FEBRUARY 2010
 
Our Sector, Our Vision 2010:
Ontario's Nonprofit Provincial Conference
The Ontario Nonprofit Network's third annual provincial conference is fast approaching, bringing together representatives from the nonprofit, private, and public sectors to move ideas into action.
Highlights of this year's conference include:
- Keynote: Judith Maxwell, Founding President of the Canadian Policy and Research Network and Order of Canada member, discusses emerging issues in our sector and how we might respond.
- Building Effective Campaigns: Leaders from the environment, arts and culture, and sports and recreation share their lessons learned about how to build effective long-term campaigns and mobilize communities.
- Competing for People: Experts talk about how to make the nonprofit sector a career of choice by providing benefits such as a nonprofit pension plan for Ontario.
- Vocational Renewal: Pat Thompson, Metcalf Foundation Fellow, hosts a conversation about the motivations and passions that keep us working in the nonprofit sector.
- Re-envisioning the Nonprofit Sector: Youth Speak A panel of youth leaders discuss the role and future of youth in the nonprofit sector.
- Ideas into Action: Hear back on the current issues facing our sector and help move Ontario's Nonprofit Sector Agenda into action.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and engage! Register now to reserve your seat and enjoy the early bird rate!
The Dark Horse Conversation - Part 1
by Patricia Thompson
ONN has invited Metcalf Foundation Fellow, Patricia Thompson, to reflect on the process of vocational renewal in a series of enews articles. Pat encourages us to reflect upon the motivations and experiences that align who we are with the work we do and we invite you to share in this conversation on-line and in person at our 2010 Conference in April.
Remember a time when you talked about your work and why you do it. What made that conversation useful? Post your comments in our Forum.
What conversation are you putting your money on this year?
Last year, we made our choices from an endless list of topics – many recurring and a few that came out of nowhere. Cutbacks, downsizing, mergers, diversity, social ventures, governance, Bill C-4, sustainability, collaboration, the economic stimulus package, accounting standards, new media, the HST and more. Mostly, we bet on the ones with the best odds: the conversations most likely to deliver tangible returns for our organizations.
But some of us also decided to place a wager on a long shot. We chose to have a conversation about ourselves in relation to our work. By taking an hour to reflect on our motivations and experiences, we engaged in the process of vocational renewal. This process is about making and keeping a strong connection between who we are and what we do.
Read More>>
Charity Starts at Home
by Jini Stolk
Like many of you, I've been personally and professionally enriched by my participation in the Ontario Nonprofit Network. My organization, Creative Trust, and our constituency of more than 50 performing arts companies, has benefited in innumberable ways, among them: ONN's groundbreaking work on updating the Corporations Act; recommended changes to Revenue Canada's charitable accounting policies; and analysis of the impact of the HST on nonprofits (alarmingly negative when applied to performing arts ticket sales).
Now, more than ever, the nonprofit community has an essential role to play in Ontario's future— and we're all more likely to be able to fulfill our respective missions, and have a positive impact on the life and people of the Province, if we work together .
We've brought a lot of energy to the various committees and constellations coming out of ONN, but volunteer energy doesn't pay the bills. Creative Trust has found room in our budget to contribute to helping ONN continue its important work (which I would never have had the time or expertise to do on my own).
It would be great if you could join us and other network members by contributing to ONN in an amount appropriate to the size and budget of your organization. Remember the power of collaboration—in raising funds to help ourselves as in everything else! Donate Now>>
ONN Announcements
- A big thank you to ONN's donors!
ONN would like to thank its latest donors, Creative Trust, Lynn Eakin, and Software for a Sustainable World, for their generous financial support. ONN works hard to respond to issues that affect your work, your organizations, and your communities. Contribute to your community- Donate Now>>
- HST Seminar: Back by popular demand!
Jonathan Spencer, C.A., delivered two very informative HST seminars in January and ONN is very grateful to Jonathan for the time he is spending to help nonprofits and charities prepare for the HST.
Due to the overwhelming demand for our HST seminar, Jonathan has generously agreed to do a webinar on Feb. 18th for both charities and nonprofits. Register now to reserve your place, as spots are limited.
- ONN First Meeting of Umbrella Groups
ONN hosted a meeting of provincial networks and umbrella groups in December and a rich conversation was had about emerging issues, collaboration opportunities, and future meetings. Read the summary of the meeting here.
- ONN welcomes new leadership
ONN is delighted to welcome Sandy Keshan (Reena) and Sandy Houston (Metcalf Foudation) to its Advisory Council and Margaret Hancock (Family Service Toronto) to its Steering Committee. We are very grateful for the contributions of our Advisory Council and Steering Committee members, together, a team of over forty people (and growing!) who help to inform ONN's work and who share their knowledge and expertise of issues facing our sector.
- Social Enterprise in Ontario and Quebec
In partnership with the ONN, Peter Elson has produced another report regarding different policy dimensions related to social enterprises in Ontario and Quebec. This most recent report provides a summary of the consultation papers between the government and nonprofit sector in each province, as well as the response from the non profit sector to the proposed legislation. Read More>>
Sector News & Events
- 2010 Communities Collaborating Institute: Leading Together in Chaotic Times
The 2010 Communities Collaborating Institute promises to be a rich learning opportunity. Inspired by the latest insights by renowned thought-leaders, it offers you the opportunity to rejuvenate and strengthen your ability to engage and mobilize citizens across multiple sectors to advance your community’s agenda. This gathering is being held from September 27th to October 1st, 2010 in Kitchener, Ontario. If you are interested in attending, please contact ONN to explore the possibility of a group rate.
- Maytree Scholarship Program
Maytree Scholarship Program for protected persons is now accepting applications. Deadline: Friday, March 26, 2010.
The Metcalf Foundation announces the launch of their new Metcalf Renewal Program.
The HR Council for the Nonprofit Sector is inviting 10 to 15 organizations representing different subsectors to participate in a dialogue and review of a new resource that includes an organizational assessment tool and action plan.
February 22-23, 2010
Resources
ONN participated in a CRA-funded project to help small and rural charities with annual reporting to the Government of Canada. The Charities File: On Board has conducted more than 50 training sessions, 6 of which were hosted by ONN, and through the project we have assembled an array of helpful resources.
Imagine Canada has launched a website with information and tools to ensure that charities have the resources to meet Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements.
OHCC is offering webinars on strengthening nonprofits and capacity building
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