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Monday, December 31, 2012

Libraries See Opening as Bookstores Close

"A library has limited shelf space, so you almost have to think of it
as a store, and stock it with the things that people want," said Jason
Kuhl, the executive director of the Arlington Heights Memorial
Library. Renovations will turn part of the library's first floor into
an area resembling a bookshop that officials are calling the
Marketplace, with cozy seating, vending machines and, above all, an
abundance of best sellers.

Today's libraries are reinventing themselves as vibrant town squares,
showcasing the latest best sellers, lending Kindles loaded with
e-books, and offering grass-roots technology training centers. Faced
with the need to compete for shrinking municipal finances, libraries
are determined to prove they can respond as quickly to the needs of
the taxpayers as the police and fire department can.

"I think public libraries used to seem intimidating to many people,
but today, they are becoming much more user-friendly, and are no
longer these big, impersonal mausoleums," said Jeannette Woodward, a
former librarian and author of "Creating the Customer-Driven Library:
Building on the Bookstore Model."




http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/28/us/libraries-try-to-update-the-bookstore-model.html?emc=tnt&tntemail1=y&_r=1&

Thursday, December 20, 2012

CMEC's report about improving the academic achievement and attainment of Aboriginal students in provincial and territorial elementary and secondary schools.

CMEC has just published a new report that examines how better data and evidence can be developed to support jurisdictions' efforts to improve the academic achievement and attainment of Aboriginal students in provincial and territorial elementary and secondary schools.


http://cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/295/Key-Policy-Issues-in-Aboriginal-Education_EN.pdf

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The need to setup a Library and Literacy Services for FNs Network.

I am requesting the need to setup a Library and Literacy Services for FNs Network.
 
The network will connect librarians and literacy service providers in FN communities both in urban as well as on FN reserve lands and thus create capacity via building relationships and program flagships. To plan, design and organize professional development activities, such as webinars and workshops for people interested in libraries and literacy services for FNs communities.FNs libraries are the linguistic lungs, memory managers, living books, culture keepers, and avenues for intergenerational dialogue.
 
The CLA guideline is to gain support from ten members, then a moderator will be chosen who must be a CLA member and he/she can then submit a proposal to Executive Council for approval. If you are interested in setting up this network then please contact me at librarieshelppeople@gmail.com
 
 
 
The first Summer Reading Club in Hobbema

Book spine poetry

The concept of book spine poetry appeared in 1993 with Nina Katchadourian's Sorted Books project. Katchadourian began collecting interesting titles and arranging them in clusters so the spines could be read like a sentence. Maria Popova of Brain Pickings adapted the spine sentences into poetry, and the idea quickly spread around the interwebs. LibraryThing even ran a Book Spine Poetry contest earlier this year (with Katchadourian as a guest judge). Here, we've rounded up some of our favorite examples of the medium.

http://bookriot.com/2012/10/26/the-best-of-book-spine-poetry/


Sorted Books project

The Sorted Books project began in 1993 years ago and is ongoing. The project has taken place in many different places over the years, ranging form private homes to specialized public book collections. The process is the same in every case: culling through a collection of books, pulling particular titles, and eventually grouping the books into clusters so that the titles can be read in sequence, from top to bottom. The final results are shown either as photographs of the book clusters or as the actual stacks themselves, shown on the shelves of the library they were drawn from. Taken as a whole, the clusters from each sorting aim to examine that particular library's focus, idiosyncrasies, and inconsistencies — a cross-section of that library's holdings. At present, the Sorted Books project comprises more than 130 book clusters.

http://www.ninakatchadourian.com/languagetranslation/sortedbooks.php



Saturday, December 15, 2012

The Arctic Inspiration Prize funded through an endowment by the S. and A. Inspiration Foundation

The Arctic Inspiration Prize was launched last spring, and funded through an endowment by the S. and A. Inspiration Foundation. Arnold Witzig and his partner Sima Sharifi started the foundation. Witzig said the award is their way of giving back as new Canadians.
 
"We witnessed the challenges the very first Canadians, the Arctic peoples, were facing due to rapid changes in their environment, their culture and their economy," he said.
 
 

Several Northern projects have each won part of the first Arctic Inspiration Prize, worth a total of $1 million.

The awards were handed out Thursday night at the annual ArcticNet meeting in Vancouver. ArcticNet is a network of researchers focusing on the impacts of climate change and modernization in the Canadian Arctic. The prize is intended to support projects that use Arctic knowledge and research to benefit the Canadian Arctic and its people.

 

Friday, December 14, 2012

If I Can Read, I Can Do Anything

If I Can Read, I Can Do Anything is teaming up with readergirlz, GuysLitWire, and YALSA for Operation Teen Book Drop 2010. We will help coordinate the delivery of thousands of new books to teens on reservation schools

Goals:


  • To Encourage…
    Native children and community members to read for pleasure

  • To Provide…
    Indian communities with opportunities to engage in and communicate about reading

  • To Promote…
    Library use at tribal schools

  • To Help Improve…
    Tribal school library collections

  • To Support…
    Tribal school librarians!

Indigenous authors

Here are five recommended titles for teenagers by Native authors:

1. "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich.

2. "Skeleton Man" by Joseph Bruchac.

3. "Rain is not My Indian Name" by Cynthia Leitich Smith.

4. "Sees Behind Trees" by Michael Dorris.

5. "The Spirit Line" by Aimme and David Thurio.


http://sentra.ischool.utexas.edu/~ifican/index.php

LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund

The LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund was established in 1970 as a special trust in memory of Dr. LeRoy C. Merritt. It is devoted to the support, maintenance, medical care, and welfare of librarians who, in the Trustees' opinion, are:

  • Denied employment rights or discriminated against on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, religion, age, disability, or place of national origin; or
  • Denied employment rights because of defense of intellectual freedom; that is, threatened with loss of employment or discharged because of their stand for the cause of intellectual freedom, including promotion of freedom of the press, freedom of speech, the freedom of librarians to select items for their collections from all the world's written and recorded information, and defense of privacy rights.
If you are in need of assistance, please click here to submit an application.  If you have any questions, please contact the Merritt Fund at (800) 545-2433 x4226 or at merrittfund@ala.orgThe Merritt Fund is governed by a board of three trustees who are elected by donors.
 
To donate to the Merritt Fund, visit the donations page.  To add a link to the Merritt Humanitarian Fund to your website, visit the Merritt Fund Committee of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table

Calgary Regional Consortium The Calgary Regional Consortium CRC provides quality Professional Learning opportunities to K-12 Educators

Infusion of Technology into Social Studies

 

During 2005-2010, the Calgary Regional Consortium brought a number of teacher cohorts together for the purpose of developing a series of Best Practices that integrated technology into Alberta's new Social Studies Program of Studies. The lesson plans, activities, projects, SMART resources and historical multimedia projects from those work sessions can be accessed below:

 

Lesson Plans

Grade 1-3 Lesson Plans

Grade 4-6 Lesson Plans

Grade 7-9 Lesson Plans

Grade 10-11 Lesson Plans

 

Overarching Critical Challenges

Grade 1-3 Overarching Critical Challenges

Grade 5 and 6 Overarching Critical Challenges

Grade 7-9 Overarching Critical Challenges

Grade 10-12 Overarching Critical Challenges

 

The Infusion of SMART Boards into Social Studies

Grade 1-3 SMART Resources

Grade 4-6 SMART Resources

Grade 7-9 SMART Resources

 

Digital Historical Narratives

Grade 1-3 Digital Artifacts

Grade 4-6 Digital Artifacts

Grade 7-9 Digital Artifacts

Grade 10 Digital Artifacts

 

Current Affairs

Grade 3 Current Affairs

Grade 4 Current Affairs

Grade 7-9 Current Affairs

 

 

Podcasts

How do you take a mundane topic like current events and turn it into a powerful learning experience for students? Listen in on a podcast with two Grade 8 teachers from the CRC's  Infusing Technology into S.S. workshops as they explain how!


http://www.crcpd.ab.ca/social/projects

Thursday, December 13, 2012

$1 million gift from O’Regan’s Automotive Group to the Halifax CentraI Library announced


Halifax, NS– A $1 million gift from O'Regan's Automotive Group to the Halifax CentraI Library was announced on Thursday, December 13 by Judith Hare, Halifax Public Libraries' CEO. The gift, in memory of the late Paul O'Regan, is the single largest gift (other than a bequest) to a public library in Nova Scotia.

"The Library is deeply grateful for this transformational gift," says Judith Hare, CEO of the Halifax Public Libraries. "The generosity of O'Regan's will help us to ensure that the inside of the library is completed to the same level of quality as our iconic exterior design."

In honour of the unprecedented gift, the Library will name a popular area of the interior—the large public space on the main floor that opens onto the Queen Street plaza—Paul O'Regan Hall. "The performance area has captured the imagination of people and it is an honour to name this space in memory of Paul O'Regan," says Hare. According to the O'Regan family, an open, public area is an appropriate addition to the legacy of a man who believed in building community and supporting accessibility to lifelong learning.

"More than anything, my father loved to bring people together," says Sean O'Regan, son of Paul O'Regan and CEO of O'Regan's Automotive Group. "As a teacher and business man, he would have greatly enjoyed this space—how it's built for gathering, community, performances, and learning."

Paul O'Regan Hall will function as an exemplary 'third space' for HRM citizens and Nova Scotians. It will be an expansive public gathering place: an open reading area in the daytime and a 250-seat performance hall at night. Acoustic panels will be able to close off the space, which will also feature professional lighting and sound along with a movie theatre quality screen. Paul O'Regan Hall will be open for bookings by the public as well as the Library.
 

Community Partnerships

Community Partnerships


About Community Partnerships

Community Partnerships supports individuals with disabilities to participate in and contribute to their communities. Key stakeholders are identified in the community and contracts are developed to utilize the knowledge and experience of community agencies to enhance the supports available to persons with disabilities.

Vision

People with disabilities are valued and respected members of our communities who are welcomed for their strengths and potential.

Mission

We strive to engage and assist communities to provide individuals with disabilities and their families with support, opportunities, and choices to lead full and inclusive lives.

Funding is provided under four initiatives, including:

Contact Information

Community Partnerships
Alberta Human Services
12th Floor, Milner Building
10040 104 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0Z2
Telephone: 780-427-9136
Toll-free: 310-0000
Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.




http://humanservices.alberta.ca/disability-services/community-partnerships.html

SEEDS Foundation, environment and education program

SEEDS Foundation

·         The SEEDS Foundation has been providing   bias-balanced, curriculum-fit energy and environmental  education programs for the last 30 years. SEEDS  offers programs that are easy, fun and exciting while  encouraging kids to be environmentally responsible and take personal action at school and with their families.

·         For instance, the Green Schools Program has over  8,000 schools across Canada with over 1 million  environmental actions taken by students.


To find out more about the SEEDS programs visit:www.seedsfoundation.ca

The Connections Education Society and SEEDS have partnered to offer the CONNECTIONS™ Program to schools across Alberta. With the support of Cenovus Energy, this unique program supports in-depth learning about diversity and leadership. 

CONNECTIONS™ helps high school students develop understanding, awareness and action related to multiclultural and environmental issues that they face in their world. The objectives are to:

  • Expand awareness of diversity issues and foster cross-cultural understanding;
  • Work together to combat ethnocentrism, stereotyping, racism, prejudice, and discrimination;
  • Initiate activities to affect positive change;
  • Empower students to develop and utilize their personal leadership skills;
  • Enhance understanding of multicultural and environmental concerns; and
  • Connect with the natural environment.

The program includes three components: pre-trip online work and related activities, a four day residential experience, and post-trip online work and final project. This program aligns with several learning outcomes in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Program of Alberta Learning and allows students to obtain course credits upon completion.

Contact SEEDS to learn more about the program.

This program is made possible thanks to Cenovus Energy, our lead supporter.

http://www.seedsfoundation.ca/files/Infotables/birdchallenge2012.pdf

 

Open Solicitation: Build Regional Public Health Capacity and Awareness of Public Health Impacts Related to Climate Change

Open Solicitation: Build Regional Public Health Capacity and Awareness of Public Health Impacts Related to Climate Change

Request for Applications

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is committed to understanding the impacts of climate change on public health, to build regional public health capacity and strengthen adaptation strategies to reduce these impacts.  As climate change is expected to have varying regional impacts across Canada there is a need to understand and address unique regional health threats associated with a changing climate. 

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is pleased to announce the launch of a solicitation for contributions under the Preventative Public Health Systems and Adaptation to Climate Change program to support projects in enhancing regional public health capacity to adapt to a changing climate and to further understand the health risks from a changing climate.  Organizations are invited to submit a proposal for funding to build on public health programs, research initiatives or enhance public health capacity to reduce and adapt the health impacts from a changing climate.  The work should focus on infectious diseases and broader health impacts.

It is anticipated that projects will begin April 1, 2013 and must be completed on or before March 31, 2015. 

Who Can Apply?

Eligible organizations will need to demonstrate, through the application process, that they have expertise or experience in working with public health issues related to climate change as well as an understanding of regional public health needs related to climate change. Partnerships between organizations with complementary areas of expertise are strongly encouraged.

How to Apply

Applications must meet the objectives and will be assessed as outlined in the Guide for Applicants.  If you are interested in submitting an application, please contact Manon.D.Fleury@phac-aspc.gc.ca to request a copy of the Guide for Applicants.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fo-fc/rphcc-crpcc-eng.php



Enbridge Community investment

Enbridge delivers more than the energy you count on. We deliver on our promise to help make communities better places to live. It's part of the reason we were named one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World.  

Through this social vision statement, Enbridge helps build communities across our operating regions in Canada and the U.S. that are sustainable, with solid infrastructure and programming in our six focus areas. In 2011, Enbridge invested $13 million in charitable, non-profit and community organizations, benefiting more than 550 organizations in Canada and the United States.

http://www.enbridge.com/InYourCommunity/CommunityInvestment.aspx

As part of our engagement strategy, Enbridge aims to create opportunities that are aligned with the aspirations of many of the people within Aboriginal and Native American communities. These opportunities often include:

Enbridge forges mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Native American people. We strive to improve our own guidelines and programs to address the changing Aboriginal and Native American landscape in both Canada and the United States.

http://www.enbridge.com/InYourCommunity/AboriginalCommunities.aspx




Muttart Foundations bursary program

Bursary Program

The Foundation offers two bursary programs as part of its work to enhance the ability of charities to better serve Canadians. We view the building of organizational capacity through staff development as crucial to improving effectiveness in programs, services and administration.  We also see it as essential to fostering leadership within and across organizations.  

Often groups do not have the resources available to provide professional development opportunities for staff and key volunteers. Through its two bursary programs, the Foundation awards grants to pay for tuition or registration costs for short-term courses, workshops or other formal training opportunities.  The proposed training must include a knowledge or skill component that has the potential to increase the capacity of the individual staff member or key volunteer to contribute to meeting the organization's mission.

http://www.muttart.org/bursary_program

A Family Day Home Provider...

A Family Day Home Provider...

  • is a career person
  • owns their own business and receives tax benefits
  • stays at home with their family
  • contributes to household income
  • receives ongoing training and support
  • benefits from a network of providers
  • works flexible hours - part time or full time
  • is in high demand in Central Alberta
  • positively impacts the community
  • shapes the futures of children

http://www.centralalbertacfsa.gov.ab.ca/home/592.cfm

Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF)

Established in 2001, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) continues the Oilers legacy of giving back by contributing its unique resources and financial support to charitable organizations that serve the communities of Northern Alberta.  Led by a dedicated community Board of Directors, the EOCF has developed a number of programs and partnerships that target those who need it most.

The EOCF raises its funds through a variety of fundraising initiatives that take place during Oilers home games and the generous contributions of Oilers fans and friends.

The Foundation gives back in excess of $1 million annually to charitable organizations registered with Revenue Canada whose programs support education and health and wellness for youth throughout Oil Country.

http://oilers.nhl.com/club/microhome.htm?location=/eocf/microsite

Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) commitment to provide the public with access to information about its policies, programs, services and initiatives, grant and contribution (G&C) funding opportunities

Grants and Contributions

As part of the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) commitment to provide the public with access to information about its policies, programs, services and initiatives, grant and contribution (G&C) funding opportunities will be referenced on this Web page.

The 'solicitation process' is the most common approach used by PHAC to provide G&C funding to recipients who will undertake projects that contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the program and respect the priorities of PHAC. There are three types of solicitation:

 

Open

An open solicitation is a process whereby an 'Invitation to Submit Applications' (ISA) identifies a wide audience: universities, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and/or provincial governments. In this case, the funding program will launch an ISA on its Web page and any other means of communication to reach as many applicants as possible. See Funding Opportunities for open, active solicitations.


Targeted

A targeted solicitation is a process whereby an ISA identifies a specific type of applicant, discipline, or geographic area such as 'universities only' or 'Aboriginal groups only'. In this case, the funding program will communicate directly with the potential applicant(s).


Directed

A directed solicitation is a process whereby an ISA identifies a specific type of applicant from a specialized field such as 'medical doctors in the North who treat Aboriginal patients'. In this case, the program will communicate directly with the potential applicant(s).


http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fo-fc/index-eng.php

 

 

ConocoPhillips Canada's community investment

Community Investment







ConocoPhillips Canada (CPC) supports communities where our employees live and work.  A company's long-term business success needs to consider its reputation as a corporate citizen.  This reputation is built largely by responsible civic actions, social investment and environmental stewardship, all components of community investment.




http://www.conocophillips.ca/EN/sd/investment/documents/ConocoPhillipsBrochureFINALB.pdf


Aboriginal Education and

Post Secondary Awards Program

The ConocoPhillips Aboriginal Awards Program provides

financial assistance to Aboriginal students pursuing

high school upgrading and post-secondary education.

Award amounts are designated to the level the applicant

is pursuing: $1,000 for secondary school/academic

upgrading, $2,000 for college or technical institute

and $3,000 for university. Ten students who meet the

application criteria are awarded annually.

For more information on the Aboriginal Awards Program,

please contact: Team Lead, Aboriginal Engagement

403-233-4350

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Arts In Healthcare

 

Initiated in 1986, Arts in Healthcare (AIH) is the division of The Friends dedicated to enhancing patient care and comfort through the arts. We carry out this mandate by offering a diverse range of popular, interactive programs and services, all of which share the intention of providing peaceful, inspiring and creative diversions for patients, staff and visitors experiencing the stress and anxiety of being in a hospital.
 

Artists on the Wards

Our popular Artists on the Wards program is a free service that caters primarily to patients, but is also appreciated by visitors and staff. Five professional and 30 volunteer literary, musical, and visual artists provide inspiration, stimulation, or, simply a diversion from the stresses and monotony of daily life in a hospital by visiting patients at their bedside.

Artists work one-on-one or in small groups with adult patients throughout the hospital. Although they are not therapists, the work the artists do is therapeutic. Recent research has shown that participation in creative activities such as painting, writing, and listening to music can decrease heart rates and lower cortisol levels. Patients also report significant reductions in pain during these types of interactions, and speak of an increased sense of well-being, self-confidence, and improved spirits.

Book a Visit

Visits may be scheduled (see below) or spontaneous. The duration of each visit depends upon the patient, who may wish to share five minutes, half-an-hour, or, request that the visiting artist returns at another time.

To book a visit, simply phone the Friends' office at 780-407-8428 and make your request.

http://www.friendsofuah.org/

 

February is Canada’s National Inclusive Education Month

February is Canada's National Inclusive Education Month

http://www.inclusiveeducation.ca/english/index.asp

True Patriot Love Foundation announced the Veterans Transition Advisory Council - transition process for our service personnel from military to civilian employment

Wednesday, December 12th, Edmonton – Today, the True Patriot Love Foundation announced the Veterans Transition Advisory Council, or VTAC, at a special announcement with Minister Steven Blaney of Veterans' Affairs, hosted by CN Rail in Edmonton, Alberta.

The council's purpose is to provide strategic recommendations to the Government of Canada, by way of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, and industry on ways in which the transition process for our service personnel from military to civilian employment can be improved.

http://truepatriotlove.com/

http://truepatriotlove.com/true-patriot-love-announces-veterans-transition-advisory-council/

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

First Nations education talks back on track

The federal government has reached a deal with First Nations to get its education initiative back on track.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo issued separate statements on Thursday night outlining their new agreement.

"Our meeting concluded with a firm commitment to continue seeking ways of working together to achieve our ultimate objective, which is improving the education and opportunities available to First Nation students," Duncan said.

Even though the chiefs pulled out of the process, Duncan had vowed to forge ahead alone with legislation to create regional school-board-type arrangements that would give First Nations more autonomy over curriculum and administration.

 

 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/12/07/pol-cp-aboriginal-education-agreement.html

Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS)

Results from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) show that Canadian parents have one of the highest levels of involvement in literacy-related activities with their preschool-aged children, such as reading books or playing word games. These activities are associated with higher readings scores once the children enter school. What's more, Canadian students are more likely than those in almost every other country in the study to say they like to read, a factor that also has a positive effect on their reading scores.

http://cmec.ca/278/Press-Releases/Press-Releases-Detail/New-International-Study-Shows-Canada-Promotes-Culture-of-Literacy-at-Home-and-at-School.html?id_article=590

February 6, 2013 is Winter Walk Day

Winter Walk Day

Every winter thousands of Albertans celebrate Winter and walking by participating in Winter Walk Day in February. Register as a participant for Winter Walk Day 2013

Walking is great for our health, the environment, reducing traffic and building community! Simply become a SHAPE member and we will send you information and schools will receive participant items for each student. Then on Winter Walk Day record and report the total minutes your group walked by logging back into your membership.

Everyone is welcome to join in including schools, seniors' centres, commuters, individuals and families. Dress warmly, get outside, and enjoy the fresh, crisp Alberta air!

Tips to keep warm and dry




http://shapeab.com/programsevents/winter-walk-day/

Monday, December 10, 2012

Host the 2015 Distinguished Artist Awards Gala

Call for Nominations - the Lieutenant Governor ofAlberta Distinguished Artist Awards

Nominations are open for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards. Albertans are encouraged to nominate the artist or group of artists who exemplify excellence and have had significant impact on Alberta's cultural scene.

Eligible artists may work in visual, performing, literary, cinematic or other artistic media, including architecture or design. Nominations must be received by February 15, 2013.

Adjudicators will choose up to three recipients for a $30,000 award, a handcrafted medal, and the opportunity for a residency at The Banff Centre's Leighton Artists' Colony.

Recipients will be announced in May and receive this distinction from the awards patron, His Honour, Colonel (Retired) the Honourable Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta at a gala dinner in Red Deer, June 15, 2013.

The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards is one of Canada's most prestigious independent arts awards programs, designed to raise the profile of arts in Alberta. The awards are made possible through a donor-funded endowment.

To learn more or to nominate an artist, visitwww.artsawards.ca.

Host the 2015 Distinguished Artist Awards Gala

The Board of Directors of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation invites proposals from Alberta cities to host the 2015 Gala of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards.

The Awards recognize individual Albertans for outstanding achievement in the arts or significant contributions to the arts in Alberta.

The inaugural Awards were presented in 2005 at The Banff Centre. Since then Lloydminster, Grande Prairie and St. Albert have hosted highly successful celebrations of the arts in conjunction with the Awards Gala. The 2013 Awards Gala is being hosted by the City of Red Deer on June 15 as part of a week-long arts festival, Rooted in the Arts, celebrating the City's Centenary.

Submission guidelines are available on our website www.artsawards.ca/gala

For more information, please contact

Donna Cardinal, Executive Director

Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation

Phone: 780-434-2635

Email: artsawards@shaw.ca

Completed proposals to host the 2015 Awards Gala must be received by March 1, 2013.

Community Spirit Program (CSP) Application deadline is December 31, 2012

 

Community Spirit Program

The program is made up of two components - a donation grant and a charitable tax credit. The goal of the program is to increase individual charitable giving. The program is donor-driven, meaning it recognizes and encourages Albertans to support their favourite organizations.

The donation grant provides an opportunity for eligible non-profit and/or charitable organizations to receive a provincial grant. The grant is based on total annual cash donations from individual Albertans that have been received by an eligible organization over a 12-month fiscal period. The grant can be used to support an organization's operations, programs and/or capital projects. The maximum grant available is $25,000 up to a maximum of $50,000 over three years. A minimum total of $1,000 in eligible cash donations needs to be received prior to applying for a grant.

Eligible non-profit and charitable organizations are encouraged to submit their applications.

For more information on the program and how to apply, visit www.communityspiritprogram.ca or contact the office at 780-644-8604 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access within Alberta).

100% For Kids Credit Union Foundation giveds a grant to elementary school library to purchase books

Students at Orchard Hills Elementary in Santaquin will soon have the opportunity to check out some new books thanks to the recent grant that was awarded to their school to purchase new library books.
 
The school was awarded $1,500, which will help to purchase many new books to go along with the new common core that is being taught. The grant was awarded through 100% For Kids Credit Union Foundation. This foundation was formed in late 2002 and has since given Utah schools more than $4 million. The foundation has contributed to all 40 of Utah's school districts.
 

Woodcock Fund Guidelines for writers

Woodcock Fund Guidelines (Writers Trust)


Established in 1989, the program has to date distributed $903, 773 to 183 writers.

Terms of Reference

The mandate of the Fund is to provide emergency funding to established writers in mid-project who are facing an unforeseen financial need that threatens the completion of their book. Successful applicants quickly receive financial support that allows them to complete their book projects. All applications to the Fund are processed in confidence. Successful applicants are urged to acknowledge their grants in their books.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. There are no deadlines.

Evaluation Process

The Writers' Trust is advised in the selection process by a Committee comprised of established writers from across the country. The Committee is charged with evaluating each application. Consideration is given to an applicant's publication history, the viability of his or her plan to complete the project, the nature of the financial need, and the strength of statement in the letters of reference, among other variables. The application process should take no more than three weeks.

What Grants Are Meant to Provide

Grants are intended to provide a financial bridge for applicants until they can complete their current work-in-progress. The size and length of the grant is determined by the individual circumstances of the writer. In evaluating an applicant's needs, the Fund will consider all legitimate expenditures relating to an applicant's professional work, personal living, and medical expenses.


Submission

Applications can be sent digitally or by post to the following:

The Woodcock Fund
c/o The Writers' Trust of Canada
200 - 90 Richmond Street East
Toronto, ON  M5C 1P1
jdavies@writerstrust.com

 



http://www.writerstrust.com/Programs/Financial-Grant/Woodcock-Fund/Program-Guidelines.aspx




Saturday, December 8, 2012

Penn school library to get $25K renewal from Lowe's

NORTH LIBERTY- Painters from Lowe's will deck the library halls over winter break at Penn Elementary as part of a $25,531 grant the school received from Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation.  http://www.northlibertyleader.com/article.php?id=7982
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, December 7, 2012

What is Innoweave? Practical tools for social innovation


Innoweave helps community organizations implement innovative approaches that enhance their impact.

In Canada's community sector, business as usual isn't enough to deliver the results we need. Fortunately, new approaches such as social enterprise, social finance, impact and strategic clarity, and cloud computing are helping charities and non-profits generate greater impact, more quickly, and at less cost.

Innoweave helps community organizations learn about, assess, and implement these approaches. Innoweave is organized into modules. Each module focuses on a different social innovation and provides three levels of support:

  1. The Innoweave website provides basic information on the approach, how it works, who is using it, and the results being achieved. Each module has a self-assessment tool to help non-profits determine whether they are at the right stage to further explore this new approach.
  2. Interested organizations can attend a workshop to learn more and plan for implementation.
  3. Implementation-ready organizations can connect with experts to help them put the new tool or approach into practice.

Innoweave is an initiative of The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, in collaboration with Social Innovation Generation (SiG), thought leaders, academics, and partners from the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Innoweave's objective is to provide community sector leaders with new tools and processes to effect large-scale change.



http://www.innoweave.ca/


Enviro-Stories Education Program

Enviro-Stories Education Program

The Enviro-Stories program was initiated by PeeKdesigns as an attempt to engage primary school students in developing a sense of place with their local environment. Stories are written about local issues, by local kids, for local kids. It entails an interdisciplinary approach by combining elements of Science, Environmental Studies, Creative Arts and English.

What makes this program different?

Everyone seems to be writing kids stories but we are supporting kids writing their own stories. The final published books are unique in the education system and everyone wants one!

http://www.envirostories.com.au



Thursday, December 6, 2012

$5,000 RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers.

The Writers' Trust

Deadline: January 30th, 2013

The Writers' Trust is now accepting submissions for the $5,000 RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers. The award alternates each year between short fiction and poetry, this year it will be given to a writer under the age of 35 for an outstanding unpublished work of poetry. Finalists will receive $1,000 and have their work published in print and digital formats. The winner will be announced at a special event in Toronto in late spring. More...

TD Canadian Children’s Book Week 2013

TD Canadian Children's Book Week 2013: May 4 - 11, 2013
The Canadian Children's Book Centre invites schools and libraries to host an author during TD Canadian Children's Book Week 2013.
  Apply to host a reading. Deadline for applications: December 15, 2012.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Project Aspiro, a career planning and employment website - First-of-its-kind Canadians with vision loss


First-of-its-kind career and employment website for Canadians with vision loss to launch today

TORONTO, Nov. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Project Aspiro, a career planning and employment website for people who are blind or partially sighted launches today at the CNIB Centre in Toronto at 1929 Bayview Avenue.

Created in partnership with the World Blind Union and CNIB, the website is generously funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Industry leaders to speak at today's launch include Project Aspiro Consultant and Lead Writer Karen Wolffe, PhD. Wolffe, formerly Director of Professional Development and CareerConnect® at American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

 

http://www.projectaspiro.com/en/Pages/default.aspx


http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1081447/first-of-its-kind-career-and-employment-website-for-canadians-with-vision-loss-to-launch-today


Saturday, December 1, 2012

Farm Credit Canada Expression Fund for official language minority communities (deadline December 14)

FCC Seeks Applications From Official Language Minority Communities – Closing Date December 14, 2012


From Farm Credit Canada:
November 6, 2012 – For the sixth year in a row, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) will award $50,000 from the FCC Expression Fund to encourage the use of Canada's official languages in communities across Canada. The Expression Fund supports projects that contribute to the vitality of official language minority communities and help residents express the cultural and linguistic diversity of the area.
Successful projects will receive between $2,000 and $10,000 to fund initiatives, including community centres, day care centres and artistic projects, such as theatrical productions.
Community and volunteer groups located in English and French linguistic minority communities are encouraged to view the eligibility criteria and apply online at www.fccexpressionfund.ca. Applications for the FCC Expression Fund will be accepted until December 14. FCC will announce the selected projects in spring 2013.
"As a self-sustaining federal Crown corporation serving the agriculture and agri-business sectors across Canada, FCC values the ability to offer service in both official languages," says Kellie Garrett, FCC Senior Vice-President, Strategy, Knowledge and Reputation. "As a bilingual employee, I'm proud that FCC serves our customers in the official language of their choice. Our bilingual heritage is so unique and FCC is pleased to support it by offering funding to worthy projects that promote both official languages."
Last year, the FCC Expression Fund donated $50,000 to nine linguistic minority community projects in Canada. For more information about the 2011 winners, visit www.fccexpressionfund.ca.
For a project to be considered for funding, the organization must be a registered charity or a registered non-profit organization.
As a federal Crown corporation, FCC supports the Official Languages Act and encourages the development of English and French linguistic minority communities.
The Official Languages Act states that: The Government of Canada is committed to (a) enhancing the vitality of the English and French linguistic minority communities in Canada and supporting and assisting their development; and (b) fostering the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society.
As Canada's leading agriculture lender, FCC is advancing the business of agriculture. With a healthy portfolio of more than $24 billion and 19 consecutive years of portfolio growth, FCC is strong and stable – committed to serving the industry through all cycles. FCC provides financing, insurance, software, learning programs and other business services to producers, agribusinesses and agri-food operations. FCC employees are passionate about agriculture and committed to the success of customers and the industry. As one of Imagine Canada's Caring Companies, FCC gives one per cent of its profits to charities and non-profit organizations. For more information, visit www.fcc.ca.
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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Cécile Kayijuka (bilingual)
Corporate Communication
306-780-5046
cecile.kayijuka@fcc.ca