Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington Latest News RSS Feed

Guelph Arts Council accepting applications for Executive Director

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Guelph Arts Council is seeking a dynamic, experienced senior manager who can provide leadership and management support for the vision, mission, values, goals, and policies established by the Guelph Arts Council Board of Directors.

Job Description:

As leader of the organization, you will work with the Board and its committees to develop and implement strategic and operational plans including management of all aspects of the organization. As an innovator, you will write grant applications, develop and steward partnerships with stakeholders, and play a vital role in revenue generation activities. As a confident spokesperson, you will represent Guelph Arts Council and the arts community.>>>read more

Application Deadline: March 29, 2010 – 4 p.m.

2010 Conference for Ontario's Nonprofits and Charities

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Sector Friends,

Goodness knows we have our challenges—government deficits, changing patterns of charitable giving, new restrictions on earning revenues, antiquated regulation, and a public that knows too little about the work we do. However, together, we can have our voices heard, our issues addressed, and our work understood. ONN is working hard to build communication and coordination amongst nonprofit organizations working for the public benefit in Ontario. We support nonprofits to have the information that they need to make their voices heard and their issues addressed.

We have some great energy and are making headway, but this is about us working together to create the Ontario where the nonprofit sector will not just survive, but will produce real solutions that will improve the lives of Ontarians.

We have tremendous strength, commitment and energy, and we are just beginning to understand the impact we can have by working together. Our new confidence in our ability to work together to effect important change is demonstrated by the repeal of the Charitable Gifts Act, our position on accounting standards to meet our needs, HST accommodation for our sector, and changes to the fundraising guidelines. We are now ready to be more proactive - to drive an agenda for ourselves - and not a moment too soon. But we can’t do it alone. We need your help. Just think of the impact if everybody chipped in and spoke up.

ONN is just a container for us to collectively make the change we want to see happen. Things won't happen unless you help make them happen. If you have even a little strategic or policy geek in you, we need you to be a part of crafting our future. Help us chart the course of what ONN and our sector will be working on together in 2010 and over the next several years. We are ready to move into action, for our work, for our communities, and for our sector. Join us on April 12 and 13th for Ontario's only provincial gathering of nonprofits and charities.

For more information on the conference agenda, please visit our website.

Special rates are also available for full-time students and for youth under 20.

We look forward to seeing you in April and invite you to share the attached flyer with your networks and sector colleagues. Together we can make a difference!

Regards,
Constance Exley

Director, Ontario Nonprofit Network

Conestoga College Launches Certificate in Senior Leadership & Management in Not-for-Profit Sector

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Conestoga College is launching an exciting new education & training opportunity, exclusively dedicated to senior leadership & management in the not-for-profit sector that will begin in September, 2010!

Numerous leaders in the local not-for-profit sector have contributed in focus groups and interviews as this program has been conceived over the last two years.

Leaders have identified that:

· a void exists with respect to post-secondary leadership and management training specific to the not-for-profit sector and the demanding and comprehensive roles of Executive Directors and other Senior Managers, and

· current senior managers who may become EDs through organizational succession planning are seeking high-quality and comprehensive education opportunities relevant to their current and future roles.

This post-grad certificate program, “Senior Leadership & Management in the Not-for-Profit Sector,” is being offered by Conestoga College, in partnership with Volunteer Action Centre of Kitchener-Waterloo, Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington, and Volunteer Cambridge ~ United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries, for current senior leaders (executive directors and other senior managers) in our sector. Module-based course delivery, and other information is detailed in the attached flyer. (see News File Link)

Further details about registration, precise fees, and participant sponsorships will be forthcoming. For more specific questions about the certificate, please contact Norma McDonald Ewing: newing@conestogac.on.ca at Conestoga College.

Guelph Arts Council Seeks Local Artist to Illustrate Tour Booklet

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NEWS RELEASE

Guelph Arts Council, in partnership with Wyndham Art Supplies, is seeking the services of a Guelph artist to prepare a series of line drawings of selected historical buildings / features to illustrate a guide booklet for the Council’s new Ward One Guelph historical walking tour.

Artists are being asked to apply in writing with a resume/cv and two to five representative line drawing samples of their work. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2010.

Introduced to the public in the spring of 2009, the Ward One Guelph tour covers the area southeast of Guelph’s downtown between the Speed and Eramosa Rivers. It incorporates historic architecture dating form the time of the Sir John A. Macdonald survey of 1855, and portrays the story of early industrialization and the arrival of immigrants early in the twentieth century.

Written by University of Guelph History professor Terry Crowley, the booklet for the Ward One Guelph tour will join those for the five other popular Guelph Arts Council historical walking tours (Where Guelph Began, Downtown Walkabout, The Slope of the Speed, Altar and Hearth in Victorian Guelph and Brooklyn and the College Hill.)

For more information, including a Terms of Reference document for the illustrations competition, please contact the Guelph Arts Council office, 147 Wyndham Street North - #404, Guelph, ON N1H 4E9; phone 519-836-3820; email gac@sentex.net; or visit www.guelpharts.ca/guelphartscouncil.

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More information:
Guelph Arts Council
147 Wyndham Street North - Suite 404
Guelph, Ontario    N1H 4E9
Phone: (519) 836-3280
Fax:     (519) 766-9212
Email: gac@sentex.net
Web:    www.guelpharts.ca/guelphartscouncil

Habitat for Humaity seeks a Volunteer Coordinator

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator who will help them mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty.

This a full time paid position that reports directly to the Executive Director, managing the key aspects of volunteer recruitment, training, assignment and recognition. >>>more

5th Annual County Of Wellington Volunteer Appreciation Awards

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington, in partnership with the County of Wellington, is now accepting nominations for the 5th annual County of Wellington Volunteer Appreciation Awards. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 31, 2010.

This volunteer awards program recognizes and honours the significant contributions of individuals who devote their volunteer time and effort to the continuous development of local nonprofit and charitable organizations in Wellington County. It is those volunteers whose generosity of time and spirit both provide outstanding service to our community and inspire others to contribute to making Wellington County a better place in which to live, work and play.

There will be one selected recipient representing each Township in Wellington County. This includes: the Townships of Puslinch, Guelph/Eramosa, Centre-Wellington, Wellington North and the Towns of Erin, Minto and Mapleton. Volunteer nominations can be accepted from anyone who lives in these areas.

Download the nomination package here.

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For more information: Cathy Taylor, Executive Director, (519) 822-0912 or Toll Free 1-866-693-3318.

Doors Open Guelph 2010 Sites Revealed

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NEWS RELEASE

On Saturday, April 24, Guelph residents and visitors will once again have the opportunity to participate in Doors Open Guelph, the annual celebration of the City’s history and architectural heritage. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., several of Guelph’s most architecturally and historically significant buildings – most of which are not generally open to the public – will open their doors for free public tours. An additional feature for 2010 is a Trails Open hiking opportunity.

The ninth annual offering of Doors Open Guelph, the 2010 event will feature several brand new locations as well as few popular return sites from earlier years. As in the past, the sites have been selected so as to make it easy for participants to move from one location to another. This year, there has been the added challenge of working around those areas of the city that will be significantly under construction in early spring.

Door Open Guelph 2010 offers the usual eclectic mix of sites. For example, tucked away in the south end of the City, visitors will discover the Hammond Radio Museum on Southgate Drive (off Laird Road) which houses more than 2 000 rare and historically significant items that reveal the development of radio over the past 100 years.

Moving north along the Hanlon Expressway, there is also the beautifully-restored Italianate-style limestone house on Woodycrest Drive (just off Waterloo Avenue close to the Hanlon Expressway). Called Homewood, this house was once the home of Charles Kingsmill, the first director of the Canadian Navy which is celebrating its centennial this year.

Another group of sites is located still further north off the Hanlon on Woodlawn Road West. There is Wellington Brewery, Canada’s oldest, independent microbrewery, producing time-honoured, traditional beers using all-natural ingredients, as well as the Linamar Corporation Frank Hasenfratz Centre of Excellence in Manufacturing¸ a stunning new building that features many eco-friendly design elements.

Further east is a cluster of site that revolves around the corner of Woodlawn and Woolwich Streets. A short distance north on Woolwich (Highway 6) is the Ignatius Jesuit Centre which has been operating in this bucolic 600-acre setting since 1913. The main building, now called Orchard Park, houses many community businesses and organizations, as well as the little-known St. Philopater Coptic Orthodox Church.

Back down Woolwich is Woodlawn Cemetery Lodge in Woodlawn Memorial Park, an 1883 Gothic brick structure that was built as and continues to be the home of the cemetery keepers.

Closer to the centre of Guelph is the second oldest of the City’s stone church buildings, which is now a mosque, the home of the Islamic Society of Guelph. Then, across the river, on the railway siding behind St. George’s Church (off Woolwich Street), will be 1941 wooden-body Canadian Pacific Caboose 436994 which has been beautifully restored by members of the Guelph Historical Railway Association.

For 2010, Doors Open Guelph is also pleased to be co-operating with the Guelph Hiking Trail Club for Guelph’s first Trails Open experience. Starting from the parking lot of Eramosa River Park (close to the corner of York and Victoria Roads), guided hikes will be led along the Radial Line Trail to discover interesting historic and geological features.

Lots to see, lots of variety, and lots of very interesting history and architecture!

A joint undertaking of Guelph Arts Council, Heritage Guelph and the City of Guelph Tourism Services, Doors Open Guelph 2010 is also part of part of Doors Open Ontario, an Ontario Heritage Foundation province-wide initiative to celebrate community heritage. The Guelph event will kick off the Doors Open Ontario season, which this year will see 55 communities as well as more than 20 hiking groups participate across the province.

For more information, look for the Doors Open Guelph brochure, available in mid-March; visit the Doors Open Guelph website at guelpharts.ca/doorsopenguelph; or contact Guelph Arts Council by telephone at (519) 836-3280, or e-mail gac@sentex.net.

Nominations Sought for Outstanding Volunteers from the University Community

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Winegard Awards annually recognize the volunteer contributions of University of Guelph faculty, staff and students.

Do you know an outstanding volunteer from the University of Guelph?

Nominations are now being accepted for the Dr. William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards. In their fourth year, the Winegard Awards recognize members of the University community who have devoted volunteer time and effort in Guelph and Wellington County. Current staff, faculty and students volunteering with community organizations, including municipal boards, community fundraising, community social health and service agencies and nonprofits are eligible for the awards. >>>read more

Dowload the poster.

SVC Hosts Positive Social Action Conference

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Positive Social Action Conference: a recipe for igniting and developing community engaged students
Student Volunteer Connections’ conference aims to mentor and challenge students to become engaged citizens in their community through positive social action.

(Guelph, ON) January 12, 2010 – Students from the University of Guelph and the local community will take the pledge to dive into social action this month. From Friday, January 29th to Sunday, January 31st, student delegates will participate in the 3-day Positive Social Action Conference 2010, in order to motivate their ambitions to better the world they live in. The Student Volunteer Connections’(SVC) largest initiative of the year comes at no financial cost for delegates, allowing for a highly accessible conference regardless of financial background.

The 4th annual Positive Social Action Conference aims to ignite and foster social action found in students through means of innovative teachings, social networking, and hands-on experiences. Students of all ages at all levels of education are all equally encouraged to attend by registering at www.uoguelph.ca/~svc . The theme of the conference is “Relearn. Rethink. React”, extracting the meaning that students must dig into the root of today’s issues, challenge outdated ways of thinking, discover real solutions, and initiate positive action.

Positive Social Action Conference launches on Friday night with Keynote Marva Wisdom, a community trainer, volunteer expert, political activist, and a graduate in the Masters of Leadership program at the University of Guelph. Following Wisdom’s speech, internationally acclaimed Free the Children singer, Louise Kent, will give a live performance of her music that focuses on social change.

On Saturday, January 30, sessions will aim to have delegates relearn and rethink about current issues in today’s world. Focusing on three primary subjects; Environmental Sustainability, Poverty, and Health and Wellness; the sessions will cover a variety of views of the subjects by highly engaged experts who are living their passion. Morning speaker highlights include GuluWalk founders Adrian Bradbury & Kieran Hayward, Meal Exchange National Executive Director Dave Kranenburg, and community expert Gayle Valeriote. In the afternoon, World Adventurist Ray Zahab will share his experience and passions of documented journey as the first person to successfully run across the Sahara Desert and Antarctica. Zahab has spoken across the globe and has been featured on CNN, CBC, TED talks, The Hour, and NBC.

Saturday afternoon will feature skill building workshops that filter energy and ambitions into positive and effective social action at school, in the community, and beyond. Speaker highlights for the afternoon include Guelph Green Party campaign manager, Neil Dubois, Students Offering Support (aka S.O.S.) founder and president, Greg Overholt, and a panel of highly dedicated University of Guelph student leaders. The day finishes off with a Social Dinner with invited guests from the University and community of Guelph.

Sunday, January 31st will begin with President and Vice-Chairman of the University of Guelph, Alastair Summerlee, addressing the delegates before they participate in a morning of community outreach. Delegates will fill a need for various not-for-profit organizations in Guelph to truly partake in social action.
On Sunday Afternoon, the conference will conclude with a special guest appearance, reflection, and a live performance by the band Mr. Something Something. Mr. Something Something is the only Canadian band whose entire performance is operated by the bicycle powered SoundCycle.

“The Conference will be one that gets students up off their feet, engaging in their passions, and starting the year off ready to make a difference in their world.” Jordan Thompson, SVC programme Coordinator.
For further details on SVC or the Positive Social Action Conference, go to www.uoguelph.ca/~svc.

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For Further Information on the Positive Social Action Conference or on Student Volunteer Connections, Contact:
Jordan Thompson
Programme Coordinator
Student Volunteer Connections
Office: 519.824.4120 x58104 | Mobile: 519.400.2475 | Email: svc@uoguelph.ca
www.uoguelph.ca/~svc || www.ican.uoguelph.ca

Night of Christmas Caroling with Guelph Youth Singers

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

As part of their community outreach program, Guelph Youth Singers participated in a caroling tour for seniors on December 16, 2009. Guelph Youth Singers traveled by bus, sponsored by Elliott Coach Lines/STC Guelph, to three different seniors’ homes. The Choir began its tour at The Village at Riverside Glen and from there they proceeded to Lapointe-Fisher with its final stop at The Royal On Gordon.

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Contact: Katie Case, Volunteer & Marketing Coordinator
Phone: 519-341-8576
E-mail: katiecasegys@bellnet.ca
Choir website: www.guelphyouthsingers.com

Job Posting - Neighbourhood Support Worker

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

West Willow Woods Neighbourhood Group is currently accepting applications for a Neighbourhood Support Worker – Community Food Project. This is a temporary position: February 1st – October 29th, 2010

The successful candidate will assist the neighbourhood group in pursuit of their mission in relation to community initiatives, programs and events.

Hours of Work: 10 hours/week, flexible to include evenings and some weekends.
Deadline for applications is Wednesday, January 13th, 2010.

For full details, see the News File Link.

City of Guelph seeks Clerical Assistant

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The City of Guelph is currently accepting resumes for the temporary part-time position of Clerical Assistant who will support the Immigration Partnership Strategy. (Temporary part-time, up to 12 months)
The successful candidate will provide clerical support to the Immigration Partnership Strategy project team and have a focus on quality customer service and continuous improvement processes.

Deadline for applications is December 23, 2009.

See News File Link for full details.

Contract Position with Ontario Trillium Foundation

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is currently accepting applications for a Program Manager (Western Team). This is a 6 Month Secondment from January 2010 – July, 2010, located at the Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin Office.

In collaboration with other team members, the Program Manager is responsible for the delivery of the granting program with the Western Team.

See News File Link for full details.

Employment Opportunity with John Howard Society

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

John Howard Society of Waterloo- Wellington is currently accepting applications for a part time (20 hours a week over 4 or 5 days to be negotiated) Program Manager working in the Guelph -Wellington Area office. As a senior manager, this position entails the overall administration, coordination and supervision of programs, budgets and personnel services of an area office within the catchment area of the John Howard Society of Waterloo-Wellington.

Deadline for applications is December 19, 2009.

See News File Link for full details.

Job Posting at OPIRG

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Ontario Public Interest Research Group, Guelph (OPIRG) has an opening for an Organizational and Research Coordinator(Unionized with CUPE 1281) Contract (Term) Position to cover leave: 47 weeks, training to begin week of January 11, 2010
Rate of Pay: $19.44/hour plus dental & health benefits

This position works co-operatively with the Office Co-ordinator and Volunteer Co-ordinator to ensure the goals of the organization are met. The Organizational and Research Co-ordinator reports to the Board of Directors.

Staff members provide continuity and stability in the organization. Working with the Board of Directors they carry out critical basic tasks that maintain the integrity of the organization, assist volunteers in their activism, provide connections to other activists and their organizations and strengthen infrastructure.

See News File Link for full details.
Application Deadline: Tuesday December 22, 2009 @ 5pm

Immigrant Services Receives Charitable Status

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Immigrant and Refugee Settlement Agency Granted Charitable Status
Guelph, ON, December 1, 2009 – Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington is pleased to announce it has recently received Charitable Status, representing a milestone in the agency’s 31 year history, and a significant improvement in its potential to fundraise in support of its programs.

The agency provides a host of programs aimed at immigrants and refugees to Guelph and Wellington County. The Centre funded by the federal government through Citizenship and Immigration Canada, which supports the Immigrant Settlement and Adaption Program as well as our LINC English language
assessment centre. The Centre is also funded by the Province of Ontario through its Newcomer Settlement Program. It recently received funding from the City of Guelph and United Way of Guelph-Wellington.

“Receiving Charitable Status represents a major step towards Immigrant Services becoming a financially secure organization, with incalculable benefits to the community. Without having charitable status, the agency's ability to generate fundraising dollars was seriously handicapped. We owe a debt of gratitude to
staff for their support in this effort – we are again reminded that our staff are our best asset,” said Roger Manning, Board President.

Roya Rabbani, Executive Director for Immigrant Services, added, “We are proud of this achievement, because it represents a coming of age for Immigrant Services, and because of the concerted effort of staff and the Board. Teamwork made the difference and it was another example of how we support each
other at Immigrant Services.

Lloyd Longfield, President of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce and Board member, also offered, “We know first-hand how our new space, our new strategic plan and our innovative programs have improved our service delivery and how it has in turn positively impacted other service-providers in the community.

Achieving Charitable Status was the missing piece in the push by the Board and staff to put Immigrant Services on a secure footing – which is key to the city’s future as a destination of choice for the world’s best and brightest. It is essential to the city’s economic development going forward”.

For more information about the services provided by Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington, please visit the Centre’s website at www.is-gw.ca, or contact the Centre at 519-836-2222.

Contact:
Roya Rabbani, Executive Director
519-836-2222
Fax: 519-837-2884
rrabbani@is-gw.ca
www.is-gw.ca

Fete Romantique Tickets now on Sale

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

NEWS RELEASE

Fête Romantique – Guelph’s Arts Council Major Fundraiser

Tickets now on sale!

It's Fête Romantique time at Guelph Arts Council, and members and friends have just launched this popular annual fundraising endeavour which brings in much-needed revenues to support Council services and programs.

As in past years, the 24th annual offering will give ticket purchasers the opportunity to win the much-sought-after Fête Romantique Grand Prize – an elegant, gourmet dinner for six served by members of Guelph Arts Council in one of the area's wonderful heritage homes. To be presented on the Saturday closest to Valentine's Day, the multi-course dinner will be co-ordinated by Kevin McKitrick, proprietor of Platters Catering and Events, whose culinary skills and knowledge will be familiar to those who participate in other community events. A chauffeur-driven limousine, provided by Mirage Limousine Services, will transport the lucky winner and guests to the dinner site, the location of which always remains a carefully-guarded secret.

As well as the Grand Prize, there will be some 30 chances to win other fabulous prizes including tickets to concerts, theatres and festivals, and gift certificates for dinners at local restaurants or vouchers for the products and services of fine local businesses.

Fête Romantique supporters continually remark on what great gifts these tickets make – whether as a stocking stuffer for a friend or family member; as a small thank-you or recognition to a co-worker, child's teacher or coach; or simply as a personal treat. Only 1 800 tickets will be printed. Ticket-buying is easier than ever, now that Guelph Arts Council is able to receive funds through Visa and Master Card!

The funds raised by Fête are an essential part of the Council's budget, making possible such popular programs as Historical Walking Tours and Doors Open Guelph, and helping to administer the guelpharts / wellingtonarts arts and heritage website portal, to maintain an information resource centre, to publish the Arts in Guelph newsletter, to sponsor workshops and Schmoozefest networking gatherings and to advocate on behalf of the arts in this community. Monies raised also ensure that Guelph Arts Council can continue to reach out to facilitate and nurture vital local arts endeavours that make Guelph a culturally-vibrant and healthy community.

Fête Romantique tickets cost $15 each or 2 for $25, and are available from GAC board members or at the following locations: Surroundings, 27 Macdonell Street; Guelph Artisans store in Old Quebec Street, 55 Wyndham Street North; both locations of Framing and Art Centre – 987 Gordon Street and 30 Carden Street; or the GAC office at 147 Wyndham Street North, Suite 404 (519) 836-3280. The draw will take place on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. in the Guelph Arts Council boardroom. For more information, check out guelpharts.ca/guelphartscouncil.

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Is it too late to engage the baby boomers as volunteers?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

ONN invited Cathy Taylor, Executive Director of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington to share her thoughts on two papers that focus on an emerging issue of significance to scholars and practitioners - the impact of the aging of baby boomers on the nonprofit sector.

Is it too late to engage the baby boomers as volunteers?

I have listened and participated in many debates recently that focus on why people volunteer and why those motivations are important. Clearly, if we understand why people in our neighbourhoods, communities, and our province volunteer – then we can further engage more people or access more time out of the volunteers we have. And this influx of volunteers will grow our organizations and build our communities. The role that volunteers play in our organizations uniquely distinguishes the community benefit sector (or nonprofit sector) from the public and private sectors in our country. Volunteers are our lifeblood.

But the traditional definition of volunteering is now under debate. With so much renewed emphasis on service learning and community service, is volunteering really “giving one’s time freely”? Is the assumption that volunteering should only be construed as an altruistic method of spending one’s time now passé? Is there really a hierarchy of motivations and the “real” volunteers do it for “the right reasons”? Are there “wrong reasons” to volunteer? >>>download this article as a pdf.

See her post on the Ontario Nonprofit Network website: http://ontariononprofitnetwork.ca/node/704

Anticipated Impact of the HST on Ontario's Nonprofits and Charities

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ontario's Harmonized Sales Tax (HST): Find out how it will impact your organization

In June 2010 the Province of Ontario will do away with its provincial sales tax (PST) and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will come into effect. The stated intent of the Ontario Government is that the impact of HST on our nonprofit sector is revenue neutral. Indeed, the provincial government made a significant effort to ensure this was so by establishing an 82% rebate rate for the PST portion of the HST. The government, however, did not have all the information to truly understand the full impact of HST on the sector, nor did we.

Towards this end, Ontario NonProfit Network convened a cross-sectoral work group, which included a tax expert and lawyer, to examine the potential impact of the harmonization of the PST/GST on the sector and its public. Our HST Constellation wrote a detailed brief which we have submitted to various government ministries, including Revenue, MCI, Culture and the Premier's Office. The brief explains how we think the sector will be impacted and makes eight recommendations on which we hope to see some action. A shorter Executive Summary is also available.

The sector is very diverse and various sub-sectors and organizations will be impacted differently by the harmonization, depending on the features of their GST status. Organizations in the nonprofit sector fall into one of four different classes of sales tax status and, to help you assess the impact of the HST on your organization, ONN has created a “How To” guide.

All three documents can be accessed on ONN’s website: www.ontariononprofitnetwork.ca

The Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) is a network of networks that strives to build communication and coordination amongst nonprofit organizations working for the public benefit in Ontario.

Guelph Youth Singers presents Follow the Star! - A concert for all ages

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The eighty talented young singers of Guelph Youth Singers, aged six through seventeen, will again delight music lovers of Guelph in their annual seasonal concert. This year it will take place on December 5 at 7:30 pm. in the beautiful acoustic and magical ambience of St. George’s Anglican Church. The four award-winning choirs will be joined by soprano soloist, Sarah Kramer; harpist, Lori Gemmell; organist Barrie Cabena; pianist Ken Gee; and a guest string quartet from the Suzuki String School of Guelph, “The Unaccompanied Minors.” Also appearing, for the first year, will be a specially-formed Alumni Choir, who join current choristers in the concert.

An eclectic mix of songs of the season will feature a world premiere of the title song for the concert, “Follow the Star,” specially written by Barrie Cabena, an internationally recognized composer. Barrie has also written a special solo, “Snowy Sonnet,” with text by Glenn Peirson, to be premiered by Sarah Kramer. Ms. Kramer, now a full-time soprano soloist, has been most recently performing and touring in Europe. She is a native of Guelph and an original member of Guelph Youth Singers. Lori Gemmell, a Toronto musician, will be featured in Britten’s magical “Ceremony of Carols,” a setting of songs to medieval texts, to be performed by the senior choristers of the organization.

Highlights will include the beautiful Hanukkah song, “Candlelight Song,” by John Leavitt, which will feature a solo violinist and a solo cellist. Traditional and new carols from Canada, the US, England and Germany, will include a wonderful setting of “Silent Night” for strings, harp and all choirs, including the Alumni Choir. The very popular “Carol of the Drum” (better known as “The Little Drummer Boy”) and a lively setting of “I Saw Three Ships” by well-known choral composer, John Rutter, will also be performed by all the combined choirs.

Guelph Youth Singers includes singers selected from throughout the city of Guelph and surrounding areas. The choirs are regular recipients of top honours from the Guelph Kiwanis Festival, and have gone on to win awards at both the provincial and national levels of the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals. Most recently, the two senior choirs of the organization, Cantabile and Chamber Choir, received two first awards in the 2009 FCMF.

For tickets, phone River Run Centre box office at 763-3000. Adults $25 / Students & Seniors $19/eyeGO.org

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Contact: Katie Case, Volunteer & Marketing Coordinator
Phone: 519-341-8576
E-mail: katiecasegys@bellnet.ca
Choir website: www.guelphyouthsingers.com

Student Volunteer Connections Launches the 5 hr Campaign

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On-Campus Volunteer Outlet launches a campaign challenging people to commit to an easy 5 hours of volunteerism in the community

[Guelph, ON] November 4, 2009 – For Student Volunteer Connections(SVC), simple equals a job well done. For the month of November, SVC, the University of Guelph’s on-campus volunteer outlet, is implementing the 5 hr campaign, a campaign promoting the commitment of volunteering for any given 5 hours within the month of November. >>>more

Call for Community Partners for FRL's $1.7million project

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FRL launches $1.7 million rural community-based employment solution

Guelph, Ontario – The Foundation for Rural Living’s Rural Development Officer (RDO) Program – JCP Model in partnership with RBC was announced today. The RDO Program – JCP Model recruits and places unemployed individuals as Rural Development Officers (RDOs) with rural Community Partner organizations for up to one year. Eligible individuals will be able to begin as early as October 26th, 2009.

This one-year $1.7 million program leverages resources from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (TCU), the RBC Foundation, The Co-operators and at the community level.

“Ensuring our communities are healthy and sustainable is grounded in our co-operative values,” says Dennis Deters, Senior Vice-President, Member Relations and Corporate Services of The Co-operators Group Ltd. “Our longstanding partnership with the Foundation for Rural Living reflects our shared commitment to support integrative solutions that create a high quality of life in rural communities.”

“The RDO Program-JCP Model invests in building the human resource, in-kind resource and fund development capacity of rural community-based organizations to better respond to the priorities of their communities,” says Anita Hayes, Executive Director of the Foundation for Rural Living. “At the same time it invests in people who are seeking re-entry into the workforce.”

The nonprofit sector employs 1.2 million people in Canada representing 7.2% of the workforce and 4% of the GDP. This sector makes a significant contribution to our national economy.

With a policy shift towards place-based solutions comes the challenges of increased responsibility for community program delivery. The impact of this shift is felt most acutely in small and rural community-based organizations. The volunteers and staff of these organizations need a new solution that builds their human resource, in-kind resource and fund development capacity to correspond to their increasing responsibility for program and service delivery in the community.

One solution is FRL’s RDO Program.

“At RBC, we know the importance of investing in rural community development. Businesses want to locate in communities that offer a high quality of life,” says Shari Austin, Vice President and Head, Corporate Citizenship of RBC. “The RBC Foundation is proud to partner with the Foundation for Rural Living on an innovative program that invests in people, community-based organizations and rural communities.”

CALL FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Community Partner organizations will provide fulfilling work placements for the Rural Development Officers. RDOs receive compensation through the Job Creation Partnership Program (TCU) which means organizations who most need this support can participate without having to bear the wage cost.
Potential Community Partner organizations can apply to the Foundation for Rural Living for consideration. They must be geographically located in southwestern Ontario including: Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey, Dufferin, Wellington, Waterloo, Hamilton-Wentworth, Niagara, Haldimand, Norfolk, Brant, Oxford, Middlesex, Elgin, Lambton, Chatham-Kent & Essex counties/regional municipalities. They can represent sectors including (but not restricted to) environment, agriculture, arts and culture, rural community development, children and youth and poverty reduction.

Information teleconferences for potential Community Partners will be held on November 2nd and November 9th at 10am. To register, email gracegruber@frl.on.ca . An early bird deadline for applications has been set for November 9th. Final application deadline is November 23rd.
The Foundation for Rural Living advances the rural nonprofit and voluntary sector and builds sustainable rural capacity to enhance the quality of life of rural citizens. FRL’s mission is supported by The Co-operators.

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For more information contact:
Anita Hayes, Executive Director, Foundation for Rural Living
Tel: 519-826-4126 X 230
Email: anitahayes@frl.on.ca

[see News File Link at top to download the program brochure]

Job Opportunity at Trellis Mental Health and Developmental Services

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Trellis Mental Health and Developmental Services is recruiting for a Psychological Associate. This is a part time role (16 hours per week) based in Guelph.

This role is responsible for conducting psychological assessment services for adults; consultation and education services, both internally and to external partners; participation with an inter-disciplinary team and the opportunity to provide some ongoing treatment. Opportunities for leadership are also available.

Deadline to apply is November 6, 2009.

See News File Link for full details.

Celebrate International Volunteer Managers Day

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay) was initially established in 1999. It was developed to acknowledge the important roles that volunteer mangers play in coordinating, training, recruiting and supporting volunteers across the globe. Volunteer managers “…are skilled professionals who are experts at taking singular passion and turning it into effective action”.

In past years, IVMDay has shifted calendar days because it has shared its date with other celebrations such as the International Day of the Volunteer on December 5th and a European celebration on November 1st. IVMDay is recognized by the United Nations and currently occurs annually on November 5th. Over the years, this day has expanded to receive support by volunteers and agencies all around the world. IVMDay is an opportunity to promote awareness and to show appreciation for individual volunteer managers in your local community or organization. For more information about International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day visit the website:
http://www.ivmaday.org/Home/tabid/131/Default.aspx

In 2008, Maclean’s magazine determined that Guelph is the # 1 most caring city in Canada. It was estimated that 69.7% of the Guelph population volunteers, which is over 80,000 people who take the time to help out in our community. With such a large number of volunteers in the area, the support and coordination that volunteer manager’s offer is such a necessary part of the growth of volunteering in our community.

At the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington (VCGW) we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the profession of volunteer resources management and to thank the volunteer managers in our community. The VCGW is a charitable organization that encourages and promotes effective volunteerism throughout the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington. As a membership-based organization, the Volunteer Centre recruits and refers potential volunteers to community organization, while providing training, consultation, resources, and support for volunteers and non-profit organization.

For more information contact:

Christine Oldfield
Assistant Executive Director
Volunteer Centre Guelph/Wellington
519-822-0912 / 1-866-693-3318
coldfield@volunteerguelphwellington.on.ca

Guelph Arts Council offers Free Web Training Sessions

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Guelph Arts Council Offers Free Hands-on Web Training Sessions for Website Members

As part of the commitment to guelpharts/wellingtonarts website members as well as the arts and heritage community of Guelph and Wellington County, Guelph Arts Council and the guelpharts.ca / wellingarts.ca team are offering a series of FREE hands-on website facilitated learning sessions geared especially to prospective site members or those who have already signed up but have not had an opportunity to enter much (if any) information or to fully explore the features and benefits of the site. For arts and heritage groups, these sessions also afford an excellent opportunity to introduce the site to another person from their organization.

The next series of training sessions are:

Thursday, November 5 – 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. University of Guelph Library
Wednesday, November 18 – 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. University of Guelph Library
Saturday, November 21 – 12 noon to 3 p.m. Wellington County Museum
Saturday, November 28 – 12 noon to 3 p.m. University of Guelph Library

Artists and arts groups in Guelph and Wellington County who are not currently site members are warmly invited to take advantage of one or more of these opportunities to learn about the potential of the guelpharts/wellingtonarts website. For prospective or new members, the goal is to get a member's subsite up and running by the end of a training session.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION is necessary for all sessions.

For more information about the guelpharts / wellingtonarts site, and the different levels of membership, check out the website at about guelpharts / about wellingtonarts (sections in left-hand navigation bar).

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For more information, contact:

Guelph Arts Council
147 Wyndham Street North – Suite 404
Guelph, ON N1H 4E9
Phone 519-836-3280
Email: gac@sentex.net
Web: guelpharts.ca/guelphartscouncil

Winner of Jane Graham Memorial Award Announced

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Meredith Blackmore Named Recipient of 2009 Guelph Arts Council Jane Graham Memorial Award

Guelph Arts Council is pleased to announce that the 2009 Jane Graham Memorial Award goes to Fergus figurative painter / teacher Meredith Blackmore.

Building on her solid base as a portrait artist, Meredith submitted her application as a request for assistance that would allow her to work in depth with live models to expand her figurative practice. In particular, she wants to “realize the narrative or ‘storytelling’ possibilities” of models in chosen poses as opposed to the academic study of the figure or working from photographs for commissioned portraits. The jury was impressed with Meredith’s energy and enthusiasm, as well as her focussed desire to challenge herself and to take her painting to a new, more dynamic level than has been possible in the past.

For 2009, the jury panel also decided upon a special mention award to Guelph painter / graphic designer Jay Lefler whose inspiration and vision have always come from his own inner spiritual and emotional experiences. An active participant in the Spark of Brilliance program, Jay has planned a field trip to study Canadian art and architecture, with the intent of developing a new direction and style of work based on interpreting external images.

Both Guelph Arts Council and the jury panel were extremely pleased with the applications for the 2009 Jane Graham Memorial Award, the range of artistic media represented, the varied career stages of artists and the range of professional development opportunities being sought. Their stories were all inspirational.

Established in memory of local artist Jane Graham following her untimely death in March 2005, the Guelph Arts Council Jane Graham Memorial Fund is managed by the Guelph Community Foundation. As a result, Guelph Arts Council is annually able to assist visual artists residing and actively practising in Guelph or Wellington County, helping them to pursue professional development opportunities that will contribute to individual personal artistic growth.

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For more information about the award program, contact Guelph Arts Council at 519-836-3280 or gac@sentex.net. For more about Meredith Blackmore, you can visit her website at http://gallerymeredith.googlepages.com.

Guelph Arts Council
147 Wyndham Street North - Suite 404
Guelph, Ontario    N1H 4E9
Phone: (519) 836-3280
Fax:     (519) 766-9212
Email: gac@sentex.net
Web:    www.guelpharts.ca/guelphartscouncil

Guelph Youth Singers Plans Community Outreach Event

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Guelph Youth Singers Community Out-reach Program Presents:
“When Children Sing – a Choral Event”

Guelph Youth Singers have invited three school choirs to an event, “When Children Sing – a Choral Event” to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 26, at New Life Christian Reformed Church. The event will comprise daytime rehearsals with the three participating school choirs and an evening concert by the choirs along with the choirs of Guelph Youth Singers. Linda Beaupré, well known and respected conductor and artistic director of GYS, will visit the schools in advance of the event for 2 half-hour workshops to help the school choirs to work on two massed choir pieces.

Tickets will be $5/person at the door. All proceeds will be donated to the bursary fund of the Guelph Youth Music Centre. These bursaries are issued to children in the Guelph area to take part in local arts programs in the City of Guelph. Parents, family and friends of the choir members are welcome to attend.

Guelph Youth Singers is an award-winning organization that has been given the top awards for choral groups from the Guelph Kiwanis Association, and has won further awards at both the Provincial and National levels of the National Festival Association including two firsts in the 2009 festival. Children who love to sing are invited to audition/register for GYS by calling the office at 519-821-8574.

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Contact: Katie Case, Volunteer & Marketing Coordinator
Phone: 519-341-8576
E-mail: katiecasegys@bellnet.ca
Choir website: www.guelphyouthsingers.com

Downtown Guelph Business Association seeks Administrative Assistant

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Downtown Guelph Business Association, a membership based non profit organization, is currently seeking an experienced Administrative Assistant. Deadline for applications is Thursday, November 5.

See News File Link for details.

Women In Crisis seeks experienced counsellor

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis (G-WWIC) is seeking a Senior Counsellor for their Sexual Assault Centre. They are looking for a highly motivated social worker with the skills and abilities to join the Sexual Assault Centre staff group.

This position is part of the Collective Agreement of CUPE Local 4393. Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis offers a competitive benefits package

Closing Date: Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis is committed to anti-racism anti-oppression work and in keeping with this principle, they encourage Aboriginal women, women of colour, women with disAbilities, lesbians, bisexual women and transwomen to apply.

See News File Link for full details.

Guelph Youth Music Centre seeks After Hours Staff

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Guelph Youth Music Centre is currently accepting applications for an After Hours Office/Security Casual Staff Position. This is a part time position for evening and week-end hours.

See News File Link for details.

Trellis seeks Network Administrator

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Trellis Mental Health and Developmental Services is recruiting a Network Administrator/Supervisor. This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) based in Guelph.
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintenance of Trellis Mental Health services local and wide area network operating systems, email systems, Internet, connectivity with other Trellis offices, backup, anti-virus update, security, hardware and software resources.
Deadline for applications is October 23, 2009.

See News File Link for full details.

Guelph General Hospital accepting applications for a Social Worker

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Guelph-Wellington Care & Treatment Centre for Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence at Guelph General Hospital requires a highly effective and skilled Social Worker to become a member of their interdisciplinary team. The major responsibilities of this clinical position include providing assessment, crisis intervention and short-term counselling around a wide range of psychosocial issues related to sexual assault and domestic violence, as it affects children, adolescents and adults.

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a detailed resume with reference HR to Job Posting NU-09-013 by October 8, 2009.

See the News File Link for full details.

Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis seeks a Manager for their Transition and Housing Support Program

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis (G-WWIC) is seeking a Manager to oversee the Transition and Housing Support Program. G-WWIC is a dynamic, community-based feminist organization providing services on woman abuse and sexual violence to women and their children in Guelph and Wellington County. Their management team needs a dynamic, highly motivated manager with excellent leadership qualities to support and inspire this program.

See News File Link for full details.

Closing Date: Friday, October 23rd, 2009

CAVES is back!

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The 15th Annual Community and Volunteer Education Series will happen on Saturday November 7th, 2009 at the Evergreen Seniors Centre, 683 Woolwich Street, Guelph.

Some facts about CAVES:

This event is organized by a committee of community people and non-profit representatives; the Volunteer Centre is one of many partners on this committee
Anyone who volunteers for any organization in Guelph or Wellington County can register
The event is FREE for all volunteers and that includes lunch!
Participants can choose from number of options for the morning session and the afternoon session. Participants attend one session in the morning and one session in the afternoon.
You can register in four ways:
o Phone: call 519-822-0912
o Fax: 519-822-1389. You can also call the above number to request a blank registration form to fill out.
o Mail: 46 Cork St. E, Guelph ON N1E 6Z6
o Email: send your information (including first and second choice preferences for both the morning and the afternoon)to: admin@volunteerguelphwellington.on.ca

To download this year's brochure with all the details, click on News File Link.

New Local Program Trains Future Leaders

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For Release September 14, 2009
Guelph, Ontario

A new training program aimed at developing community leaders will accept its first class this fall.

Leadership Guelph & Wellington will offer leadership skills training to 25 participants. Over the course of a year, participants will learn about the local community, leadership, and how they can strengthen both.

The Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington is spearheading the program. Cathy Taylor, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center is passionate about the change this will bring to the community and participants. “I’m very excited about the possibilities for Leadership Guelph & Wellington. This program will ensure we have the skilled leaders we need in the nonprofit, public and private sectors,” said Ms Taylor.

The hope is to train emerging leaders, be they staff or volunteers, so that they will have the confidence to take leadership roles in meeting the challenges faced by Guelph and Wellington. >>>more

Have your say about Affordable Housing in Your Community

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

County of Wellington is hosting public consultations to seek community input on affordable housing programmes and services in Wellington and Guelph. Members of the public are invited to participate. >>>more

Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2009 Access Recognition Awards

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Guelph and Wellington County Access Recognition Awards honour people who have contributed to breaking down barriers for persons with a disability, individuals with a disability and individuals who have overcome their personal barriers to achieve or fulfill their goal.
Categories are . . .

• Community groups
• Individuals
• Youth
• Educators
• Persons with a disability

Awards will be presented on . . .

• Monday, November 23, 2009 by Mayor Karen Farbridge at the Guelph Council Meeting at the new city hall.

Download the nomination form here.
Please mail, fax or e-mail your nomination(s) to . . .

• Access Recognition Awards, c/o Leanne Warren, Administrator of Disability Services, City Hall, 59 Carden Street, Guelph, Ontario N1H 3A1, FAX: 519-763-9240 or e-mail leanne.warren@guelph.ca

Deadline for applications . . .
• Friday, October 19, 2009.

Access Recognition Awards are sponsored by the Guelph Barrier Free Committee.

INSITE Guelph: Resistance through Arts Conference is seeking workshop presenters

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Individuals and community groups/organizations are invited to submit ideas for a workshop presentation during the Insite Guelph conference, November 14, 15, 16 at the University of Guelph.

This conference will highlight the ways in which art can be used to empower those marginalized in our communities and beyond. Through speakers, panels, interactive workshops and artistic displays, they hope to connect the multitude of ways art as a tool to empower students and community members to resist oppression. The term ‘art’ is left open to ensure a wide range of expression is represented at the conference. Imaginitive, fun, interactive, dynamic proposals expressing resistance through arts are encouraged!
Topics which discuss interlocking systemic oppressions of race, sexuality, disability, gender, size, class, etc. are especially encouraged!
INSITE IS LOOKING FOR...
-a level of critical analysis that can still be fun and interactive
-open to a variety of formats, geared toward the broader community (i.e., workshops can be interactive/participatory for all participants).

Workshops should focus on ways to incorporate anti-oppression and progressive activism through artistic expression into our everyday lives.
• Workshops can be in English or French (note: where workshops are offered in French, English translation will be arranged).
• Each workshop will have approximately 20 participants.
A small honorarium will be provided for the presenter(s) of each workshop.

Workshop proposals must be typed and include the following:
• The title of your workshop
• A summary of the goals/focus of the workshop
• A detailed outline of your workshop, including time constraints
• Any props, equipment or space requirements you might need
• A short (2-3 sentences) biography of the individual or group presenting the workshop
• Subject matter that may trigger painful experiences of participants
**Workshop proposals which are well-organized are appreciated**

The deadline for proposal submissions is Monday September 28th at 9pm.

-Please send your submissions or questions by e-mail only to insiteguelph@gmail.com.

County of Wellington requires Settlement & Adaptation Workers

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Social Services Department, Ontario Works Division of the Corporation of the County of Wellington is accepting applications for Settlement and Adaptation Workers.
This 15-month contract position will provide settlement and adaptation guidance and information to newcomers, including matters of housing, language, immigration, supportive counseling, career and labour market information as per the Government of Canada Citizenship and Immigration Settlement and Adaptation Programme (ISAP). The Worker will also assist newcomers with access to services and integration into the community. Flexibility of hours will be required to accommodate service offered outside of the regular working hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For full details, see the News File Link.
Deadline for applications is Friday, September 11th, 2009 at 4:00 p.m

Intersections 2009: Prosperity to Diversity

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mark Your Calendars
October 21, 22, 2009

A symposium has been organized by the Guelph Inclusiveness Alliance and Immigrant Services Guelph- Wellington.
This will be an opportunity for training, discussion and networking with the focus on building a more inclusive community. An opportunity for training, discussion and networking with the focus on building a more inclusive community.

This event will initiate a frank dialogue around the role of new immigrants in the social, political and economic life of Guelph-Wellington. This event will initiate a frank dialogue around the role of new immigrants in the social, political and
economic life of Guelph-Wellington.
This event represents the first large-scale immigration related conference to be held in Guelph. It will be relevant for three different yet interconnected sectors: Corporate/Business/Employers, Service Providers, and Community Members.

The symposium will take place at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Centre. For further details please contact Tom Lusis at symposium@gdmc.org

Still Time to Submit Applications for 2009 Guelph Arts Council Jane Graham Memorial Award

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Guelph Arts Council is pleased to once again be inviting applications for the Jane Graham Memorial Award. Any visual artist residing and actively practising in Guelph or Wellington County and who can demonstrate a commitment to professional artistic development is eligible to apply for funding to pursue professional development opportunities. Specific activities considered include any course, conference, apprenticeship, field trip, or other professional development learning experience that can be shown to contribute to the personal artistic growth of the applicant artist. The application deadline is September 8, 2009.

The award was created in 2006 in memory of Jane Graham, a much-loved and respected visual artist living and working in the Guelph area prior to her untimely death in 2005. With donations received in her memory, Guelph Arts Council created the Jane Graham Memorial Fund at The Guelph Community Foundation, and, with the income earned, now annually offers an award for one or more local visual artists. To date, awards have been presented to local ceramic artist Chris Hierlihy in 2006, to artist blacksmith Graeme Sheffield in 2007, and to painter Janet Stanley in 2008.

Applicants must complete the required application form available from the Guelph Arts Council office or from www.guelpharts.ca/guelphartscouncil. More information at (519) 836-3280 or gac@sentex.net.

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Guelph Arts Council
147 Wyndham Street North - Suite 404
Guelph, Ontario    N1H 4E9
Phone: (519) 836-3280
Fax:     (519) 766-9212
Email: gac@sentex.net
Web:    www.guelpharts.ca/guelphartscouncil

Community Resource Centre accepting applications for an Outreach Worker

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington is seeking applications for a part time contract position in their Outreach and Support Services Program, working out of their Centre Wellington office in Fergus. This Community Outreach Worker will work as a team member of the Outreach and Support Services Department, supporting families and individuals by carrying out the agency’s mission of “fostering self-sufficiency and a sense of community”.

Deadline for applications is Friday, August 28, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.

See the News File Link for more details.

Your Chance to grade Guelph & Wellington

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends,

The Guelph Community Foundation invites you to have a voice and be part of this year’s Guelph and Wellington VitalSigns®, a report card of our community.

This is your invitation to grade our community and share your views for Guelph and Wellington’s 2009 VitalSigns® report. It is not a test of your knowledge; we are solely interested in your opinions and perceptions about how Guelph and Wellington County is performing in 11 areas.

Our on-line survey is now live. Please open this link to access the survey: 2009 Guelph Wellington VitalSigns Survey

The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. If you are not able to complete it in one sitting, you can finish it at a later date and time. Please be advised that the link will close at 4:00 PM on September 8, 2009.

The report will be released on October 6, 2009 and will be available to download from our website at www.guelphcf.ca.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,

Andrea Olson, Executive Director
The Guelph Community Foundation
519-821-9216
Email: andreaolson.gcf@bellnet.ca
www.guelphcf.ca

Guelph Youth Singers Win Two Firsts at National Music Festival

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Press Release: August 11, 2009
For Immediate Release

On August 13–15th 2009, Guelph Youth Singers participated in Federation of Canadian Music Festival national competition held in Saskatoon. The two senior-level choirs from the well-known Guelph organization are happy and proud to announce their first place wins in the following categories: J.F.K. English trophy, for singers aged 16 and under (won by Guelph Youth Singers Choir III) and the George S. Mathieson trophy, for singers aged 19 and under (won by Guelph Youth Singers Chamber Choir.) The hard work and dedication of Linda Beaupré, artistic director and conductor; Ken Gee, accompanist, and the choristers themselves made this accomplishment possible.>>>more

City of Guelph hiring for Local Immigration Partnership

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Resumes are being accepted for several contract positions within the Community Services Department of the City of Guelph. The positions of Project Manager, Project Animator and Clerical Assistant will support the development of an Immigration Partnership Strategy for the city of Guelph. The Strategy will be designed to support newcomer programs and services that are responsive to immigrants and assist their settlement and inclusion in the community, as well as their integration into the workforce.

Download full details for each position below:

Project Manager, Immigration Partnership Strategy (full time contract, up to 12 months) Qualified applicants are invited to forward a cover letter and resume, quoting # 09-C-5555, by Sunday, August 24, 2009.

Project Animator, Immigration Partnership Strategy (full time contract, up to 12 months) Qualified applicants are invited to forward a cover letter and resume, quoting # 09-C-5557, by Sunday, August 24, 2009.

Clerical Assistant, Immigration Partnership Strategy (part time contract, up to 12 months) Interested candidates are invited to apply via the online application system by Sunday August 16th, 2009.

Job Opportunity with Trellis

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Trellis Mental Health and Developmental Services is recruiting for a Case Manager
This role is responsible for:
Providing recovery oriented support to clients with serious mental health challenges and their families. This will include providing comprehensive mental health assessments, consultation to community partners and group support as well. A comfort in providing community based care is a must.

This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) based in Fergus. Deadline for applications is August 7th, 2009.

See the News File Link for full details.

Learning Disabilities Association of Wellington County Fundraiser

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Learning Disabilities Association of Wellington County in partnership with Boston Pizza is hosting a fundraisinig event:

Back Parking Lot Skate Board Rodeo
JULY 26 FROM 2-5PM at The Ward Skatepark, Guelph

See News File Link for details.

Job Opportunity with Guelph Youth Music Centre

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Guelph Youth Music Centre (GYMC) is accepting applications for an Office Manager.
Reporting to the Executive Director of the GYMC, the Office Manager requires the following skills to be considered for this position:
• A minimum of 2 years experience using QuickBooks Pro Accounting software up to trial balance.
• Proficiency in the use of Excel and Word
• An ability to learn new software, including the in-house database software
• Excellent organizational, written and oral communications skills
• Office organizational skills
• Ability to work independently

For full details see the News File Link.

Hillside Festival Guelph is hiring an Acting Executive Director

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Executive Director administers the year-round business operations of the organization. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director acts as the public face of Hillside, and has a sense of the big picture. Ongoing board relations, business management, human resource management of office staff, oversees the day-to-day financial operations, manages the grant application and reporting process, marketing initiatives, plus many other responsibilities.

One-year, full-time contract, September 14, 2009 to October 2010 and based on 37.5 hours per week, with some evening and weekend work. Hillside offers a positive and friendly team environment, leadership opportunities, community involvement and job satisfaction. Details at www.hillsidefestival.ca. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

No phone calls or emails please.

Full application and job description details available on the Hillside website: www.hillsidefestival.ca. Click “employment”. Please review this information prior to applying.

Deadline: Monday July 13, 2009, 5pm.

Auditions for Guelph Youth Singers

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Guelph Youth Singers is holding auditions in late August and early September 2009 for entry in September 2009. Children and youth who love to sing, and who are between the ages of six and eighteen, are welcome to attend. For more information and to book an audition, phone (519) 821-8574 or send an e-mail message to admin@guelphyouthsingers.com

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Contact: Cathy Meggison, Administrator
Phone: 519-821-8574
E-mail: admin@guelphyouthsingers.com
Choir website: www.guelphyouthsingers.com