother of a type 1 diabetic, Chris firmly believes in the great work being done by Connected in Motion and loves its mission.
CIM Ambassadors Lizzie Scace Midland, Ontario
Trevor Gardner Oshawa, Ontario
Mike Last Toronto, Ontario
Mark Davis Bracebridge, Ontario
Hank Devos Toronto, Ontario
Rebecca Fitzgerald Ottawa, Ontario
Kirsten Otis Guelph, Ontario
Aaron Louis Toronto, Ontario
Luke Cameron Bracebridge, Ontario
Shannon Higson Hamilton, Ontario
Amy Burrows Port Bolster, Ontario
Jill Wayne Montreal, Quebec
Shauna Thaler Adeland Ottawa, Ontario Chantal Bertrand Bradford, Ontario Kristin Johnson Calgary, Alberta Andy Goodell Ithaca, New York Becky Nelson Toronto, Ontario Tammy Hand Bradford, Ontario
Erin Randall Oshawa, Ontario Lara Abramson Halifax, Nova Scotia Shannon Graup Toronto, Ontario Chris Scully Hamilton, Ontario Stephanie Brodie Mississauga, Ontario Julie Devos Toronto, Ontario
Jason Turner Moncton, New Brunswick Sarah Ketcheson Calgary, Alberta Lauren Moore Canmore, Alberta Chelsea Lumiere Montreal, Quebec
S O , W H AT I S
DIABETES? There are three most commonly discussed forms of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Each forms of diabetes have varying causes and treatment regimes, but all present with similar symptoms.
“Symptoms include: frequent urination, abnormal thirst, rapid weight loss, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Without proper treatments diabetes can progress to coma and death.” (Merck Manual)
BUT WHAT IS
TYPE 1
DIABETES?
Diabetes mellitus is an umbrella term for several types of a metabolic disorder “in which blood sugar (glucose) levels are abnormally high because the body does not produce enough insulin to meet its needs.” (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC))
It’s a serious chronic illness. Over time, diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as kidney disease, heart disease, eye disease, and nerve damage. (Canadian Diabetes Association)
Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. (American Diabetes Association)
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that it occurs when a person’s immune system accidentally kills off the cells in their pancreas that secrete a hormone called insulin. Insulin regulates the amount of glucose present in a person’s blood stream.
“There are currently 382 million people living with diabetes worldwide—an estimated 38 million of which have Type 1 diabetes.”
AND WHAT IS
CONNECTED IN MOTION?
(Sir Michael Hirst, Diabetes Atlas)
“Since mid 20th’ century there has been an unexplained and progressive rise in the number of cases of Type 1 diabetes seen in children worldwide.” (The Rise of Childhood Type 1 Diabetes in the 20th Century)
People with Type 1 diabetes need to take daily injections of synthetic insulin in order to survive. There are still places throughout the world where people have difficulty accessing insulin and other diabetes management tools necessary to live with the condition.
We are people with Type 1 diabetes who share a vision: To create a culture of support and engagement in diabetes self-management through peer-based experiential diabetes education, physical activity and outdoor adventure pursuits.
WHY?
Approximately 85 % of people living with Type 1 diabetes are adults, but there are relatively few programs available for this population.
WE ARE FILLING THIS GAP
2013 PROGRAMS
Total Number of Programs
869
Number of Participants
Total Days Running Programs
1529
21
56
Participant Days (Total)
3 Provinces 2 States
CIM STATS Where Our Money Came From in 2013
3%
Corporate Contributions
43%
Advertising Revenue
7%
Registration Fees
Foundation Contributions
18% Contributions Individual
29% Where We Spent Our Money in 2013 Operations Social Media Administration Media
13% 6% 2%
79%
@ConnectedInMotion Mentions 621 Mentions in 130 Locations (Past 6 months) 788 Mentions 2.5 per day 34.9% Replies 194 Retweets
Most Infuential Followers
SInce 2008 1,104 Following 1,310 Followers
Team Novo Nordisk @TeamNovoNordisk
Medtronic Diabetes @MDT_Diabetes
MEC @mec
Diabetes Sanofi @Diabetes_Sanofi
Diabetes Mine @DiabetesMine
One Touch @OneTouch
Kerri Sparling @sixuntilme
Diabetes Social Media Advocacy @DiabetesSocMed
Key Demographics
SInce 2008 1,861 Likes
Top Countries
Top Cities
Gender
Canada - 1,195
Toronto, ON - 262
Women - 71%
United States - 430
Ottawa, ON - 56
Men - 27%
Australia - 39
Calgary, AB - 47
Undeclared - 2%
Age Distribution 13-17 1.4%
18-24 19%
25-34 35%
35-44 24%
45-54 12%
55-65 4%
65+
1.6%
Key Statistics Visits 16,750
For 2013 10,416 Uniques
Pageviews 33,314
Average Visit 02:18
INSPIRATION
awards
Rebecca Fitzgerald & Shauna Adeland
Ottawa Race Weekend & Slipstream in the City
Rebecca & Shauna were two of the most active members of the Connected in Motion community in 2009. In 2013, Rebecca and Shauna’s support and encouragement were key drivers in CIM’s commitment to participate in the 2013 Ottawa Race Weekend. Their organizational skills and enormous amount of behind the scenes work led the 2013 Ottawa Race Weekend to be one of CIM’s most successful events and a staple in the CIM event roster. Rebecca has stepped up in so many ways to keep the CIM community thriving - whether it was at the Birdies for ‘Beets Golf Tournament, Slipstream in the City, or various local events in the Ottawa Region, Rebecca’s energy did not go unnoticed. A special shout out to Scott Fitzgerald, Don and Debbie Cameron for their ongoing support and commitment to Connected in Motion. Shauna has brought a unique creative flare to the CIM community, sharing her artistic skills in many capacities at Winter Slipstream 2013. Thank you both, from the bottom of our hearts, for all that you ladies do for our community.
Amy Burrows
All Around CM All-Star
Whenever something needs to get done in the CIM community, without a doubt, Amy Burrows is there to jump in with both feet. Amy has been a key supporter and driver in the CIM community for as long as we can remember. She has worked hard to bring the Bumps & Pumps Beach Volleyball and the Trampoline Dodgeball Tournaments to life. She is constantly spreading the good word about CIM - recruiting new participants, fans, friends, sponsors, and partners. Amy is always first to lend a hand, to take on a new challenge. Thank you, Amy, for all of the little things you do each day. You have truly helped to build CIM into what it is today.
community
impact Testimonials
“CIM gives you the opportunity to try new things with people who support you and truly understand what you are going through. At CIM events no one feels sorry for themselves as everyone is to busy focusing on the amazing event they are participating in!” (Winter Slipstream Participant) “I have been to winter slipstream for the past 4 years and each year I am amazed at how much I learn each and every year. I continue to grow as a person and as a diabetic through my experiences with slipstream and the people I meet. Each and every event I participate in has and will be a lasting memory I hold close to my heart.” (Winter Slipstream Participant) “As this was my first Slipstream and CIM event I wanted to thank everyone for making this the best weekend ever! Having not really met other people living with diabetes, this weekend was truly inspiring for me and has changed my outlook on diabetes. I felt much more positive towards living with diabetes after the weekend was over, however sad to be leaving all of you.” (Winter Slipstream Participant)
Growing 5.5er contingency “There are many moments in the life of a 5.5er where you wish with every bit of you that you could sincerely empathize with your diabetic loved one - all of the emotional (and literal!) ups and downs. Knowing that Connected in Motion has built such an encouraging and supportive platform for our diabetic counterparts has helped us 5.5ers breathe a little easier.” (5.5er Canoe Trip)
EMPOWER
RED BY ADVENTURE
Meghan Coleman (L) and Jenny Latreille (R) paddle down a lake in Killarney Provincial Park. Meghan, a Type One for 10 years and Jenny, a Type One for 20
years, were first time participants in CIM’s canoe trip program and greatly enjoyed the experience interacting with like-minded Type One’s in the outdoors.
2013 Major Successes • Creation of the Ambassador Handbook • Supported the CIM Ambassadors in hosting events including Bumps & Pumps Beach Volleyball, Trampoline Dodgeball, the Finger Lakes Cycling Trip and Ottawa Race Weekend. • Sought out new corporate partners • Collaborated with other non-profit organizations with similar missions • Fostered the relationships we have built thus far within the T1 diabetes community • Solidified Western Slipstream as an annual event • Piloted a Surf Camp in Western Canada • Piloted a Slipstream Weekend in the United States • Created a Full Time Community Manager and Fundraising Development Director position
2013 Major Challenges • Realized the need for a full time Director of Programming but was unable to fully fund this position • Experienced shifting priorities from many of our major corporate partners • Struggled to find the balance between quality and quantity of programs • Struggled to reach our fundraising goals
A Commitment to Quality Connected in Motion is committed to providing quality programming and educational opportunities for adults with Type 1 diabetes. Based on experiential education philosophy, CIM is breathing fresh air into diabetes education through unique, age-appropriate, and engaging workshops, sessions, and events specifically focused on increasing the quality of life for adults with Type 1 diabetes. We are firmly committed to quality. Our programs are run by qualified guides, educators, teachers, and staff. We listen to participants and let the wants and needs of the Type 1 community drive the organization.
2013 EVENT OVERVIEW DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
PARTICIPANTS
January 18-19, 2013
Riding on Insukin
Ontario
55
January 20, 2013
CIM Ski/Board Day
Ontario
15
January 24, 2013
Ambassador Program
Ontario
15
January 25-27, 2013
Winter Slipstream
Ontario
60
March 9, 2013
Pub Night
Ontario
10
March 22-23, 2013
Riding on Insulin
Alberta
50
March 24, 2013
CIM Ski/Board Day
Alberta
20
April 20, 2013
Bumps ‘N Pumps Volleyball
Ontario
180
May 24-26, 2013
Ottawa Race Weekend
Ontario
40
May 30 - June 3, 2013
ROI Coaches Camp
Oregon
20
June 6 - 10, 2013
Surf Camp
BC
8
June 20-23, 2013
5.5er Canoe Trip
Ontario
14
June 28-July, 2013
Finger Lakes Cycling Trip
New York
5
July 16, 2013
Birdies for Betes Golf Tournament
Ontario
45
July 18 - 21, 2013
Annual Canoe Trip
Ontario
14
July 27, 2013
Intro to Cross Fit
Ontario
10
August 19 - 25, 2013
Extended Canoe Trip
Ontario
8
September 20 - 22, 2013
Western Slipstream
BC
20
October 25 - 27, 2013
PNW Slipstream
Washinton
20
October 26, 2013
Trampoline Dodgeball
Ontario
60
November 16, 2013
Slipstream in the City
zOntario
200 869
2014 ORGANIZATION OBJECTIVES 1
Work to refine and solidify the CIM Ambassador Program so that Ambassadors are better able to support CIM programming in the community.
2
Develop CIM’s experiential learning framework into a workable model that can be used and replicated throughout CIM programs.
3
Expand CIM programming to serve more adults with diabetes by hosting Slipstream programming in the United States.
4
Develop a longterm fundraising and sustainability plan to ensure CIM’s success amid changing priorities in the Canadian pharmaceutical industry.
5
Focus on recruitment of new community members and on providing support for emerging adults with Type 1 diabetes.
2013 Corporate
PARTNERS
2013 Program
PARTNERS
Contact Info Connected in Motion 201-55 York Street Toronto, Ontario M5J 1R7 Canada p: 905 931 2214 e: info@connectedinmotion.ca w: www.connectedinmotion.ca Connected in Motion is the operating name of the Experiential Diabetes Education Group, a Canadian Revenue Agency Registered Charity. (850324658RR0001)