February 18, 2016
Seniors Sector News
NONPROFIT SURVEY DEADLINE EXTENDED

The Alberta Nonprofit Survey is conducted annually by the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations. It is the only source of province-wide "state of the sector" research that documents the ongoing experience, evolution, and health of the nonprofit and charitable sector. The final report is frequently used to help inform the decision-making of nonprofit leaders and boards, the Government of Alberta, foundations, and community stakeholders. This year's survey includes questions provided by the Government of Alberta. 

The deadline to respond to the 2016 survey has been extended until February 26.
EDMONTON VOLUNTEER FAIR
Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
West Edmonton Mall
$35 (ECVO members), $50 (non-members)

The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) invites non-profit and charitable organizations to participate in Edmonton's largest volunteer fair to celebrate National Volunteer Week. The Edmonton Volunteer fair is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of your organization and recruit volunteers to help you complete that work.

This event is always a sell-out so register early to avoid disappointment. Purchase includes one exhibition table.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Professional Development
BURSARIES TO ATTEND BOARD LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

A limited number of non-profit bursaries are still available for the March 5 conference Governance Fundamentals: Introductory Training for Board Members presented by Board Leadership Edmonton. The deadline for bursary applications is February 19 at noon.
THE SCIENCE OF STORYTELLING: 6 INGREDIENTS OF AN IMPACTFUL STORY
everyaction
February 24, 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Join a panel of experts for a webinar that explores the six ingredients of crafting a successful story for your non-profit. You can captivate your audience and improve your non-profit's messaging with a storytelling approach. If you can't participate in the live presentation, they will send you a recording of the webinar and the slides if you register.
AMAZINGLY SUCCESSFUL EVENTS! HOW TO RECRUIT, ORIENT & MANAGE EVENT VOLUNTEERS
CharityHowTo
February 25, 11 a.m. (MST) or March 2, 1 p.m. (MST)
$87

In this webinar you will learn how to:
  • Set the foundation to increase volunteer participation
  • Set up your volunteer recruitment to boost pre-event buzz
  • Identify and engage others to help you spread the word
  • Prepare volunteers for success
  • Manage volunteers on event day(s) so you aren't stuck doing it all
  • Follow up and keep them coming back for event and other volunteer opportunities
USE OF GAMING PROCEEDS
Volunteer Alberta and the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
March 3, 12 - 1 p.m. (MST)
Free

Gain a better understanding of how gaming proceeds can benefit your organization. This webinar will present information on obtaining approval to spend gaming proceeds, form and guideline resources and an overview of specific categories followed by a question and answer period.
SENIORS REACHING OUT TO SENIORS: AN ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS AND FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOP PROGRAM FOR OLDER ADULTS
CHNET-WORKS!
March 9, 1 p.m. EST
Free

The BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support (BCCEAS) developed a workshop toolkit on elder abuse prevention. The workshop utilizes the peer-to-peer model, with trained older adults delivering information on elder abuse prevention and financial literacy to their peers. Since 2011, BCCEAS has delivered over 500 workshops using this model to almost 5,000 older adults, in addition to training community groups to establish their own seniors reaching out to seniors program, in communities across British Columbia.

The webinar will share learnings on the strategies of a peer-to-peer educational model on elder abuse prevention, through examination of the recruitment and training of volunteers, program delivery, evaluation and community networking, and use this knowledge to help organizations establish a volunteer-driven elder abuse prevention program in their communities.
PLAYING BY THE RULES: CREATING AN EFFECTIVE VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
Volunteer Match
March 15, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Pacific) / 2 - 3 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Learn how to create a living document that can help both paid and volunteer staff be better informed and know what is expected of them. A good volunteer handbook can also help you better identify and deal with challenging volunteers. Whether you're just starting to create a handbook or if you're looking for best practices on information to include, this webinar will help you create a stronger framework for your volunteer engagement program.
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
Resources
SENIORS PROGRAM IDEAS

The National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) has announced the winners of its 2015 Programs of Excellence Awards which recognize innovative, creative, and replicable programs for older adults. Awards are given in six categories: educational; expressive and creative arts; fundraising, leadership, civic engagement and community development; nutrition, fitness and health promotion; and special events.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
FILM MAKING WORKSHOP
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Ave)
Two weeks: 3 classes/week for a total of 6 classes
-Week One: February 29, March 2, and March 4
-Week Two: March 7, March 9, and March 11
1 - 2:30 p.m.
$25

Filmmaker and producer, Shawn Tse, will empower and equip you with the necessary skills to create your own short film using a digital video camera. The workshop is limited to 6 -10 students so register early at the centre's front desk or by calling 780-433-5807.
HEALTH BELOW THE BELT
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association
March 4, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Location: 10710 - 19 Ave (Yellowbird East Community Centre)
$5 member; $10 non-member

In this interactive workshop, Dr. Adrian Wagg, Professor of Healthy Aging at the University of Alberta, discusses health issues facing men and women as they grow older. Join with SWESA to break the code of silence when it comes to health below the belt. Call 587-987-3200 for more information.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre
March 8, 3 - 6 p.m.
Location: Naan-O-Licious (10331-82 Ave)
$12

Enjoy a fabulous Indian menu and a program of presentations by three notable local women:
  • Judy Dube: Grandmothers of Alberta for a new generation overview of her recent travel to Stephen Lewis Foundation's projects in Africa
  • Enneke Lorberg: 2015 Sage Award Recipient for Ecology talking about the importance of women and water
  • Sashi Kalia: Retired social worker and new author will share a story about Mosaic - The Festival of Lights
Pre-purchase tickets at the centre (10831 University Ave) or by calling 780-433-5807.
WRITERS SERIES: JOYCE HARRIES
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Ave)
March 11, 1 p.m.
Free

The next local senior author in the series is Joyce Harries. Her books titled "Girdles and Other Harnesses I Have Known" and "A Wise Old Girl's Almanac" should be enough to lure the light of heart and quick to laugh to enjoy an afternoon with this fantastic author. Call 780-342-8625 to register.
ANNUAL SPRING BAKE SALE
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524-139 Ave)
March 17, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Pick up some homemade baking for Easter. Call 780-496-6969 for information.
OIL PAINTING DROP-IN CLASSES
Sage (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
Fridays, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Supply costs only (approximately $8/canvas and $10 for paint and brushes as needed)

Classes will focus on creating small oil paintings. Topics such as use of colour, composition, and contrast will be taught. Drawing experience is not necessary and all skill levels are welcome. Instruction will be planned to meet the needs of the group. Call 780-701-9016 for more details.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
MORE INFORMATION

Link Letter includes new items each week.  If you're looking for content that was included in a previous issue of Link Letter, refer to the ESCC website:
Back issues of Link Letter

Submissions for Link Letter can be sent to [email protected]Review our submission guidelines for more information.