February 25, 2016
Seniors Sector News
NEW: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGEING

The recently launched National Institute on Ageing (NIA) is Canada's first academic-based institute to study the financial and health aspects related to successful ageing at a national level. The NIA is focused on cross-disciplinary research and will produce actionable research innovations. 

The framework for the NIA will be guided by the National Seniors Strategy that was released in October 2015. The goals of the new institute include:
  • creating programs that enhance research on aging such as retirement compensation, pensions, financial literacy, health management, age-friendly cities and communities;
  • exploring innovation and technology to support home-based and community care;
  • contributing to public dialogue on age-related topics through conferences and workshops; and
  • delivering executive education for the pension and health sectors
CO-HOST SENIORS' WEEK PROVINCIAL LAUNCH

Alberta Seniors and Housing is accepting Expressions of Interest to co-host the Seniors' Week Provincial Launch Event on Monday, June 6, 2016. Co-hosting the launch event will increase your organization's profile in the community and give you an opportunity to collaborate with government and other local organizations. Organizations and/or communities interested in co-hosting the launch event are encouraged to submit a proposal by March 9.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Grants and Awards
HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION AND MULTICULTURALISM GRANTS

The Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund supports community projects that foster equality and reduce discrimination.
  • Human Rights Project grants are for projects that advance change and address specific human rights issues.
  • Experience Human Rights grants are for one- or two-day initiatives that raise awareness, encourage engagement or stimulate future interest or action in and contributions for human rights and diversity. 
Deadlines for both grants are May 1 and October 1.
More  awards and funding news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff and Funding Options webpages)
Professional Development
HOW TO CREATE AN ARMY OF ONLINE STORYTELLERS TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD FOR YOUR NONPROFIT
CharityHowTo
March 2, 11 a.m. (MST) or March 8, 1 p.m. (MST)
$67

Do you have a number of supporters that could be engaged to spread the word about your nonprofit online, but you don't know where to start? This webinar will show you how to create a system for storytelling and engaging storytelling ambassadors that will help attract new donors and build your online community. Join this webinar to learn:
  • How to incorporate data into storytelling
  • How to use visuals to enhance your nonprofit's stories
  • How to engage and activate Storytelling Ambassadors
  • A step-by-step actionable plan to identify, recruit and train storytelling ambassadors
  • How to craft powerful calls to action at the end of each story
  • How to measure your results to ensure ROI (Return on Investment)
DONOR RELATIONS: MAKING THE MOST OF MID-LEVEL DONORS
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
March 17, 2 p.m. EDT
$75 early bird

Mid-level donors can fall through the cracks at many non-profits. However, overlooking these donors could be a big mistake. They are often a charity's most loyal donors with the greatest potential to give more. To find out how to make the most of your mid-level donors, this webinar will offer sound strategies for successful stewardship of these supporters.
WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? ENGAGE VOLUNTEERS IN NEW WAYS
Volunteer Match
March 17,  11 a.m. Pacific / 2 p.m. Eastern
Free

How long do volunteers usually stay with your program? Do you struggle with keeping them interested, involved and engaged? This webinar will help you think about new strategies and help you evolve your program to include new roles and responsibilities for volunteers, pathways for more involvement and leadership positions in your program, how recognition plays a role in retention, and the importance of including continuing education and professional development to keep your volunteers engaged. 
PRE-MIGRATION CONTEXT & THE INFLUENCE OF PTSD IN WORKING WITH NEWCOMERS
REACH Edmonton
March 22, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$35 REACH members/ $45 non-members

This workshop will focus on giving a better understanding of the pre-migration experiences of immigrant and refugee families. Topics will include:
  • The influence of connections to the country of origin
  • Adaptation issues
  • Role changes in Canadian society
  • Signs and impacts of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Areas of discussion will include the pre-migration experience, trauma in the context of newcomers, resilience and resources for immigrants. Participants will be challenged to be curious and empathize with the newcomer's journey through case scenario questions and dialogue.
ESTATE DONATIONS & GRES: THE NEXT CHAPTER
Canadian Association of Gift Planners
March 30, 1 p.m. ET
$29.99 CAGP members/ $45.99 non-members

January 1, 2016 marked the implementation of the biggest changes to the laws relating to charitable bequests and estate administration in over 30 years. This webinar will update you on the changes, the implications of the graduated rate estate (GRE) and the key points to communicate to donors.
CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE
Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
April 11-12
Mount Royal University, Calgary
$400 

Connections 2016 brings together members of the nonprofit, business and government sectors to explore ideas around navigating uncertainty. The conference will feature big discussions, promote big ideas, and give you lots of takeaways, providing sparks you can ignite within your community.
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
HEALTHY AGING PHONE CHATS
Age Friendly Edmonton
March and April

Starting in March 2016, you can participate in free interactive, small group educational sessions via telephone from the comfort of your own home. This is an innovative pilot project that connects socially isolated or homebound seniors and their caregivers to health and wellness information from knowledgeable professionals. 

Seven different topics ranging from brain games, decluttering, financial education, personal wellness and reducing caregiver stress are designed to promote healthy living and provide a unique opportunity to strengthen social connections. Check the list for more details, including dates and times.

To register for one of the sessions, call or email Dauna Thomson at 780-735-3061 or [email protected].
TRANSFORMING AGING SUMMIT: MAKING YOUR LATER YEARS YOUR BEST YEARS
Online event March 1 - 3
Free

In our mainstream culture, there's an underlying message that after you reach a certain age, you don't have a meaningful role. Not only is it easy to start to feel irrelevant and that your best days are behind you, but entire generations miss out on your valuable experience and wisdom. Many people also find their passion waning and lose sight of their bigger vision for the next stages of life.

Join this unique online event to learn from top experts in the emerging field of conscious aging who are illuminating what you can do for your body, mind and spirit to make your later years your greater years (plus make your greatest contribution to our world!).
JAM SESSION AND COMMUNITY DANCE
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 - 120 St.)
Wednesdays, 1 - 3:30 p.m.
$2 for members and $5 for non-members

Dance the afternoon away listening to a variety of talented musicians. There is an intermission at 2 p.m. and you can purchase coffee and sweet treats. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.
FUN CASINO FUNDRAISER
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 - 82 St.)
March 12 at 6:30 p.m

Play Black Jack, Poker and Roulette. Your ticket buys you $1,000,000 SEESA fun money to play with. There is a fun money live auction to follow the games. Prizes range from the fantastic to the frivolous. 

$15/person in advance. Tickets sales start February 25 at the SEESA Front Desk. Tickets may be available at the door for $20/person if not sold out prior. Maximum 75 people. Call 780-468-1985 for information.
INTRODUCTION TO COLOURED PENCILS (BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE)
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 - 176 St.)
March 17, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
$25 + $1 copying fee payable to instructor

In this workshop you will explore the versatile medium of coloured pencil through demonstrations and one-on-one guidance. You will be working on "Toadstools" and you'll be overwhelmed with the perfection to your final product. You will learn different mark-making and blending techniques and how to layer colours to create depth and richness in your drawings. You are welcome to bring a lunch or the cafeteria. Supply list provided at time of registration. Call 780-483-1209 for information.
ELVIS SHOW BY STEVE PINEO AT HOLDEN THEATRE
Sage (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
March 20, depart Sage at 12 p.m.
$59 (includes school bus, show & meal) for members/ $69 non-members

While there are hundreds of Elvis impersonators in wigs and jump suits, Steve Pineo's performance is more an interpretation of the King. The show is chockfull of Elvis songs from the 60s and 70s. Audiences can expect a few surprises like an Elvis movie medley consisting of songs from such movies as "Viva Las Vegas". Finish with a delicious supper in Holden. Must pre-register by calling 780-423-5510 ext. 301.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
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