Spring 2001 Newsletter

Table of Contents

1. Voluntary sector initiative is underway by Debra Huron

2. The Supported Volunteer Program, REDI Enterprises Society, Medicine Hat, Alberta by Al Holtemeyer

3. Book Review: How to Produce Fabulous Fundraising Events: Reap Remarkable Returns with Minimal Effort by Betty Stallings and Donna McMillion

4. Students Provide Pro Bono Legal Assistance

5. Youth Volunteerism in Alberta: Youth Statement

1. Voluntary sector initiative is underway by Debra Huron

Set up as an exciting new partnership between the voluntary sector and the federal government, the Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI) has been active on a variety of fronts since it was established a year ago.

This five-year initiative, funded by the federal government, includes six joint working groups that are composed of an equal number of representatives from both the voluntary sector and the federal government. Over 120 people from all parts of Canada sit as members of these working groups, known as Joint Tables.

The Joint Tables are working in the following areas:

• developing an Accord between the federal government and the voluntary sector,

• planning a strategy to increase public awareness of the value of the voluntary sector,

• increasing capacity within voluntary organizations,

• increasing access to information management/ information technology (IM/IT)

• streamlining regulation of the voluntary sector, and

• supporting increased volunteerism.

There are also two working groups composed only of voluntary sector representatives within the VSI, focusing on two issues of prime importance:

• re-assessing the role of advocacy within the voluntary sector, and

• government funding principles and practices.

The task of coordinating this wide-ranging venture falls to a 16-member joint coordinating committee composed of leaders from both the voluntary sector and the federal public service. A complete list of these people can be found at www.vsi-isbc.ca.

To keep people informed about the progress of work within the VSI, a comprehensive web site was launched in early April at www.vsi-isbc.ca. The secretariat for the voluntary sector within the VSI also produces a monthly newsletter, Update, which is available at no charge to interested subscribers, and posted on the VSI website.

What are the Joint Tables doing?

Since the Joint Tables started meeting last November, most have finalized work plans to guide their activities during the next 18 months. Here is a brief summary of what each Joint Table is doing:

One of the most ground-breaking initiatives within VSI is being coordinated by the 14-member Joint Accord Table. In consultation with Canadians from across the country, this group is working to produce an Accord, a formal document that will allow the federal government and the voluntary sector to set the terms for a commitment to working together.

The 23-page draft Accord is the subject of regional consultations across the country this month. More information about the dates and locations of the Accord consultations is provided on the VSI web site. You can also view and comment on the draft document itself at: http://www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/joint_tables/accord/index.cfm

Following the first round of consultations on the draft Accord this summer, a second round will likely occur in the fall. Before the end of the year, the Joint Accord Table hopes to have consensus on the text for a final document. Once the document has been ratified, work will begin on a code of practices to implement it.

The Awareness Joint Table’s mandate is to increase public support for the work of the voluntary sector. Over the next year to 18 months, it will be developing and pilot testing a recommended strategy for raising public awareness of the value of the voluntary sector.

This joint table has already supported the publication of two pieces of research, both of which were presented at the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy’s 7th annual symposium, April 23 and 24, 2001.

The first research paper is a scan of existing public opinion research on attitudes toward the voluntary sector, by Michael Hall of the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy. The second is a discussion paper on public attitudes toward the voluntary sector, by former CBC broadcaster Bronwyn Drainie. She based her paper on interviews with opinion leaders in the private, public and voluntary sectors.

To view a PDF of Michael Hall’s report visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/joint_tables/awareness/reports.cfm. To view a PDF of Bronwyn Drainie’s paper, visit: www.ccp.ca/information/symposium/2001/frame2001.htm

The Capacity Joint Table has an extensive mandate in the following areas where it is in the early research stages:

1. Research and Information Sharing: The Table is overseeing development of a National Survey of Voluntary Organizations in Canada to provide the first ever comprehensive profile of the breadth and scope of organizations in Canada. Targeted research in areas such as human resources, finance, policy, structure and knowledge transfer will be built on the broad profile. The Table will also develop a strategy to ensure information is widely available, accessible and usable to voluntary sector organizations.

2. Recruitment and Skills Development: The Table will examine the current state of human resources in the voluntary sector, and it will identify gaps and barriers as well as strategies to address the challenges faced by the sector to recruit, train and retain staff.

3. Policy Internships and Academic Fellowships: The Table will oversee pilot projects to test models of exchanging expertise and informing policy development in both the sector and government. It will develop recommendations on how best to enhance the capacity of the voluntary sector to engage with, and contribute to, government policy making while strengthening sector policy development expertise.

The Regulatory Joint Table is focusing on ways to simplify regulations that govern the activities of Canada’s 78,000 registered charities. Another topic that is important to this JT is the question of "related business activities" carried out by registered charities.

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) has set up a new secretariat with two staff to deal specifically with questions of importance to this Joint Table (JT). The first order of business was a discussion with CCRA on revisions to the T3010 annual reporting form. As a result of suggestions from the Regulatory JT, CCRA is developing a new version of the form, for review by the JT.

The transparency of CCRA’s registration policy for charities and questions about the appeal process that takes place when a charity’s registration application is rejected are also on the agenda within this JT.

The National Volunteerism Initiative is a Joint Table whose mandate is to carry forward the spirit of 2001 International Year of Volunteers. As a result of preliminary discussions that touched on all aspects of voluntary/civic participation, this Joint Table has developed the following statement as its goal:

To value and enable people coming together to strengthen communities and improve quality of life for individuals and families through civic participation/volunteerism.

Two 6-member working groups have now been set up to look into volunteerism in diverse settings (such as educational institutions, community associations and workplaces), and across the three phases of the life cycle: youth, mid-life and later life.

As a result of findings of the working groups, this JT hopes to develop recommendations by the end of 2001 that would allow Canada to establish a permanent National Volunteerism Initiative as a legacy of the International Year of Volunteers.

The Information Management and Information Technology (IM/IT) Joint Table has commissioned two pieces of research to help guide decisions on how the federal government can provide the best support to the voluntary sector in this important area.

The first piece of research, completed earlier this year, reviewed existing literature on the broad trends of IM/IT use within the voluntary sector, and reported on the results of interviews with 24 key informants.

In late May, the Joint Table commissioned a comprehensive IM/IT needs analysis survey of Canada’s voluntary sector. The final survey report is expected by September 15.

The two working groups composed of voluntary sector members only are:

Advocacy Working Group:

On April 25, this seven-member working group decided to commission two pieces of research. The first study will identify questions and project impacts associated with proposed changes to the definition of "charity" and to regulations that govern advocacy work done by charitable organizations. The research will report on the numbers and kinds of organizations that have been turned down for charitable status due to advocacy activities, those that have not applied for status because of the current guidelines and those who have been deregistered after engaging in advocacy work.

The second research study will focus on the historical context behind the current definition and understanding of both charity and advocacy. Both of these studies are expected to be completed in the fall of this year.

Working Group on Financing:

The mandate of this working group is to examine how the voluntary sector is financed, identify issues of concern to the sector and develop strategies to enhance capacity, efficiency and long-term sustainability. The working group has been working closely with the Capacity Joint Table to discuss the impact of funding changes vis-à-vis the federal government, corporations, foundations and individual major donors.

During the last seven months, the working group has been acting as a reference group to a Treasury Board study into federal funding practices and policies. In Phase 1 of this study, Treasury Board representatives visited eight cities and met with 85 voluntary sector organizations to hear first-hand what the "irritants" were. In Phase 2, the working group will continue to work with Treasury Board this fall as it launches a second round of consultations. For more details on the Treasury Board Funding Study and the action plan which Treasury Board is now implementing, visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/groups.cfm.

Interested in hearing more?

Voluntary sector members active in the VSI are available to talk to groups and events about the initiative’s work. If you have an annual meeting, workshop or conference coming up and would like to have someone speak about the initiative, please contact Marilyn Box at mbox@vsi-isbc.org or call 613-238-1591, ext. 238. You can also subscribe to regular electronic news updates from the VSI web site.

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2. The Supported Volunteer Program, REDI Enterprises Society, Medicine Hat, Alberta by Al Holtemeyer

REDI (Rehabilitation and Employment for Developing Independence) Enterprises Society is a non-profit organization that provides services to persons with developmental disabilities in Medicine Hat and Area. The mission of REDI is "Enabling Individuals to attain respect, opportunity, and responsibility." In keeping with this mission, on June 30th, 2000 REDI took a step forward in the way they serve persons with developmental disabilities. They closed their "Sheltered Workshop" and sought alternative means of integrating those they serve into the community of Medicine Hat, either in paid employment and/or as volunteers.

From a volunteer perspective these changes were timely as VIAA (Volunteerism In Action Association) had been discussing the need for a "Community Based Volunteer Centre." As a partner of VIAA, REDI graciously donated the space, and renovations began in early August. On September 26, the Volunteer Centre officially opened.

As part of the agreement between VIAA and REDI, The Volunteer Centre would also house the "Supported Volunteer Program" for REDI. This would provide a natural means of providing community inclusion for volunteers served by REDI.

Before the Centre opened, REDI did have a "Job Developer" on staff, overseeing the placement of both volunteers and employees served through REDI. However, it was not quite enough, as the potential of those served was not being fully recognized. Therefore, under the new integration program, two positions were developed one to oversee "paid employment" placements and the second to oversee "voluntary" placements in the positions of "Job Developer" and "Coordinator of Supported Voluntarism."

The definition of "Supported Voluntarism’ is: when "a volunteer requires support in order for them to accomplish what is requested of them as a volunteer." These supports can be mechanical, adaptive or another person to assist and support the volunteer.

Although Supported Volunteer Programs in other areas of the country were attempted with little or no success, ours has flourished and proven successful. Although well intended, other supported volunteer programs have used untrained volunteers to support the supported volunteers. Due to lack of training, (no fault of their own) the support volunteers often became frustrated and disillusioned leaving the supported volunteer without proper support and eventually without a placement. Consequently, these programs could not sustain the test of time.

The Support Staff of REDI are paid staff. They have the expertise needed to support their "Clients" in the community, be it at a paid employment placement, Voluntary placement or just as a community access outing (out for coffee, recreation, shopping, etc.)

The ultimate goal of the support staff is to "fade out" once the volunteer has mastered the tasks that they are assigned, or natural supports have been found (i.e., Mentor) through the volunteer or job placement.

The present process for supported volunteers served by REDI is:

• Prospective volunteers visit The Volunteer Centre.

• An "Application to Be a Volunteer" is completed and entered into the database.

• Peruse the "Volunteer Opportunities" bulletin board, and hopefully

• Be matched with a volunteer placement

The same process is used for all volunteers accessing The Volunteer Centre wishing to work within the community.

The supported volunteer program at REDI currently has anywhere from 25 to 30 volunteers actively volunteering within the community of Medicine Hat. This is approximately one-third of the total population of persons with developmental disabilities served through REDI Enterprises’ Vocational Services. This is just the beginning, during our second year; our hope is that these numbers will increase.

For more information about The Volunteer Centre in Medicine Hat or REDI Enterprises’ Supported Volunteer Program, please contact us at (403) 528-1799 or e-mail volunteercentre @redi.ca. We would be more than happy to answer any questions or just to hear from you. If you are in Medicine Hat, stop by for a coffee and visit us at The Volunteer Centre located at 856 – Allowance Avenue SE.

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3. Book Review: How to Produce Fabulous Fundraising Events: Reap Remarkable Returns with Minimal Effort by Betty Stallings and Donna McMillion

According to the authors this book could have been entitled Everything I Wish I had Known About Special Events Before I Agreed to Be Chair! Very few people who lead fundraising events have ever been taught how to do them well. Done skillfully, events can bring an organization new money, superb public relations, potential new donors and volunteers, and/or serve as an opportunity to build team spirit among volunteers and staff.

Too often people with the best of intentions become chairs of fundraising events that end up a disaster (defined as any event where the effort devoted to it far surpassed any benefit reaped from it).

The book is divided into two sections. The first section includes five chapters covering the essentials to producing any successful fundraising event:

• Fundraising Events: Setting the Stage for Success

• Choosing the Right Event

• Event Volunteers: from Selection to Recognition

• Planning, Budgeting and Publicizing Your Fundraising Event

• Evaluating Your Fundraising Event

The second section gives you the tools and a step-by-step guide to everything you need to know to produce the "Perfect Fundraising Event."

The accompanying disc (Windows formats) offers the letters, forms, job descriptions, check lists, timelines etc., you need to stage the event. All these materials can readily be customized for your organization and your event. For information on this book contact the RCVO.

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4. Students Provide Pro Bono Legal Assistance

Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC), a national network of law schools, law students, lawyers, and public interest organizations, provide under-represented non-profit organizations with pro bono legal services. The program is designed to provide public interest organizations with skilled and committed volunteers while encouraging a pro bono work ethic in students.

PBSC was founded in 1996 at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and has since expanded to meet the needs of students and organizations nation wide. Over 400 law students in 16 Canadian law schools participate each year.

PBSC matches law students with eligible organizations to provide free legal information and support under the supervision of a lawyer. PBSC students perform services such as legal research, legal writing, and legal education without monetary compensation or academic credit. Students generally contribute approximately three hours of service per week for the duration of the academic year. For more information, please contact a student coordinator. In Edmonton, contact Chelsea Evans-Vandepolder at 780-492-8287 or pbsc@ualberta.ca. In Calgary, contact Chastine Prevatt at 403-220-2690 or probonos@ucalgary.ca.

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5. Youth Volunteerism in Alberta: Youth Statement

Over 160 youth aged 16-24 attended Vitalize 2001 to meet and discuss the future of youth volunteerism. On Friday, June 8, 2001, 100 delegates (both youth and adults) in a special Youth Forum convened to develop the following Youth Statement …

As the youth of Alberta we feel that through volunteerism, we:

• create healthier societies and make our community a better place to live.

• reduce the barriers that are created from the negative stereotypes both youth and adults have of each other.

• learn leadership, communication and people skills.

• believe that it not only "takes a village to raise a child" but also "takes a child to raise a village."

• develop a sense of pride and get that warm, fuzzy feeling.

Youth Volunteerism in Alberta remains strong because of:

• the growing network of youth involved in our communities.

• the energy from youth’s innovation and creativity.

• the many conferences and developmental programs available to youth.

• recognition through awards and scholarships.

• ongoing organizational support from staff and volunteer resources.

We can improve Youth Volunteerism in Alberta by:

• providing a better awareness of the volunteering opportunities.

• creating more meaningful and challenging opportunities.

• providing youth with more recognition and/or feedback.

• including volunteerism more comprehensively in the school curriculum.

• overcoming negative stereotypes of today’s youth through various media campaigns.

Here are a few examples of recommendations we have put forth:

• A resource location where youth can access youth-related volunteer opportunities and programs in the community. This site may be virtual or a physical location.

• A youth task force to develop a media plan to promote youth volunteerism and to challenge stereotypes of youth and volunteering.

• Youth representation on all committees and boards to ensure the youth voice is heard and more youth participation in the planning of conferences.

This marks the first time in Vitalize history that a Youth Forum has produced a Statement representing the values, strengths, improvements and recommendations for youth volunteerism. These ideas reflect a common goal of enhancing and improving the state of youth volunteerism in our province.

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