Email Bulletin Archives

Email Bulletin - September 6, 2007

In this September 6 email bulletin from the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations you will find resources and news items for and about the voluntary sector.

CCVO Event:

EVENT: The Charities File: Completing the T3010A

Only a few spots remain for this free event taking place Sept. 18 from 9:00am - noon at the Talisman Centre. The workshop is the next in The Charities File series, a project funded by CRA to assist charities in understanding and complying with the Income Tax Act. In this session, Betty Thompson will walk you through the sections of the T3010A charities return. Register today.

Welcome to Mike Grogan, Project Manager, HR Initiative

Mike Grogan recently joined CCVO to lead and coordinate collaborative work regarding human resources in the nonprofit sector, particularly relating to human service organizations. Mike has worked with nonprofits for 20 years in areas such as program development and evaluation, adult education and organizational effectiveness. He recently completed his Masters of Arts in Leadership. Mike can be reached at (403) 261-6655 or mgrogan@calgarycvo.org.

Important Government News

Two weeks left to endorse Lobbyists Act submission

If your organization communicates with government or engages in political activities or lobbying, we highly recommend you take some time to understand Bill 1 and consider joining 120 organizations in endorsing a joint submission by Sept. 19. Each endorsement strengthens this important submission and ensures the sector’s voice is heard. Click here to read the submission and the latest media coverage.

Who Cares Alberta?

A coalition of organizations providing vital community services recently launched a campaign calling on the government to address the growing human resources crisis. The organizations provide contracted services for the Alberta government but are unable to pay reasonable wages and are forced to cut programs and turn away children and families. Help build the campaign’s momentum. Visit www.whocaresalberta.com to learn about the HR crisis and who it’s affecting; tell your story; write a letter; endorse the campaign; or pass on the message.

National Mental Health Commission

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is set to launch and is expected to be headquartered in Calgary. The Commission will lead a national campaign to: erase the stigma of mental illness; provide information; facilitate a national approach to mental health issues; and be a catalyst for the reform of mental health policies and improvements in service delivery.

Awards, Funding and Events

Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship
Applications close September 24 for the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, which funds social enterprises ready to scale up or be replicated (generally funding $1 million over three years). Areas include environment, health, human rights, institutional responsibility, equity and peace and security.

Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards

Nominate a youth, adult or senior by Sept. 28 for the Wild Rose Foundation’s Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards. Awards will be presented in Edmonton on Dec. 5, International Volunteer Day.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day
On Sept. 9, communities across the world are recognizing the importance of expectant mothers abstaining from alcohol. The Government of Alberta is investing nearly $10 million this year in prevention and services related to FASD, which affects 23,000 Albertans.

Literacy and learning
Celebrate International Literacy Day (Sept 8) and International Adult Learners’ Week (Sept. 7 to 14).

Reports

Knowledge sharing among charities

A cross-Canada survey by David Vuong examines the impact of knowledge sharing among charities. Key findings include the need to build a sense of community and to make intentional efforts to break down barriers to sharing. 

In the News

An educated sector

A National Post article discusses how nonprofit organizations are putting more emphasis on their employees having formal training, certification or professional accreditation than ever before.

Ethics and Lobbying
A CharityVillage article advises charities that it is indeed ethical and legal to lobby against legislation that is harmful to your clients and communities. In fact, “it may be deemed unethical to stay quiet and let your cause be harmed.” Please note that this article ONLY discusses federal lobbying legislation for charities (the Income Tax Act).  Alberta’s Bill 1, the Lobbyists Act, is completely separate with very different rules and requirements (see earlier Email Bulletin item).

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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