About GVAT
Learn more about our mission, history, member orgs, and team.
Mission & Vision
To bring together diverse community organizations, unions, religious organizations, student groups, and more to advance the common good and achieve a fair, just and sustainable Capital Region.
History
Greater Victoria Acting Together began as an alliance of faith groups known as Faith In Action, who advocated on behalf of those in poverty.
In 2015, members of FIA began discussions with the Metro Vancouver Alliance about the Industrial Areas Foundation model of organizing. Since then, we have grown into a broad-based organization representing unions, student societies, faith groups, environmental organizations, non-profits and more.
We have run educational events and public actions on mental health, climate and housing.
In 2022, we made a splash during the local municipal election through our Homes for All Assembly, which launched our human-rights based campaign for housing in Victoria.
We are an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation, which has been building community organizations since 1940.
Member Organizations
These are our members: faith groups, unions, student groups, environmental organizations, and more. They are working together to build a fairer Greater Victoria. Join our network as we grow and diversify our representation.
GVAT Supporters
Past and present funders.
Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (COEDI)
GVAT is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within our organization, and is actively adjusting our policies and practices to reflect this.
Indigenous Relationships Learning Circle (IRLC)
We value our Indigenous community and work continuously towards understanding cultural values and maintaining respectful relationships.
Staff
Our staff team plays an integral role in maintaining the function of Greater Victoria Acting Together. They work alongside our board, coordinate volunteers, promote events, and empower member orgs.
Izzy Adachi
Organizer
Izzy works with our member organizations and local leadership on campaigns, leadership development, and community engagement.
Sammy Hicks
Administrator
Sammy manages our website and information technology, in addition to a diverse range of tasks, from event planning to social media.
Board of Directors
Our board of Directors helps guide GVAT in governance, member applications, operations, and finances.
Brigitte McKenzie
Brigitte is an ordained diaconal minister with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, with a call to serve in specialized ministry focused on community engagement.
Chair
Stephen Tyler, phd
Stephen is an active member of Broad View United Church. He has worked as a planning professional and researcher on sustainability and climate change issues in Canada and South East Asia for more than 30 years.
Interim Treasurer
Yvonne is a retired professor of French from the University of Victoria. She comes to GVAT from Holy Cross Parish. She is serving as vice-chair and interim secretary of the board.
Vice Chair, Interim Secretary
Yvonne Hsieh, phd
Lane O’Hara Cooke
Lane is a student organizer with the University of Victoria Students’ Society, having served as the Interim Director of Finance and Operations, and Director of Outreach and University Relations.
Director at Large
Flossie Baker
Flossie is a climate justice organizer with a background in journalism and communications. She trained as a community organizer with the Industrial Areas Foundation and is active in the Metro Vancouver Alliance.
Director at Large
