Email Bulletin Archives

Email Bulletin - November 9, 2007

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

CCVO News

Reminder: Nov. 28 event

Our people: A renewable resource?  Rethinking our workforce approach

We invite senior nonprofit staff to join us Nov. 28 to look at the key human resources issues facing organizations and realistic ways to address them today. Learn more and register.

NEW!  Jobs posted twice-weekly!

To help you find great employees, we are now updating the Online Job Centre twice a week: Tuesdays and Fridays. Jobs emailed to jobs@calgarycvo.org before 10:00am Tuesday will be posted Tuesday afternoon – with the same procedure for Fridays. Learn more.

Join our team! We’re looking for a Program Assistant.

Government News and Action

Bill 1 – committee releases recommendations

The all-party MLA committee reviewing Bill 1 released their recommendations this week. While the recommendations don’t include everything we hoped for, real progress has been made from the original Bill. The committee suggested adding a minimum threshold so organizations who do very little lobbying/advocacy would not need to register – something nonprofits pushed for. It would be a small threshold – just 100 hours total per year for all staff in an organization – but it’s a huge improvement over having no threshold at all. This is a “win” for nonprofits that has resulted from our collective efforts.

However, we are still working towards larger “wins,” as some major concerns were not addressed in the recommendations. All MLAs are now considering the Bill, so it is not too late to let them know your thoughts. CCVO sent a letter to all MLAs with the additional changes we hope to see. We encourage you to again contact your MLA. As always, you are welcome to use our text in drafting your own communications.

Future for critical sector survey in jeopardy
As part of the federal government's expenditure reviews, continued funding for the Canadian Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participation may be at risk. Imagine Canada, Volunteer Canada and others are hoping to ensure funding is maintained for the survey, one of the nonprofit sector’s only ongoing sources of data. They encourage you to write to the Industry Minister and your local MP about the survey’s importance. Click here for details and a template letter.

Transportation Spending

If you want less money to be spent on roads and more spent on non-motorized transportation, Sustainable Calgary asks you to write a note to Calgary’s City Council before Nov. 21.

$26 million to help government-contracted nonprofits attract and retain staff

The government is providing $26 million for human resources at contracted agencies supporting children, people with a disability and other vulnerable Albertans. Agencies will have flexibility in using the funds for employee attraction/retention. Representatives from Who Cares Alberta?, a coalition calling on the government to address the HR crisis in this sector, say they appreciate the small injection of funds and hope to work with the government on a longer term strategy.

Ethical Code / Accountability

Draft standards for the sector, by the sector

Imagine Canada, CCVO and other nonprofit leaders have produced a discussion paper on potential new standards for the sector (that go beyond the newly-revised Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code). The goal of the standards is to increase public trust in nonprofits and charities, and to help organizations achieve their mission. Imagine Canada is looking for your feedback on a number of discussion points (beginning on page 9 of the paper).

Research and Resources

Do you use the Resource Centre for Voluntary Organizations (RCVO)?

RCVO, located in Edmonton’s Grant MacEwan College (and online), is undergoing an important review primarily because its funding runs out soon. If RCVO matters to you, please contact reviewer Peter Faid, (708) 732-6649, by Nov. 15 to describe your experience with RCVO and what role you’d like to see it play in the future. 

“Calgary and Region Social Outlook 2007- 2012” released

The City of Calgary released their 2007 Social Outlook report, which focuses on the social dimensions of the City’s Triple Bottom Line policy framework. Issues and policy are discussed in themes including safety, culture and inclusivity. For a printed copy contact Winona Haliburton at 268-5122.

Volunteers / Board

Survey on the attitudes and impact of the board chair
Researchers are asking anyone who observes Board Chairs in action to complete a quick, confidential survey about the chair's behaviours, and characteristics. You’ll receive an advance report copy, including recommendations on improving chair effectiveness.

Tell your story of making your mark by Nov 30 – you could win $1,000 for charity

To celebrate Philanthropy Awareness Week, the Association of Fundraising Professionals wants to know how you, or someone you know, has made your mark on our community through gifts of time, money or skill. Go online  to tell your story and read others’.

Community Hero Volunteer Award - Alliance Pipeline
The award recognizes local volunteers with a $2,500 donation to their approved charity of choice. Apply by Jan. 10.

Government News across Canada

Minister named to nonprofit portfolio in Newfoundland and Labrador
A newly created ministerial responsibility for the voluntary/nonprofit sector in the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial cabinet was announced last week.

Task force calls for better support for New Brunswick's nonprofit sector
The Community Non-Profit Task Force issued its report calling for better support for New Brunswick's nonprofit sector. The report recommends the creation of one agency to oversee nonprofit groups, as well as stable funding, greater volunteerism promotion and greater consultation with government.

Online Job Centre

To see job descriptions or to post a job online, visit our popular online job centre

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Are you a CCVO Member yet?

90% of CCVO members surveyed would recommend membership to others. Benefits include discounts on job postings and educational events, printed publications, members-only events and the chance to network and support policy work and research. Contact Janet Lavoie at 261-6655.

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CCVO – Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations

STRONG VOICE . STRONG CONNECTIONS .  POSITIVE CHANGE