February 2, 2017
Seniors Sector News
PARTICIPATE IN RISE SUNDAY ON FEBRUARY 19

Social isolation is a health risk that often gets worse during the winter months. Frigid temperatures, icy sidewalks and mounds of snow make many of us want to retreat and stay inside.

The goal of the Reach Isolated Seniors Everywhere (RISE) Campaign is to make Canadians more aware of the possible impact of social isolation and loneliness on their older family members, friends, and neighbours and to take action. Your participation will contribute to this effort.

Take action and engage your community by using support material provided by RISE:
  • Display and distribute the RISE poster and brochure
  • Post information to your website
  • Share the video and images on social media
Then on Sunday, February 19 reach out to a senior by performing a simple act of kindness!
TOWARDS A COMMON LANGUAGE FOR SENIORS HOUSING
Alberta Seniors Communities & Housing Association (ASCHA)

ASCHA is working towards developing a common language for seniors housing that all Albertans understand and feel comfortable using. You can help by completing the Common Terminology Public Survey which will assess how terms used within the seniors' housing industry are understood by Albertans. They hope to identify where more education is needed or where language needs to be changed. The information collected will help shape a new way of talking about seniors housing.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Resources
SHARE INFORMATION WITH SENIORS ABOUT A HEALTH STUDY

The ACCESS study being conducted by investigators at the University of Calgary is seeking 4000 more participants. The study is trying to determine the impact of providing free preventive medications and/or a personalized education program based around lifestyle modification and medication use for low income Alberta seniors with chronic health conditions. By enrolling in the ACCESS study, participants have a 50 per cent chance of receiving free medications through their existing Seniors Blue Cross insurance coverage.

Participants do not have to travel anywhere; they will not be required to change their medications, doctor, or pharmacy; and participation is free. More information about the study, including seniors' inclusion criteria can be found at www.accesstrial.ca.

Please help share information with seniors by using the poster and brochure. Print materials can also be ordered by calling 1-844-310-0585 or emailing [email protected].
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
Professional Development
HOW DO I DO MY JOB? BOARD ROLE TRAINING
The Tri-Municipal Region Community Development Committee
February 15, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Location: Parkland County Office 53109A Hwy 779
$15

Have you been in a position on your board for a while but feel like there are gaps and areas where you need coaching or training for your role? Have you taken on a new responsibility with your board?

Community Development Officers from the Community Development Unit of Alberta Culture will lead this workshop to help you clarify your roles and responsibilities and learn how to make your job as President/Chair, Secretary or Treasurer for your board more effective. Participants will be in an open session and then breakout into one of the following:
  • President/Chair - Learn about your leadership role in effective board governance and managing people and performance.
  • Secretary - Learn how to work with the Chair to administer meetings, keep minutes and manage documents and records.
  • Treasurer - Learn about tools for treasurers, financial policy and procedures, reporting, reconciling and other responsibilities.
Register by February 7 by calling 780-962-7579.
GRANT STRATEGY FOR CEOs, DIRECTORS AND BOARD MEMBERS
4Good
February 15, 1 p.m. Eastern
Free

Most nonprofits need to attract grants to help pursue their missions or carry out specific programs. But perhaps -- like many other nonprofit executives -- you have been less than thrilled with the results of your organization's grantseeking efforts. How can you boost your team's efficiency and effectiveness? What can you do on a managerial level to empower your grantseekers to be more successful? In this webinar you will learn some strategic tips to get the most out of your grantseeking dollars.
HOW TO CAPTIVATE AND ENGAGE CONSTITUENTS WITH YOUR WEBSITE
4Good
February 22, 1 p.m. Eastern
Free

Your website is the center of your marketing universe and the home base of your brand. Does your website captivate and engage people or is it merely an online brochure with a few photos and a mission statement? This webinar will share more than a decade of focus group research that reveals:
  • The 3 biggest mistakes nonprofits make with their website
  • The 4 attributes of an engaging web presence
  • 3 proven methods for promoting your website
  • The 5 required elements of an engaging website
  • Real-world examples of nonprofit organizations that have mastered their online presence
DIYALOGUE "TIPS & TOOLS FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT"
The City of Edmonton, Citizen Access & Inclusion
February 23, Session 1: 1 - 3 p.m. or Session 2: 5 - 7 p.m.
Santa Maria Goretti Community Centre (11050 90 Street)

Have you ever wondered how to include diverse citizens in your programs and services? Join in this community conversation on how to engage diverse populations in the community. Participants will walk away with tools that will target the inclusion of youth, seniors, people with disabilities and nextgen. In addition, learn about assessment tools for healthy board development. 

For more information, contact:
[email protected] | 780-496-5905
[email protected] |780-496-1004
CHARITY & NONPROFIT LEGAL SEMINAR
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
February 28, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: TBA
$75 - $100

Attend this one-day seminar to make certain you know all the current legal requirements for Canadian charitable and nonprofit organizations. Topics covered include:
  • CRA Update
  • Fundraising issues & Tax Receipting
  • Contracting
  • Political Activities & Advocacy
BOARD LEADERSHIP: GOVERNANCE FUNDAMENTALS 2017
Board Leadership Edmonton
March 4
Location: MacEwan University City Centre Campus
$99 per person or $396 for a group (get 5, pay for 4)

Board Leadership Edmonton is hosting a one-day learning and networking event for volunteer, not-for-profit board members. Starting with the fundamentals of board governance, this event is a "must attend" for individuals who are first time board members. Board members who have a bit more experience will benefit from the skills sessions on building diversity and managing conflict as well as the role specific training for board chairs and treasurers.

Bursaries are available and the deadline for bursary applications is noon on February 10.
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
HEALTH & WELLNESS INFO FAIR
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
February 10, 1- 5 p.m.
Free

Learn about healthy ageing and lifestyles at this showcase of services, programs and exhibitions.
Vendors include: Access Study, U of C | Alberta Seniors Advocate Office Alberta Seniors Benefit | AMA Mature Driving Course | CNIB | Comfort Keepers | Dolar Drugs | Elder Abuse | Edmonton Public Library | Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council | Edmonton Transit & DATS | Ferguson Hearing | Good Samaritan - Telecare | Heart to Home | Kidney Foundation | LIFT | LGBT Older Adults | Marrazzo Law Office | Meals on Wheels | North West Edmonton Seniors Society | Office of the Public Guardian | Pilgrams Hospice Society | Primary Care Network Safeway Pharmacy | Seniors Home Care by Angels | St. Elizabeth (Services/Foot Care) | Wecan Food Society

Complimentary Coffee. Door Prizes. Everyone welcome. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.
VALENTINE'S FRIENDSHIP DANCE
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
February 14, 1-3 p.m.
$10

Variety Pak is back! Enjoy an afternoon of fun live music everyone knows and loves. Come out to move and groove or just sit and admire the show. It's a Valentine's Day Dance with a fun and friendship theme. Light refreshments and Valentine's treats will be provided. Call 780-483-1209 for details.
COMMUNITY DRUMMING CIRCLE
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association
February 17, 1 - 2 p.m.
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Ave.)
$10 member; $12 non-member

SWESA is hosting a CommUNITY drumming circle! Many cultures practice drumming as a spiritual or religious passage and interpret drummed rhythm similarly to spoken language or prayer. Drumming has developed over millennia to be a powerful art form. This session will provide a social, engaging, and uplifting experience with many opportunities to create and express ourselves. No musical experience is required. Early registration is strongly suggested. Call 587-987-3200.
SELF-ENRICHMENT & HOLISTIC HEALING CLASS
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
Wednesdays 10-11:30 a.m., February 22-April 26
$100 for members; $125 non-members

In this unique class, Dr. Sunny Kim will guide you to improve your physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual well-being thought breathing exercises, holistic yoga, reiki and more. For more information, call 780-496-2997. Please register by February 8. 
NEW STUDY TESTING THE IMPACT OF FREE PREVENTATIVE MEDICATIONS FOR ALBERTA SENIORS WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

The ACCESS Study, based out of the University of Calgary, is providing a 50 per cent chance to receive free preventive medications (co-payment eliminated seamlessly through existing Alberta Blue Cross Seniors Plan) and/or a personalized education program to 5000 low-income Alberta seniors with chronic diseases for three years.

In order to be eligible, you must:
  • Have an annual household income of less than $50,000
  • Be 65 years or older
  • Have Alberta Blue Cross Senior Benefit plan but no other drug insurance
  • Have been told that you have chronic kidney disease, heart disease (have had a heart attack or have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol), heart failure (water in or around the lungs or a weak heart), diabetes, have had a stroke or are a smoker. 
Participants do not have to travel anywhere for any interviews or assessments. All study matters will be handled by phone or email. The only responsibility of participants is filling out four occasional surveys. Participation is completely free. Participants will not be required to change their medications, doctor, or pharmacy. If you are interested in participating, call the eligibility toll-free hotline number at 1-844-944-8927 or visit www.accesstrial.ca .
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
MORE INFORMATION

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