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Quiet Changemaker Project

Quiet Changemaker Project: update, resources, meetup

Quiet Changemaker Project Logo

Tonight I had the opportunity to meet up with four other quiet changemakers in Vancouver (much discussion over the word “changemaker”). I heard refrains of “it was nice to hang out with people who don’t exhaust me” or “it was nice to not have to struggle to be heard”. We all happened to be people who work independently in builder/helper roles–ones that create, hold things together, and make them better. Not all of us identify as introverts but we definitely identify as quiet. People who make an impact without waves. Nice folks :)

Previous blog posts you may be interested in

You also might be interested in…

a few interesting resources that came up in conversation. I don’t remember them all, but here are a few to get you started. What have you read or listened to lately that has helped you be a better quiet changemaker?

Caring for Your Introvert (article from 2003 in the The Atlantic by Jonathan Rauch)

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking (book and TED talk by Susan Cain)
the book is a dense read, but shares interesting research and anecdotes

Introvert Advantage (Dr. Marti Olsen Laney)
this book was recommended to me when I first learned about being an introvert back in 2006, and it really helped me in the ways I think about work, life, and relationships with others

Future meetups

We thought having a meetup without commitment would be great. No pressure. Bring a book or something to listen to. If no one else shows up, it’s OK, you have some time booked off to yourself :) Dates TBA. If you would like to do something similar in another city, let me know.  

Working on chapter 1

The Quiet Changemaker Project was first envisioned as a book, and I’m working on Chapter 1 so that I can shop the idea around. What would you expect to see in the first chapter?

PS…

I’ve started a podcast on trends and issues facing nonprofit leaders and social innovators. Search for the Do Good Better Podcast on your favourite podcast app.

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For nonprofit leaders and social innovators

Resources for drivers facing Canada’s nonprofit sector

This list of resources and information sources was provided in a recent email from Imagine Canada; the list is based on key drivers facing Canadian nonprofit organizations and the priority program areas of Imagine Canada, and was too good to just sit in my inbox. Enjoy and share.

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Imagine Canada – www.imaginecanada.ca

Our website includes information on a range of initiatives and research to help charities and nonprofits across Canada fulfill their missions.

You may also be interested in reading our 2009 Annual Report .

Public Policy and Engagement

1. National Engagement Strategy: http://www.imaginecanada.ca/node/239

2. Membership – http://www.imaginecanada.ca/node/38

As Marcel mentioned Canadian registered charities and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to become members of Imagine Canada to participate in this exciting movement, take advantage of engagement opportunities, and come together with colleagues from across the sector to shape our future and to define our role.  As a member you will also get access to many benefits and savings.

Check the links above to find out more about becoming a member or contact: membership@imaginecanada.ca

3. Pre-budget activities

Imagine Canada is a national voice for public policy issues affecting the sector.  We focus predominantly on federal issues and those that are pan-Canadian in scope.  Our 2010 federal pre-budget submission, along with information on other major public policy files, can be found in the Public Policy section of our website.

Knowledge Development and Mobilization

1. Canadian Directory to Foundations & Corporations – http://www.imaginecanada.ca/en/node/22

Whether you are new to fundraising or a seasoned professional, the Canadian Directory to Foundations & Corporations can help you connect with funders who are interested in your cause. The fully bilingual, searchable Directory lists the grant giving foundations in Canada; American foundations that grant in Canada; and over 200 corporate giving programs!  No other fundraising directory is this accurate, relevant, and affordable.

2. Sector Casts – http://www.imaginecanada.ca/node/43

SectorCasts are web/audio conferences designed to give participants an opportunity to share and discuss critical issues affecting the nonprofit and charitable sector. This fall, we have an exciting line-up that you can access directly from your work space.

3. Nonprofit Library – http://nonprofitscan.imaginecanada.ca

This site holds the largest collection of Canadian nonprofit literature in the world with 80 per cent of our collection available free online.

4. Sector Monitor – http://www.imaginecanada.ca/sector_monitor

The goal of the Sector Monitor program is to provide relevant and timely information on the issues facing charities and nonprofits to the sector itself and to various sector stakeholders, including Imagine Canada members, policymakers, business leaders, the media and the Canadian public.

5. Nonprofit Newswire – http://nonprofitscan.imaginecanada.ca

This is a daily source of news and press releases from online media outlets, news services, and nonprofit organizations. Subscribe through the Nonprofit Library Commons.

Governance and Accountability

6. Ethical Code http://www.imaginecanada.ca/ethicalcode

The Code lays out standards for charitable organizations to manage and report their financial affairs responsibly.  This is a tool that can help you meet donor expectations and distinguish you from others in the field. The Ethical Code also enhances awareness among Boards and staff about fundraising and financial accountability and provides you with a baseline against which you can evaluate your policies and practices.

7. Standards – http://www.imaginecanada.ca/standards_initiative

A national standards initiative is underway that will define sector standards for human resources, volunteerism, governance and accountability.

8. Insurance and Library Resource Centre www.nonprofitrisk.imaginecanada.ca

A number of you had a chance to meet our colleague, David Hartley, during the Risk Management workshop. Great information can be found on the website regarding workshops, webinars, tips, newsletters on insurance and liability issues affecting the sector.

9. Charity Tax Tools – http://charitytax.imaginecanada.ca

The site contains information on the basic legal requirements for all Canadian charities that are registered with CRA and entitled to issue tax receipts for charitable donations. It provides examples and links to additional information for those who wish to know more.

Our National Partners

10. The HR Council for the Nonprofit Sector – www.hrcouncil.ca

The HR Council’s website has terrific information, tools and research on HR issues affecting the sector.  Check out the HR check-up.

11. Canada Helps – http://www.canadahelps.org

This website offers great tips and resources for using social networking in your organization.

12. Volunteer Canada – www.volunteer.ca

This is a great source of information on volunteering in Canada which includes tools and resources for volunteers, research, a directory of organizations, and a calendar of events.