November 2007 E-bulletin

FEATURE ARTICLE
Youth Leadership Enters the Boardroom
RELATED RESOURCES
Including Youth as Volunteers
TIPS & TOOLS
14 Points to Youth Governance
SPECIAL EVENTS
1) Funders Forum - Aboriginal Community Projects
2) Special Offer - In-house training DVD to teach coworkers volunteer management skills
3) Seminar: The 5 W's of the YGen Volunteer - expand your volunteer base
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
Recipients of the Mayor's Volunteer Service Awards (2007)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day - November 1!
NEW 2007 CONTACT Community Information Guide - Hot off the Press
Launch of the Insurance and Liability Resource Centre for Nonprofits
Things To Do When The Budget Squeezes
Power Smart/Winnipeg Jaycees Santa Claus Parade November 17
National Philanthropy Day Celebration, November 30

FEATURE ARTICLE

Youth Leadership Enters the Boardroom
excerpts from: Who's in Charge Here? Youth Leadership Enters the Boardroom by Colleen Lannon, The Nonprofit Quarterly, Fall/Winter 1998

The inclusion of young people in the decisions and organizations that affect their lives is part of a nationwide movement, which reflects a growing awareness that young people are the missing voices in our communities, schools, and churches. Youth governance isn't just about helping young people gain confidence and leadership skills - it also provides tangible benefits to nonprofit organizations.

In addition to putting the organization in touch with a valuable constituency, the inclusion of young people on a board can also revitalize the group. They bring energy and a fresh perspective. They often catalyze a group to rethink its priorities, renew its commitment, and recognize the invisible barriers that have kept it from moving forward.

There are some key considerations when including young people. If you are thinking about adding young people to a current governing body:
a) Add two or three young people at the same time. Anything less can too easily lead to token representation.
b) Be ready to implement a thorough training and orientation process. The young people will need coaching and support in their new responsibilities.
c) Consider the legal issues. There are legal issues concerning organizational liability and youth voting rights. According to the Manitoba Corporations Act, a person less than 18 years old cannot be a Director of a corporation.

If you are considering setting up an adjunct group:
a) Be clear about the group's responsibilities and scope of authority. Make sure the governing body is willing to respect and act upon the group's decisions and recommendations. Be sure, too, that young people understand the limits of their authority.
b) Create organizational support structures. Staff or board members will need to commit time and energy to set up the group and monitor its activities.
c) Establish clear channels of communication. Consider selecting a board members or advisory group member to be the liaison between the two groups to ensure they are each well-informed of the other's activities.

To read the rest of this article please contact Jody, our Resource Coordinator, 477-5180 ext. 223, 1-888-922-4545 ext. 223, or vmresource@mts.net.

To learn about how to incorporate youth into other volunteer activities attend our special seminar on November 22. Click here for details...

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RELATED RESOURCES

Including Youth as Volunteers

Here is a list of resources we have in our resource library:

Making Room for Young People - Questionnaire and steps to follow in paving the way for the integration of young people as volunteers.

Practical Guide for Developing Agency/School Partnerships for Service Learning - A guide to assist in involving youth in the community and connecting these experiences with their education.

Volunteer Connections: Family Volunteering - This manual provides tools, resources and useful links to address the unique elements organizations need to plan for when integrating family groups into their volunteer program.

Youth Volunteer Audit: Best Practices for Engaging Youth as Volunteers - This tool will assist organizations to work with youth in volunteer experiences by providing processes with a proven record of success in the field.

To borrow any of these resources, contact Jody, our Resource Coordinator, 477-5180 ext. 223 or e-mail vmresource@mts.net

Here are some websites on this topic:

www.myvop.ca - a database of youth volunteer opportunities, resources for educators and parents to encourage volunteerism, plus toolkits for agencies to help them attract and keep youth volunteers.

www.volunteer.ca - Working With Youth - an article from a Volunteer Coordinator who has successfully incorporated youth into the volunteer program.

www.rethinkgroup.ca/articles - a series outlining best practices for engaging youth as volunteers.

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TIPS & TOOLS

14 Points to Youth Governance
Colleen Lannon, Youth on Board

1. Know why you want to involve young people
2. Assess your readiness
3. Determine the structure that works for you
4. Identify organizational barriers
5. Overcome attitudinal barriers
6. Address legal issues
7. Recruit young people
8. Create a strong orientation process
9. Design training for young people
10. Conduct intergenerational training
11. Make meetings work
12. Develop a mentoring plan
13. Develop and network young leaders
14. Understand your role as an adult

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Funders Forum - Aboriginal Community Projects
Community Agencies, Groups and Individuals who provide services to the Urban Aboriginal Population are invited to attend this special Funders Forum. Presentations from 5 Federal Departments on their various funding requirements and application processes.

Only $10 (includes continental breakfast)

Marlborough Hotel, November 14, 8:30am - 12:00pm
To register download the PDF registration form or contact Delores, Registration Coordinator, 477-5180 ext. 221, or e-mail vmregister@mts.net

Special Offer - In-house training DVD to teach coworkers volunteer management skills

Purchase an incredible new resource to help you with in-house training for staff to work more effectively with volunteers. This resource contains twelve 55-minute training modules ready for you to use to teach your staff how to work more effectively with volunteers.

Special price (if we receive a minimum number of orders) $55, a $14 savings. Orders must be received by November 16.

For more information or to order contact Tracy Douglass, Community Outreach Coordinator, 477-5180 ext. 222, 1-888-922-4545 ext. 222, vmoutreach@mts.net

Seminar: The 5 W's of the YGen Volunteer - expand your volunteer base

Youth bring enthusiasm, talents, skills, and a fresh perspective to organizations they volunteer with. There are also challenges with incorporating this age group into your present volunteer program. Learn what attracts and motivates youth to volunteer. Find out how one organization has successfully created volunteer opportunities for youth. Leave with information to help you expand your volunteer base.

November 22, 12pm - 1pm, $10
To register visit our website to download the PDF registration form - click here

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VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

Recipients of the Mayor's Volunteer Service Awards (2007)

The following outstanding individual volunteers were this year's recipients of the Mayor's Volunteer Service Awards:

Youth - The Salvation Army Grace Hospital Youth Volunteers (Pat Maruca)
Nominated by: Major John McFarlane, President & COO, Grace Hospital

These young men and women have a considerable affect on the spirits of everyone. Their mere site acts as a tonic for anyone confined to a hospital and their tireless efforts make an incredible difference with nursing staff, assisting with meal delivery, friendly visits, preparing patient charts and assisting in various capacities at the hospital, Auxiliary and Foundation events. Needless to say, the Grace Hospital could not provide the service and care they do without these young, ambitious volunteers.

Environment - Bishop Grandin Greenway Inc (Gord Newton)
Nominated by: Janice Lukes, Coordinator, Rivers West and Winnipeg Trails Association

The construction of Bishop Grandin Boulevard resulted in a dramatic impact on the surrounding habitat and communities. Recognizing the opportunity to develop this land as a 10km greenway a group of volunteers mobilized and began developing plans to create accessible nature areas and pathways supporting both human and wildlife communities. The volunteers of the Bishop Grandin Greenway exemplify leadership and community commitment and the development of this conservation and recreation area is a direct result of their consultation and concern to pave the way to a healthier city.

Education - Naturescape Manitoba (Diane Kunec)
Nominated by: Diane Banash, Parks Strategic Initiatives

Formed from a number of organizations and individuals with an interest in protecting natural habitat, plants and animals, over 40 individuals volunteered their time and expertise to develop a 200-page book titled Naturescape Manitoba, All You Need Is A Little Space, in December 2006, a source of information for stewardship of Manitoba’s natural plant and wildlife.

Health - WRHA Public Health Influenza Immunization Community Volunteer Program (Karen-Denise Cyr)
Nominated by: Karen-Denise Cyr, Manager, Volunteer Services, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Influenza, commonly referred to as ‘the flu’, is extremely contagious and can cause serious illness and death. Volunteers support Public Health staff deliver immunization programs throughout the region by greeting public attending the clinics, assisting with consent forms, answering questions and ensuring individuals don’t experience complications or discomfort. Since 1994, over 200 volunteers have contributed nearly 2,500 hours of volunteer service at the clinics, gaining exposure and valuable work experience in a health services environment and contribute positively to the health of the community.

Human Services - Good Neighbours Senior Centre Inc (Susan Sader)
Nominated by: Anne-Marie Dyck, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Good Neighbours Senior Centre

Currently with over 275 active volunteers contributing over 17,700 hours in 2006, these caring individuals supplement staff resources and provide friendship, companionship and encouragement to the more lonely isolated seniors. Volunteers also maintain the building and grounds, are engaged in a variety of fundraising activities and lead some of the courses available. Often recognized as a model for community health for seniors both locally and nationally, the enthusiastic and volunteer collective at Good Neighbours Senior Centre have played a crucial role in the centre’s success.

For more stories of the 2007 Volunteer Awards recipients...

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