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 Pacific, which has been building community organizations since 1940. We have sister organizations across Canada, Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
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. Bakau Consulting recently hosted a “Fundamentals of Anti-Oppression” for our members.
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. She has been an organizer for 5 years, and has led numerous grassroots campaigns for fair working conditions, affordability measures, and housing.
Board of Directors
Our board of Directors helps guide GVAT in governance, member applications, operations, and finances.
rEV. cHRISTINE cONKIN
Rev. Christine Conkin has served in ordained ministry since 2006 in both Calgary and Victoria. She became the Incumbent at St. George's Cadboro Bay in October 2021.
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
Hannah is a motivated and community-oriented Human Resources student at Camosun College, and is the Camosun College Student Society Sustainability Director. She is a passionate about justice, equity, and community-driven change, with a strong background in advocacy, education, and organizational engagement
Director At Large
Hannah De Guzman
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
