one child in poverty is too many. future ... - envision.ca · network, i encourage you to say thank...
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One child in poverty is too many. Future directions for rural communities.Summer Work Experience Program launched for 2004. Charity encouragespeople to take the ‘big leap.’ Canadians give more to charities. New deal forcommunities proposes GST rebate for municipalities. Funding announcedfor community-based projects across Newfoundland and Labrador.Government expenditures on culture at its highest in ten years. One child inpoverty is too many. Future directions for rural communities. SummerWork Experience Program launched for 2004. Charity encourages people totake the ‘big leap.’ Canadians give more to charities. New deal for communi-ties proposes GST rebate for municipalities. Funding announced for commu-nity-based projects across Newfoundland and Labrador. Governmentexpenditures on culture at its highest in ten years. One child in poverty istoo many. Future directions for rural communities. Summer WorkExperience Program launched for 2004. Charity encourages people to takethe ‘big leap.’ Canadians give more to charities. New deal for communitiesproposes GST rebate for municipalities. Funding announced for community-based projects across Newfoundland and Labrador. Government expendi-tures on culture at its highest in ten years. One child in poverty is too many.Future directions for rural communities. Summer Work ExperienceProgram launched for 2004. Charity encourages people to take the ‘big leap.’Canadians give more to charities. New deal for communities proposes GSTrebate for municipalities. Funding announced for community-based proj-ects across Newfoundland and Labrador. Government expenditures on cul-ture at its highest in ten years. One child in poverty is too many. Futuredirections for rural communities. Summer Work Experience Programlaunched for 2004. Charity encourages people to take the ‘big leap.’Canadians give more to charities. New deal for communities proposes GSTrebate for municipalities. Funding announced for community-based proj-ects across Newfoundland and Labrador. Government expenditures on cul-ture at its highest in ten years. One child in poverty is too many. Futuredirections for rural communities. Summer Work Experience Programlaunched for 2004. Charity encourages people to take the ‘big leap.’Canadians give more to charities. New deal for communities proposes GSTrebate for municipalities. Funding announced for community-based proj-ects across Newfoundland and Labrador. Government expenditures on cul-ture at its highest in ten years. One child in poverty is too many. Futuredirections for rural communities. Summer Work Experience Programlaunched for 2004. Charity encourages people to take the ‘big leap.’Canadians give more to charities. New deal for communities proposes GSTrebate for municipalities. Funding announced for community-based proj-ects across Newfoundland and Labrador. Government expenditures on cul-ture at its highest in ten years. One child in poverty is too many. Future
communityVolunteers grow Volunteers grow
community
Community Services CouncilNewfoundland and LabradorPresented by
PAGE 2 APRIL 2004
St. John’s — The Community Ser-vices Council Volunteer Centre willhost a celebration event in St.
John’s to recognize the efforts of volun-teers and volunteer supporters in our com-munity. The Volunteer Week CelebrationEvent will take place at the Fairmont
Newfoundland Hotel on Sunday, April 18,from 7-9 p.m. Celebrations include pre-sentations to volunteers, entertainmentand cake. The event is open to the public.For more information, contact Kim Powerat 753-9860 or e-mail <[email protected]>.
Gander — Volunteer Week Recogni-tion Event, an evening of celebration andsweets, starting at 7 p.m. on April 22 atthe Hotel Gander. The event is hosted bythe Community Services Council Volun-tary Resources Centre. Last year, morethan 100 people attended to celebrate vol-unteers in Central Newfoundland. If youwould like to recognize a volunteer, vol-untary organizations, or group of volun-teers during the event, please contactBettina Ford at 651-1140 or e-mail <[email protected]>.
Corner Brook — To kick-off Nation-al Volunteer Week 2004, the Cormack-Grenfell Regional Volunteer Network willbe hosting a volunteer continental break-fast. It will be held at the Royal Canadi-an Legion on West Street in Corner Brookon April 16, from 7-9 a.m. There will beguest speakers, prize draws, displays andcertificates of appreciation. The breakfastis open to the public. For further infor-mation please contact Erica Humber, vol-
unteer resources co-ordinator, at 639-1829or e-mail <[email protected]>.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay — TheCentral Labrador Volunteer Network(CLVN) is organizing several activitiesthroughout Volunteer Week, including: afamily skate, reading circle and children’sfun activities at EJ Broomfield Memori-al Arena, on the afternoon of April 18; avolunteer training workshop/info sessionon risk management, mid-week; anevening of song, poetry and volunteer ap-preciation for volunteers of all ages, April24. If you want to work with the CLVNor would like more information about cel-ebration events, contact Maxine Budgellat 896-9088 or e-mail <[email protected]>.
Organize a celebration event in yourarea. Contact Kim Power at the Commu-nity Services Council Volunteer Centre:709-753-9860, toll free: 1-877-753-9190, e-mail: <[email protected]>
WHAT AFFECTS 100,000 CANADIANS ?
PARKINSON’S
IT IS . . . a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and slowlyleads to disability.
Symptoms may include tremor, slowness ofmovement, rigidity, or stiffness of muscles.
WE OFFER information, support and hope for people with Parkinson’s.
Contact us!
Parkinson Society Newfoundland & LabradorProvincial Resource Centre
219--31 Peet St. St. John’s, NL A1B 3W8709-754-4428; 1-800-567-7020e-mail [email protected]
April is Parkinson Awareness MonthApril 21 is World Parkinson’s Day
Join in Volunteer Week April 18-24
Premier Danny Williams signs the Proclamation for Volunteer Week. Taking part were:(front l-r) Major Donette Green, The Salvation Army; Premier Williams; Judy Cook, St.John’s Nursing Home Board; (back l-r) Penelope Rowe, CEO of the CSC; Holly White, MUNStudent Volunteer Bureau; Kevin Breen, president of the CSC; Derek deLouche, Children’sWish Foundation; and Karen Bowering, City of Mount Pearl.
WHAT AFFECTS 100,000 CANADIANS ?
PARKINSON’SIT IS . . . a progressive neurological disorder that
affects movement and slowly leads to disability.
Symptoms may include tremor, slowness ofmovment, rigidity, or stiffness of muscles.
WE OFFER information, support and hope for peoplewith Parkinson’s.
Contact us!
Parkinson Society Newfoundland & LabradorProvincial Resource Centre
219--31 Peet St. St. John’s, NL A1B 3W8709-754-4428; 1-800-567-7020
e-mail [email protected]
April is Parkinson Awareness MonthApril 21 is World Parkinson’s Day
PAGE 3APRIL 2004
Volunteers play vital roleT he faces on the front cover rep-
resent the thousands of peoplewho freely give their time and
talents to worthwhile causes. People ofall ages, from all walks of life, who con-tribute to our cultural, social and eco-nomic development. People who helpothers and build communities.
Everyday we hear about the virtuesof volunteers. Their praises are sung.Volunteers, we are told, are the heartof the community. But we also hearthat the number of volunteers is de-creasing…that people don’t volunteerlike they used to…that there’s lesscommunity spirit…that much of thework is done by a few. A common re-frain is that people, especially youngpeople, are not willing to get involved.
ONE OF THREE PILLARS OF SOCIETYVolunteers make up a part of what
is termed the voluntary, community-based sector. The sector embodies thevalues of mutual support and person-al responsibility that have sustainedus through our long history. It en-hances community spirit and coopera-tion, and brings people together in goodproductive relationships. The volun-tary, community-based sector in New-foundland and Labrador comprisesmore than 4,300 charities, non-profitorganizations and grassroots groups.Collectively, these make up a vital partof society alongside the public and pri-vate sectors.
DECLINING RATE OF VOLUNTEERISMResearch points to a real loss of vol-
unteers between 1997 and 2000. Thosewho are engaged are carrying a greaterburden. In this province, active volun-teers contribute on average 206 hoursa year, an equivalent to five workingweeks. Much of this effort is borne bya few. This reliance on the dedicatedminority is a source of vulnerability.Our calculations indicate that the 31per cent of people aged 15 years andolder who volunteered in the year 2000contributed the equivalent of 15,600person years through voluntary, com-munity-based organizations. Contraryto public opinion, those aged 15 to 24have the highest rate of volunteeringin Newfoundland and Labrador.
Some attribute the declining rate toa loss of population. But there is also
a decline in volunteerism across thecountry. So what are other contribut-ing factors?
SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT IS CHANGINGFrom a volunteer’s perspective,
changing lifestyles — more mobility,two income families, single parent fam-ilies, a faster pace of life, competing de-mands — are affecting how they canget involved. There are growing con-cerns about legal liability, the cost ofout of pocket expenses. Many peoplewant to volunteer in different waysfrom how they did in the past. Forsome, taking on a long-term commit-ment may not be possible; they prefershort term, episodic, single event ac-tivities.
VOLUNTEERS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED
People want meaningful experiences;they don’t want to waste their time.They want to know what is expected ofthem and have clear direction. It is nolonger good enough for organizationsto say they need volunteers. Programsmust be well managed. This entailshaving good recruiting, screening andselection practices, well-designed pro-grams and proper supervision.
From an organizational perspective,there are complex issues relating to in-adequate resources to manage and co-ordinate volunteer programs, whichaffect their ability to attract volunteersand to offer meaningful experiences.Many groups do not have the capacity
to address these concerns individual-ly.
TAPPING UNTAPPED POTENTIAL The Community Services Council be-
lieves there are many people who areunderutilized, who are willing to be-come more involved, who are not askedto participate. Often people do notknow how to connect with organiza-tions and volunteer opportunities. Ina recent study conducted across theprovince we learned that 59 per centof organizations feel they need morevolunteers and 38 per cent have en-countered difficulty in recruiting boardmembers. On the other hand, we havelearned that 38 per cent of individualsresponding to the survey are willing tobecome more involved. One of the mainreasons people don’t volunteer is be-cause they have not been asked. So wemust find ways to reach out to thosewho are not involved.
The challenge is how to bridge thegap. Few communities have a centrallocation for recruiting or referring vol-unteers or for maintaining a list of vol-unteer requirements.
Organizations need to adjust to thenew ways people want to volunteer.The Community Services Council is ac-tively seeking to establish regional Vol-untary Resource Centres to tacklethese issues.
RESHAPING THE FACE OF VOLUNTEERING
So, as we approach Volunteer Week2004, please plan to recognize the vol-unteers in your community. Let themknow how much they are appreciated.Have a celebration in your school, townhall or church. On behalf of the Com-munity Services Council Newfound-land and Labrador, the VolunteerWeek Planning Committee and theCanada Volunteerism Initiative LocalNetwork, I encourage you to say thankyou to those who do volunteer, and ex-tend a welcome to those who might liketo get involved.
We offer a challenge to everyone: Aswe reshape the future, let’s find waysto increase the rate of volunteering.
Penelope M. Rowe is the chief execu-tive officer of the Community ServicesCouncil Newfoundland and Labrador.
Andre Prefontaine......................President, Transcontinental Media
Miller Ayre................Group Publisher NLKerry Hann.................................PublisherRon Ennis.......................Managing EditorSteve Bartlett....................................EditorPaul Thomey.......................Sales ManagerTodd Manning....................Layout EditorJoanne Snook-Hann............Layout EditorMary Urie............................Layout Editor
Kevin Breen...................................PresidentRay Hawco............................Vice-presidentSheree Snow..................................TreasurerBob Oxley......................................SecretaryLuanne Leamon..............................At LargePenelope M. Rowe..Chief Executive Officer
36 Austin Street, Second Floor, P.O. Box 8660,Stn. A, St. John’s, Newfoundland, A1B 3T7
Tel: 709-579-1312 • Fax: 709-579-7745E-mail: [email protected]
CSC Executive Committee
Volunteers grow community is prepared by CSCstaff Kelly-Anne Meadus, with Neil Head and PamCorrigan. Freelance contributions from Danette Doo-ley. Thank you to Donette Green for her input.
This project is funded in part by the New-foundland and Labrador Canada Volun-teerism Initiative and the CommunityServices Council Newfoundland andLabrador, with support from the Government of Canada.
Site 201, Virginia Park PlazaNewfoundland Drive
St. John’s, NL A1A 3E9Tel: 709-753-9860 • Fax: 709-753-6112
E-mail: [email protected]
Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador
On the cover...The cover of ‘Volunteers grow community’ featuresthe following volunteers from Newfoundland and Labrador:
Wayne Broomfield, Happy Valley-Goose BayZita Butler, St. John’s
Doug Churchill, GlovertownMichael Godsell, MarystownReneé Hodder, Mount PearlMeghan Hollett, Kelligrews
Rod Jackson, St. John’sRick Mercer, Toronto, originally from St. John’s
Kaberi Sarma-Debnah, St. John’sMinnie Vallis, Corner Brook
Penelope M. Rowe
PAGE 4 APRIL 2004
T hey help keep our waters clean,our forests green, our hungry fed,our vulnerable safe and ourselves
aware.They take no rewards for their efforts,
but that of the satisfaction on having ac-complished something good.
Who are they? They are the volunteers in Newfound-
land and Labrador, people who dedicatetheir time, energy and know-how to in-fluence our quality of life in a positive way.
Volunteers help provide valuable pro-grams and services, stimulate the growthof the economy, provide all ages with newskills and experiences, respond to socialneeds and support cultural diversity andheritage.
Volunteer Week, this year scheduled forApril 18-24, provides a time to recognizeand express gratitude to those thousandsof devoted volunteers in our province, andto increase awareness of their efforts.
This year’s theme is ‘Volunteers GrowCommunity.’ It acknowledges the enor-mous contribution the voluntary, com-munity-based sector makes to the social,cultural and economic development of ourprovince and to the growth of our com-munities.
So, this year, recognize the work of andshow your appreciation to the people whogive, often simply because they can.
This April 18-24, why not organize aVolunteer Week celebration event in yourschool, organization, company or town.
Or, if you dare, join the ranks of localheroes and resolve to become a volunteer.
CSC SUPPORTS VOLUNTEERISMFor over 25 years, the Community Ser-
vices Council Newfoundland and Labrador(CSC) has been this province’s leader inthe promotion of Volunteer Week.
In 1977, the CSC established the Vol-unteer Centre to promote volunteerism inNewfoundland and Labrador, to supportpeople who wish to volunteer and to as-sist agencies who rely upon the aid of vol-unteers.
The goal of the CSC is a prosperous andinclusive society that supports individu-
Great accomplishments deserve fanfare
Erin Best (left) and Sandy Morris of RASA accept a volunteer recognition award presentedby Kevin Breen, president of the Community Services Council. RASA also received a cer-tificate in recognition of its contribution by way of a performance during the VolunteerWeek 2003 celebration event at the Fairmont Newfoundland.
Continued on page 5
Poster displayed during the Volunteer Week2003 celebrations in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
als, families and commu-nities. The CSC mission isto encourage citizen en-gagement, promote the in-tegration of social andeconomic development andprovide leadership in shap-ing public policies.
The CSC takes on nu-merous initiatives in orderto fulfill its mission: focus-ing attention on public pol-icy issues; maintainingenVision.ca, a virtual re-
source centre; providing anonline directory of commu-nity organizations; makingvolunteer opportunitiesacross the province easilyaccessible; and offeringtraining and leadership de-velopment
A recognized and trust-
ed leader among voluntary,community-based organi-zations in communitiesacross Newfoundland andLabrador, the CSC hasearned a national reputa-tion among its peers andwon the respect of partnersin the public, private and
voluntary sectors.For more information
about celebration eventsand volunteer opportuni-ties, call the CSC’s Volunteer Centre at 709-753-9860, toll-free at 1-877-753-9190 or visitwww.enVision.ca.
PAGE 5APRIL 2004
• Give an appreciation certificate or thank-you card.• As a gift, create and laminate a bookmark.• Smile, and say, “Thank you!”• Send a letter to the volunteer’s employer,
acknowledging their contributions.
• Honour volunteers with a lunch or dinner.• Give an anniversary card highlighting their years
of service and how they helped make a difference.• Feature a ‘Volunteer of the Month’ in a newsletter
or bulletin.
The Clarenville Middle School Choir performs at Clarenville’s Volunteer Week 2003 celebrations.
Participants in the Corner Brook Volunteer Week 2003 celebrations included members ofthe Regional Volunteer Network. From left to right are Katherine Lockhart, Beverly Tet-ford, Volunteer Week 2003 honourary chair Randy Simms, Jenny McKay and Paula Power.
Continued from page 4
During the Volunteer Week 2003 ceremony in Gander,Frances Coke received an Individual Volunteer Recogni-tion award from Barry Oakes.
Jointhe
ranks
Ways to say, ‘Thank you!’...
If you are a woman or a group of women looking for anorganization that is open to all women, offers a varietyof activities and opportunities in both rural and urban
settings, the W.I. could be what you are looking for.
Branches are situated throughout the province and womenmeet on a regular basis to expand their skills, broaden theirinterests and improve conditions in their homes and commu-nities.
W.I. creates friendships and learning through programmesthat cover absolutely anything of interest to women, fromcrafts and health to culture and economics.
The organization is part of a national and internationalorganization and members have opportunities to travel toconferences and workshops.
W.I. members are well known as being volunteers who assistin many good causes in their communities. Helping others isan important aspect of W.I. and as an informal educationalorganization, members learn as they go through self-fulfil-ment, service and sociability.
For more information, call (709) 753-8780.
The Newfoundlandand Labrador
Women’sInstitutes
S oon, non-profit organiza-tions in the Strategic So-cial Plan’s Eastern Region,
which spans the Burin andBonavista Peninsulas, will havea new tool to assist volunteer re-cruitment efforts.
Using the Internet, volunteerswill be linked with voluntarygroups seeking their assistance.Once the data is collected fromhundreds of organizations in thearea, positions will be posted on-line according to community atwww.volunteereastern.envision.ca
Colin Holloway, regional plan-ner for Eastern, says, “We believewe can motivate new volunteersto become involved in the com-munity if their interests are
matched to the right kind of vol-unteer work.”
The Community Services Coun-cil Newfoundland and Labrador’svirtual resource centre for the vol-untary sector, enVision.ca, willhost the volunteer board that isto be designed specifically for theeastern region.
“We are very excited to be apart of this project,” says PamCorrigan, CSC co-ordinator of en-Vision.ca. “This shows the type ofhigh-tech, high-touch approachthat has made enVision.ca suchan invaluable tool for the volun-tary sector in this province.”
The project is lead by the RuralSecretariat, Eastern Region.Other partners providing project
management and support are theDiscovery Regional DevelopmentBoard and the Schooner Region-
al Development Corporation.For more information, please
contact Bernice Dyke, regional
Volunteer Network co-ordinator,at 709-466-1454 or e-mail<[email protected]>.
PAGE 6 APRIL 2004
Eastern SSP Region launches new project
Something for nothing?Believe it.The Community Services CouncilNewfoundland and Labrador’s en-Vision.ca staff provides FREE tech-nical and Internet troubleshootingsupport for community groups inthe province.
For toll-free support, call 1-877-753-8998.
S how your appreciation of spe-cial volunteers or groups ofvolunteers! The Community
Services Council Volunteer Centre,in cooperation with The Telegram,highlights volunteers and their con-tributions in Newfoundland andLabrador.
Volunteer profiles are featured on
enVision.ca and The Telegram’s ‘Com-munity Heroes’ page every secondTuesday.
To nominate a person or group forprofiling, complete the online formavailable at www.enVision.ca. Youcan also call 753-9860 or e-mail <[email protected]> to ask fora form or more information.
Bernice Dyke, regional volunteer network co-ordinator.
■ “We are very excited to be a partof this project. This shows the type ofhigh-tech, high-touch approach thathas made enVision.ca such an in-valuable tool for the voluntary sectorin this province.”
— Pam Corrigan, CSC co-ordinator
of enVision.ca
High-tech approach for the region
Good news should be shared
A new regional hubfor volunteers andvoluntary, com-
munity-based organiza-tions was officially openedin Gander on Feb. 24.
During a luncheon atthe Albatross Motel, morethan 50 representatives ofthe voluntary sector gath-ered with representativesof the Community Ser-vices Council Newfound-land and Labrador (CSC)to open the CSC Volun-tary Resources Centre.
“The event really nur-tured quite a network ofenthusiastic ambassadorsfor the Centre and for theCommunity ServicesCouncil in the region,”said Bettina Ford, volun-tary resources facilitatorand one of two new stafffor the Centre.
QUICK ACCESS The CSC Voluntary Re-
sources Centre will allowgroups in the area quickaccess to information onvolunteerism, training op-portunities and links toother voluntary, commu-nity-based organizationsin the region.
This Centre will provideoutreach services for vol-unteers and organizationswhile complementing theCSC’s online resource cen-tre, www.enVision.ca.
“CSC truly believes inthe ‘high-tech, high-touch’philosophy,” said KevinBreen, CSC president inhis opening remarks. “Thiscombines the benefits oftechnology with personalsupports, access to servic-es and information, skillsdevelopment and train-ing.”
A ONE-STOP SHOPExtensive research and
consultation conducted bythe CSC with the
province’s voluntary sectorrevealed that many groupsstruggle in isolation withcommon challenges suchas volunteer and staffburnout, human resourceplanning, networking andaccessing needed informa-tion and services.
The new CSC VoluntaryResources Centre comes inresponse to a growing desire among voluntary,community-based organi-zations across Newfound-land and Labrador to workmore collectively.
“The CSC is delighted toopen the Centre whichwill respond to these is-sues, making it easier fororganizations and theirvolunteers to increasecommunication and build
the capacity of the sector,”said Penny Rowe, CSCchief executive officer.
The new Centre willalso improve the level ofinformation managementand technology supportavailable to the voluntarysector across the province.
The CSC is leading anew project to delivertechnical training andsupport services to thevoluntary sector in thisprovince, as well as inNova Scotia.
Funded by the Govern-ment of Canada’s Volun-tary Sector Initiative(VSI), this activity is partof a larger initiative to es-tablish a national volun-tary sector informationmanagement/information
technology (IM/IT) train-ing and support network.This will enable the CSCto expand its range oftechnical support servic-es, computer training andinformation technologyplanning.
“Voluntary organiza-tions have clearly identi-fied the need to learnabout and use informa-tion technology,” saysPam Corrigan, co-ordina-tor of enVision.ca.
“Through the IM/ITProgram of the VSI, wewill operate a toll-freeline and in-person train-ing services from thisCentre, to ensure accesssupport and assistance tobuild their technical ca-pacity.”
PAGE 7APRIL 2004
Jackie Watkins, president of the Gander Unit, Canadian Cancer Society, had this tosay during a speech at the CSC Voluntary Resources Centre launch: “Since informa-tion technology support will now be available through a toll-free line throughout theprovince, volunteers in all our communities will feel connected and will be able to geteducation and learn how computers can be used by their organization.“I wish to thank the Community Services Council for making the decision to place thiscentre in Gander where it can be used by volunteers in all of Central Newfoundland.I, for one, will certainly make use of its services and I encourage all of you to do thesame.”
Breaking new ground in Central Making contact…Get in touch with Bettina Ford, voluntary resources
facilitator, if you need to:• Learn more about enVision.ca• Attract new volunteers• Promote an event• Manage my organization effectively• Plan a volunteer program• Thank our volunteers• Run meetings more effectively• Reduce risk and liabilityBettina’s e-mail is <[email protected]> and her
phone number is 709-651-1140.
If you are wondering...
• How does this computer work?• What do we need in a system?• What training is available?• Will this program do what we need?• How can we communicate more efficiently?• We should all know how to operate this?• How do we budget for technology costs?• Does my computer have a virus?Doug’s e-mail is <[email protected] > and his
toll-free phone number is 1-877-753-8998.
C ar owners, homeowners and businesses havebeen hit hard by rising insurance rates. The vol-untary sector is no exception.
The Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF) is the leadershipbody of the Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI). It has beenholding regional roundtable sessions across Canada sinceDecember 2003 to gain a better understanding of the li-ability and insurance issues faced by the sector.
During one such session in St. John’s this past Janu-ary, 13 members of voluntary organizations in New-foundland and Labrador participated in risk managementand liability discussions.
Participants at the roundtable hosted by the Commu-nity Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador (CSC)cited three common problems with insurance: the risingcost of insurance, the inability to renew insurance or toget a preferred coverage type, and the inability to obtain
coverage for volunteers.The group predicted that the consequences of these in-
surance-related concerns could be severe. Fund-raisingefforts would suffer as more funds are channelled to riskmanagement. Volunteers would be difficult to recruit dueto concerns about liability. Allocating increased amountsof money to insurance costs and risk management wouldcurtail services and diminish mandates. Some organi-zations would not endure the high cost of insurance andcease to exist.
“Having to spend a lot more money on one single budg-et item means less to spend in other areas,” says NeilHardy, vice-president of the East Coast Trail Associa-tion, one of the voluntary organizations that brought arepresentative to the St. John’s roundtable.
Hardy adds a different spin to the insurance issue.“Where the competition for certain types of coverage islow or even non-existent, we can then only have ‘blindfaith’ in the insurance industry... We always worry that[monopolies] exist, and that premium increases supportcompany profit positions that are not in the best inter-ests of their insurance clientele.”
DUAL ROLE OF WATCHDOG AND REGULATOR‘All or nothing deals just don’t work,’ was an often-
quoted refrain during the roundtable discussions. Re-spondents stressed that voluntary organizations want tobe insurance consumers, but it has to be within their ca-pacity. Insurance companies need to negotiate more withnon-profits to create insurance plans that meets theirneeds and budget.
As well, the group commented on the link between ris-ing insurance rates and the rising number of claims filed.They said people also have to be realistic.
The group’s talk didn’t focus only on the negative. Re-port-backs from the breakout sessions resulted in manyforward-moving ideas like bargaining collective insur-ance options, establishing risk funds, soliciting govern-ment support, becoming well-informed insuranceshoppers, and encouraging public dialogue and mobi-lization.
Like the discussion group, Hardy advocates a proac-tive approach. “The sooner we organize ourselves to bet-ter manage rising premium costs and risk management,the better.”
Hardy thinks the government can react to the coun-try’s litigious environment and escalating insurance ratesby acting as watchdog and regulator. In this way, gov-ernment could examine the issues, assist in promotingrisk management and create legislative, circumstance-based boundaries on claims.
— Source: Voluntary Sector Forum, http://www.voluntary-sector.ca
PAGE 8 APRIL 2004
When ‘all or nothing’just won’t work
Neil Hardy, vice-president, East Coast Trails Association.
Jeannette Andrews, an active volunteer and roundtableparticipant, notes points during the liability and risk man-agement discussions in January 2004.
wishes to thank its many volunteers in their work
to promote a more literate community.
If you are having troublereading, or would like to help
out, please call 738-3975 or email
I n a nutshell, it’s a group of 20members from the country’s non-profit and charitable sector, work-
ing toward a stronger, engaged,recognized and connected voluntary,community-based sector.
SOME SPECIFICSThe VSF has a three-part mandate that
is available on the Internet at www.vol-untary-sector.ca.
Basically, the VSF intends to increasethe capacity of the sector (or its ability todo things, and to do them better).
It strives to raise awareness, respondto key issues of concern to the sector andto expand its network.
HOW IT FITS INWhat does VSF have to do with VSI?The VSF is part of the management
structure of the Voluntary Sector Initia-tive or the VSI. The VSI is a five-yearjoint venture of the Government of Cana-da and the voluntary sector.
The purpose of the VSI is to strength-en the relationship between the federalgovernment and the voluntary sector,and to enhance the capacity of that sec-tor.
The initiative aims to build and engagethe voluntary sector by creating links be-tween sub-sectors and geographic areas,as well as building new process andstructures within.
PAGE 9APRIL 2004
What is the Voluntary Sector Forum? • The CSC has identified over 4,300
voluntary, community-based organiza-tions in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• A CSC survey concluded that 31 percent of residents in this province (morethan 138,000 people) volunteered an av-erage of 206 hours each annually.
• Almost 60 per cent of organizationssurveyed by the CSC responded theyneed more volunteers.
• Thirty-five per cent of respondentssurveyed by the CSC said they were in-terested in becoming active or more in-volved as volunteers.
• Women in Newfoundland andLabrador are more likely than men to vol-unteer, and accounted for a higher per-centage of the total hours volunteered.
However, male volunteers contributedmore hours on average than did femalevolunteers. (National Survey of Giving,Volunteering and Participating 2000)
• The Community Services Councilprovides information about volunteerrecruitment and retention, job descrip-tions, board management, personnelmanuals and more online at www.en-Vision.ca.
• The Community Services CouncilVolunteer Centre offers affordable giftsand tokens for purchase online atwww.enVision.ca.
• Volunteering among seniors inCanada has been linked to improvedquality of life, stronger social networks,increased levels of physical activity, andlower mortality rates. (Health Canada)
Did you know...
The Express is proud to lend a helping handthrough our involvement and partnershipswith many community organizations.
Salu
ting
our
volu
ntee
rs
PLUS MANY MORE...
The Salvation ArmyFriendship Corner
Canadian Blood Services
The Seniors Resource Centre
The Janeway Teddy Bear BASH
The Resource Centrefor the Arts
The Newfoundland andLabrador Folk Festival
The Mount Pearl FrostyFestival
The Beothuck Street PlayersTheatre Group
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
PAGE 10 APRIL 2004
The Canada Vol-unteerism Ini-tiative (CVI) is a
federally funded, five-year project that aimsto encourage involve-ment in voluntary or-ganizations, heightenthe volunteer experi-ence and improve thethird sector’s ability tobenefit from the contri-butions of volunteers.
Thirteen ‘Local Net-works,’ one in eachprovince and territory,are chief among theCVI delivery process.
CVI NETWORKThe Newfoundland
and Labrador CVI Net-work, now in its secondyear, is exploring theways and means of at-tracting volunteers anddiscovering what someorganizations do to suc-cessfully recruit and re-tain them.
The goal is to providea source of informationthat can be used andadapted by organiza-tions to improve theirability to create, ex-pand and keep a volun-teer base.
The network’s re-search activities into re-cruiting and retainingvolunteers are similarto those underway in
all other Local Net-works across the coun-try. This pan-Canadianinvestment has poten-tially far reaching ben-efits as new knowledgegained from oneprovince or territorycould positively affectstrategies to promotevolunteerism in anoth-er area.
NL CVI FUNDED PROJECTS
In December 2003, theNewfoundland andLabrador CVI Networkallocated $30,000 infunding to six projectsworking to promote orenhance volunteering inthe province’s communi-ties.
The Newfoundland
Historic Trust hosts onesuch project called Youthin Heritage. The goal isto bring together her-itage groups from neigh-bouring communities, tolearn about and promotethe benefits of youth volunteerism, and tomeet community-based
Making Connections Fair, held February 2004, at St. Anne’s Academy in Dunville.
• Not enough time for long-term commitments• Some people not interested• Expenses such as childcare and travel• Have not been personally asked• Do not believe they have the right skills• Feel unwelcome because of age, income or
disability
•Not enough promotion of organization or volunteer opportunities
• Same people run organizations; hard for new people to get involved
• Possibility of being held legally responsible• Think volunteers are not appreciated• Lack of training for volunteers
© CSC 2004
Why people don’t volunteer...
Provincial network making waves
Continued on page 11
“Most volunteering is done by a small numberof people. We don’t want them to burn out.”
Walwin Blackmore, NL CVI member, Grand Falls-Windsor
“The heritage sector in Newfoundland andLabrador relies overwhelmingly on dedicated vol-unteers (which is why) the issues of volunteer re-cruitment and retention are extremely importantto us.”
Lara Maynard, project coordinator, Newfoundland Historic Trust
“Everyone realizes there will be a crisis situa-tion in the near future and someone has to dealwith it now. The NL CVI has taken on that chal-lenge.”
Judy Pardy, NL CVI member, Cartwright
“It was a real eye opener for people and a realcelebration of volunteerism. It’s really commu-nity capacity at its finest.”
Anna Power, project co-ordinator, Canadian Red Cross, Newfoundland and
Labrador region
“Non-profits need a lot more knowledgenow. It’s not as simple as getting money. It’sabout accountability, liability, training. Itmight attract a different type of volunteer.One who wants the training.”
Wayne Broomfield, NL CVI member, Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Quotables…Canada Volunteerism Initiative
The Salvation ArmyNL East Division
21 Adam’s AvenueSt. John’s, NL
A1C 4Z1Phone: (709) 579-2022
The Salvation Army would like totake this opportunity to thank all ourvolunteers for their valuable support
and dedication over the
past year.
Thank you and keep up the goodwork!!
- God Bless You All -
Established in 1987, the Sir ThomasRoddick Hospital Foundation is a regis-tered non-profit organization that remainscommitted to raising funds for the pur-chase of medical equipment for the SirThomas Roddick Hospital. Your financialassistance improves our health care sys-tem and thereby, you are instrumental insaving lives. If you wish to make a dona-tion or receive additional information,please contact us at (709) 643-7478 or e-mail aburt@healthwest. nf.ca. You mayalso visit our Foundation webpage atwww.healthwest.nf.ca, (click on the sec-tion “Partners in Care”).
PAGE 11APRIL 2004
heritage volunteers andnon-profit youth-orient-ed organizations.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
A fair, held at St.Anne’s Academy inDunville in February2004, was a major partof another NL CVI fund-ed project called MakingConnections. The pur-pose of the fair was toencourage groups in Pla-centia and outlying com-munities to cometogether to promotewhat they do, who theyare, to find volunteersand to network with
other groups.It was also an effort to
encourage young peopleto volunteer and to un-derstand the impor-tance of the voluntary,community-based sec-tor.
All six funding recip-ients are voluntary,community-based or-ganization working inpartnerships of three ormore on specific com-munity initiativesaround volunteerism.The funded projects di-rectly benefit 25 volun-tary groups throughoutthe province, and willhave an even a broaderimpact on their respec-tive communities.
Working to promote volunteering
Continued from page 10
Local CVI Network
FOCUS
• identify provincial challenges and priorities• develop communications strategies• partner to develop innovative ways to enhancevolunteering
PROVINCIAL PRIORITIES
• targeting new volunteer groups• celebrating youth volunteerism• identifying barriers to volunteerism• investing in training and leadership• broadening the definition of volunteerism toinclude informal volunteering
Objectives of theNational CVI:
Improve the ability of organizations to benefitfrom volunteers
Encourage Canadians to participate as volunteers
Enhance the overall experience of volunteering
A CSC survey identified these most often-citedrecruitment methods that work:
• Word of mouth• Personal contact• Asking people to help• Targeting specific populations• Targeting members
Remember...The majority of people who volunteer do sobecause they were asked.
© CSC 2004
You might want to reconsider.
For everyone, everywhere, there are benefitsto gain from volunteering, such as:
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
• Meet new people• Make contacts• Develop existing and new skills• Explore career possibilities• Learn to market yourself• Enhances career opportunities
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Self-fulfillment• Feel accepted and valued• Be part of a solution• Discover strengths and talents• Gain self-confidence• Build a better society• Take on new challenges• Have fun!
Rachelle Connors of L’Association Francophone de Plaisance, dressed in period garb, discusses Placentia’sFrench history.
Don’t fear thefuture — takea firm grasp!
The Com-munityServices
Council New-foundland andLabrador (CSC)leads a new proj-ect to deliver tech-nical training andsupport servicesto the voluntarysector in thisprovince.
The Informa-tion Management/Information Technology training andsupport project will enable the CSC to expand its tech-nical support services, computer training and informa-tion technology planning.
If your group would like more information about en-Vision.ca, or to acces technology training and support,contact the CSC:
St. John’s Tel: 709-753-9860Gander Tel: 709-651-1140
Not a volunteer?
Know what works...
St. John AmbulanceNewfoundland and Labrador Council
Thanks to our many community service volunteers
Patient Care ServicesTherapy Dog Program
Car Seat Safety ProgramPrograms for Youth
112 Forest Road, P.O. Box 5489St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador A1C 5W4
TEL: (709) 726-4200 FAX (709) 726-4117e-mail: [email protected]
Toll Free: 1-800-801-0181
™
PAGE 12 APRIL 2004
Signed on Dec. 5, 2001, AnAccord Between the Gov-ernment of Canada and
the Voluntary Sector — oftenreferred to simply as the Ac-cord — was an agreement tostrengthen the relationship be-tween the federal governmentand the voluntary sector.
Susan Scotti is the assistantdeputy minister of Income Se-curity Programs, Social Devel-opment Canada, and a pastmember of the joint table thatcrafted the agreement. Shelauds the Accord and what itdoes.
“The Accord explicitly recog-nizes the key role of the volun-tary sector in Canadian society,equal in importance to the pub-lic and private sectors, and es-sential to improving the livesof Canadians. The Accord ac-knowledges that the two sec-tors are independent. Thatsome of their goals are inter-
dependent, and [that] for therelationship to be mutually re-warding, both sectors must re-spect and adhere to theprinciples of ongoing dialogue,cooperation and collaboration.”
Brenda Cameron Couch ismanager, Voluntary Sector Ini-tiative (VSI) Liaison and Ac-cord Implementation with theVoluntary Sector Forum: “Thisrecognition of the sectorthrough the Accord provides astarting point for strengthen-ing the voluntary sector and in-
creasing the sector’s role inpublic policy development. Thekey now is that organizationsmake themselves aware of theAccord and Codes on Fundingand Policy Dialogue. These doc-uments outline the specificcommitments that sector or-ganizations have and whatthey can expect when workingwith the federal government.”
To download the Accord andthe Codes, or for more infor-mation on the VSI, visitwww.vsi-isbc.ca.
A virtual resource centre, enVision.ca provides informationand tools for non-profit organizations and their volunteers.enVision.ca connects people to technology and information
with a unique high-tech, high-touch approach.At enVision.ca, you will find:
• Interactive e-learning• Up-to-date news from the sector• Calendar of events• Good news stories• Volunteer and employment opportunities• Volunteer job descriptions• Funding sources and deadlines• Website creation• Online research capacity• A searchable database of 4300+ organizations in Newfoundland
and Labrador.
Find out how you can learn about, interact with, and contributeto the voluntary sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Agreement marksanother step forward
www.enVision.cabuilding voices in
the non-profit sector
Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labradorin the province
We grow communities
Who sayswe’re onlySt. John’s
based?
Voluntary Sector Training
enVision.ca Contributors & Smart Labrador
enVision.ca Orientation Sessions
Roundtables and Discussions
SWASP Placements
YMY Placements
Gander Office
St. John’s office
The Salvation ArmyNL East Division
21 Adam’s AvenueSt. John’s, NL
A1C 4Z1Phone: (709) 579-2022
The Salvation Army would like totake this opportunity to thank all ourvolunteers for their valuable support
and dedication over the
past year.
Thank you and keep up the goodwork!!
- God Bless You All -
PAGE 13APRIL 2004
“1st Choice in Sports Apparel”Lower Level, Avalon Mall
St. John’s, NLPhone: 709-739-5665
Toll Free: 888-339-4444
for the third consecutive year for outstanding contribution and participa-tion in community minded events at theAvalon Mall.
THAT PRO LOOK raised $2000 in support of the Avalon Mall Happy Treethrough ticket sales on an NHL autographed jersey. The three-year totalfor this annual fundraiser now stands at$4400.
Many thanks to our staff and customers for their
continued support.
Winner of the G. Kearney and DaughterTimeless Service Award
FROM YOUR FRIENDS
AT THE NATIONAL
HOCKEY LEAGUE.GET READY FOR THE
PLAYOFFS WITH
OFFICIAL NHLLICENCED PRODUCTS.
You own or run a business.You deal with the de-mands of your clientele.
You get headaches from argu-ing with shifty suppliers andavoiding the tenacity of your ac-countant. There are endless hoursof work and your family regular-ly complains about your absence.
Now you hear about “corporatecitizenship” and why it’s so im-portant to establish a rapportwith the community. As if youcould afford to add to your platewhile taking away the meal. Youwish you were toting aspirin.
What could your company pos-sibly gain by sinking hard-earneddollars into the community, itsvoluntary organizations, its non-profit events?
Read on and you’ll find out.
A VIEW OF THE FACTSBefore getting into what bene-
fits you can reap from building arelationship with the voluntary,community-based sector — in
other words, with your commu-nity — let’s view the facts.
Fact #1: Government invest-ment in social programs and thevoluntary, community-based sec-tor has been steadily decliningover the years. Though of late, thefederal government has extend-ed a hand of friendship, that handis not full of money.
Fact #2: Citizens have in-creased their expectations of whatthe non-profit sector should as-sume responsibility for. Citizensalso expect the business sector totake on more responsibility fromgovernment.
Fact #3: Non-profit groupsoften vie for the same funding potas private companies. The primeminister announced he aims tochange that unequal competitionfor resources but it is not yet a re-ality.
Fact #4: The voluntary, com-munity-based sector needs yourhelp, and whether you realize itor not, you need the non-profit
sector. Why? It provides essentialservices to the community, actingas watchdog for the welfare ofyour employees, your customers,your family and yourself. What-ever happens to the third sectorwill affect you economically, so-cially and culturally.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?For a private company, there
are numerous benefits to adopt-ing a role of good corporate citi-zen. A sound reputation withstakeholders and shareholders isone advantage. Maintaining in-vestor confidence is a key compo-nent of corporate strategy.
The company’s public image isequally important to nurture.When you build goodwill in thecommunity, you also build astronger, often more loyal con-sumer base, which converts intolarger revenues.
If you build a partnership witha non-profit organization, you alsoexpand your company’s potential
to find new and valuable oppor-tunities and contacts.
Finally, when your companycontributes to voluntary, com-munity-based organizations, itcontributes to the capacity andwealth of your community.
That, in turn, increases the ca-pacity for consumerism.
It’s all very cyclical. Sort of likewatching the ‘What goes around,comes around’ adage in action.
Interesting, isn’t it?
INVEST IN PEOPLEUltimately, the level of com-
munity involvement will dependupon the ability and willingnessof your company. Your corpora-tion can make charitable dona-tions, encourage employees tovolunteer, create a partnershipwith a local voluntary organiza-tion, invest in local programs andprojects or champion a cause.
In a conference speech lastyear, Charlie Coffey, the execu-tive vice-president of Government
and Community Affairs at RBCFinancial Group, put corporatecitizenship neatly into perspec-tive. “Corporations around theworld are increasingly consciousof the benefit and indeed, the ne-cessity of being, and being seenas, good corporate citizens. Cor-porations are more strategicallyand actively engaged, contribut-ing resources and knowledge aswell as dollars in order to helpbuild a healthier society. They’remore focused on building win/winpartnerships.
“Whatever happens in theeconomy, the external political/so-cial environment and industry,will obviously impact the private,public and voluntary sectors,however, it’s important to re-member that solid partnershipsoffer more flexibility and collabo-ration in both good and uncertaintimes.”
You are a citizen. Your corpo-ration is a citizen. You and yourcompany already are involved.
PAGE 14 APRIL 2004
Volunteerism makes good business
Answer these two questions and you’ll have your name placed in a draw to win a CSC Quiz Draw Package!
1. When is Volunteer Week 2004? __________________________________________________________________
2. What percentage of 15 to 24 year-olds volunteer? __________________________________________________
Your name: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Age (optional): ___________________________________________________________________________________
Tel: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
Postal Code: ____________________________________________________________________________________
The CSC quick quiz
Mail your answers to Community Services Coun-cil Newfoundland and Labrador, Virginia ParkPlaza, Newfoundland Drive, St. John’s, NL, A1A3E9.
All entries must be postmarked no later than
April 14, 2004. The winner will be drawn and an-nounced by April 18, 2004.
The CSC Quiz Draw Package includes a stainlesssteel travel mug, tote bag, a ‘Volunteers Make Com-munities’ badge, writing pen and notepad.
How volunteers grow communityNewfoundland and Labrador’s voluntary sector relies on its volunteers to:• Provide valuable community programs and services• Stimulate economic growth• Provide all ages with opportunities• Respond to social needs• Support cultural diversity and heritage.
W hen discussing the role of New-foundland Power Inc. as a cor-porate citizen, Karl Smith
wears a friendly, well-deserved smile. Smith, president and CEO, agrees that
corporate social responsibility is a duty ofevery business, but adds, “If you think ofit that way, you won’t be as effective asyou should be. You have to believe in whatyou’re doing.
“Good corporate citizenship. It’s almostlike a religion to us.”
Smith isn’t exaggerating. Thecompany’s 2003 Annual Report lists 52 or-ganizations that received financial, in-kindor hands-on support from NewfoundlandPower and its employees. The companyalso boasts involvements with over 300community partnerships.
Smith realizes the company reaps ben-efits, too. From his perspective, the big
benefits come from employee development;acquiring new skills and learning, and aboost in morale. In term of public rela-tions, the benefits are obvious. “If cus-tomers and communities see you’re doinggood, it creates a pool of goodwill. I’m con-vinced it translates into dollars and cents.
“If our communities are doing well, weare doing well.”
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
“We can never get involved in all thegroups and projects we’d like to,” saysSmith. “We try to focus our involvement.”
About seven years ago, NewfoundlandPower began supporting the Cancer Soci-ety after the majority of employees andcustomers polled had named the cause. Ajoint venture between NewfoundlandPower and others, what has becomeknown as The Power of Life Project re-cently purchased a CT Simulator for theDr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Center. New-foundland Power’s employees also fund-raised to purchase a visual therapy muralto brighten the CT Simulator treatmentroom.
EnviroFest is another project hosted byNewfoundland Power that, according toSmith, has “taken on a life of its own.”During EnviroFest 2003, employees andparticipants collected recyclables and lit-ter, and planted trees. The initiative wasenlivened with finger printing, face paint-ing and scavenger hunt activities.
What seems to work best for these com-munity partnerships is NewfoundlandPower’s level of commitment. “We pushthe groups we get involved with. That’s agood thing. At the end of the day, they’rehappy with our approach; trying to makethem better, working with them to makesure it’s successful. It’s a caring account-ability.”
THE COMPANY GREEN CARDFrom his wallet, Smith removes a card
that every Newfoundland Power employ-ee carries. It highlights the corporation’senvironmental policy of continual im-provement, prevention of pollution, and
meeting legal requirements Newfound-land Power is very aware of its potentialimpact on the environment.
Aside from the employee-driven proj-ects, Newfoundland Power has an activeprogram to reduce PCBs to the point ofelimination, an asbestos management pro-gram, and a mercury vapour street light-ing replacement program. In addition,they purchase energy efficient, stainlesssteel transformers as a further commit-ment to the environment.
Says Smith, “If we’re going to touch theearth in as many ways as we do, we bet-ter make it a good thing.‰
GENERATING THE POWER OF GIVING“Community investment is a cultural
thing with Newfoundland Power. Em-ployees want to be involved,” explainsSmith. “Giving money is not nearly as ef-fective as getting involved. I feel verystrongly about hands-on help.”
Smith is very proud of the staffat Newfoundland Power, and is quick topoint out that, not just employees, buttheir families, retirees and even their fam-ilies get involved. Newfoundland Powerdonates about $250,000 annually to com-munity groups and projects, but when youcombine the in-kind and hands-on contri-butions, that figure quadruples. At leastthat is Smith’s conservative estimate.
“Think how powerful that is. Think ofthe involvement we can generate. It keepsgrowing and growing and growing.”
PAGE 15APRIL 2004
The CT Simulator, a ‘Power of Life’ project donation. The ‘Power of Life’ partners areNewfoundland Power Inc., Canadian Cancer Society, Newfoundland Cancer Treatmentand Research Foundation and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mural do-nated by Newfoundland Power employees.
During EnviroFest 2003, planting at tree atSt. George’s Elementary school, Long Pond.
Electric company, employees energized by community giving
P eople who volun-teer their time toenrich the lives of
others can be found ineverywhere in this province.
In the Channel-Port auxBasques area, CathyLomond and RCMP Sgt.Harold Nippard are twosuch volunteers.
Much of Nippard’s vol-unteer work is basedaround youth.
“I volunteer to do a pres-entation on alcohol anddrugs. I’ve been doing thispresentation for years andI’ll go anywhere in my de-tachment area to do it,”Nippard says.
When he’s not visitingschools, the cop with 29years policing to his credit
can often be found dis-cussing alcohol and drugswith parents, church groupsand service organizations.
Nippard looks at volun-teering not only as a role po-lice can take in communitypolicing but also as a way tocontribute to the place youcall home.
“You’re a citizen in thecommunity and it’s good tocontribute your own time tothe well-being of your com-munity.”
As a member of the com-munity’s trauma responseteam, Nippard is ready tostep up and offer a hand toanyone who is in need ofhelp. He’s also a member ofthe Port aux Basques Dis-aster Planning Committee
and the Western CoalitionInjury Committee.
Nippard says all officersat his detachment are vol-unteers.
He is also enthusiasticabout a program where of-ficers go to senior citizenhomes to interact withresidents and identifyproblems.
While it’s an RCMP ini-tiative, many of the visitsare on the officers’ offtime.
Nippard sees having achat over a cup of tea witha senior as a way to cementthe comfort level betweenthe elderly and police.
“What I’ve found is that,traditionally, Newfound-landers, especially theolder ones, are intimidatedby the police.
“Yet, they also have aprofound respect for the po-lice. When you approachthem, it’s almost like theyseize up if they don’t knowyou. But when we go intothe complexes and sit downwith them, we feel they’renow able to approach usand talk about any prob-lems they may be having.”
LOMOND’S LONG INVOLVEMENT’
Like Nippard, Cathy(Pearce) Lomond also livesin Port aux Basques. Sheowns and operates HotelPort aux Basques, yetspends 15 hours a weekvolunteering. Lomondserves on the boards ofHospitality Newfoundland
and Labrador, the Port auxBasques and Area Cham-ber of Commerce and theMarine and MountainZone Board.
For Lomond, volunteer-ing goes back to her daysin high school.
“I was on the schoolcouncil and the graduatingcommittee. Coming from afamily with six siblings,there was always a need toget out and help,” she says.
To increase the numberof volunteers, Lomond sug-gests credit be given forpeer tutoring or otherschool activities. It en-courages young people toget involved as well as agreat way to start whatoften turns into a life-longtrend of community in-volvement.
“Volunteering gives youa sense of fulfillment. Youfeel part of a team and youfind ways of getting aroundobstacles. But if you workas a team and look at theseobstacles as challengesthen you find a way to re-solve most situations,” shesaid.
“I think volunteering hasmade me a better person.I’m not afraid to give myopinion, or listen to theopinions of others. And be-cause I realize that Portaux Basques is where Iwas born and where I wantto die, I want to make thiscommunity as good as itcan be for whoever is livinghere now and for those whocome after us.”
PAGE 16 APRIL 2004
Volunteers reap rewards
Sgt. Harold Nippard has been doing volunteer presenta-tions on alcohol and drugs for years.
Cathy Lomond started volunteering back in high school.
■ “Coming from a family withsix siblings, there was alwaysa need to get out and help.”
— Cathy Lomond
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We require:Company road testAcceptable abstract
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OWNER/OPERATORSWE NEED FIVE FLATBED
OWNER/OPERATORS IMMEDIATELYTO SERVICE NEWLY ACQUIRED
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We require:Company road testAcceptable abstract
Min. 1-year flatbed experienceLate model tractor, 2000 or newer
Letter of conductPre-employment drug testing
ContactPaul Brown
Hunt’s Transport Ltd.31 Sagona Ave.
Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4P9800-563-1010 Fax: 709-747-5516
PAGE 17APRIL 2004
M axine Budgell is a member of theCentral Labrador VolunteerNetwork, a group that works to
strengthen and develop the region’s vol-untary, community-based sector.
In cooperation with the Community Ser-vices Council Newfoundland and Labradorand the Volunteer Week Committee, thenetwork hosted and promoted celebrationevents during Volunteer Week 2003.
Celebrations included family fun days,open houses, an appreciation evening, anda meet and greet with last year’s honourarychair.
People appreciated that no one was sin-gled out. “They were really happy about theidea of not choosing winners and losers,”explains Budgell.
Regardless of age or the kinds of contri-butions made, anyone who offered a help-ing hand was thanked. It’s a reflection ofthe region’s culture where, for the majori-ty of Labradorians, helping out has alwaysbeen a part of daily life.
Says Budgell: “We have a vision that, oneday, when the time is ripe, we will have aregional volunteer centre that will be linkedwith other centres throughout the countryand will be a repository for volunteer in-formation, resources and training.”
Celebrating a culture of giving
The Volunteer Week 2003 organizing com-mittee in Happy Valley-Goose Bay included(L-R) Wayne Broomfield, Alicia Sutton, ScottHudson, Debbie Keats, Erika Stockley, Mon-ica Surina, Pauline Rees, Adrienne Edmundsand Stanley Oliver.
Girl Guides of Canada, Newfoundland and LabradorCouncil, extends a sincere thank you to all Guiding vol-unteers and supporters. Your commitment, talent andskills add to the fun and development of our girl memberstoday and empower them to become tomorrow’s able,dedicated citizens and leaders.
Guiding…you’ve got friends!
Come join us, call 726-1116 or toll free 1-800-565-8111.
Girl Guides of Canada, Newfoundland and LabradorCouncil, extends a sincere thank you to all Guidingvolunteers and supporters. Your commitment, talent andskills add to the fun and development of our girl memberstoday and empower them to become tomorrow’s able,dedicated citizens and leaders.
Guiding…you’ve got friends!
Come join us, call 726-1116 or toll free 1-800-565-8111.
PAGE 18 APRIL 2004
“F a b u l o u s .Should bemore of it.”
That’s a typical responseKim Power hears whenpeople talk about a proj-ect or service offered bythe Community ServicesCouncil Newfoundlandand Labrador (CSC) Vol-unteer Centre.
Kim, who has beenwith the CSC VolunteerCentre for the past 10years, is virtually a vet-eran in the sector.
As administrative as-sistant, she is in the frontlines and often the firstpoint of contact for manyvolunteers and voluntaryorganizations seeking as-sistance.
In 1977, the CSC start-
ed its Volunteer Centrewith a mission to pro-mote volunteerism in theprovince, and to supportpeople who wished to vol-unteer as well as theagencies who use thehelp of volunteers.
The CSC VolunteerCentre has been busyever since, its initiativesgrowing as diverse asthose found within thesector.
In the beginning, Kimsays, the Centre did a lotof hands-on work withvolunteers. Now the Cen-tre has expanded itsfocus to training, volun-teer recognition and recruitment and net-working.
“We’ve gone beyond the
overpass,” she smiles,adding that she nowfields calls from acrossthe province whereas be-fore, the Centre mainlycatered to St. John’s.
The CSC VolunteerCentre offers an array of
training and consultingservices tailored to theneeds of Newfoundlandand Labrador’s voluntarysector.
Online training pro-grams, skills develop-ment workshops andseminars are available ona range of topics from
public relations to deal-ing with difficult volun-teers.
A centre responding to needs
The Youth Volunteer Corps proudly display a banner in celebration of National Volunteem Day 2003.
Reflections from Youth MobilizingYouth team members...
“YMY has given methe opportunity to im-prove on valuable lifeskills such as teamworkand organization. I havealso learned how to takeinitiative in situationsthat may present them-selves without notice.”
“Professionally, YMYhas given me skills thathave helped me suc-cessfully gain employ-ment in a field that is ofinterest to me. As a re-sult of running groupmeetings with volun-teers involved withYMY, I became quali-fied for my current po-sition as a programfacilitator.”
“Not until I became a team member with YMY did I realize how much of animpact volunteering has made on the various organizations and on the individ-ual volunteers themselves. I now realize how organizations are dependent onvolunteers for their survival. As a result, I volunteer my time whenever possi-ble.”
Continued on page 19
Avalon Youth Mobilizing Youth. Pictured are: back (L-R):Luke Dalley, Mike Veitch, David Stone, Jolene Pittman, Jan-ice Sheppard, Scott Howell; front (L-R): Jennifer Rotch-ford, Katie Glynn, Joshua Mansfield, Charlotte Cook, andKimberly Greening, 2003 Youth Coordinator, CSC Volun-teer Centre.
Wilderness is our priceless legacy.Would you like to see parts of it protected for natural
habitat, for eco-tourism, and for your enjoyment?
So would we.
Get active in wilderness conservation in our province.Contact one of our offices or visit our website at
www.nfld.net/paato learn more about our projects:
Lac Joseph-Atikonak Wilderness ReserveMealy Mountains National Park
Main River and Great Northern Peninsula ForestsRipple Pond Ecological Reserve
Natural Areas System Plan
Main Office – St. John’sLaura Jackson, Executive DirectorChris Hogan, Conservation DirectorRuth (Godden) French, Executive AssistantDanielle Soper, Office ManagerKarl Keough, Geographical Info. Systems
Friends of the Wilderness in Newfoundland and Labrador
The PPrrootteecctteedd AArreeaass AAssssoocciiaattiioonn was established in 1989 as anon-governmental, not-for-profit organization working to preserve the natural
heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Northern Peninsula – Rocky HarbourMargaret McKeon, [email protected]
Labrador – Lab City / WabushRyan Lane, Coordinator282-4264 /[email protected]
PAGE 19APRIL 2004
S t. Anthony Basin Resource Inc.(SABRI) is a superb example ofhow a group of volunteers can come
together to save and grow communities.Long-time volunteer Charles Reardon
is chairperson of the SABRI board of di-rectors. Born and raised in Goose Cove,Reardon has been living in St. Anthonyfor almost three decades. He has workedwith local fish plants for the past 33 years.
Now employed by St. Anthony SeafoodsPartnership, Reardon has been volun-teering with SABRI since its inception in1997. However, being an active memberof his community, through volunteerism,goes back decades.
While SABRI officially began in 1997,Reardon says people on the NorthernPeninsula began looking for a change fiveyears earlier with the announcement ofthe cod moratorium.
“When the cod fishery collapsed in1992, there was little to do in our region.So there were vibes coming down thetubes that there was going to be an in-
crease in offshore shrimp. Ourlocal union people at the timehad the insight to see this wasa chance to do something for St.Anthony. And they lobbied thegovernment and the then min-ister at the time, Fred Mifflin,to give the Northern Peninsulaan allocation of shrimp to bemodelled after the LabradorFishermen’s Union Shrimp Company.”
Because of the lobbying by residents,Mifflin issued the northern part of theNorthern Peninsula a special allocation of3,000 tonnes of shrimp.
SABRI was established in the followingweeks to manage this special allocation.The board is made up of 15 volunteers.Saving the communities has been the re-sult of relentless work by many volunteers.
Today the players in the partnershipare Clearwater Seafoods, SABRI, and twoIcelandic companies, Basafell and Fiskid-lusmlag. The partnership resulted in themulti-million dollar shrimp processing fa-
cility, which employs 150-200people each year and produces inexcess of 12 million pounds ofshrimp per season. The productis shipped worldwide.
Reardon says SABRI is confi-dent St. Anthony Seafoods willbecome a multi-species process-ing facility for cod, mackerel, tur-bot, whelk and other species.
The SABRI board of directors is madeup entirely of volunteers who meet month-ly. There are numerous ad hoc commit-tees also comprised of volunteers.
While the cod fishery was devastatingfor many, those involved weren’t preparedto sit back and do nothing.
TAKING CREDITWhen it comes to taking credit for the
work SABRI has done, Reardon is hesi-tant to take credit. He points to others whohave come together and who have workedhard.
“David Decker and our minister of Fish-
eries of the day, Trevor Taylor, had a lotto do with this. They were instrumentalin the beginning. They envisioned model-ling something after the Labrador Fish-ermen’s Union Shrimp Company. It didn’twork out totally like that, but we’re happywith everything we’ve done. And thesemen deserve credit for coming up with theidea. We all got together and persevered.”
Projects administered by SABRI includecommunity grants, fishermen loans, busi-ness development services, mussel farm-ing, scholarships, and toad crab andpartridgeberry projects.
While SABRI, in conjunction with theSt. Anthony Town Council, has madestrides in developing an economic baseand improving employment opportunities,Reardon says more is still to come.
“We’re only at the tip of the iceberg yet.In another few months, we’re going tohave a container port here. That will be aspin off from the cold storage (facility) thatwe’re building. So I think we’re reallygoing to take off in the very near future.”
Shaping a community’s economic growth
Charles Reardon
‘I feel the need to help’ENGAGING YOUTH
The Centre has done agreat deal to entice youth.One of the youth pro-grams offered by the Cen-tre is Youth VolunteerCorps (YVC).
YVC gives teens the op-portunity to engage inchallenging, rewardingand educational serviceprojects. The program alsofocuses on instilling youthwith the lifetime ethic ofvolunteering, and onlearning to appreciate thediversity of their commu-nities.
Hearing about such pro-grams is one thing. Seeingthe results is another.
Hisham Athas movedfrom Sri Lanka to Canadain 2001. When he sat in ona YVC presentation,Hisham recognized a goodopportunity for personal
development and immedi-ately signed up.
Since then, Hisham hasmanaged to build a longrésumé of volunteer work.
Currently, he volunteerswith the Association forNew Canadians, locatedin St. John’s.
This 18-year-old HolyHeart High School stu-dent testifies to the valueof youth programs like
YVC. “I have gained ex-perience with publicspeaking and performingfor an audience. I havemet new people. I alsolearned how to work withkids.
“I volunteer because Ifeel the need to help thecommunity.”
Hisham admits getting
involved makes him feelproud and adds that hisvolunteer experiences, likethose with YVC, havehelped to shape his iden-tity.
“I am a more social per-son than I was in the past.Volunteering has helpedme to think differentlyabout everything I do.”
Continued from page 18
Samantha Huxter, aresident of Badger,has been with St. JohnAmbulance for 8 years.As a member, Saman-tha has learned manyfirst-aid skills. SaysSamantha of volun-teering, “It showed methat I could actuallyhelp somebody. Thatyou can do somethingand help somebodywhile you’re at it. Ilike to help people. Ilike that volunteeringshows people they cando something, even if
you’re all different.Everyone is treatedequally.”
GrowingconfidenceTThhee ffaaccttss ddeeffyy tthhee ppeerrcceeppttiioonn ——
yyoouutthh aarree vvoolluunntteeeerrss!!• According to a Statistics Canada survey, 40per cent of 15 to 24 year olds volunteer.• Youth volunteer the most hours of all agegroups (254 average hours per year).
YYoouutthh pprreeffeerr ttoo vvoolluunntteeeerr ddiiffffeerreennttllyy!! TThheeyy lliikkee::- Short-term commitments, like special events- Action-oriented activities- Opportunities to socialize and build networks- Gaining experience and building resumes- Projects they plan themselves.
Hisham Athas
Samantha Huxter
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STAY IN THE LOOP
PAGE 20 APRIL 2004
I n all sectors, policies guideor influence decisions and di-rections, many of which af-
fect the lives of citizens on a dailybasis.
Policies are meant as a wayto create inclusion and fairnesswithin a group, institution or so-ciety. Often, there’s a need forpolicy change or creation. Whensuch a need is identified, peoplelike Marie White respond.
White is an independent con-sultant involved with commu-nity-based research.
She was a teacher until 15years ago when an acquired dis-ability prevented her from re-turning to that profession.
Since that time, White hasbecome involved with a few non-profit groups in a range of roles.Today, she volunteers as presi-dent of the Coalition for Personswith Disabilities Newfoundlandand Labrador.
“The Coalition is a provincial,cross-disability umbrella or-ganization that works for andon behalf of persons with all dis-abilities. It’s not a serviceprovider, but rather, works onlegislative and policy change forinclusion,” describes White, whosays they tackle inclusion issuesin areas such as transportation,housing, social assistance, em-ployment and education.
VOLUNTEERS PUT POLICY CHANGES IN MOTION
If you ask Marie White whatis the goal of advocacy, shewould answer that it’s “to en-sure that people making deci-sions would put a policy in placeto effect positive change. If nec-essary, we engage support of thevarious disability organiza-tions.”
Like other advocacy groups,the Coalition identifies the play-ers, then seeks an audiencewith them to put policy changesin motion. “It’s very process ori-ented. Policy does not change onits own.”
White used ferries as an ex-ample of the Coalition’s suc-
cessful push for change. Provin-cial ferries like The Caribou andThe Smallwood created acces-sibility problems for some dis-abled persons. “The Coalitioncontacted Marine Atlantic andset up a steering committee thatthe Coalition and other disabledgroups sat on. Now there’s abooklet on access features avail-able, and policies around ac-cess.”
VOLUNTEERS STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES
“Nothing ever gets done with-out volunteers. Nothing,” em-phasizes White.
“When we look at the volumeof work, and the strides thatpeople make, the heartbeat ofmost communities is that of thevolunteer.”
For the Coalition, volunteershave a huge impact, as the or-ganization relies on the direc-tion of 10 volunteer Boardmembers and countless othersin order to carry out its man-date.
“There are passionate peoplein Newfoundland and Labradorwho care about their neighboursand their communities. Volun-teers are what make communi-ties strong. Volunteers givebecause we want to, because webelieve in something.”
White knows it is always achallenge to keep people en-gaged in the voluntary, com-munity-based sector, especiallysince people tend to lead busylives.
Despite the flux in everydayliving, she thinks there is aplace for everyone in the non-profit sector, and that everyonehas something to offer.
Volunteer passion makes the world better
Marie White volunteers as president of the Coalition for Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador.
■ “Nothing evergets done with-out volunteers.Nothing.”
— Marie White
H ere are a few tips tohelp your organizationrecognize the value of
your volunteers’ contributions,and to let them know their workis meaningful and appreciated:
• Make it a priority. Designatesomeone in your organization tobe responsible for ensuring thatongoing recognition of volunteerstakes place.
• Do it often and be timely.Recognition of volunteers shouldhappen on a year-round, fre-quent and informal basis. Beginby saying, “Thank you,” often!
• Arrange recognition soonafter achievement has beenreached; delaying a thank-youdiminishes the value of your
gratitude.• Be creative and unique. Vary
recognition efforts from an infor-mal thank-you and spontaneoustreats to more formal events,such as dinners and awards.Knowing each of your volunteersand their interests helps youlearn how best to recognize eachindividual and make them feelspecial.
• Be sincere. Make each recog-nition occasion meaningfulenough for volunteers to truly re-flect on his/her value to your or-ganization.
• Recognize the person. Em-phasize the contribution of theindividual, not the end result.Say, “You did a great job!,” as op-
posed to, “This is a great job!”• Make it appropriate. A paper
certificate accompanied by a pri-vate thank-you may be appro-priate for a few months of servicewhereas a public dinner and en-graved plaque may better suit 10years of volunteerism.
• Be consistent. Over the years,consistently maintain whateverstandards of recognition you haveestablished. Holding a volunteerrecognition dinner one year setsup expectation for future volun-teers.
Sources — Making the Most ofVolunteer Resources workshopmaterials, Community ServicesCouncil, and Celebrate Volun-teers, Volunteer Canada
PAGE 21APRIL 2004
How to recognize your volunteers
Proud to support the communities we serve through:
Salu
ting
volu
ntee
rism
Our employees who give freely of their spare time to make our communities better places in which to live.
Reporting on events.
Lending a hand to promote participation in fund raising and other activities.
PAGE 22 APRIL 2004
The reach of the volunteer sector...
...is long, wide and inclusiveTranscontinental photos
Volunteers make things happen— daycare cen-tres, food banks, places of worship, health clinics, the-atres, community centres, craft fairs, winter carnivals,
advocacy groups, parks, environmental clean-ups, family shel-ters, fire departments, recycling, training programs, rehabil-itation centres, reading circles, church groups, museums,literacy outreach projects, recreation centres, youth activitygroups, support groups, crime prevention, heritage founda-tions, community development associations, housing coopera-tives, multicultural associations, arts and culure, chambers ofcommerce, search and rescue teams, adult learning programs,family resource centres, stadiums, festivals, seniors clubs,school councils, harbour authorities, research foundations,drama societies...
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PAGE 24 APRIL 2004