Inner city leader, passionate community builder, urban visionary – these are just a few of the terms used to describe Rob Deglau, the recipient of the 2015 Crowning Achievement Award for Humanitarian and Community Service. The award is presented each year to an individual who demonstrates distinguished community or voluntary service that has made a difference to the well-being of others and has made a positive impact on the community.
Deglau has been making a positive impact on the community for the better part of two decades as a public servant, community leader, volunteer and board member. His time in public service began in 1996 when he was elected councilor of Regina’s Ward 6 – a ward that includes significant parts of Regina’s inner city. Deglau served the residents of Ward 6 until 2003.
He found his next calling in 2005, when he took over as the executive director of the North Central Community Association (NCCA). Deglau was the embodiment of the neighbourhood’s mission statement: Working together with the community of North Central to enhance the quality of life by representing, promoting, developing partnerships and unifying our community and its image through effective communication, programs and services.
“When you talk to any of the 10,000 people that live in the neighbourhood, you quickly find out it is their community of choice. It’s a very active and alive community. It is home to many cultures, and with so many different places of worship, it truly mirrors the diversity Regina has to offer.”
According to a controversial 2007 Maclean’s magazine article, the neighbourhood was the worst in Canada. Deglau never engaged in that discussion – he was too busy working to better the lives of the residents of North Central who were under-employed, under-educated and under-served.
Under Deglau’s leadership, NCCA became a model for developing community programming enterprises to meet the unique needs of inner city residents. He ushered a number of projects that provided alternative revenue streams for the organization. The association has effectively partnered with key delivery agencies throughout the city. Over the past few years, NCCA has developed a series of subcommittees and task groups to bring expertise and technical resources to its volunteer board. The association is seen as a leader in community development and is considered the key partner to the various levels of government and their perspective departments. The NCCA has positioned itself to be a key spokesperson for the community and has earned numerous seats on multiple intergovernmental committees as a means to bring a community perspective to the business of community development.
“From community schools to nonprofit organizations, the neighbourhood is well connected and the streets are busy, people know each other and are not afraid to say hi. It’s a neighbourhood of innovation and is home to many firsts. From Girl Guide cookies to the first community-run library, the neighbourhood has set a standard of participation and been recognized globally. It is really a small town in a big city.”
Although he stepped down as NCCA executive director in 2014, Deglau still remains involved in the association, overseeing on a part-time basis the organization’s community relations portfolio.
When he’s asked why each of us should consider volunteering, Deglau’s answer is simple, to the point and reflects his own caring attitude. “Why wouldn’t you consider it,” he says.