June 18, 2020
Seniors Sector News
COORDINATED PANDEMIC RESPONSE PACKAGES AND PPE SUPPLIES

The Edmonton Coordinated Pandemic Response Group has secured resources to distribute essential PPE supplies and other resources to seniors throughout Edmonton. This program provides low-income seniors access to PPE; activity packages; hygiene, incontinence and denture cleaning supplies; M&M Meats packages; and food security gift cards. Learn more about the initiative.

Organizations that serve seniors can:
  • Request PPE for multiple clients by emailing [email protected] with the number of mask packages you would like to receive.
  • Request the other packages and supplies for clients by completing a referral form and emailing it to [email protected].

Seniors living in the community who wish to access the program on their own without a referral through an organization can call 780-701-9007 and leave a message. They will be called back by a Sage Seniors Association employee to schedule a delivery.
GRANT DISCUSSION

ESCC would like to hear from your organization if you have received some emergency funding related to the programs and services that you offer to older adults in Edmonton. 

ESCC received a grant from New Horizons for Seniors (via the United Way of Alberta Capital Region) to organize support items such as essential rides, activity kits, cleaning products, hand sanitizer, and hygiene items for at-risk seniors. Likely any funds your organization received are for other purposes, but we thought it might be beneficial to discuss emergency grants so that as a sector we aren't duplicating efforts and missing unmet needs. 

Please let Sheila Hallett know if your organization has received a grant and what it will be used for by emailing her at [email protected]. The topic of grants will be added as a discussion item at the next meeting of Seniors Sector Executive Directors to see if all the bases are covered for our older adult community.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Resources
A CBSS SECTOR DISCUSSION ON RELAUNCH HEALTH & SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
CORE Alberta
June 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Marcia Johnson and other guest panelists for a Q&A and discussion on how CBSS organizations are interpreting the relaunch guidance, addressing health and safety concerns, preparing staff, volunteers and clients, and making business decisions.

Please register in advance. There is a section in the registration form to include your questions. Participants are asked to submit questions in advance so the discussion can begin with areas of highest interest. Email [email protected] if you have any questions, comments, or ideas.
COVID-19 BUSINESS REOPENING DECISION TREE
City of Calgary

This resource helps organizations think through the considerations involved in reopening.
DEALING WITH AGGRESSION: DIRECT SERVICE DELIVERY IN COVID-19 REALITY
Canadian Red Cross

To support the safety and security of front-line personnel this fact sheet provides background on factors that can escalate anger and tips for de-escalation.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
HOW VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP YOU FROM HOME - HOW TO RECRUIT AND MANAGE VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERS TO HELP YOU VIRTUALLY
CharityHowTo
June 23, 3 p.m. (Eastern)
$69 USD

In the midst of social distancing now or in the future, it can seem harder than ever to recruit and manage volunteers. However, sharing virtual volunteer opportunities with your community can provide them with meaningful ways to fulfill their passions while advancing your mission at a critical time. In this webinar you will learn how to:
  • Identify virtual volunteer opportunities and outline job descriptions
  • Budget for volunteer recruitment, management, training, and recognition
  • Find volunteers who are best suited for virtual work
  • Recruit volunteers: best practices that will move volunteers to yes
  • Manage your new and expanded volunteer base remotely
  • Recognize your volunteers and ensure they have had a meaningful experience
THE IMPORTANCE OF DATA DURING A PANDEMIC 
Ontario Nonprofit Network
June 23, 12-1 p.m. (Mountain)
Free

Without accurate information, we can't understand how big of a problem we're facing and what it will take to solve it. While the problem of data gaps is highlighted during times of emergency, data--and the lack of it--impacts decisions affecting the lives and livelihoods of all of us, each and every day. In this webinar you will: 
  • Discuss how data-sharing can help rebuild more equitable systems through transition and recovery.
  • Discover how COVID-19 affects data-sharing needs, plans, and privacy protections.
  • Learn how you can engage provincial and federal government leaders in identifying opportunities for collaboration around data infrastructure and data-sharing with nonprofit sector.
  • Explore potential partnerships between government and nonprofit leaders to co-design solutions to shared policy or social challenges through new applications of data-sharing.
PRACTICES FOR HEALTHY BOARD GOVERNANCE
Propel
June 24, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Mountain)
Free

Clear expectations are the foundation for healthy board meetings. Rather than focusing on eliminating problem people or wishing conflict away, a better solution is to use a set of practices for how the board will collectively create a healthy space for productive governance to take place. This webinar explores four practices for healthy nonprofit board governance: recruiting and on-ramping, board structures, accountability (including board norms) and board development planning.
SEO SECRETS FOR NONPROFIT COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONALS: QUICK AND TIMELESS TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR WEBSITE TRAFFIC
Smart Cause Digital
June 25, 9 a.m. (Mountain)
Free

Visitors from search engines are the most valuable source of traffic for nonprofit websites. But search engine optimization (SEO) is a confusing, overwhelming area of online communications that is out of reach for most nonprofit teams. This webinar makes digital marketing achievable for nonprofits. You'll learn:
  • Why SEO matters to all nonprofit communications professionals
  • Timeless foundational principles of SEO
  • Tips you can implement to maximize the reach of your website content
ARE CHARITIES READY FOR SOCIAL FINANCE? INVESTMENT READINESS IN CANADA'S CHARITABLE SECTOR
Charity Village
June 25, 1-2 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

There is growing interest in social finance from government policymakers who see it as a tool for scaling innovative solutions to complex social and environmental challenges. For not-for-profits, social finance offers a new source of capital that could allow them to diversify their revenue streams and become more resilient in an increasingly precarious funding environment. This webinar presents the results of a national survey of over 1,000 registered charities undertaken by Imagine Canada to better understand charities' current readiness to participate in Canada's growing social finance market.
HOW TO BECOME A BETTER VIRTUAL SPEAKER & PRESENTER: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
CharityHowTo
June 30 or July 2, 11 a.m. (Mountain)
Free

This webinar will talk you through everything you need to be a better speaker on video. You'll learn:
  • How to decide on format and content that will help you achieve your goals
  • How to choose affordable equipment and platforms that will give your audience the experience they deserve
  • How to use simple tricks to become a better presenter and engage your viewers
  • How to use calls-to-action within your virtual speaking
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors
FRIENDLY PHONE CALLS
Sage Seniors Association

Staying connected is important! If you would like to be added to Sage's friendly phone call list, please call 780-423-5510 and press 5 and leave a message requesting to be added to the list.
JAZZFEST
Starting June 19
Free

The TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival presents the 2020 festival from the comfort of your home. Enjoy online performances and interviews from musicians locally and around the world starting opening weekend June 19-21 and every weekend during July.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS

National Indigenous Peoples Day and History Month is a time to celebrate the diverse histories, languages and cultures of Indigenous Peoples that enrich our province.
  • National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on June 21st each year. This year the Government of Alberta is hosting a virtual celebration on June 19, 12 p.m. The Government of Alberta is bringing together the province to celebrate Indigenous culture and creativity online. Join Minister Rick Wilson and guest performers in an afternoon of Indigenous song, dance and celebration.
  • Learn more about First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture.
  • Path to Reconciliation Reading List: Edmonton Public Library has partnered with Miranda Jimmy to curate a reading list to acknowledge five years since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Miranda is involved with RISE - Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton - an inclusive group promoting reconciliation in actions and words.
CRAFT AND QUIZ MEETUPS
The Shaama Centre for Seniors and Women
Thursdays (starting June 25), 1:15 p.m.
Free

Calling all crafters and trivia buffs! These online Zoom meetups are a great way to practice crafts with friends or get a good brain workout. Materials will be supplied ahead of time. To register call 780-465-2992 or email at [email protected].
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA BOTANIC GARDEN 

The Garden is open to visitors with operational changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All visitors must make advance reservations using the online system. Walk ups will not be permitted. This will help to manage capacity and flow of visitors in the Garden, minimize contact points, and allow for physical distancing. Reservation times will be open several weeks in advance. Learn more about safety measures and visitor guidelines.
ELECTRONIC STORY CREATIONS
Citadel Theatre

The Citadel's [esc] Series will feature electronic story creations by four different groups of artists throughout the summer.
15 FREE HISTORICAL COLOURING BOOKS
National Trust for Historic Preservation

If you're in the market for a way to unwind while staying safe at home, why not try coloring with an eye toward history?
TRADITIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC TUESDAYS

Every Tuesday Musician Ryan Snow plays songs by the likes of Charley Pride and Ian Tyson on his Facebook page. Enjoy some traditional country music.
LEARN ABOUT CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE FROM HOME
Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. Discover the stories behind some of the city's most significant skyscrapers, museums, theaters, bridges, homes, schools, houses of worship and parks by exploring the Chicago Architecture Center's building database and taking part in live online events.
YOUR LIFE LEGACY CHECKLIST
Charon Consulting
Free

A good end of life plan contains more than a Will and a funeral package. You want to be prepared for aging, illness, and injury, which is just as important as estate planning. Why call it a Life Legacy Checklist? Because calling it an end of life plan doesn't cover all the bits before the end. Learn more in this informative video
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
COVID-19 EXPERIENCES AND IMPACT SURVEY
Health Quality Council of Alberta

This survey asks questions about your experiences during the pandemic. The Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) aims to understand what Albertans think about public health measures, health system access as well as the support available to stay informed, well and protected during the pandemic.

The survey should only take about 15 minutes to complete. All Albertans over the age of 16 are invited to participate.

Your survey responses will be analyzed along with those of other Albertans. The HQCA will share findings with Albertans, key decision-makers in government and healthcare, as well as other jurisdictions across Canada.
(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 [email protected]Review our submission guidelines for more information.