June 28, 2018
LINK LETTER SUMMER SCHEDULE

In July and August Link Letter will be published every two weeks instead of every week. Look for Link Letter in your inbox on:
  • July 12 and 26
  • August 9 and 23
Weekly issues return September 6.
Grants and Awards
STARS OF ALBERTA AWARDS

Honour people making a difference in their communities by nominating them for the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards. The awards recognize the exemplary service of volunteers whose contributions have made a lasting impact on their communities and the lives of their fellow Albertans. 

Six awards will be presented: two in each category of youth, adult, and senior at a December 5 awards ceremony to be held during celebrations marking International Volunteer Day.

Submit nominations online or download the nomination form at alberta.ca/stars-awards. The deadline for nominations is September 21.
More awards and funding news  (links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff and Funding Options webpages)
Resources
HELP MANAGING ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE

Is your agency going through organizational change? MacEwan School of Business has an opportunity to work with teams of business students to help you manage change in your organization.

They are looking for two types of Organizational Change Projects:

  1. a business/organization that is going through a significant change: merger, acquisition or amalgamation or perhaps the addition or elimination of a division/program that requires a re-jig of the majority of the remaining parts of the organization and is looking for a plan to implement the change.
  2. a business/organization which needs help focused on the Human Resources aspects of a change (review of reporting lines, job descriptions, creating new roles etc.)
Participating organizations will get reports from the student teams including such things as new org charts, reporting lines, internal and external communication strategies, recommendations on how to handle "resisters" within the organization, etc. Projects must be completed within a 2-month period, and must be managed around varying student schedules. 
 
For more information contact Gillian Kemp at [email protected] or 780-633-3046. Complete the online form to submit your request to participate.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
Professional Development
MEASURING SUCCESS: HOW TO STRATEGICALLY ASSESS YOUR PROGRAM
VolunteerMatch
July 17, 2 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Your volunteer engagement program can be measured by more than just the hours a volunteer gives your organization. What other kinds of information should you keep track of, and how do you know if you're doing a good job with your volunteer engagement program? This webinar will help you think through both the quantitative and qualitative information you can use to evaluate your program.
5 TRENDS SHAPING A NEW REALITY FOR NONPROFITS
Bloomerang
July 26, 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Advancing technology, social enterprise and shifting demographics are changing how nonprofits communicate, engage, operate and serve. While these shifts are creating unprecedented opportunities for nonprofits, they also present new challenges as we learn to navigate this new and ever-evolving landscape. This webinar will examine five major trends that are shaping a new reality for nonprofits.
DOABLE FUNDRAISING FOR REAL-WORLD BOARDS
BoardSource
August 9, 2 p.m. (Eastern)
$35

Learn the board's role in fundraising from a governance perspective and what your nonprofit can reasonably expect from individual board members. Specific, actionable ways even the most introverted board member can play a vital role in fundraising-without making an ask-will be explored. Take away engaging activities from this webinar that you can employ at your next meeting to get your board on board with fundraising.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FOR NON-PROFITS AND CHARITIES
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
September 12, 19 and 26
Santa Maria Goretti Centre (11050 90 Street)
$220-350

This 3-day workshop is designed to give non-profits the tools to make them fiscally-fit. This program was developed specifically for the non-profit sector and will strengthen the financial skills of non-profit professionals and board members. The course is eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant which, if approved, will cover up to two-thirds of the training cost. 
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
SAFE HOUSE COORDINATOR
Sage Seniors Association

This position is responsible for providing trauma informed support within an anti-oppressive framework to older adults who have experienced abuse. In addition to coordinating accommodation in Sage Seniors' Safe House, this position also coordinates the services required by program clients, arranging timely discharge from the program and periodic follow-up of discharged clients. Along with case management, this position will assist in informing potential referral sources about the service, coordinating the services provided by the participating agencies and working with the various agencies to ensure the needs of the clients are met. 

Review the job posting for details on the position and application instructions. Submit your resume by July 4.
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
NEW LOCATIONS FOR SUMMER FESTIVALS

A number of summer festivals have moved to Capital Plaza (9820 107 Street) on the Alberta Legislature Grounds because of construction at Sir Winston Churchill Square:
The Works Art & Design Festival June 21 to July 3
Taste of Edmonton July 18 to 29
Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival August 10 to 12

The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival July 10 to 15 has moved to Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park (8331 104 Street) between Gateway Blvd. and Calgary Trail.
BROWN BAG LUNCHEON WALKING GROUP
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Avenue)
Fridays at 11:30 a.m.

Meet at the Edmonton Seniors Centre and walk to a local park and have lunch together. The walks are short trips of about 15-20 minutes one way. $5 for lunch or bring your own and walk for free. Call 780-342-8625 to register.
CANADA DAY ACTIVITIES

Check out the City of Edmonton Celebrate Canada Day web page to see pancake breakfasts, markets, events and activities happening all over the city. The page also lists good viewing locations for the river valley fireworks show.
PHILIPS LIFELINE MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM PRESENTATION
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Avenue)
July 4, 2:30 p.m.

Learn all about Lifeline and how it can assist you every day. Stop by the centre or call 780-433-5807 to reserve a seat. Refreshments will be available.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DANCES
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
$8/member or $11/non-member
Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m.

Scheduled entertainers for July are: July 4 (Diamonds), July 11 (Ghost Riders), July 18 (Romantics), and July 25 (Chwill Brothers). Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
ZUMBA GOLD
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
Thursday's in July (5, 12, 19, 26) & August (2, 9, 16, 23), 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
$10 drop in rate or $65 for 8 classes in July & August

Join this lower impact, easy to follow, Latin-inspired, dance fitness program that keeps you feeling energized for life. Call 780-451-1925 to register.
JULY DANCE FEATURING ANDREAS & MIKE
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 Street)
July 13, 7 p.m.
$10/person at the door

Refreshments included. Cash bar available for members and invited guests (by reading this consider yourself invited). Call 780-468-1985 for more information.
GERIACTORS 3RD ANNUAL SUMMER SCHOOL
GeriActors Theatre
Fridays, July 13, 20 and 27 and August 3, 3-5 p.m.
$20

If you've EVER acted or NEVER acted, this is the program for you! Turn your stories into plays, learn about acting, improvise, create dynamic characters, and eat delicious snacks. Register in person at Sage Seniors Association or call 780-423-5510.
INCOME FROM A REVERSE MORTGAGE
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association
July 18,10-11 a.m.
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Ave.)
$2

Your home may be a substantial asset that can easily be put to work elsewhere in your retirement plans. A CHIP Home Income Plan could enable you to convert a portion of your home equity into tax-free money while still living in your own home. Learn how this program could benefit you. Call 587-987-3200 for more information.
GAMMA KNIFE TECHNOLOGY PRESENTATION
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 117 Street)
July 19, 12 p.m.

Dr. Keith Aronyk, Clinical Department Head of Neurosciences with Alberta Health Services, will speak about the fascinating new Gamma Knife at the University Hospital. Gamma Knife technology makes it possible for surgeons to perform brain operations scalpel free. Call 780-488-4241 for more information.
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:

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