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Email Bulletin Archives
Email Bulletin - October 4, 2007
In this October 4 email bulletin from the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations you will find resources and news items for and about the voluntary sector.
CCVO News
Lobbying by Nonprofits: Getting It Right, from the Top Down and the Bottom Up
CCVO Policy Series Event, Oct. 25, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This workshop will help Board Members (who may be accompanied by an Executive Director) to think strategically and practically about influencing government decisions. Join Sean Moore to discuss the fundamentals of policy advocacy, the rules for lobbying, Directors’ roles, and how to avoid common mistakes. Cost: $75, or $50 for members. Register and learn more.
Save the date: Calgary HR Initiative Workforce Symposium
We invite Executive Directors, HR managers and other nonprofit leaders to a full-day session focused on practical strategies for attracting, developing and retaining great employees. Watch for more information to come on this full-day session, Nov. 28 in Calgary.
Government News
Your opportunity to comment on an important issue: Royalty Review
The independent Royalty Review Panel (created by the government) reports that Albertans do not receive their fair share from energy development. If all their recommendations were implemented, up to $2 billion more would flow to the government every year. Imagine how those funds could be invested to truly, tangibly benefit all Albertans. The government is expected to make a decision on the recommendations this month. There is now an important opportunity to provide comments. We ask you to go online right away to read the Panel’s report and consider voicing your thoughts (through the feedback form) – and to encourage others to do the same.
(Note: see the Vital Signs item in next section for quality-of-life issues Calgarian’s feel need immediate attention.)
Lobbyists Act Update
Last week the government committee studying Bill 1, the Lobbyist Act, heard presentations by CCVO, ECVO (in Edmonton), the Muttart Foundation (representing 160 organizations), Volunteer Alberta and others. Together, we stated that transparency should not come at the expense of nonprofits and those they serve. The committee is now deliberating. You can view meeting transcripts and other details online. Thank you to everyone who was actively involved in this issue.
CRA advisory on partisan political activities
The Canada Revenue Agency is reminding registered charities that it increases its charity monitoring during election campaigns. The CRA advisory outlines prohibited charity activities, including supporting/opposing individual political candidates or parties. View previously-released information on allowable political activities for more details, including specific scenarios and examples.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) to help people with severe disabilities
The Federal Government introduced draft legislative proposals to implement the RDSP.
Research / Information
Vital Signs report card rates quality of life in Calgary
On Oct. 2 the Calgary Foundation released the first Vital Signs report card as part of a long-term initiative to engage local people in annual community check-ups that measure quality of life. Calgarians graded 12 key issue areas including learning, culture, environment and the gap between rich and poor. The results are a sobering wake-up call. View the Calgary results and details from 10 other cities in this national initiative.
Study examines administrative burden of Canada’s funder practices
A Wellesley Institute study shows that the shift from long-term core funding in the early 1990s to today’s short-term, targeted/program funding has strained nonprofits and taken resources away from service delivery and innovation. The study, We Can't Do Business This Way, states that processes could be streamlined to better meet nonprofit and funder needs.
How to get along with and influence a minority government
View The Maytree Foundation’s summary of the presentation Advocating for Change with Minority Governments, as reported in Canadian Fundraiser.
Professional Development / Events
Scholarships for Youth- or Environment-Serving Charities
The Banff Centre is offering Leadership Development program scholarships for leaders from youth and environmental charities. Apply by Oct. 19.
Dreambuilders Education Conference for senior-serving organizations
The Oct. 25-26 conference will showcase ideas for providing care, services and housing for seniors.
Perspectives on the Present and Future of the Nonprofit Sector, Oct. 16 morning ($35)
Join Ruth McCambridge, Editor in Chief of Nonprofit Quarterly, to reflect on changes taking place in the world around us, and why we need to pay attention. Call Tracy Pfeifer at (403) 440-7739.
National Philanthropy Day
Order your tickets ($65) today to the Nov. 13 Luncheon.
Funding/Awards
Grant programs and foundations
The Alberta Government offers grants for a number of initiatives such as historical preservation, sport and recreation opportunities, facility enhancements, and human rights education.
Arts and heritage funding: some applications due Oct. 31
$30 million in funding is available to support arts and heritage activities that engage Canadians in their communities through the expression, celebration and preservation of local culture.
Post-Secondary News
Database Administration students available
SAIT students who have finished their Database academics are available for eight-week paid or unpaid work this fall. Contact Donna deMan at (403) 210-5631.
Reminder: Community Events Calendar with MRC Institute for Nonprofit Studies
Planning an event and want to get the word out? Need to see what else is scheduled? Check out the free Community Events Calendar or contact Tracy Pfeifer at (403) 440-7739.
Lease space available for nonprofits in NE Calgary
The Ability Society acquired a building and is working with jj Barnicke Calgary Inc to lease 41,000 square feet to other nonprofits. Call (403) 335-8926 for details.
Insurance for Nonprofits – phone number correction
In the last Email Bulletin, we noted that Co-operators launched “Community Guard," an insurance and risk management product for nonprofits. Their correct phone number is 1-800-265-2621 – our apologies for the previous mistake.
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?
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.
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