Email Bulletin Archives

Email Bulletin - September 19, 2007

In this September 19 email bulletin from the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations you will find resources and news items for and about the voluntary sector.

Bill 1, Lobbyists Act – act now!

One opportunity to present to government

Now is your chance to step up to the microphone. On Sept. 27, the government standing committee involved in the Lobbyists Act is holding a public hearing in Edmonton. Anyone can make a brief presentation at the hearing, but presentation requests are accepted only until tomorrow, Sept. 21, and space may fill before then. Call Jody Rempel, Committee Clerk, at (780) 644-8621. The Muttart Foundation and CCVO are confirmed to present, among others. Have your voice heard as well!

CCVO submission on Bill 1, Lobbyist Act

After many conversations with nonprofits and government, CCVO has provided relevant MLAs with clearer messages on what we are asking to have changed in Bill 1, and why it’s a fair request. We highly recommend you read the letter, and feel free to copy any text for your own use. See webpage for other documents or view the government webpage.

CCVO and HR News

Share your HR Expertise with the Voluntary Sector

CCVO is convening local nonprofits, funders and Human Resource (HR) coalitions to bring attention and sustainable action to HR issues affecting organizations providing human services. The HR Task Group, part of the Calgary HR Initiative, will draw upon the experience of sector leaders, consultants and HR specialists to identify, develop and share best practices and principles to increase the capacity of sector organizations. If your expertise might support this initiative, contact Mike Grogan at mgrogan@calgarycvo.org or 261-6655 x227. Group members should have knowledge of nonprofit HR issues and be available for regular meetings.

AASCF Report Demonstrates HR Crisis

The Alberta Association of Services for Children and Families released a report to draw attention to the human resources crisis facing the human/social services sector. It shows how vulnerable children and families are increasingly at risk of not receiving the services they need.

Insurance for Nonprofits

Nonprofits (including CCVO), government and some members of the insurance industry have been working together to identify issues regarding insurance affordability and accessibility. Responding to these issues, the Co-operators company launched a first-of-its-kind insurance and risk management product for the nonprofit/voluntary sector. “Community Guard" is now being tested in Alberta. Call Co-operators at 1-800-265-2612.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) News

NEW RESOURCE! Annotated version of CRA’s Information Return

As part of the Charities Outreach and Training Program, the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia developed a tool to help Canadian charities understand and complete their annual return package. Annotated forms provide tips, background and information.

Free subscription for CRA Charities Directorate updates

Subscribe for free emails with news about policy statements and commentaries, draft guidelines for consultation, calls for proposals, outreach activities, Charities Newsletters (view the summer issue) and any substantial changes to the Charities Directorate Web site.

CCVO Pre-Budget Government Submissions

CCVO recommendations for the Federal Government

We submitted budget recommendations based on a joint submission by Imagine Canada. We asked for a National Charities Strategy that includes: reforming the administration of Grants and Contributions funding, collecting essential sector data, enhancing tax policies that stimulate donations, and exploring alternative funding methods. 

CCVO recommendations for the Provincial Government

In a letter to the Minister of Finance, we requested that the next provincial budget include: adequate funding for programs and services the government contracts nonprofits to provide; increased investment in programs and services necessary for Alberta’s economic success and quality of life; recognition that there is a nonprofit HR crisis; and continued support for ANVSI, a government-nonprofit collaboration.

Funding and Governance

Capital grants to help seniors and people with a disability
The province is launching the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative to help seniors and people with disabilities to age in their communities. It will provide $30 million in capital funding to help develop or modernize affordable, supportive living projects. Apply by Oct. 29.

Help Strengthen Boards

Alberta's Board Development Program seeks volunteers as workshop instructors. Successful applicants receive training and conduct 10 workshops in two years, with expenses covered. Apply by Sept. 28 by calling (780) 427-2001 or emailing bdp@gov.ab.ca

Research

Campaign 2000 study calls for poverty reduction targets

Campaign 2000 released Summoned to Stewardship: Make Poverty Reduction a Collective Legacy. The report calls on the federal government to reduce child poverty by 50% by 2017 and highlights countries with higher social expenditures that have little poverty and strong economics.

Education facts from Statistics Canada
View quick facts on readiness to learn, low literacy levels predicting drop out rates, and more

Canada’s Family portrait

Census information is available on the changing face of Canadian families.

New CCVO members

CCVO extends a hearty welcome to these new members:

ALS Society of Alberta

Calgary (Alberta) Neuropathy Association

Calgary Society of Community Opportunities

Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers

Centre for Affordable Water & Sanitation

Chris Harris

Kahanoff Centre for Charitable Activities

Mountain Standard Time Performative Art Festival Society

Prospect Human Services Society

St. Mary's University College

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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CCVO

STRONG VOICE . STRONG CONNECTIONS .  POSITIVE CHANGE

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