Conference Program
Building Vital Rural Communities Conference
June 6th and 7th 2007
Guelph, Ontario
Please take a moment to review our conference program which contains summaries of presentations and workshops, as well as presenters' bios.
Pre-conference Workshop
Challenge - Discover - Change
Karen Moore, Foundation for Rural Living Workshop Summary:Join us for a pre-conference workshop. An opportunity to set the stage for learning, relaxing and getting the most of your conference experience. This workshop will provide you with the ideas and tools to say hello to the next few days at the conference, explore your learning hopes and begin the journey of Challenge - Discover - ChangePresenter Bio:
Karen Moore is a dynamic and energetic trainer with years of varied experiences. She brings a professional dedication to her work and a commitment to ensuring all participants have the opportunity to learn. Her trainings are full of energy, creativity and excitement. Be prepared to laugh, have fun and leave the workshop excited for the conference to begin. Read Karen's Article: The Pre-Pre-Conference Gathering
Welcome and Keynote Speaker
Intention, Action, Effect...What's Under Your NoseElaine Froese www.elainefroese.com
Elaine Froese is a catalyst for courageous conversation and creative change. She farms in southwestern Manitoba near the lively community of Boissevain. Elaine challenges people to live intentional lives and plan for change. She holds a coaching certificate from the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara, and a certificate in conflict resolution. She mediates farm families in transition as well as those facing debt issues. She has served on the board of the Turtle Mountain Economic Development Corp. and speaks across Canada. Elaine is the award winning author of “Planting the Seed of Hope”. See more of her articles at http://www.elainefroese.com/Read about our Interview with Elaine
Presentation #1
Demistifying the Grant Making Process
Sheila Simpson, Sandra Braendle, Tracey Robertson, Ontario Trillium Foundation
http://www.trilliumfoundation.org/
Presentation Summary:
Discover the grant making process and hear success stories of rural organizations which have worked with OTF funds to achieve their desired outcomes. Would you like an expert to help you with your grant proposal? Book an appointment with our presenters, where you will be able to discuss a grant you are working on, and ask specific questions. Participants will leave the workshop with a grant proposal that suits the needs of their organization and community.
Presenter Bios:
Sheila Simpson has worked as the Program Manager for Thames Valley for the Ontario Trillium Foundation for over 8 years. Prior to joining OTF, she worked for many years with the Ministry of Community and Social Services. She is an active volunteer in her community with many different nonprofits. Sheila has worked hard to ensure that rural voices and perspectives are heard.
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Sandy Braendle, Program Manager with the Ontario Trillium Foundation for the past 8 years, is also a registered nurse, working in critical care. Prior to joining the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Sandy has been a Community Relations Manger for a financial institution and a program coordinator for a nonprofit organization, responsible for programming and fundraising.
Tracey Robertson, Program Manager with the Ontario Trillium Foundation has 25 years experience in community development and making strategic investments in nonprofit organizations both locally and nationally. She was appointed to lead a provincial research project to analyze the impact of the Foundations 100 million dollar investments in building organizational capacity in nonprofit organizations across the province
Presentation #2Youth Engagement: Ensuring Rural Vitality in the Present AND FutureKristen McKinnon, Oxford County Youth Strategy Simeon George and Alicia Stienstra, Woodstock Trinity School Youth and Adult Leaders Presentation Summary:
The Oxford County Youth Strategy is a collaborative, youth-driven initiative that empowers rural youth aged 12 to 30 to become self-advocating community partners and key decision makers. Participants will learn how Oxford engages youth and fosters their development as leaders in community capacity building. The presentation will inform you about important youth issues, equip you with practical applications and inspire you to turn up the volume on youth voices in your community! Presenter Bios:
Kirsten McKinnon is Project Coordinator for the Oxford County Youth Strategy. As a life coach and community development consultant, Kirsten helps to give a voice to youth, engaging them in the process of identifying priorities, clarifying strategies and implementing solutions, hand-in-hand with community service providers. Representatives from the OCYS will include youth and
adult leaders that have been involved in a variety of youth driven initiatives in their local communities and across Oxford County. These include leaders from youth advisory groups, such as the Ingersoll Youth Advisory Committee and the Tillsonburg Voice of Youth, who collaborate with politicians and service providers to facilitate positive change.
Simeon George and Alicia Stienstra from Woodstock Trinity School have worked with other youth to ensure a youth-driven interpretation and response to local research on youth issues.
Presentation #3
Sustainability and the Power of Positive Linking
Donna Messer, ConnectUs Communications Canada
www.connectuscanada.com
Presentation Summary:
Donna Messer is the missing link in your chain of connections. No matter, whom you are, where you are in life, you need to be connected to others who are like you, or need someone like you in their lives. Within minutes Donna will introduce you to someone that will bring you closer to who you want to know or what you want to know. You will learn about her RISE philosophy…Build Rapport, Exchange Information, Find Solutions and do it Ethically!!
Presenter Bio:
Donna Messer is an author, speaker, trainer and facilitator for ConnectUs Communications Canada. Combining interactive training, strategic planning and an exploration of the natural fears of networking. Donna has received rave reviews for her seminars and speeches and is increasingly sought after as an expert resource on the subject of networking.
Presentation #4A Little Change Makes a Big DifferenceKaren Matthews, Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show http://www.norfolkcountyfair.com/
Presentation Summary:
Participants will hear about the journey of a very old, but not old-fashioned event. The internal and external challenges it faced, and the process the board, staff and volunteers embraced to move the event into the future will be discussed. Small but significant changes have been made, which lead to a rejuvenation of the event and the organization. A little change is easily achieved by any community organization looking to create change and make a difference in their community.
Presenter Bio:
Karen Matthews is the General Manager of the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show in Simcoe, Ontario. For the past five years, Karen has been working in partnership with fair directors, volunteers and staff to build many bridges into the community including partnerships with local businesses, community groups, other events and agri-tourism destinations.
Presentation #5
Community Collaborations: It Can Work For You Too!
PANEL DISCUSSION
Dale Howatt, Perth County Social Planning Council
Ellen Balmain, United Way of Perth County
Kimberley Payne, Huron United Way
Panel Summary:
Is another organization offering a similar program or hosting an event like yours? Get together and collaborate! When individuals, organizations and communities work together, great things can be achieved. This panel discussion will allow participants to talk to rural nonprofit organizations and discuss: long-term partnerships, networks and collaborations; discover effective community models, learn from the experience of other rural organizations and communities and identify promising practices to help you strengthen your programs & services and increase your organizations sustainability. Presenter Bios:
Dale Howatt, has a long history working with social service and voluntary organizations in Canada and abroad, including food banks, general welfare, immigration, crisis intervention, affordable housing and children’s services. Dale is the owner and principal consultant for Solutions Consulting Group – a Stratford based consulting firm, committed to helping community based organizations reach their potential. http://www.perthcountyspc.ca/
Ellen Balmain, Executive Director of the United Way of Perth County, is also a Rotarian and active volunteer in her community. Ellen has worked closely with volunteer Boards and is excited about the changes in the voluntary sector and is keen to assist charitable organizations as they strategize about how to create sustainable organizations. http://www.unitedwayperth.on.ca/home.html
Currently Executive Director of Huron United Way, Kimberley Payne has been employed in the volunteer sector for the last 10 years during which she has enjoyed many opportunities to work with a variety of people and to improve the community—all with characteristic enthusiasm. Current involvement includes the Lake Huron Learning Collaborative, Huron Community Matters, Engaging Community Building Community Collaborative http://www.huron.unitedway.ca/
Workshop #1
A Giving Community - Gauging Your Communities Ability to Give
Cindy Lindsay, The Guelph Community Foundation http://www.guelphcf.ca/Workshop Summary:
Wouldn’t it be nice to know how much your community is really able to give? This workshop will address understanding and assessing the philanthropic nature of your community. It will introduce a step-by-step process for determining your community’s ability to raise funds involving individuals, businesses and the community at large. Using case studies, participants will apply the framework to assess the community’s ability to raise money; employ strategic “local knowledge questions” and assess the fundraising landscape.
Presenter Bio:
Over the past twenty years, Cindy Lindsay has worked extensively in the nonprofit and government sector in management, communications, and rural community development. Currently she is the Ontario Regional Coordinator for Community Foundations of Canada and provides support for the growth and development of over 40 community foundations across the province.
Workshop #2
Building Capacity through Service Learning
PANEL DISCUSSION
Kate Hall - U-LInks Centre for Community-Based Research
Cheryl Rose - Canadian Association for Service Learning
Ann MacLeod - Trent/Fleming School of Nursing
Barb Woolner - Trent Centre for Community Based Education
Presenter Bios:
Kate Hall is the Director of U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research and acts as the Project Coordinator for the Active Transportation Planning project. She is actively engaged in community development work in Haliburton County, both paid and voluntary, and never ceases to be amazed at the generosity of spirit in rural communities.
Ann MacLeod is a faculty member in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing where she supervises nursing students in community placements who are placed in nonprofit organizations. She has been instrumental in facilitating community groups in rural areas in both north-eastern and central Ontario to identify needs, capacities and develop strategies and to meet the needs.
Barb Woolner, Project Coordinator at the Trent Centre for Community-Based Education, encourage students, faculty and local organization to pool their resources and work together on community inspired projects. Barb is experienced in developing research partnerships between community organizations, faculty, students, and community members, and also has a strong background in research methodology.
Workshop #3
Beyond Websites: Using new media to build your organization's profile and raise funds
Susan Scott, Full Circle Communications
Sue Sutcliffe, A WEB that WORKS
Workshop Summary:
Have you heard of the terms blog or podcast, but you aren’t quite sure what they are, and wouldn’t know how to implement these tools? In this workshop, participants will find out how to incorporate these new media tools into their nonprofits promotion and fundraising activities. Plus, see case studies from other nonprofits successfully using these tools. In an up-close-and-personal, hands-on portion of the workshop, learn how easy it is to set up your own blog and podcast. Presenter Bios:
Susan Scott, ABC, owner of Full Circle Communications, is an award-winning communications professional with 15 years experience. Her proven ability to both listen to her clients to better understand their needs and provide the best advice to help them communicate successfully to their audiences, make her a trusted adviser and partner. http://www.fullcirclecommunications.ca/index.php
Sue Sutcliffe is a recognized Internet pioneer and web-marketing guru. Her company, aWEBthatWORKS.com, has been helping organizations market their products and services on the web since 1993. Her business offers a full line of website marketing services including website design, hosting and promotion. Sue is a leader in her industry, the business world and her community. http://www.suesutcliffe.com/
Workshop #4
Fundraising Readiness: Positioning Yourself for Success
Cynthia Armour, Elderstone Consulting http://www.elderstone.ca/Workshop Summary
Considering the fierce competition for donor support … why not start your fundraising program properly ... or review the steps you may have missed! This session will help you identify the prerequisites to successful fundraising, build the necessary infrastructure and develop a team who is positioned to deliver results.
Presenter Bio:
Cynthia Armour, CFRE has fundraised since 1987 and started her rurally based consulting practice in 1991. She’s an honours graduate of York University’s Voluntary Sector Management Program and specializes in board governance, fundraising and marketing. She’s been certified since 1995 and volunteers as a Subject Matter Expert with CFRE International.
Workshop #5
How to Establish a Partnership and Create a Local Networking Group
Workshop Summary:
Individuals and organizations can work together to achieve a common goal. Take a look at the needs of your community and learn an effective process for success in your community. The focus of your solution varies according to the needs of the community. The Connected Circuit, which helps nonprofits with their technology needs, will be profiled, and a toolkit outlining the actions taken will be provided to participants.
Presenter Bio:
Lynda Rickard incorporated TAG a nonprofit organization in February 2002. 17 years of business ownership developed entrepreneurial skills beneficial to a nonprofit environment. Through the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, she learned to form community alliances and facilitate group sessions. A willing mentor, she relies on experience and good judgment to accomplish her goals.
Workshop #6Meeting in Cyberspace? Overcoming the challenges and using online collaboration tools in your small nonprofit organizationMarjory Gaouette, Foundation for Rural Living http://www.ruralphilanthropy.caWorkshop Summary:
Web collaboration tools have come a long way in building your network of contacts and your ability to reach a wider range of stakeholders...but using the software is another story! Share your concerns and questions about using technology for meetings, collaboration and networking opportunities. Learn how to host a web conference, and the basics of hosting and sharing some facilitation tips on keeping the conversation going and making the experience a personal one for the participants. Presenter Bio:
Marjory Gaouette has extensive experience in community development and collaboration having had great success in the development of capacity building models in rural and aboriginal communities in Ontario. At the National level, she has been instrumental in the development of a ‘network of support’ for educators and field staff using technology and personal systems to enhance the connectivity, interaction, learning, and sharing of all participants.
Breakfast Roundtable Discussions
Our guests include:
Ann Gordon
Intercultural Leadership
A vital rural community understands and capitalizes on the importance of leadership in our diverse and global environment. What are the skills that make you an effective leader in your organization or community? Are these skills just as effective across different cultures? Or do these traditional Western concepts of leadership need to be modified based on cultural diversity and our global context. This roundtable discussion will provide an opportunity to share experiences and explore ideas about leadership skills needed in our increasingly intercultural environments.
George Kadasky
Volunteer Management
Volunteers are a vital and integral part of most organizations activities. Movements are often started by volunteers, and grow over time as the organizations capacity increases. To be successful in achieving goals organizations also need to be successful in ensuring the willingness of individuals to contribute their time and effort to the cause. No matter how noble or worthy a cause may be, if there aren't enough hands to carry out the tasks, well ... the effort will fail. Join George and his over 27 years of experience and discuss the ins & outs, and the ups & downs of marinating volunteer commitment.
Karen Moore
Engaging youth in your training and orientation program
Many of us are looking for creative ways to engage youth in our organizations, working hard to provide opportunities for a meaningful placement. Orientation and training is a large part of preparing volunteers for their work placements, and while we may have lots of experience at facilitating adult training - what about youth training? Join Karen for a lively discussion on facilitating youth learning opportunities and volunteer training programs.
Ann MacLeod, Barb Woolner,
Kate
Hall
BuildingCapacity through Service Learning
There are countless ways in which organizations can work with community hosts and facilitate community based research and service learning in a rural context. Discuss the capacities of host organizations and learn best practices and tools to develop meaningful project agreements. Join Ann, Barb and Kate, 3 enthusiastic presenters as they engage you in conversation about building your capacity through service learning.
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