February 6, 2020
Grants and Awards
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE PROJECT GRANT
Government of Alberta

With a maximum available funding of $75,000, the Community Initiatives Program (CIP), Project-Based grant stream supports projects that enhance and enrich communities throughout Alberta by providing assistance to non-profit organizations for new programs and initiatives, community events, and community publications. The next deadline for this grant is May 15.
More awards and funding news  (links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations and Funding Options web pages)
Resources
THE ROLE OF ADVOCACY AND RESILIENCE IN AGE FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS 
International Federation on Aging

The global age friendly movement has grabbed the attention of older people, governments, and industry leaders across the world and for very good reason. It speaks to the heart of both the issues and prospects for current and future generations of older people. This recorded webinar provides an inspiring and educational shared experience around age friendly concepts, that allows viewers to start 'joining the dots to inspire, connect, exchange and innovate' through the lens of culture and learned opportunities around the world. Click here to download the slide deck for this webinar.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
THE POWER OF BLOGGING & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP FOR NONPROFITS
Firespring 
February 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Central)
Free

This webinar will share the collective wisdom gleaned from dozens of nonprofit organizations that have stumbled upon the magic formula for becoming thought leaders in their community. In this webinar, you will learn about how to become a thought leader, components of the best non-profit blogs, tips to optimize your blog's effectiveness, ways to promote your blog, and tips for measuring your blog's performance.
THE COURAGE TO LEAD
The Tamarack Institute
February 18, 1-2 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

When we work collaboratively with others, our personal leadership values and approaches may be challenged. A personal leadership journey often takes several expected and unexpected twists and turns. It calls for the leader to be engaged in reflective thinking and practice. This webinar discusses the courage that it takes to step into leadership, particularly when faced with difficult life circumstances.
INTRODUCTION TO BOARD GOVERNANCE: UNDERSTANDING YOUR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND APPLYING YOUR LEARNING
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations and the Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women's Board Development Program
February 20, 2:30-5 p.m. and February 21, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Woodvale Community Facility on the Millwoods Golf Course (4540 50 Street)
$60 ECVO members; $80 non-members

This informative workshop for new and experienced board members covers topics of relevance to boards of incorporated non-profit societies including:
  • Understanding one's legal landscape and legal responsibilities
  • Concepts of governance and understanding the roles and responsibilities of board members
  • Liability and risk management and the link to policy development
  • An overview of organizational planning and financial responsibilities
  • Building a strong team and effective relationships
  • Effective meetings and making the most of committees
  • Creating an effective structure to ensure work gets done
HIRING HELP FOR NONPROFIT MANAGERS
CharityVillage
February 27, 1-2 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Nonprofit directors often become hiring managers for vacant roles. If you don't have a human resources team to assist you, recruiting and selecting a candidate can be time consuming and challenging. Thankfully, recruiting doesn't have to be difficult! Using a combination of best practices and lived experience, this webinar will walk you through the key steps to a successful selection of your next hire.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mill Woods Seniors Association

Reporting to the board of directors, the executive director supervises a staff of seven full-time positions and provides leadership to members, staff, and volunteers. Responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day operations, managing staff and volunteers, developing a budget, overseeing fundraising activities, managing human resources, acting as a community liaison, and promoting the association within the community. Pre-requisites for this role include a post-secondary certification in a related field and a minimum five years' supervisory experience. The deadline to apply is February 18. For more information and application instructions, review the full job posting.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR 
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA) 

Reporting to the president, the office administrator is responsible for day-to-day administration of SWESA operations and will work in tandem with the program coordinator to support SWESA's vision, mission and core values. The successful candidate will be a genuine team player and able to work in a member-driven, volunteer-focussed environment. This is a part-time role (20 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.). The deadline to apply is February 18. Go online to view the full job description and for application details.
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings web page)
News and Events for Seniors
HEALTHY EATING WITH WHOLE GRAINS
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA)
Monday, February 24, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Blue Quill Community League (11304 25 Avenue)
$2

Discover easy and tasty ways to incorporate whole grains into your meals. Whole grains provide hearty options for a healthy diet. They are naturally high in fibre, helping you feel full and satisfied. These amazing grains are also linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and other health problems. Learn all there is to know about this superfood in this interactive workshop. Call 587-987-3200 for more information.
FEBRUARY DINNER
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (SEESA) (9350 82 Street)
February 27; 4:30 p.m. (doors), 5:30 p.m. (dinner)
$15

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of roast beef with all the trimmings. The musical stylings of a guitar and accordion duet will provide entertainment for the evening. A cash bar with beer and wine will be available. Tickets are on sale until noon on February 25 at the SEESA front desk. Call 780-468-1985 for more information.
DRAWING ESSENTIALS: BEYOND THE BASICS
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)
Fridays, February 28-April 3, 1-4 p.m.
$102 members; $138 non-members

Artists, sharpen your pencils and get ready to explore your unique artistic style! This is an intermediate-level course for drawing enthusiasts who have completed a basic drawing class or have some previous drawing experience. Gain more confidence in your abilities using line, proportion, depth, values, and perspective to create stunning, realistic images. Call 780-496-7369 for more information.
LEAP YEAR LUAU
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
February 28, 5-8 p.m.
$50

Are you tired of winter? Grab your t-shirts, sun hats, and sunglasses and have some tropical fun! Get ready to bust a move and do the hula to a score of lively Hawaiian music. Tickets are available for purchase at the front desk until February 21. Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
DINE OUT
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
February 28; 4:30 p.m. (doors), 5 p.m. (dinner)
$15

Craving a delicious home-cooked meal, but don't want to deal with a teetering stack of dishes? Treat yourself to dinner out! A cash bar serving wine and beer will be available. Call 780-451-1925 to make your reservation by February 21. If you have any dietary restrictions, please include this information when you make your reservation.
"BUGS 101" AT THE ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
February 28, 9:30 a.m. (depart Sage)
$14

Get up close and personal with an assortment of creepy crawlies at this informative presentation by the Royal Alberta Museum's bug room experts. After the presentation, participants will have time to explore the museum. Please note lunch is not provided. The group will meet at Sage and walk over to the museum. Pre-register by calling 780-423-5510 ext. 301.
ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME DINNER AND DANCE
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
February 29, 5-11 p.m.
$40

Don your best 50s, 60s, or 70s duds and enjoy an evening of live rock music and good food. Guests have the chance to win great prizes, including the grand door prize - a Jasper Adventure for four. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk. Call 780-483-1209 for more information.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
BOARD MEMBER WANTED
ElderCare Edmonton Society for Adult Day Programs

The ElderCare Edmonton Board operates with a commitment to its vision: allowing seniors to have the quality of life that they desire in the community. Board members represent ElderCare publicly and demonstrate their commitment to the ElderCare philosophy by working as an advocate and connector in the community. Board members are informed about and contribute to high-level decisions regarding the organization's policies, finances, and strategic direction.
 
The ideal candidate has a strong commitment to the quality of life and care of older adults. Expertise in relevant fields including non-profit management, policy development, or education are preferred. Prior board experience is an asset.
 
Members of ElderCare's Governance board are elected for a period of three years and expected to attend eight board meetings per year. To apply, please send your CV and letter of interest to volunteer@eldercareedmonton.ca.
(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities web page)
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 memberservices@seniorscouncil.net.  Review our submission guidelines for more information.