Author Archives: Sean

Help Us Help You Help Others!

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As a group of Alberta CAs looking to encourage volunteerism throughout the CA community, we are always looking for new CA’s who may be interested in getting involved and using your skills as a CA.

In order to better serve the community we came up with a survey to help identify your interests and align those with the not for profit organizations (NPO’s) we are currently working with. The survey will allow us to do a better job of looking for volunteers whose interests, availability, and skills are similar to what the NPO’s are seeking. We can then pass your information along to them so that they can reach out to you directly.

The survey can be found here.

We of course will continue to identify new opportunities and interesting tidbits of information within the NPO community through our website, our Facebook page, our LinkedIn group, and twitter (@CAsinCommunity).

If you have any questions about our group, the survey, or have thoughts/ideas you’d like to share you can also contact us at communityambassadors@shaw.ca.

Thanks for all of your support over the past couple of years!

The Community Ambassadors

Leah Turner, CA, Serena Reid, CA, Brad Metcalf, CA,

Dale Brown, CA, Sean Prior, CA, Cynthia Kumar, CA

Volunteer Calgary – Board Position!

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Volunteer Calgary is currently looking for someone to fill a board position within their organization. This type of position covers the gamut when it comes to non-profit organizations giving you the chance to see all aspects. Not specific to CA’s this position is a great opportunity for a CA looking to get involved in a diverse organization.

Volunteer Calgary is a member based non-profit management centre working to strengthen organizations in the community through training, consulting and a range of member services. We recently expanded our services to encompass all areas of non-profit management including, volunteer management, human resources, governance, leadership and resource development.

As a member of the Volunteer Calgary Board of Directors, you will have the opportunity to engage with the staff of Volunteer Calgary and offer valuable input and strategic direction that will support the many essential services Volunteer Calgary provides its member organizations and the community at large.

The role of the Board of Directors is to further Volunteer Calgary’s vision and mission by establishing organizational direction and monitoring progress. As a member of the Volunteer Calgary Board of Directors, you will be responsible for:

Board Responsibilities

  • Providing strategic and generative leadership

  • Ensuring the organization’s financial viability and sustainability

  • Developing policy framework that guides operations

  • Employing and evaluating the performance of the President & CEO

  • Participating in the development of resources

  • Being knowledgeable about the organization’s values, mission, programs and performance

  • Establishing the annual committee structure required to execute the Board work plan

  • Being an ambassador for the organization and promoting its work in the community

To carry out these responsibilities, the Board usually meets 9 months of the year.  In addition to attendance at Board meetings, you will be required to participate on one of four working committees that also meet monthly. Preparation for Board and committee meetings is essential and should be factored into the overall time commitment expected from Board members.

Volunteer Calgary is seeking individuals with the following qualifications to join the Board:

Qualifications

  • Passion for volunteerism

  • Past voluntary committee or board experience (organizational or community)

  • Competence in several key areas including: leadership resource development, finance, human resources, legal, communications, governance, diversity, community/volunteerism, and strategic planning

  • Interest in learning about governance, volunteerism, community development and capacity building

  • Able to work effectively within a team

Joining the Volunteer Calgary Board of Directors will provide you with an opportunity to share your skills while gaining insight into the voluntary sector and into key community issues.

To find out more about how to join our passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated Board, please submit your resume (and related information) via email to Tracy Merrin at tmerrin@volunteercalgary.ab.ca by Friday, April 19, 2013.

Successful candidates are asked to become individual Volunteer Calgary members ($75) and to demonstrate a commitment to the organization’s growth and sustainability through a personal donation (tax receipt provided)

KPMG’s Audit Committee Priorities for 2013

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KPMG’s National Non-Profit Group recently sent out an e-mail to all subscribers providing some insight into what Audit Committees should be focusing in on for 2013 as well as  some overall governance issues that could play a part this year.

The e-mails are always a great source of information and provide an additional resource should you need help at the Audit Committee level.

Some of the highlighted points include the ongoing transition for financial reporting in 2013 which will continue to be a concern for many organizations but also pointing out the continued awareness about risks of your organization as well as tax risks and how they are being managed. The full list can be found here.

 

Institute of Corporate Directors – NPO Breakfast Seminar

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A brief update for an upcoming event hosted by the Institute of Corporate Directors.  Geared towards those with an interest in governance for non-profit organizations. An e-mail was sent out earlier this month with the following additional details:

Breakfast Session - Governance in the Not for Profit Sector
Please join us for this discussion on the always interesting topic of Governance in the Not-for-Profit sector.  The panel will address a number of unique governance considerations that include:

  • How should the Board of Directors gauge the sustainability of an organization? – what are the key performance metrics for NFP’s?
  • What are some of the key elements in establishing a governance model for a not-for-profit organization – what are the key priorities for the board?
  • What are some of the considerations around succession planning, both at the management and board levels?

Our expert panel will include:

  • Dr. Lucy Miller – President & CEO, United Way of Calgary
  • Cathy Williams – Director, Enbridge Inc. and Alberta Investment Management Corp.;  Co-Chair of the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative; former Chair, Mount Royal University; and former Board Member, Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta
  • Karl Smith – President & CEO, Fortis Alberta; Director, Fortis BC; Board of Governors, Mount Royal University; Chairman, Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta
  • Rod McKay – Director, Fidelity Capital Structure Corporation; Lead Independent Member, Alberta Securities Commission; Board Member, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta; Board Member, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada; Board Member, Quest Theatre; Board Member, Calgary Counseling Centre; and Board Chair, Tourism Calgary.

The panel will be moderated by Alison Love, a member of the Calgary ICD Executive Chapter and also a current board member with the Calgary Foundation and Heritage Park Society.

The details for the event are as follows as well as a registration link below.

Date
Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Time
Registration 7:15 AM
Breakfast 7:15 – 7:45 AM
Session 7:45 – 9 AM

Location
Devonian Room – Calgary Petroleum Club
319 – 5th Avenue SW, Calgary

Cost for Members
$50 + GST
Non Members
$65 + GST

Register online at www.icd.ca.

CEU’s - This event is worth 2 continuing education credits.

January Update! – Calgary Sledge Hockey Association

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Hello fellow Community Ambassadors! Happy New Year to everyone, I hope its a great one for everyone! We’re going to keep pressing forward this year, finding exciting new opportunities to get involved.

One role that has popped up is with the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association. They previously had filled their role for a Treasurer however due to some unforeseen circumstances they are now looking to fill this role again.  The description is as follows:

To manage and report on the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association’s finances.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION:

•             prior Board of Directors experience, is an asset

•             demonstrated leadership ability

•             experience in meeting management

•             good verbal and written communication skills

•             ability to work with stakeholders and donors

•             knowledge of basic financial principles

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

•             preparing for, leading and following up on all financial issues for the association

•             attendance at all Board and Executive meetings

•             participation in activities and events

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Carries out the responsibilities of a member of the Board of Directors.

2. Assists in the preparation of the budget

3. Monitors the budget.

4. Ensures the Board’s financial policies are being followed.

5. Reports to the Board of Directors on finances.

6. Prepares any required financial reporting forms.

7. Maintains all bank accounts.

8. Oversees all financial transactions.

9. Treasurer’s signature should appear on all cheques of the organization with the second signature from the president

10. Provides a typed written financial report

11. Liaises with other board members and grant committee

To find out more about the role itself please contact Jon Bateman at jonbateman@shaw.ca or by phone at (403) 410-5983. This role is perfect for a CA who has previous board experience and wants to bring their leadership, budgeting, and hands on experience to this role.

Inn from the Cold! Immediate Opportunity!

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To meet CRA compliance requirements, all donation receipts for adopt a family programs must be matched to original purchase receipts.  Inn from the Cold needs some help auditing receipts for their Adopt a Family program in order to get tax receipts out to donors in time for the 2012 year end.  If you are able to donate your time over the next week or so, please contact Brad Metcalf at Brad.Metcalf@shaw.ca.

December Updates

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Hi Everyone,

We hope that everyone has been well over the last several weeks, and are gearing up for a fantastic holiday season.  Although busy season is right around the corner, it’s always a good time to check out the variety of volunteer opportunities out there.

Current Volunteer Board Opportunities

Calgary Sledge Hockey Association – please visit this link for further information about this opportunity.

AIDS Calgary Awareness Association – please visit this link for further information about this opportunity.

 Other Volunteer Opportunities

As always, different volunteer opportunities are featured regularly on our blog, Twitter and Facebook pages.  But, if they don’t interest you, or you’re not quite ready to join a Board, there are other ways to get involved in charities that interest you, such as:

-joining committees,

-volunteering for special events or assisting with regular operations of the charity,

-joining clubs such as the Rotary Club, Progress Club, or Kinsmen Club where you take on new roles and activities over time.

Why I Volunteer

One Community Ambassador found a great opportunity via the Community Ambassador’s postings.  We asked her about her experience and why she volunteers, here is what she said:

“Being asked to contribute my thoughts on why I volunteer to the CA Community Ambassadors has been a very timely request!  Over the past year, I have volunteered my time towards several events – including acting as Treasurer for my Condo Board, raising money with cupcake sales for Movember, assisting at the World Junior Hockey Championships, and I am currently the Treasurer for the CHILD Foundation (http://www.childfoundation.ca).  I have had many positive experiences from my volunteer efforts, but like many professionals with busy careers, I had to decide over the past year which causes I am most passionate about and going to dedicate my time towards.

 Everyone volunteers for different reasons, whether it is developing their professional skills, networking, giving back to their community, etc.  For me, I volunteer with the expectation that I am giving something of myself – whether it is a specialized skill or just lending a helping hand – and in return I personally don’t expect to receive anything back other than meeting new people and learning opportunities.  The benefits of volunteering, in my opinion, are not tangible ones, and therefore hard to put into words.  They are not something you can see or touch in the form of food, clothing, tickets, or access to the C-Suite or celebrities.  It is knowing that I gave something to a cause near and dear to me, or representing my favourite team, city, province or country.

 Since joining the CA Community Ambassadors and being paired up with the Board of the CHILD Foundation, this experience has been incredibly rewarding for me.  The CHILD Foundation operates a hospital in rural India for women and children – a place that I one day hope to visit and volunteer at.  The Board had the opportunity to speak with the doctor we have on staff a few months ago on the progress the hospital has made in the past year since opening, as well as equipment and services that they need to improve.  Speaking with the doctor was eye-opening – you realize that there is so much in our healthcare system that we as Canadians take for granted – basic things like blood tests and ultrasounds.  Knowing that the work we are doing is enhancing people’s lives is the reason I volunteer my time towards this cause, and am so passionate about this organization.

 I would encourage any Chartered Accountant to consider registering with the CA Community Ambassadors, and volunteering their time towards a cause that is important to them!”

 

AIDS Calgary Awareness Association – Board Member

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AIDS Calgary Awareness Association is currently looking for a director to join their organization to help govern the organization, provide financial responsibility, and ensure that the mission, vision, and strategic direction are adhered too.

Since 1983, AIDS Calgary Awareness Association has been helping people learn, prevent, and live with HIV/AIDS. Learning opportunities come in the form of education through their website and a comprehensive education section to providing presentations to interested community groups by request. In addition, support programs are available in the form of nutritional programs for those living with HIV/AIDS and counselling programs all provided through their various Care Centres located in Calgary, Banff, and Medicine Hat.

The ideal candidate is someone with previous experience in a not-for-profit environment perhaps at a board or committee level with strong communication, leadership, and advocacy skills. The candidate must also be comfortable talking about HIV/AIDS and sexuality in a wide range of settings and cultures. Training is provided to the successful candidate and includes an in depth information study on HIV/AIDS, both prevention and living with. A detailed description of position can be found here.

AIDS Calgary Awareness Association Director Position.

If this position is something you are interested you are encouraged to visit the AIDS Calgary Awareness Association website, fill out the volunteer application form, and submit. A direct link can be found here. If you are interested in the organization but perhaps not at the board level they also have several other roles you can check out on their website in the volunteer opportunity section.

November Updates!

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Earlier this week, one of our committee members took part in their company’s annual United Way campaign, taking part in a “Day of Caring” serving lunch to those less fortunate.  One young colleague approached him afterwards and said “you know, it’s great that we do this each year, but you know, people need help every day…I wish our company did this more often and gave our time more regularly”.  And that’s completely true – and after some discussion, the two came to the conclusion that being involved in the community is more than an annual obligation, it should be a regular commitment to give back and help those around you, to make the place you live a better place.

It’s really easy to follow along what your company lets you do every once in a while, but being a real community leader takes drive and initiative to take action and  make a difference.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi and the City of Calgary consistently promote “Three Things for Calgary”, and issued a challenge:

  • Think about the community and city issues that are important to you.
  • Decide on three actions you can take to make your street, neighbourhood, or city better.
  • Do those three things!
  • Tell others about what you did… and then do some more!

It doesn’t matter if what you do is big or small, as long as you (and everyone else) does something, we can all make a difference.

Current Opportunities

A fantastic new event, Social Venture Partner’s Fast Pitch is coming soon, November 5th! Find ticket and other information at www.fastpitchcalgary.com

It’s an American Idol for Not-for-Profits, and while the organization continues to grow in Calgary, it has chapters across North America.  In fact, Bill Gates mentioned this event in a recent blog post.

November is Family Violence Prevention Month – check out this link from Alberta Human Services to see what you can do to help.

Final Note

To finish off this post, we’ll leave you with an interview between Richard Branson and Entrepreneur.com on why volunteer work is so important for business leaders. If you are on the fence or thinking about getting involved, consider what one of the top business leaders in the world has to say.

“Business leaders should not focus solely on earning money. They must remember that a healthy profit means that a community supports and appreciates the products and services a business offers, and also how that business is managed.” – Richard Branson

-Your Community Ambassador Team

Recent Non-Profit / Charity Resources

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Over the past few weeks, KPMG has been busy providing additional resources to both audit committees as well as those involved with tax aspect of their NPO or charity.

The first link provides access to a list of To-Do’s for audit committees of non-profits presented by two partners with KPMG. The original webinar is available here, with the presentation materials available here. The materials and webinar go into significant detail outlining questions that one should ask themselves throughout their role on the audit committee.  Note that a Google account is required to access the webinar as it is hosted through Google Docs.

The second link provides updated tax information related to NPO’s and charities presented by Paul Lynch, a partner with KPMG in their national office.  The webinar is available here with the presentation materials available here. Again, to access the webinar you will need to have a Google account.

This post only highlights two of the most recent presentations hosted by Imagine Canada. The website is a great resources for those involved with non-profit organizations and charities presented by professionals in both the legal and accounting world.

To finish off this post, I’ll leave you with an interview between Richard Branson and Entrepreneur.com on why volunteer work is so important for business leaders. If you are on the fence or thinking about getting involved, consider what one of the top business leaders in the world has to say.