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What
is VOCBC?
Why do we need VOCBC?
What does VOCBC plan to do?
Why do we need another organization?
How could my organization benefit from VOCBC?
What is the commitment of a member?
How can my organization become a member of VOCBC?
Vision and Mission?
Founding Members of VOCBC -September 2002
New
VOCBC Members - 2004
VOCBC 2003 Activities / Plans for 2004
VOCBC
Member Resources
VOCBC
Upcoming Events / Past Events
What is VOCBC?
The
Voluntary Organizations Consortium of BC is a newly formed network
of provincial and coalition organizations that involve volunteers
in a wide variety of sectors: health, education, social services,
sport, recreation, arts, culture, multiculturalism, aboriginal,
disabilities, children/youth, business, environment and others.
VOCBC
was launched September 2002.
Why do we need VOCBC?
The
vision of VOCBC is to be a leader in the promotion of a society
that recognizes the essential role, value and diversity of volunteers
in improving the quality of life in our province. We are bringing
together groups that do not normally come together. Thus, we hope
that by working together, we will maximize the impact of volunteers
and voluntary organizations in British Columbia.
What does VOCBC plan to do?
The founders of VOCBC have identified a number of strategic priorities
for our newly formed network:
Why do we need another organization?
In
fact, the founders of VOCBC felt the same way - why create another
entity, when there are so many already? So the founders, decided
that, until otherwise decided, VOCBC will not be a separate organization,
but will be housed with Volunteer BC, which provides the administrative
support for the Consortium to function.
There
is no other group in BC that brings together such a wide range of
voluntary organizations for a common purpose - strengthening our
individual and collective capacities for improving the quality of
life in our province.
How could my organization benefit from VOCBC?
Your
organization will benefit by being in touch with sources of "cutting
edge information" on voluntary sector developments. VOCBC intends
to be a conduit for members on the latest in trends, issues and
developments, as well as a facilitator of information exchange amongst
members. As a member, you will be linked with peers in other sectors
- sectors with which you may not normally associate. Thus, individual
organizational capacity will be increased. As a member, you will
also be recognized as a leader in your field by working with a broad
diversity of groups to maximize the contribution of volunteers and
voluntary organizations in BC.
What is the commitment of a member?
Members
are provincial or coalition organizations and their most important
role is to be conduits of information to and from their own members
/ affiliates. By disseminating information on key developments in
the voluntary sector, the capacity of groups throughout the province
will be strengthened. Also, by VOCBC members conveying the issues
and concerns of their sector with others, they will be facilitating
two way information exchange.
Members
are invited to meetings where they will have the opportunity to
hear first hand some of the latest developments and provide input
into the direction of VOCBC. Some member organizations may also
choose to get involved in one or more of the committees and work
with others on specific projects.
How
can my organization become a member of VOCBC?
Membership
in VOCBC is open to provincial and coalition voluntary organizations
that subscribe to the vision and mission of VOCBC. Membership is
paid to Volunteer BC (the administrative support to the Consortium)
and is $75 annually.
If
you like further information or wish to become a member of VOCBC,
please e-mail us at volbc@vcn.bc.ca.
Vision and Mission
Vision
We will be leaders in the promotion of a society
that recognizes the essential role, value and diversity of volunteers
in improving the quality of life in our province.
Mission
To maximize the impact of the contributions
of volunteers and voluntary organizations in British Columbia.
Core
Values
We operate in a way that is:
- Promoting
excellence
- Pro-active
- Inclusive
- Respectful
-
Collaborative
- Transparent
and accountable
- Cognizant
of the diversity among us
- Celebratory
of our successes and strengths
Goals
VOCBC will serve as a welcome and necessary
addition to the sector and not be seen as replacing nor unnecessarily
duplicating the work of existing organizations.
- To
create and sustain a body that will promote and unite voluntary
organizations
- To
promote organizational excellence in the voluntary sector
-
To promote and advance research efforts in the voluntary sector
- To
encourage the capacity within voluntary organizations for planning,
analysis and policy development
- To
work together with the public and private sector in policy development
and planning
- To
facilitate dialogue on voluntary sector issues, community trends
and socio-economic needs in BC communities
-
To provide informed advice to government partners on policy issues
and future directions
Composition
Participating organizations must have the
capacity and commitment to communicate within their own sub-sector,
in order to hear concerns and to disseminate information.
- Provincial
organizations that represent the diversity of groups that involve
volunteers: health, education, social services, sport, recreation
& leisure, arts, culture, multicultural, aboriginal, children's/youth;
business, environment, service groups, faith and others
- Organizational
representation may be by leadership volunteers and/or senior staff.
Staff / board partnerships are encouraged.
- Provincial
organizations that are coalitions of the groups they represent,
or
- Provincial
organizations, where no coalitions exist, or
- Community
organizations that are coalitions of the groups they represent
Meetings
As often as decided by the group
Structure
- Led
by representatives from different member organizations, as elected
by the broad membership
- Committees
are formed as decided by the consortium
- Sponsored
by Volunteer BC
- Participating
organizations become members of Volunteer BC
Support
to Consortium
Administrative support to the Consortium will
be provided by Volunteer BC and any other partners who agree to
provide support
For
further information, contact Volunteer
BC.
VOCBC Members
What
groups are involved in VOCBC?
The
following organizations are the founding members of VOCBC.
Others are also involved:
Founding
Members - September 2002
Affiliation
of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA)
www.amssa.org
Association for Community Education in BC (ACEBC)
www.acebc.org
BC Association for Community Living www.bcacl.org
BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres www.bcaafc.com
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities www.bccad.bc.ca
BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils www.bccpac.bc.ca
BC Council of Elizabeth Fry Societies - BC Region
www.elizabethfry.com
BC Council for Families www.bccf.bc.ca
BC Environmental Network www.bcen.bc.ca
Block Watch Society of BC www.bccpa.org
Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon Division www.bc.cancer.ca
Canadian Red Cross www.redcross.ca
First Call (Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition)
www.firstcall.org
Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon www.heartandstroke.ca
PARCA - The Community Justice Federation www.plea.bc.ca
Providence Health Care www.providencehealthcare.org
Scouts Canada, BC - Yukon Provincial Council www.bc.scouts.ca
SPARC BC - Social Planning and Research Council of BC www.sparc.bc.ca
Sport BC www.sport.bc.ca
United Community Services Cooperative www.ucscoop.com
www.infoforchange.bc.ca
Vancouver Multicultural Society www.urbancultures.ca
Voluntary Sector Knowledge Network www.vskn.ca
Volunteer BC www.volunteerbc.bc.ca
Volunteer Vancouver www.volunteervancouver.ca
New
Members - 2004
The
Arthritis Society, BC - Yukon Division www.arthritis.ca/bc
CharityVillage.com
www.charityvillage.com
Pacific
Community Networks Association www.pcna.org
MEMBERSHIP
APPLICATION FORM
Voluntary Organizations Consortium of BC
Being a Member of the Voluntary Organizations Consortium of BC (VOCBC)
means you are making a valuable investment in the future of voluntary
organizations in BC.
Membership fee is now due and is $75 for the year ending December
2004.
Please make cheque payable to:
Volunteer BC
Suite
302 – 207 West Hastings Street
Vancouver,
BC V6B 1H7
Phone:
604 873-5877 Fax: 604 873-5802
Email:
volbc@vcn.bc.ca Website: www.volunteerbc.bc.ca
Please fill in the form below and enclose with your cheque.
A receipt will be issued upon payment.
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2004 VOCBC Membership
Date: _______________________
Enclosed
is: $ 75 Membership for 2004
$_____ Additional
payment for work of VOCBC
$_____ Total enclosed
I am interested in being contacted about involvement in one of the
following teams:
____ Leadership / Steering Committee
____ Organizational and Capacity Development
____ Research
____ Communications
Organization: ____________________________________________________
Contact Name: _______________________ Title: ______________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
suite#
street ________________________________________________________________
city
province
postal
code
Phone: ( ) _________________ Ext. ____ Fax: (
)__________________
Email: __________________________________________________________
Website:
www. __________________________________________________
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Activities and Plans
The mission of the Consortium is “Maximizing the impact
of volunteers and voluntary organizations in BC.”
The membership now comprises of 28 provincial or coalition not-for-profit
organizations, representing a wide range of sectors.
VOCBC 2002-03 Activities
* VOCBC was launched September 26, 2002 and
since then we have been involved in many activities.
* Strategic Plan has been developed and the
following priorities have emerged:
- To create and sustain a body that will promote and
unite voluntary organizations
- To promote and advance research efforts in the voluntary
sector
- To encourage capacity within voluntary organizations
for planning, analysis and policy development
- To facilitate dialogue on voluntary sector issues,
community trends, and socio-economic needs in BC communities.
* Leadership Group – a Steering Committee
has evolved that reflects a broad range of sectors and provides
leadership to the Consortium.
* National Linkages – VOCBC has played an
important role in linking the voluntary sector in BC with national
issues. Specifically, VOCBC has played important roles in:
- Canadian Federation of Voluntary Sector
Networks – This Federation links cross-sectoral groups
like ours from across the country. VOCBC has played a leading role
in strategic issues affecting the sector.
- National voluntary sector forums
– such as the National Voluntary Sector Assembly in fall 2002;
Research and Practice in the Voluntary Sector conference January
2003; discussion of national leadership issues fall 2003 and others.
- Linking with the Voluntary Sector Forum
– which replaces the Voluntary Sector Initiative. BC representative,
Shauna Sylvester regularly reports on national issues and conveys
BC concerns to the Forum.
* Provincial Communications – VOCBC funnels
key national and member information to VOCBC member and others.
This includes information on:
- Voluntary sector issues
- Policy Internship and Fellowship Pilot Program
- The new knowledge network
- Human resources
- Recent studies and research affecting the sector.
* Dialogue Sessions / Consultations – have
been held on:
- CCRA Guidelines for Charities (in collaboration with
IMPACS)
- Human Resource Challenges (in collaboration with
the Community Foundations of Canada)
- VOICE in Health Policy (in collaboration with SPARC
BC)
- Future Trends in the Voluntary Sector and the Manitoba
experience
- Risk Management and Liability Insurance (in collaboration
with United Community Services Coop)
- National Learning Initiative.
* Capacity Project – through funding from
the Vancouver Foundation, we are exploring ways to link provincial
organizations with volunteer centres in various parts of BC.
More information to come (check the Upcoming Activities and Events
below).
*
Resources - available through members in the areas of Leadership
and Governance Liability and Volunteer Screening, Matching and Liability
has been compiled. Check out the following
websites which contain many resources, as well as links to useful
national and international websites:
- www.volunteerbc.bc.ca
- www.vskn.ca
- www.govolunteer.ca
Plans for 2004
To build upon the successes of 2002-03 and continue to implement
the Strategic Plan:
1. To create and sustain a body that will promote and unite
voluntary organizations – through our ongoing work
2. To promote and advance research efforts in the voluntary
sector – through supporting the National Learning
Initiative pilot project in BC (in collaboration with Doug Soo,
Dean, Continuing Education, Langara College and the Assn of Canadian
Community Colleges)
3. To encourage capacity within voluntary organizations
for planning, analysis and policy development – through
workshops and linking identified provincial organizations with volunteer
centres in BC (through a project funded by the Vancouver Foundation)
4. To facilitate dialogue on voluntary sector issues, community
trends, and socio-economic needs in BC communities –
through forums, communication with members and links with national
initiatives.
VOCBC
Member Resources
One of the key goals of Voluntary Organizations
Consortium of BC is assisting in building capacity -- sharing resources
so that we are stronger together than individually.
Members
have identified three areas in which we would like to begin to share
common resources. These are:
-
Leadership and governance
-
Organizational liability
-
Volunteer Recruitment, screening, matching and recognition.
Three
of our members have easily accessible information on the web in
these areas. They are:
-
Volunteer BC www.volunteerbc.bc.ca
-
Voluntary Sector Knowledge Network www.vskn.ca
-
GoVolunteer website (website is a collaborative effort with volunteer
centres in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows, Richmond
and Vancouver) www.govolunteer.ca.
LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
Volunteer BC www.volunteerbc.bc.ca
has a section on Board Governance for organizations:
- Just newly formed
- Organizations that have been in existence for at least a few years
- More mature organizations.
The
A - Z Directory of Board Governance is simple and
clear. It includes topics such as:
-
Applying to become a non-profit organization
-
Purpose of board and committees
-
Financial responsibility of boards
-
Government models
-
Internet and technology
-
Hiring the right Executive Director
-
Juggling competing priorities
-
Liability and risk management
-
Making meetings work
-
The nominating process
-
Benchmarking for organizational effectiveness
-
Policy development
-
Strategic planning
-
Top ten board issues
-
Need for transparency and codes of ethics
-
Youth involvement
-
High performance organizations.
The Voluntary Sector Knowledge Network www.vskn.ca
has a Leadership section that deals with:
-
Board roles and responsibilities
-
Strategic planning
-
The board / CEO relationship
-
Board structures
- Effective Board meetings
-
Getting the best of board members
-
Intepersonal skills for leaders
-
Board orientation and development
-
Board liability issues
-
Fundraising
-
Accountability and evaluation
-
Books
-
Periodicals and consulting services
-
Links to sites covering most aspects of board management
On this site, you can join a discussion group on any topic or ask
a mentor a particular question.
The GoVolunteer website www.govolunteer.ca
has an extensive section in their Resource Library
on Board Governance. These are primarily books
that members can borrow from Volunteer Vancouver or non-members
can view on site.
-
Board liability / accountability
-
Board models
-
Board planning / policy development
-
Board self-evaluation and assessment
-
Board / staff / volunteer relationship
-
Roles and responsiblities
-
Selection and recruitment
-
Succession planning / evaluation of the Executive Director
In
addition, volunteer positions for board members and a training program
for board members ar4 available through Volunteer Vancouver's Board
Match Greater Vancouver www.boardmatch.org.
Other
useful websites:
-
Board Development - initiated by the Voluntary Sector Roundtable
and maintained by United Way of Canada www.boarddevelopment.org.
- Centre for Philanthropy - ww.centreforphilanthropy.ca
- Leader to Leader Institute (formerly the Drucker
Institute) www.pfdf.org/
ORGANIZATIONAL LIABILITY
All
three websites deal with liability issues as part of their leadership
and governance sections.
Volunteer BC www.volunteerbc.bc.ca
— has a section on Liability Insurance and
Risk Management.
-
Myths vs. realities of board member liability
-
Choosing the right insurance for your organization
-
Types of situation to have coverage for.
In
addition, there is a complete section on Risk Management,
including a version of the document Volunteers and the Law
which you can download. Links include the Canadian
Charity Village and Energize Inc.
Voluntary Sector Knowledge Network www.vskn.ca
— go to Leadership then Board Liability Issues.
There are useful links to articles on liability issues from Charity
Village, the Centre for Philanthropy, Non-profit Genie (a series
of questions on all aspects of insurance for non-profit organizations)
and a booklet from the Non-profit Insurance Alliance of California.
GoVolunteer www.govolunteer.ca
— go to Board Liability / Accountability.
Several books are listed including one titled Risk Management for
Boards.
United Community Services Cooperative www.ucscoop.com
— find the most comprehensive study in BC of not-for-profits’
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance as part of Risk Management
for volunteers and executive leaders. Go to D&O Liability
Insurance Report from main page.
Other useful websites:
- Energize Inc. - www.energizeinc.com,
which also has the E-Volunteerism / the electronic journal of the
volunteer community - www.e-volunteerism.com.
VOLUNTEER
RECRUITMENT
www.govolunteer.ca
This is a collaborative website of the volunteer centres in Burnaby,
Coquitlam, Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows, Richmond and Vancouver.
You can post positions online and find volunteer opportunties.
VOLUNTEER SCREENING, MATCHING & RECOGNITION
Volunteer BC www.volunteerbc.bc.ca
— click Risk Management. This includes: a checklist of policies,
including sample wording; a version of Volunteer Canada’s
Safe Steps screening manual that you can download; and, the Association
of Volunteer Administrator’s Employer’s Package. In
addition, from Risk Management, you can access a comprehensive section
of sample policies on:
-
Planning
-
Recruitment
-
Orientation and training
-
Supervision and evaluation.
In
these sections, sample wording is provided, as well as the rationale
for such a policy and key issues or procedures.
Voluntary Sector Knowledge Network www.vskn.ca
— click Managing Volunteers. There are links
to many topics including:
-
Recruiting volunteers
-
Selecting volunteers
-
Training volunteers
-
Volunteer performance
-
Volunteer recognition
-
I.T. volunteers.
On this site you can join a discussion group or ask a mentor on
any topic.
Go Volunteer www.govolunteer.ca
— click Volunteer Program Management for
an extensive list of books and periodicals. Topics include:
-
Evaluation
-
Interviewing and placement
-
Orientation and training
-
Planning
-
Recognition
-
Recruitment
-
Screening
-
Supervising / managing volunteers
-
Volunteer / staff relations.
Members
can borrow books / periodicals and non-members can view them on
site.
VOCBC
Upcoming Activities and Events
Watch
out for news on upcoming events.
Past
Activities and Events
Funding
Matters !!!
January 20, 2004
Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1212 West Broadway, Vancouver
Voluntary organizations are facing increasing pressures and anxieties
as government moves into privatization and consolidation of contracts.
Who now funds the “core business” of the organization?
What are the implications for voluntary organizations? What can
be done?
Two key studies have recently been concluded on the changed trends
in funding the voluntary sector: one by Canadian Council on Social
Development and the other by SPARC BC.
Michael Goldberg, Research Director of SPARC BC, is the author of
the BC study and has a wealth of expertise in the voluntary sector,
its impact on the community and how funding matters. He presented
on the following issues:
· What BC and Canadian research is saying about how funding
has changed the nature of voluntary organizations in the past two
decades, and
· The impact on voluntary organizations in BC.
Tim Beachy facilitated a dialogue with over 23 participants about
the trends from their own experiences and what can be done.
Making Your Voice Count!
February 24, 2004
SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
As part of the VOICE in health policy project of Health Canada,
consultations were held across Canada between January and April
2003 with voluntary organizations working in health. As a result,
a training workshop was designed to assist organizations in understanding
the federal policy process, health jurisdictions and how to influence
the health policy process. While the focus was “health”
very broadly defined, the skills in the training were transferable
to most government policy processes.
VOCBC held the “Making Your Voice Count!” workshop at
the Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre on February 24. It was
attended by 31 participants from various fields - health, Aboriginal,
multicultural/immigrant, social services, law, youth, seniors and
others. Many more people who wanted to attend this over-subscribed
workshop, were referred to other VOICE workshops. The facilitator,
Vera Radyo, provided an overview of policy development and engaged
participants in developing a strategy to influence policy on a real
life case study. Evaluations of the session were very positive.
If you are interested in finding out more about the VOICE in health
policy project, please visit the project website at www.projectvoice.ca.
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