In this June 1 email bulletin from the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations you will find resources and news items for and about the voluntary sector.

CCVO Events, News and Reports

Policy Series Event: Lobbying by the Rules for Charities and Nonprofits

The nonprofit sector is facing several new regulatory and accountability regimes associated with public-policy advocacy work. Join Sean Moore, a public policy advisor, on June 15 for an overview of CRA’s guidelines for charities’ “political activities,” new advocacy restrictions for organizations receiving federal money, and Alberta’s recently-introduced lobbying legislation. Cost is just $15 for CCVO members and $22 for non-members, thanks to sponsorship from Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP.

New In Brief publication on the 2007 Provincial Budget’s expected impact on the sector

CCVO’s new In Brief summarizes the information we received from across the sector regarding how the provincial budget is expected to affect nonprofits and their work in the community. View the publication and other Budget information.

CCVO’s Annual General Meeting is June 21

Register online.

Important Government News

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Roadshows come to Calgary

The CRA’s information sessions are in Calgary June 15 and 16. Register by June 8 for the free sessions about books, records and financial statements; receipting; tax-planning schemes; sanctions; and preparing for an audit.

Canada Summer Jobs program update

The revamped federal government program to provide organizations with funding for summer student jobs received complaints and enquiries from the sector and politicians. Many nonprofits that relied on the funding for long-established summer positions were told they did not quality under the new rating system. The government is now providing funding to some previously-denied nonprofits. Check to see if you can be considered for this “second round” of funds.

Provincial Lobbyist Act referred to all-party committee

The provincial government has referred the Lobbyists Act to an all-party Policy Field Committee on Government Services. The committee is chaired by Harvey Cenaiko, MLA for Calgary-Buffalo. The government is inviting comments and questions about the Act.  Watch for further information from CCVO about the Act and its potential impact on organizations in the nonprofit sector.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to Develop New Fundraising Guidelines

The CRA is launching an initiative to enhance its policy guidance relating to fundraising practices and reporting. A proposed document is expected to be available for feedback in late 2007. The CRA hopes to include ongoing sector liaison to ensure the guidance discourages inappropriate behaviour without placing an undue burden on charities.

Funds available to encourage children to be healthy and active

The Alberta Healthy School Community Wellness Fund is accepting funding proposals for projects promoting healthy young people.

Resources

Free one-stop Risk Management source for youth-serving organizations

A CD-ROM by YouthSafe Outdoors is a great resource for organizations working with youth, particularly in active/outdoor programs. It includes policy guides, forms, safety and emergency procedures, parent and instructional resources and more. The first 1,000 organizations requesting a CD-ROM by June 30 will receive it free (a $2,000 savings).

MatchIT helps Imagine Canada members receive free IT support

Imagine Canada members have exclusive access to MatchIT, a program connecting nonprofits with volunteer IT professionals and donated Microsoft software.

New donated software from TechSoup Stock

TechSoup Stock, a nonprofit helping other nonprofits get the technology they need, now offers donated Intuit accounting and financial management software.

Education, Research and Events

New research on immigrant and minority women in the nonprofit sector

A new study (“Equitable Treatment of Immigrant and Visible Minority Women in The Voluntary Sector”) examines workplace issues experienced by immigrant and visible minority women working and volunteering in human services in Alberta. It shows that there are systemic, funding and workplace issues/barriers preventing equitable experiences.

CentrePoint survey to help training course planning

CentrePoint is planning future training sessions and would like to hear from you. Their online survey can be filled out online until June 4. 

Olympic Plaza action plan and free events

The Olympic Plaza Cultural District has launched its District Strategy, an action plan for vitalizing the surrounding area. Come enjoy a sampler of free events until June 3.

Environment Week June 3-9

Environment Week 2007 highlights Wetland preservation.

Seniors' Week June 4-10

Visit www.seniors.gov.ab.ca for details on Seniors’ Week or to register an event.

Movie screening supports Calgary Homeless Soccer Society – June 9

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Are you a CCVO Member yet?

CCVO is a membership-based organization that works to strengthen the voluntary sector in Calgary and take a leadership role on policy matters affecting the sector as a whole. To learn more about CCVO membership, contact Janet Lavoie at 261-6655 or jlavoie@calgarycvo.org.

Job Postings

To see job descriptions or to post a job online, visit CCVO’s online job centre

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