CWRA National Documents

We empower informed water decision-making.

Stewardship – We acknowledge that we are stewards with responsibilities to water and the systems that sustain it. Our actions today shape the landscapes and communities of tomorrow.

Inclusivity – We honour diverse voices and ways of knowing. We commit to listen across differences and create space for varied perspectives on water and its future.

Connection – We build bridges: across sectors, across generations, across regions. By strengthening our connections to each other, we become better stewards of the water that connects us all.

Catalyze Knowledge Sharing

We connect practitioners, researchers, students, and policymakers through different opportunities to share and expand knowledge.

CWRA’s legacy and future are rooted in knowledge. This pillar challenges us to develop a mindful approach to knowledge sharing, while also better maintaining and making accessible information that is shared through our network. 

Support Education and Skills Development

We create opportunities for the educational development of students, and the personal and professional development of members through training programs, mentorship, scholarships, youth programming, and national leadership development opportunities.

Our water future depends on the people who study, work with, and protect it. CWRA will foster professional and leadership growth in its community for everyone, from students to senior practitioners.

Strengthen Branches,  Affiliates, and Programs

We support and strengthen our Branches, Affiliates, and Programs to allow them to focus on providing relevant events, welcoming volunteers, and leading water conversations.

CWRA’s strength lies in its network of Branches, Affiliates, and Programs—each a hub of regional, provincial, or subject matter expertise and engagement. This pillar ensures that our distributed structure is cohesive, resourced, and sustainable.

Internal Collaboration 

CWRA is committed to strengthening the internal network between National, Branches, and Affiliates. This includes:

• Shared platforms for communication, planning, and reporting.
• Role clarity and trust between volunteers, staff, and governance bodies.
• A culture of sharing and cooperation across the organization.

Fiscal Responsibility

CWRA prioritizes strong financial health, resource alignment, and operational sustainability. This includes:

• Diversifying revenue through grants, partnerships, membership, and sponsorships.
• Resourcing initiatives that align with strategy and sunsetting those that do not.
• Ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability at all levels.
• Investing in internal capacity.

Good Governance

CWRA is committed to transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance at all levels—from the National Board to Branches and Affiliates. This means:

• Clear decision-making processes that are consultative and rooted in CWRA’s mission.
• Continuous board and committee development to strengthen volunteer and strategic capacity.
• Actively creating space for underrepresented perspectives in program design, policy, and leadership.

Building Meaningful Indigenous Relationships

CWRA is committed to ensuring that Indigenous values, ways of knowing and knowledge of land and water are heard, respected, and included in discussions and decision-making in our organization and beyond. 

• CWRA will work to move towards reconciliation and meaningful implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• CWRA board and affiliate members should share a foundational understanding of Indigenous cultures, rights, their relationship with land and water, and the shared history of colonial practices in Canada. This will allow us to address biases and build meaningful relationships with Indigenous partners. 
• Meaningful relationships take time and effort to build. CWRA must demonstrate our values and commitment over time to ensure we are a welcoming and respectful space.