Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. Mastering some of the functions built in to Twitter can help you reach more people with your tweets and use Twitter efficiently. 

If you're unsure what hashtags are and why you should be using them, read this tip sheet developed by ESCC Communications Coordinator Janelle Beblow. Janelle is happy to mentor any staff or volunteers of ESCC member organizations who want to start tweeting on behalf of their organization.

Understanding trends in volunteerism can help non-profit organizations recruit and retain volunteers. 

Statistics Canada recently released information on volunteerism in Canada Spotlight on Canadians: Results from the General Social Survey - Volunteering in Canada, 2004 to 2013 which outlines data such as motivations to volunteer, characteristics of volunteers such as age and education level, time commitment and types of duties performed. 

ESCC has prepared a summary of highlights that may be relevant for our member organizations. Review the article for full details. 

The Pride Seniors Project Group seeks an enthusiastic person as Education Coordinator for its funded project Creating Inclusive Spaces for Older LGBTQ Adults. This is a part-time contract position available from August 2015 to February 2016. 

The mandate of the Inclusive Spaces project is education, training, and awareness to ensure that all Edmonton area seniors' activity centres and all housing forms - assisted and independent seniors' housing complexes, long term care facilities, lodges, and palliative care centres - are a welcoming, safe, and caring environment for LGBTQ persons aged 55+ living in Edmonton. Learn more about this position. Applications are due July 10.

WSAC's Fit for the Future mission continues through the summer. Join now and you will receive a free pedometer. Buy a 30 visit fitness room pass ($40) and join the movers and shakers by tracking your weekly mileage. Submit steps taken to Hai Dong Liang, Project Manager and visit the weekly start sheet posted outside of the fitness room. The challenge runs through the summer months and ends with three superstars receiving BIG prizes. Call 780-483-1209 for more information. 

SEESA is bustling all year round with all sorts of activities. Most clubs continue non-stop through the summer months: Badminton, Contract Bridge, Quilting & Crafting, Chess, PickleBall, Guitar, Scrabble, Bocce, Creative Writing, Floor Curling, Pinochle, SEESA Card Making, Hand & Foot Canasta, Table Tennis, Music Makers, Duplicate Bridge, Carpet Bowling, Wood Carving, Floor Shuffleboard, and Cribbage. Plus there are some classes happening too: Yoga, Fit for Your Life, Chair Yoga, Musical Theatre and Group Vocal Lessons. For more details check the summer newsletter on-line at www.seesa.ca available June 25.

Sessions run until the end of July and include Simple Joy, Balancing Life Stressors, Living with Losses and Social Connections. Refer to the schedule for more details about the sessions. Tea, coffee and cookies will be provided.

Guides will be available online at www.nesa1.ca by July 1 and at Northgate Lions Recreation Centre (7524-139 Ave) by July 20. NESA offers over 180 programs in the following categories: computers, fitness, crafts and hobbies, general interest, health and wellness, art, music and dance, language, and social opportunities. There's something for everyone!

Topics include managing stress, preventing burnout, family dynamics, and navigating supports and services. Join other caregivers in a safe and supportive environment for eight sessions led by a trained facilitator. Learn more about COMPASS by checking out the video. Location: 10310-56 St. (Fulton Place School) Call 780-453-5088 to register.

The Chinatown Business Association invites you to the Summer Market taking place on 97 Street along 106 Avenue.

Linda Atherton will perform as Klondike Kate and MLA David Shepherd will attend. Participate in the pie-in-the-face fundraising event. Tickets $5. Register and pay by July 10. Call 780-342-8625 for more information.

A lawyer will present information on essential planning documents such as personal directives, power of attorney and wills. Pre-register by calling 780-423-5510 ext. 301.

Come dressed in your best Klondike outfit and join us for some hot cakes and some good old Klondike entertainment. Call 780-433-5807 or email [email protected] to register.

Breakfast is from 8:30-10 a.m. and Patti McGregor's "Granny's Secrets" Comedy Show is from 9-10 a.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and go on sale June 29 at the centre. Phone 780-496-6969 for more information.

If you have never been to a Chinese opera before, this performance is an opportunity to explore other cultures and how they celebrate life through performances. The opera will have subtitles and there will be a variety of other performances. Location: Citadel Shoctor Theatre 9828 - 101A Avenue.

For more than 30 years, the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival has been putting smiles on the faces of Edmontonians. Come be a part of the amazing, 11 days when live theatre of all stripes spills out into the streets of Old Strathcona and takes over the city of Edmonton.

It takes 1200 volunteers to make this thing happen so we want you to join in and be part of this. Our wonderful volunteers handle everything from ticket sales to hosting artists. No matter who you are we have a team for you! All volunteers who complete a minimum of 16 hours over the course of the Festival receive: a copy of the Program Guide, a volunteer t-shirt, free tickets to shows, meals and beverages while on shift, an amazing wrap party and more!

This year's Festival runs August 13-23. For more information or to apply online visit www.fringetheatre.ca or contact us at 780-448-9000.