IONS - Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia

ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada - NEW GLASGOW - POSTPONED
2020-05-07 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
**THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED**
Please vsiit: https://ions.ca/cscns-covid-19-response-resources/ to learn more

ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada is a not-for-profit organization, providing workshops, events, programming, individual coaching and support services throughout Canada, primarily based in Nova Scotia.
ElevateHER takes pride in the fact we not only choose the most successful evidence based programming in Canada, but we also develop our own evidence based programming based on research and demand from an ever changing society.
We partner and work with local non-profit agencies to offer free or affordable services, ages 12+. We believe that everyone should have the right to access mental health services, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, and place of residence.
We have entered into a partnership with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia, sharing program space and collaborating on unique services. You can find us in the Truro Program Centre, located at 25 Revere Street, Truro, NS.
Please join Stephanie Atwood, Founder and Executive Director of ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada to hear about what brought her to this field, what inspired her to open ElevateHER, available programs, challenges, accomplishments, their vision and how they can help and partner with others.

Session will start at 1pm, light refreshments will be provided.

Building an Intercultural Workplace - Amherst - POSTPONED
2020-04-30 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
**THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED**
Please vsiit: https://ions.ca/cscns-covid-19-response-resources/ to learn more

LEADERSHIP FOR A DIVERSE WORKPLACE CULTURE
This engaging workshop series, facilitated by Paul Pickering, Workplace Culture Program Coordinator – ISANS, helps you recognize and use skills already in-house, and counter challenges you likely have, to increase immigrant retention. We get very practical about managing a workspace that is welcoming for everyone.
We provide relevant information about ISANS, facilitate interactive activities, and identify next steps to keep your business strong and growing. Immigration can make the difference to your business, and this workshop provides tools for success.
Light refreshments will be provided.

Facilitator
Paul Pickering has been assisting employers and individuals with issues of immigration, cultural competence, diversity and inclusion since 1995. He holds the position of Coordinator, Workplace Culture at Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia in Halifax (ISANS), and has worked there since 2012, providing workshops, Workplace Culture Assessments and other employer services. He draws from professional and personal experience living and working in the USA, The UK, South Korea, The Czech Republic and Estonia. He and his family immigrated to Canada in 2011. Paul has a BA in Cultural Anthropology, an MA in Communication Studies, and a Teaching Diploma in Lifelong Learning.

“Great, need you to come train our employers. Awesome!”
“Very helpful – brings to mind all values necessary to be inclusive in all facets of society, employment.”
“Increased awareness, great discussion. Facilitation – will pass on information, discussion with co-workers.”

Leveraging Technology - Volunteer NS Database-CENTRAL-POSTPONED
2020-04-16 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
**THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED**
Please vsiit: https://ions.ca/cscns-covid-19-response-resources/ to learn more

This ED Network will showcase technology designed to help non profit and voluntary organizations recruit, engage, and retain volunteers.
This session we will have speaker Karrie-Ann Wilkie of Volunteer Nova Scotia show us how to naviagte the new VolunteerNS Database.

Volunteer Nova Scotia is committed to helping volunteers find the right opportunities in their communities and is also committed to helping Volunteer Organizations and Not-for-profits find the right volunteers.
Volunteer Nova Scotia is a free searchable database of available volunteer opportunities from across Nova Scotia.

ED Network: ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada - VALLEY-POSTPONED
2020-04-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
**THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED**
Please vsiit: https://ions.ca/cscns-covid-19-response-resources/ to learn more

The Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia invites you for an informative learning opportunity highlighting Stephanie Atwood and ElevateHER.
ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada is a not-for-profit organization, providing workshops, events, programming, individual coaching and support services throughout Canada, primarily based in Nova Scotia.
ElevateHER takes pride in the fact we not only choose the most successful evidence based programming in Canada, but we also develop our own evidence based programming based on research and demand from an ever changing society.
We partner and work with local non-profit agencies to offer free or affordable services, ages 12+. We believe that everyone should have the right to access mental health services, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, and place of residence.

Please join Stephanie Atwood, Founder and Executive Director of ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada to hear about what brought her to this field, what inspired her to open ElevateHER, available programs, challenges, accomplishments, their vision and how they can help and partner with others.

Session will start at 1pm, Light refreshments will be provided.

ED Network: ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada - CENTRAL-POSTPONED
2020-04-08 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)

Leveraging Technology - Volunteer NS Database-VALLEY-POSTPONED
2020-04-06 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)

A Billion Reasons to Celebrate! - POSTPONED
2020-03-31 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Halifax)
POSTPONED – The CSCNS invites you to the release of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council’s Report on the Nonprofit Sector in Nova Scotia

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED
Please visit https://ions.ca/cscns-covid-19-response-resources/ to learn more
A BILLION REASONS TO CELEBRATE!
Please join the Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia (CSCNS) to learn why we have more than a billion reasons to celebrate!
We are thrilled to share the results of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council’s (APEC) economic impact study of the nonprofit sector, as well as the findings from their survey of the sector and our eight province wide consultations.
We want to thank you for your support, acknowledge the contributions of this critically important Sector in building an inclusive economy and celebrate our collaborative, innovative and passionate spirit.
This sector has impact – and it is something to celebrate!
Join us at Volta (Maritime Centre – 1505 Barrington St Unit 100, Halifax, NS B3J 3K5) on March 31st at 9:00am – remarks and announcements start at 9:30.
Coffee, Tea, and Refreshments will be provided.
Bring your business cards! – Don’t miss this great opportunity to network while we celebrate the nonprofit and voluntary sector.

ED Networking Meeting-New Minas, March 30th 2020 (POSTPONED)
2020-03-30 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
**This event has been postponed**
For more information & resources please visit: https://ions.ca/cscns-covid-19-response-resources/

Kings Volunteer Resource Centre
9256 Commercial Street
New Minas, NS
10am-Noon

ED Network provides the most senior staff leader in the organization with the opportunities to:

Connect with peers
Advocate for change
Engage in learning & professional development
Strengthen our knowledge of existing programs & services
Reduce professional isolation & duplication
Identify potential opportunities & partners across the whole scope of the sector

To expand the range of services provided to the ED Network, we will offer:

Learning & professional development opportunities delivered by subject matter experts in a workshop format
Quarterly meetings to address sector-wide issues
More frequent – but less formal – meet & mingle gathering

ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada - AMHERST
2020-03-12 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada is a not-for-profit organization, providing workshops, events, programming, individual coaching and support services throughout Canada, primarily based in Nova Scotia.
ElevateHER takes pride in the fact we not only choose the most successful evidence based programming in Canada, but we also develop our own evidence based programming based on research and demand from an ever changing society.
We partner and work with local non-profit agencies to offer free or affordable services, ages 12+. We believe that everyone should have the right to access mental health services, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, and place of residence.
We have entered into a partnership with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia, sharing program space and collaborating on unique services. You can find us in the Truro Program Centre, located at 25 Revere Street, Truro, NS.
Please join Stephanie Atwood, Founder and Executive Director of ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada to hear about what brought her to this field, what inspired her to open ElevateHER, available programs, challenges, accomplishments, their vision and how they can help and partner with others.

Session will start at 1pm, light refreshments will be provided.

Building an Intercultural Workplace - ANTIGONISH
2020-03-11 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
LEADERSHIP FOR A DIVERSE WORKPLACE CULTURE
This engaging workshop series, facilitated by Paul Pickering, Workplace Culture Program Coordinator – ISANS, helps you recognize and use skills already in-house, and counter challenges you likely have, to increase immigrant retention. We get very practical about managing a workspace that is welcoming for everyone.
We provide relevant information about CSCNS and ISANS, facilitate interactive activities, and identify next steps to keep your business strong and growing. Immigration can make the difference to your business, and this workshop provides tools for success.

Workshop will run from 11am-2pmTime will be set aside for networking. A light lunch will be provided.

Facilitator
Paul Pickering has been assisting employers and individuals with issues of immigration, cultural competence, diversity and inclusion since 1995. He holds the position of Coordinator, Workplace Culture at Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia in Halifax (ISANS), and has worked there since 2012, providing workshops, Workplace Culture Assessments and other employer services. He draws from professional and personal experience living and working in the USA, The UK, South Korea, The Czech Republic and Estonia. He and his family immigrated to Canada in 2011. Paul has a BA in Cultural Anthropology, an MA in Communication Studies, and a Teaching Diploma in Lifelong Learning.

“Great, need you to come train our employers. Awesome!”
“Very helpful – brings to mind all values necessary to be inclusive in all facets of society, employment.”
“Increased awareness, great discussion. Facilitation – will pass on information, discussion with co-workers.”

Executive Director Network-CENTRAL
2020-03-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
If you are an Executive Director in the Halifax/Central Region, please consider joining the ED Network!
*Connect with peers *Advocate for change *Engage in learning & professional development *Strengthen knowledge of existing programs & services *Reduce professional isolation & duplication *Identify potential opportunities & partners
Looking forward to seeing you there!

If schools in HRM are closed March 11, 2020 we will consider the event cancelled.

Opening Doors for Everyone: Lunch & Learn! Supporting NS in Becoming an Inclusive Province!
2020-03-10 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Halifax)
Opening Doors for Everyone (ODE) Lunch & Learn
Under the direction of The Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, reachAbility is excited to introduce to you this FREE workshop!
ODE is a disability and inclusion awareness workshop focused around Nova Scotia’s new Accessibility Act, the Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program, and resources available to businesses across Nova Scotia! These training modules are part of a province-wide accessibility roadshow providing businesses access to inclusion expertise at no charge!
ODE will cover the following topics, ensuring you leave with a comprehensive toolkit:

Disability Awareness & The Importance of Inclusion
NS Accessbility Act
Accessing available grants/funding and partners
The Ease of Accommodation
Next Steps!

Beyond the free training component, you will leave with a resource guide that will support participating businesses in learning about and accessing; available grants, local community agencies with whom they can partner, opportunities to be part of the disability community across Nova Scotia and most importantly encourage hiring of persons with disabilities, which, studies show, will improve overall customer satisfaction and loyalty as well as customer base!
reachAbility is a Halifax based, grassroots, non-profit organization; specializing in equalizing the playing field for persons facing barriers. Through self-management and employment services, reachAbility provides individuals from diverse backgrounds the opportunities needed to reach their full potential. In addition to the many programs and services offered throughout the community, reachAbility has been a leader, across Canada, for almost 20 years in providing businesses a variety of training opportunities to diversify their workplace and increase disability and diversity education.
Join us March 10th from 11:30am – 1:30pm at The Holiday Inn Express Stellarton – New Glasgow for catered lunch and this innovative and informative workshop
11:30-12:00 Lunch
12:00-1:00 Presentation
1:00-1:30ish Q&A/Wrap-up
***If you require any accommodation, or have any food allergies/dietary restrictions, please let us know so we can try and meet your needs! amanda@reachability.org

“What We Heard” -- Executive Directors Network
2020-03-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
Join us for this follow-up to our December 9 Consultation where we plan to share with you what stood out for us from the consultations.

At this “What We Heard” session in January, we will be sharing the prominent threads and trends that we heard from the 322 people who participated in the six regional consultations that took place across the province in Fall 2019.
Will also share feedback from the State of the Sector Survey that garnered over 400 respondents closed December 13, 2019. We invite you to join us in this review and input session as we move forward in developing our new strategic plan and lift our sights to explore what we can do together over the next three years.

Come early to register and network over coffee or tea. Session begins promptly at 10am.

Collectively, we chart the way!

*****************************

A STORM DATE* for this session will announced soon.

Building Intercultural Competence - CENTRAL
2020-03-09 09:30 - 12:30 (America/Halifax)
Leadership Lab:
Building Intercultural Competence

March 9, 2020 9:30am-12:30pm
Weather Date: March 12, 2020

As Nova Scotia becomes more culturally diverse, we all need to learn how to welcome and work with immigrants and build a better community together.

This half day workshop will:

Increase understanding of settlement and integration issues.

Explore ways to welcome and support new immigrants.

Develop intercultural relationship building skills for working with new immigrants.

This interactive intercultural competence workshop is to support community organizations and service providers to learn about the challenges of new immigrants in the community and explore practical ways to welcome and support them.

Facilitator
Nanok Cha, Welcoming Communities Coordinator, ISANS
Nanok Cha has been working at ISANS as a diversity facilitator to promote welcoming immigrants in Nova Scotia and works with other community service providers to create welcoming communities. She also coordinated a two-year project on building young immigrant women’s leadership at ISANS. Her educational background is Master degree in Women’s Studies, SMU.

“Great, need you to come train our employers. Awesome!”
“Very helpful – brings to mind all values necessary to be inclusive in all facets of society, employment.”
“Increased awareness, great discussion. Facilitation – will pass on information, discussion with co-workers.”

*Rescheduled* Financial Sustainability - SOUTH SHORE
2020-03-05 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Halifax)
Full day workshop on Financial Sustainability

This full day workshop on Financial Sustainability represents the third offering of our workshop series on Nonprofit Organizational Core Competencies, and follows on from our previous sessions on Board Governance and Strategic Planning. The first half of the session will introduce organizational financial sustainability and fiscal health by looking at four core elements: Sound Financial Practices, Fund Development, Strategic Thinking and Fostering Innovation. In the afternoon, we’ll examine grant identification and proposal writing in a practical exercise.
Coffee / Tea and Light nutrition break provided.
Lunch not provided – we will break for an hour.

Financial Sustainability - HIGHLANDS
2020-03-04 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Halifax)
Full day workshop on Financial Sustainability – Storm Date: March 13th

This full day workshop on Financial Sustainability represents the third offering of our workshop series on Nonprofit Organizational Core Competencies, and follows on from our previous sessions on Board Governance and Strategic Planning. The first half of the session will introduce organizational financial sustainability and fiscal health by looking at four core elements: Sound Financial Practices, Fund Development, Strategic Thinking and Fostering Innovation. In the afternoon, we’ll examine grant identification and proposal writing in a practical exercise.
**STORM DATE: March 13th (Same Time & Location)**
Coffee / Tea and Light nutrition break provided.
Lunch not provided – we will break for an hour.

Leadership Lab: Experiential Learning w/Paula MacKay, VALLEY Region
2020-03-03 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
Leadership Lab:
Experiential Learning w/Paula MacKay, NSCC
March 3, 2020 (Weather Date: March 4, 2020)

What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential Learning is paid/unpaid experience provided by an employer or community organization, which allows students to learn by doing. Examples include:
• Applied Research Projects
• Co-operative Education
• Entrepreneurial experiences
• Class projects
• Field Experience
• Internships
• Job shadowing
• Practicum/Clinical Placements
• Service Learning

Why Experiential Learning?
Our students bring new energy, enthusiasm and creative ideas into your organization, allowing you to develop skills and leadership, as well as build relationships with potential long term employees.

Get involved in Experiential Learning
With access to over 55,000 students, Experiential Learning helps Nova Scotia employers and non profit community organizations connect with exceptional student talent.

The Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia is hosting an informative Leadership Lab, March 3, 2020(10am-Noon) . On hand to discuss experiential learning, its value to Nova Scotia’s community sector and field your questions and take your feedback will be Paula MacKay, Provincial Experiential Learning Project Coordinator with the NSCC.

“The students I’ve had are incredibly hard working, they ask questions, they’re interested in what’s going on, they want to know more. I would seriously hire them. I was a co-op student. I know how impactful it can be in developing your career.”
Dr. Alice Ortmann Fisheries & Oceans Canada

Financial Sustainability - NORTHERN
2020-02-25 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Halifax)
Full day workshop on Financial Sustainability – Storm Date: March 9th

This full day workshop on Financial Sustainability represents the third offering of our workshop series on Nonprofit Organizational Core Competencies, and follows on from our previous sessions on Board Governance and Strategic Planning. The first half of the session will introduce organizational financial sustainability and fiscal health by looking at four core elements: Sound Financial Practices, Fund Development, Strategic Thinking and Fostering Innovation. In the afternoon, we’ll examine grant identification and proposal writing in a practical exercise.
**STORM DATE: March 9th (Same Location & Time)**
Coffee / Tea and Light nutrition break provided.
Lunch not provided – we will break for an hour.

Financial Sustainability - CENTRAL
2020-02-24 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Halifax)
Full day workshop on Financial Sustainability – Storm Date: February 28th

This full day workshop on Financial Sustainability represents the third offering of our workshop series on Nonprofit Organizational Core Competencies, and follows on from our previous sessions on Board Governance and Strategic Planning. The first half of the session will introduce organizational financial sustainability and fiscal health by looking at four core elements: Sound Financial Practices, Fund Development, Strategic Thinking and Fostering Innovation. In the afternoon, we’ll examine grant identification and proposal writing in a practical exercise.
**STORM DATE: February 28th (Same Location & Time)**
Coffee / Tea and Light nutrition break provided.
Lunch not provided – we will break for an hour.

Poster Making 101 - AMHERST
2020-02-20 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax)
Learn how to create eye-catching posters to promote non-profit activities including events, programs, and community initiatives!

Join us for a 3-hour hands-on workshop designed to teach the basics of making great posters. Participants will learn principles of good Graphic Design and how to apply those techniques using Canva.com – a free online graphic design tool – to create eye-catching posters to promote non-profit activities including events, programs, and community initiatives!
Please note:

All participants will be required to bring a laptop (or share one with another participant) – we will be working online for a portion of the workshop
Minimum 10 Participants – Maximum 20
Coffee, Tea, and light refreshments will be provided

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Facilitator: Alexandra Theroux, Operations Coordinator – CSCNS
Alexandra has worked in various Administrative and Project Management positions in Healthcare and Post-Secondary Education. She is currently a Volunteer Board Member of the Halifax Community Health Board. Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing & Management from Mount Saint Vincent University.
In her position as the Operations Coordinator for CSCNS, Alexandra regularly applies her knowledge of graphic design to develop marketing tools and posters for our various initiatives. Having done this work in a volunteer capacity for years, she is excited to offer this opportunity to build the capacity of other people working and volunteering in the community sector to help support the great work being done across the province.

Financial Sustainability - VALLEY
2020-02-20 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Halifax)
Full day workshop on Financial Sustainability – Storm Date: February 21st

This full day workshop on Financial Sustainability represents the third offering of our workshop series on Nonprofit Organizational Core Competencies, and follows on from our previous sessions on Board Governance and Strategic Planning. The first half of the session will introduce organizational financial sustainability and fiscal health by looking at four core elements: Sound Financial Practices, Fund Development, Strategic Thinking and Fostering Innovation. In the afternoon, we’ll examine grant identification and proposal writing in a practical exercise.
**STORM DATE: February 21st (Same Location & Time)**
Coffee / Tea and Light nutrition break provided.
Lunch not provided – we will break for an hour.

Executive Director Network-CENTRAL-Snowshoe/Hike-Feb 19, 2020
2020-02-19 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
The Community Sector Council invites Executive Directors in the Central Region to an outdoor snowshoe/hike gathering at Long Lake Provincial Park, Spryfield, NS(across from Cowie Hill on North West Arm Drive) on February 19, 2020 at 10am-Noon. We have access to 17 sets of adult-size snowshoes on a first-come-first-serve basis. The 17 pairs of snowshoes are courtesy of the Prospect Road Community Centre and Lakeside Community Centre. Please select the appropriate ticket option. If you have your own snowshoes please bring those. In the event of no snow/insufficient snow we will hike on foot. If schools in HRM are closed February 19, 2020 we will consider the gathering cancelled. If it is raining we will also consider the event cancelled.
Please dress according to the weather conditions.
For info about Long Lake Provincial Park please CLICK HERE

If you are an Executive Director in the Halifax/Central Region, please consider joining the ED Network!
*Connect with peers *Advocate for change *Engage in learning & professional development *Strengthen knowledge of existing programs & services *Reduce professional isolation & duplication *Identify potential opportunities & partners
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Cancelled* Building an Intercultural Workplace - Amherst
2020-02-18 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
LEADERSHIP FOR A DIVERSE WORKPLACE CULTURE
This engaging workshop series, facilitated by Paul Pickering, Workplace Culture Program Coordinator – ISANS, helps you recognize and use skills already in-house, and counter challenges you likely have, to increase immigrant retention. We get very practical about managing a workspace that is welcoming for everyone.
We provide relevant information about CSCNS and ISANS, facilitate interactive activities, and identify next steps to keep your business strong and growing. Immigration can make the difference to your business, and this workshop provides tools for success.
Light refreshments will be provided.

SNOW DAY will be MARCH 3rd, 2020. @ Amherst Police Department from 10-3 (same time/venue as before)

Facilitator
Paul Pickering has been assisting employers and individuals with issues of immigration, cultural competence, diversity and inclusion since 1995. He holds the position of Coordinator, Workplace Culture at Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia in Halifax (ISANS), and has worked there since 2012, providing workshops, Workplace Culture Assessments and other employer services. He draws from professional and personal experience living and working in the USA, The UK, South Korea, The Czech Republic and Estonia. He and his family immigrated to Canada in 2011. Paul has a BA in Cultural Anthropology, an MA in Communication Studies, and a Teaching Diploma in Lifelong Learning.

“Great, need you to come train our employers. Awesome!”
“Very helpful – brings to mind all values necessary to be inclusive in all facets of society, employment.”
“Increased awareness, great discussion. Facilitation – will pass on information, discussion with co-workers.”

Financial Sustainability - CAPE BRETON
2020-02-11 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Glace_Bay)
Full day workshop on Financial Sustainability – Storm Date: March 3rd

This full day workshop on Financial Sustainability represents the third offering of our workshop series on Nonprofit Organizational Core Competencies, and follows on from our previous sessions on Board Governance and Strategic Planning. The first half of the session will introduce organizational financial sustainability and fiscal health by looking at four core elements: Sound Financial Practices, Fund Development, Strategic Thinking and Fostering Innovation. In the afternoon, we’ll examine grant identification and proposal writing in a practical exercise.
**STORM DATE: March 3rd (Same Location & Time)**
Coffee / Tea and Light nutrition break provided.
Lunch not provided – we will break for an hour.

Poster Making 101 - SOUTH SHORE (CANCELLED)
2020-02-05 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax)
Learn how to create eye-catching posters to promote non-profit activities including events, programs, and community initiatives!

Join us for a 3-hour hands-on workshop designed to teach the basics of making great posters. Participants will learn principles of good Graphic Design and how to apply those techniques using Canva.com – a free online graphic design tool – to create eye-catching posters to promote non-profit activities including events, programs, and community initiatives!
**STORM DATE: Thursday, February 6th (Same location and time)**
Please note:

All participants will be required to bring a laptop (or share one with another participant) – we will be working online for a portion of the workshop
Minimum 10 Participants – Maximum 20
Coffee, Tea, and light refreshments will be provided

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Facilitator: Alexandra Theroux, Operations Coordinator – CSCNS
Alexandra has worked in various Administrative and Project Management positions in Healthcare and Post-Secondary Education. She is currently a Volunteer Board Member of the Halifax Community Health Board. Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing & Management from Mount Saint Vincent University.
In her position as the Operations Coordinator for CSCNS, Alexandra regularly applies her knowledge of graphic design to develop marketing tools and posters for our various initiatives. Having done this work in a volunteer capacity for years, she is excited to offer this opportunity to build the capacity of other people working and volunteering in the community sector to help support the great work being done across the province.

ED Network: ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada - TRURO
2020-02-04 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada is a not-for-profit organization, providing workshops, events, programming, individual coaching and support services throughout Canada, primarily based in Nova Scotia.
ElevateHER takes pride in the fact we not only choose the most successful evidence based programming in Canada, but we also develop our own evidence based programming based on research and demand from an ever changing society.
We partner and work with local non-profit agencies to offer free or affordable services, ages 12+. We believe that everyone should have the right to access mental health services, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, and place of residence.
We have entered into a partnership with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia, sharing program space and collaborating on unique services. You can find us in the Truro Program Centre, located at 25 Revere Street, Truro, NS.
Please join Stephanie Atwood, Founder and Executive Director of ElevateHER Mental Health Support Services Canada to hear about what brought her to this field, what inspired her to open ElevateHER, available programs, challenges, accomplishments, their vision and how they can help and partner with others.

Session will start at 10am, light refreshments will be provided.

Leadership Lab: Experiential Learning w/Paula MacKay, CENTRAL Region
2020-02-04 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
Leadership Lab:
Experiential Learning w/Paula MacKay, NSCC
February 4, 2020 (Weather Date, February 5, 2020)

What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential Learning is paid/unpaid experience provided by an employer or community organization, which allows students to learn by doing. Examples include:
• Applied Research Projects
• Co-operative Education
• Entrepreneurial experiences
• Class projects
• Field Experience
• Internships
• Job shadowing
• Practicum/Clinical Placements
• Service Learning

Why Experiential Learning?
Our students bring new energy, enthusiasm and creative ideas into your organization, allowing you to develop skills and leadership, as well as build relationships with potential long term employees.

Get involved in Experiential Learning
With access to over 55,000 students, Experiential Learning helps Nova Scotia employers and non profit community organizations connect with exceptional student talent.

The Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia is hosting an informative Leadership Lab, February 4, 2020(10am-Noon) . On hand to discuss experiential learning, its value to Nova Scotia’s community sector and field your questions and take your feedback will be Paula MacKay, Provincial Experiential Learning Project Coordinator with the NSCC.

“The students I’ve had are incredibly hard working, they ask questions, they’re interested in what’s going on, they want to know more. I would seriously hire them. I was a co-op student. I know how impactful it can be in developing your career.”
Dr. Alice Ortmann Fisheries & Oceans Canada

Opening Doors for Everyone: Lunch & Learn! Supporting NS in Becoming an Inclusive Province!
2020-01-31 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Halifax)
Opening Doors for Everyone (ODE) Lunch & Learn
Under the direction of The Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, reachAbility is excited to introduce to you this FREE workshop!
Business Accessibility laws are changing! How will it affect you? ODE is a disability and inclusion awareness workshop focused around Nova Scotia’s new Accessibility Act, the Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program, and resources available to businesses across Nova Scotia! These training modules are part of a province-wide accessibility roadshow providing businesses access to the very best in inclusion expertise at no charge!
ODE will cover the following topics, ensuring you leave with a comprehensive tool kit of resources available while providing straight forward answers to your inclusion questions and addressing your business needs.

Disability Awareness & The Importance of Inclusion
NS Accessbility Act: Bill 59
Accessing available grants/funding and partners
The Ease of Accommodation
Next Steps!

Beyond the free training component, you will leave with a sustainable resource toolkit that will support participating businesses in learning about and accessing; available grants, local community agencies with whom they can partner, opportunities to be part of the disability community across Nova Scotia and most importantly encourage hiring of persons with disabilities, which, studies show, will improve overall customer satisfaction and loyalty as well as customer base!
reachAbility is a Halifax based, grassroots, non-profit organization; specializing in equalizing the playing field for persons facing barriers. Through self-management and employment services, reachAbility provides individuals from diverse backgrounds the opportunities needed to reach their full potential. In addition to the many programs and services offered throughout the community, reachAbility has been a leader, across Canada, for almost 20 years in providing businesses a variety of training opportunities to diversify their workplace and increase disability and diversity education.
Join us January 31st from 11:30am – 1:30pm at The Holiday Inn for catered lunch and this innovative and informative workshop in partnership with Community Sector Council!
11:30-12:00 Lunch
12:00-1:00 Presentation
1:00-1:30ish Q&A/Wrap-up
***If you require any accommodation, or have any food allergies/dietary restrictions, please let us know so we can try and meet your needs! amanda@reachability.org

Executive Director Network-CENTRAL-Snowshoe/Hike-POSTPONED to Feb 19, 2020
2020-01-29 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
The Community Sector Council invites Executive Directors in the Central Region to an outdoor snowshoe/hike gathering at Long Lake Provincial Park, Spryfield, NS(across from Cowie Hill on North West Arm Drive) on January 29, 2020 at 10am-Noon. We have access to 17 sets of adult-size snowshoes on a first-come-first-serve basis. The 17 pairs of snowshoes are courtesy of the Prospect Road Community Centre and Lakeside Community Centre. Please select the appropriate ticket option. If you have your own snowshoes please bring those. In the event of no snow/insufficient snow we will hike on foot. If schools in HRM are closed January 29, 2020 we will consider the gathering cancelled. If it is raining we will also consider the event cancelled.
Please dress according to the weather conditions.
For info about Long Lake Provincial Park please CLICK HERE

If you are an Executive Director in the Halifax/Central Region, please consider joining the ED Network!
*Connect with peers *Advocate for change *Engage in learning & professional development *Strengthen knowledge of existing programs & services *Reduce professional isolation & duplication *Identify potential opportunities & partners
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Leveraging Technology - Volunteer NS Database-Northern
2020-01-27 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
This ED Network will showcase technology designed to help non profit and voluntary organizations recruit, engage, and retain volunteers.
This session we will have speaker Karrie-Ann Wilkie of Volunteer Nova Scotia show us how to naviagte the new VolunteerNS Database.

Volunteer Nova Scotia is committed to helping volunteers find the right opportunities in their communities and is also committed to helping Volunteer Organizations and Not-for-profits find the right volunteers.
Volunteer Nova Scotia is a free searchable database of available volunteer opportunities from across Nova Scotia.
