Issue 22 - 11 February 2009

Although it is too early to assess the overall impact of the economic recession on the community sector in New Zealand, we have already noticed a wide range of conflicting reports on what may or may not happen.

Some data and historical evidence indicates that the community sector may fare better than the private sector, as people and organisations continue to support ‘good work’ or focus on ‘what really matters’, rather than luxury items or frivolous things. 

However, in reality many philanthropic trusts, corporates, and local and central government may have less money to distribute due to lower returns on investments. Although all investment income will be reduced, trusts and foundations with heavy exposure to international financial markets are more seriously affected.

Signals are mixed. Already in New Zealand, we have seen some trusts announce suspensions of their grant programmes, while others have confirmed, that despite investment losses, they will continue to make grants at lesser or similar levels to previous years. With government spending also under the spotlight, this could put extra pressure on organisations that rely on multiple funding streams to deliver core services.

Apart from potential changes in the amount of money available to some community groups, non-profits may see an increase in demand for their services (especially those working with vulnerable communities). Other groups might see a downturn in participation, as people’s priorities shift due to changes in personal situations – financial or otherwise. (The same may be true for personal donations.) Then again, people may volunteer and give more during these hard times to help those in distress – this is the beneficial action we need as a country to help get us through the bad times.  For those who lose paid jobs, volunteering will offer an opportunity to keep connected with their communities and maintain their skills or learn new ones, while also making an important contribution.

Adversity could lead to positive outcomes as communities band together, and agencies co-operate and collaborate more or actively share resources to get more ‘bang for their buck’.  Those individuals, businesses and corporate supporters who can’t afford to give money, may offer time or other resources in order to continue to support services and causes they believe in.

In an effort to identify what may happen in New Zealand, and what can be done to lessen any negative impacts (and maximise positive ones), Philanthropy NZ, the NZ Federation of Voluntary Welfare organisations and the OCVS have invited a selection of community and voluntary sector representatives, and the government agencies working with them, to attend an Impact on Communities: Managing the Downturn Together workshop in Wellington on 25 February.

The workshop aims to build a greater understanding around what is happening with the credit crunch and economic downturn; discuss the impacts for non-profit organisations from a social and economic perspective; and develop strategies to manage finite resources.

This event will be similar to one held by the Association of Charitable Foundations in the UK in late 2008.  The OCVS will post reports after the event on our website, to keep the sector informed of activity.

» Compare a NZ article suggesting tough times ahead for community groups with one emphasising the importance of relationships and a UK article stating the recession has not stifled the public’s giving spirit

» See ASB Community Trust’s update on 2009 funding programme.

» Read one of many updates on the economic market in NZ – the ANZ Market Focus: Key Macro Themes for 2009 

» Read How will the economic crisis affect volunteering? - an article by Susan J Ellis, USA.

» Read Facing the Financial Crisis: 10 Smart Things Your Board Can Do Now from BoardSource, USA.

» Read notes from the NCVO summit in the UK, including findings and presentations from November 2008.

» Read about the UK’s proposed action plan of support and some UK initiatives.

» See the ‘Recession Challenge’ laid out by Volunteering England

» A reminder to fundraisers not to ignore those who volunteer and donate money – see pages 6-9 of the Sep-Dec 2008 issue of SALT – the magazine of the Singapore National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre.

» Access links to funding sources for community groups.

The Building Better Government Engagement (BBGE) project reference group’s report, It’s More Than Talk, is now available on the OCVS website. It’s More Than Talk includes options for building better community engagement skills, knowledge and values in the public service.

The BBGE reference group is keen to supplement the report’s content with input from communities and public servants, so now you can have your say on how government agencies can improve citizens’ and community organisations’ involvement in decision-making on issues that affect them.

The BBGE reference group specifically invites you to give feedback on these questions:

• Do you think the engagement issues outlined in Section 2 are accurate?
• Do you agree with ideas for the way ahead in Section 4?
• Do you agree with the summary of possible actions suggested in Section 5 and if so, which do you consider to be the top priorities?

During February and March, the BBGE reference group will hold meetings in Auckland and Waitakere (19 Feb), Hamilton (20 Feb), Wellington (13 March) and Christchurch (9 March). Invitations to take part in these discussions have been sent to a range of people in both government and sector positions who have considerable experience of stakeholder engagement. There are a limited number of places at each venue, but if you have specific expertise in this field and want to participate, please e-mail ocvs@msd.govt.nz. (Spaces are limited, so we may not be able to fit you in, but we will try if we can.) 

The BBGE reference group will also take the discussion online into cyberspace so interested people can share ideas and see what others have to say.  A page on the Bang the Table website will go live in the next few days, and we will send out a link so you can share your thoughts online.

Consultation on It’s More Than Talk is open until 31 March 2009.

» Visit the OCVS website to download the discussion document, and see details of where to send your feedback.

The next Good Practice in Action seminar for public servants is on Friday 6 March 2009.

It will feature presentations from the State Services Commission (SSC) and NZ’s International Aid and Development Agency (NZAID).  SSC will talk about what is being done to strengthen trust and reinforce the spirit of service in the public sector.  NZAID will present on how they responded rapidly and decisively to implement organisation-wide change after their procurement and contracting processes were rated as “poor and needing significant improvement” in an audit.  There will be lots of time for workshops and discussion.

GPIA seminars are full-day events in Wellington organised by the OCVS for public servants at no charge, so they can share experiences and learn from each other.  They are about information sharing, results-based learning, and acquiring knowledge and expertise built on the good practice of others. The seminars reinforce the government’s commitment to “working together, breaking down silos and establishing co-ordinated, inter-sectoral policies and programmes.”  

» See presentations from recent GPIA events.

» Register for the Good Practice in Action seminar on 6 March 2009.

Is it just us, or do the media and community leaders seem to be acknowledging the significant commitment and huge value of volunteers in Kiwi communities more than they used to?

Of course, the focus of the OCVS’s work means we probably pay more attention to media coverage of volunteering than most; but looking back over the past five years there seems to have been a shift from only mentioning volunteers in heart-warming ‘soft news’ stories, to acknowledging the importance of volunteers in ‘hard news’ stories that are essentially about another topic.

For example, over the past few months, news items covering major fires, search and rescue missions, community activities and homeless pets focused on the efforts of the volunteers – emphasising the long hours, large numbers, significant training and vital nature of what these caring individuals do for their communities. Often the reporter would ask ‘why?’ with a sense of awe and wonder in their voice – struggling to comprehend what drives someone to do so much for no tangible reward.

New Zealand’s local community newspapers have long done a great job at profiling community volunteers on a regular basis, but the mass media has often relegated coverage of volunteers to rare occasions such as International Volunteer Day or quirky items at the end of a news bulletin. Now there seems to be a genuine recognition that our country would grind to a halt without the everyday efforts of more than 1.2 million volunteers.

Is this a major shift in approach, a current trend or just a ‘blip’ during the season of goodwill?  And why might it be happening? Is it the combined effect of having better data on volunteering through the NZ Non-Profit Institutions Satellite Account and How Do New Zealanders Give?; the work by groups like ComVoices, the Promoting Generosity Hub, Volunteering NZ and Land Search &  Rescue to encourage more in-depth coverage of the impact of volunteering; or simply a maturing of a society finally recognising that stuff doesn’t ‘just happen’?

Whatever the reason, long may it last – with 97,000 non-profit organisations in New Zealand, thousands of willing volunteers, many good causes, and even more helpful neighbours and good citizens – the opportunities for new angles, features, profiles and stories are endless.

The additional exposure is likely to have a positive impact on growing generosity in New Zealand, as evidence suggests that if people see or read about positive action they are more likely to do it themselves.

» Send us your thoughts and comments - Do you think media coverage of volunteering is changing?

» Read about NZ’s Promoting Generosity project to encourage the giving of time, money or in-kind donations and acts of kindness.

» Learn more about the ways New Zealand recognises the contribution of volunteers.

» Tell us what you think New Zealand should do to celebrate IYV+10 in 2011
(the 10^th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers)

The Building on the power of shared experience briefing provided to Minister Turia late last year, identifies current challenges and opportunities for action in the community and voluntary sector. It reveals that a distinctive and comprehensive contribution is made to New Zealand's economy and society by a community and voluntary sector made up of many parts.

When releasing the BIM, the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector said "A key challenge outlined in the papers is that there is still much work to do to build capability in government agencies to work effectively with communities, whanau, hapu and iwi Maori, and to coordinate the work across all levels".

Some 97,000 organisations, over 105,000 paid staff and in excess of one million volunteers play a significant part in enhancing the well-being of New Zealanders, and together, contribute 4.9% of GDP - a net value-added $7 billion – proving that the sector is a significant economic force, as well as contributing to the common good.

» Read the OCVS BIM: Building on the power of shared experience.

» Download other government agency BIMs.

» Read the ComVoices BIM.

» See NZCCSS comment on social sector BIMs.

The OCVS team has been overwhelmed by the interest in a new series of 90-minute seminars focused on community engagement and participation.  The first Good Practice Participate seminar in December was booked solid within 48 hours and the second one held today was also at capacity.

Today’s Encouraging equitable public participation seminar, by Dr Trish Nickel from the School of Social and Cultural Studies at Victoria University, considered the ideal of public participation, its criticisms, and contemporary methods to overcoming these challenges.  Dr Nickel's presentation included a specific focus on the Open Space Technology (OST) approach, which she said could help break down many of the barriers to equitable participation by opening up the agenda-setting and allowing everyone a voice.  She reminded participants that talk was only one means of communication and that OST allowed people to use poetry, song or movies to make their point, at one point referring to the “pedagogy of the oppressed”.  

It is great to see such interest in this important topic, so further 90-minute seminars on other aspects of community participation and engagement are being developed for 2009. (We’re currently finalising details for another on 22 April, and will send information on this soon.)

» Download Dr Nickel’s presentation.

» View the spectrum of public participation on the Good Practice Participate website.

If you have an event, conference or meeting related to community or voluntary issues, you are welcome to send a brief description of the event to us at ocvs@msd.govt.nz for inclusion in our email updates.

In his first New Year message to the nation, the Governor-General Anand Satyanand emphasised the importance of volunteering to New Zealand's society and economy.  He urged New Zealanders to think about volunteering, stating that everyone has skills that can assist voluntary groups in some way, even if only for individual projects.

He also made a plea for people to stay engaged in the country's democratic processes, and keep informed about both local and international politics to ensure New Zealand's democracy stays strong.

» Read the complete New Year message.

The Manual on the Measurement of Volunteer Work won a strong vote of confidence at the 18th International Conference of Labour Statisticians meeting in Geneva in late 2008. Almost one hundred participants took part, including senior statisticians from Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Portugal, China, South Africa, Sweden, Iran, Afghanistan, Mali, and Slovenia.

The meeting was an important step towards gaining acceptance for measuring volunteer work through the labour force survey of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The statisticians in attendance gave the green light to move forward, and offered useful suggestions to strengthen the manual and draft survey module developed by Johns Hopkins University (JHU).

» Read more about the ILO decision on the Center for Civil Society Studies website.
» Read about the Study of the Non-Profit Sector in NZ and our work with JHU.

The Assistant Commissioner Legal, Katrine Evans from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner shed some light on the myths and realities of NZ’s privacy legislation at a seminar organised by GOVIS (the Government Information Systems Managers Forum) last month. 

Katrine referred to ‘BOTPA’ when speaking of the vast range of weird things people say they can’t do “Because Of The Privacy Act”.  She said that privacy does not equal secrecy, but that privacy is about showing respect for people and protecting their personal information. Katrine told attendees to remember that behind each set of data there is a person.

One myth people believed was that they had to get consent for everything, but she said the important factor was the ‘purpose’ for collecting and storing the information. Agencies should only get the information they need and she reminded attendees of the Principles of the Act.

» Principles of the Privacy Act.

» Notes from the presentation will be on theGOVIS website shortly.

The Hazard Handler Online Tool is a free resource that provides small organisations with guidance on:

• managing workplace health and safety
• identifying common hazards in the workplace.

The Hazard Handler is designed to help kick-start hazard management - providing practical information on how to identify and handle both generic, and industry specific, health and safety issues. The Hazard Handler online tool should take up to 60 minutes to complete, and when you finish, you can download a personalised Hazard Register.

» Try the online Hazard Handler now.

» For guidance on other legislation, see Keeping it Legal E Ai Ki Te Ture.

• OCVS Briefing to the Incoming Minister (BIM): Building on the power of shared experience.
  » Download the OCVS BIM: Building on the power of shared experience.
  » Download other government agency BIMs.

• The Workplace Wellbeing ManaMahi Employment Relations resource features 17 best practice guides and six resource booklets about a wide range of employment relations issues in the community and voluntary sector. It includes a sample employee handbook, plus many useful examples, checklists and a CD-ROM of readily useable templates and best practice material.
  » View sample guides or order the ManaMahi resource online.

• Research presented at the ANZTSR Conference in November is currently being uploaded to the research ClearingHouse website.
  » Visit the ClearingHouse over the next month to check for updates.

• Human Resource Capability Survey of Public Service Departments as at 30 June 2008.
  This workforce profile was published by the State Services Commission in November.
  » Download the report from the SSC website.

• Office of the Ombudsmen annual report for the year 2007/2008.
  A key issue identified in this report is an increasing tendency on the part of some agencies and some Ministerial offices to delay responses to Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) requests. As a result, the Office of the Ombudsmen has conducted a series of briefings with CEOs and representatives of political parties, and published extensive guidance in the Ombudsmen’s Quarterly Report.
  » Read the reports from the Office of the Ombudsmen.

• New Dialogue, the publication of NZ Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations, explores sustainability in the community – examining the roles of volunteering and capacity-building in helping to create sustainable organisations.
  » Download this Dec 2008 issue online.

• Salvation Army releases State of the Nation Report: Into Troubled Waters.
  » Download Into Troubled Waters.

• Donations Toolkit developed by Creative NZ.
  This toolkit explains the changes to tax rules, how you can benefit from them, suggestions on how to find the right donor, plus a video interview with a donations arts success story.
  » Explore the online donations toolkit.

• PhD in Public Policy, Public Management and Strategic Studies.
  The School of Government at Victoria University will offer an innovative, coursework-supported, part-time PhD in Public Policy, Public Management and Strategic Studies, specifically designed for working public-sector practitioners starting this year.
  » Visit the School of Government website for more information.

• Ethnicity, identity and public policy: Critical perspectives on multiculturalism by David Bromell, Institute of Policy Studies, Victoria University of Wellington.
  This book’s concluding chapter urges the cultivation of citizen participation in deliberative democracy to inform and stimulate debate on this topic.
  » Read more or order the book online from the Institute of Policy Studies.

• Voice It – An educational resource carrying the voice of young people from Wellington’s refugee communities.
  » Download the resource and/or podcast at www.voice-arts.org.nz

• Death Without Warning, first published in 2003, has been revamped by the Skylight Trust, with up-to-date NZ information and support for those people who know someone who has died suddenly.
  » Read more about the book or order it online.

• Wiki explores issues related to gambling in New Zealand.
  The Department of Internal Affairs wiki set-up for the now-cancelled NZ Gambling Conference will remain active to enable those with an interest in gambling to share information about issues related to the costs and benefits of gambling.  People can contribute comments in five areas related to the objective (outcomes) established for the regulation of gambling in New Zealand.
  » Objective 1: The benefits of gambling outweigh the costs.
  » Objective 2: Communities are engaged, empowered and informed in relation to gambling.
  » Objective 3: Gambling is operated with integrity.
  » Objective 4: Gambling related harm is prevented and minimised.
  » Objective 5: Gambling related crime is prevented and minimised.
  » The wiki url is http://gamblingconference2009.dia.govt.nz.  

• Non-profit organisations throughout the world can apply for Google Grants that give them free AdWords advertising to bring more visitors to their websites and help raise awareness of their causes or programmes.
  » Find out more at www.diyfundraising.com.

• Toward Greater Effectiveness in Community Change: Challenges and Responses for Philanthropy. Prudence Brown, Robert J. Chaskin, Ralph Hamilton, Harold Richman - Chapin Hall.
  This paper identifies challenges within three core dimensions of philanthropic activity: how foundations think about community change, how they do their community-change work, and how they learn from their efforts.
  » Download this paper.

• Alliance interviews Geoff Scott on Combining the traditional and the modern.
  Much discussion of indigenous philanthropy centres on building on the traditions of indigenous peoples. Geoff Scott, Chief Executive of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (ALC), says the dynamism of the Aboriginal people of Australia has allowed them to survive. Now they are developing new structures and new ways of making decisions, which combine elements of the traditional with those of the modern.
  » Click here to read the interview.

• The National Survey of Third Sector Organisations in UK surveyed nearly 50,000 charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises. First results show 58% of those who had direct dealings with local government bodies said they had a positive or very positive effect on their success. However, over half of all respondents (51%) said they felt public sector bodies had no overall influence on their success, meaning public sector bodies have more to do to improve their contact and support to their local third sector.
  » Read more about this UK survey.

• UK-based Corporate Responsibility Group (CRG) survey shows CSR is 'an increasing priority' in business sector.
  The survey report states that senior managers in private companies are increasingly viewing corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a business priority. Representatives from 80 of CRG's 100 member organisations responded to the survey, and 84% of respondents considered CSR a business priority in their organisations, compared with 72% in 2006. The proportion of organisations with dedicated CSR budgets had also risen by 9% to 83%.
  » For further information, visit www.crguk.org.

• 10 Trends Shaping the Future of our Communities from the Project for Public Spaces.
  » Check this list of 10 trends.

• The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) blog has published Barack Obama’s press release about transparency and public participation.
  President Obama established the Office of Public Liaison dedicated to being an interface between the public and the president. The press release states: “My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government. We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Government should be participatory. Public engagement enhances the Government's effectiveness and improves the quality of its decisions.” 
  » Read President Obama’s full statement on transparency and open government.
  » Learn more about the  International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).

• United Nations Economic Commission for Europe(UNECE) 2007/2008: Guidebook on promoting good governance in public-private partnerships.
  Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are complex in nature, requiring different types of skills and new enabling institutions, and they lead to changes in the status of public sector jobs. To work well they require well-functioning institutions, transparent, efficient procedures and accountable and competent public and private sectors, ie: ‘good governance’. To address the challenge, the UNECE has elaborated this Guidebook for policymakers, government officials and the private sector.
  » Read about the guidebook or download the pdf.

• Two reports on migrant and refugee community organisations from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, United Kingdom.
  » Empowering Birmingham's migrant and refugee community organisations.
  » The potential of migrant and refugee community organisations to influence policy.

 

February in New Zealand

• 13 Feb: Deadline for comments on draft public sector guidance for Social media monitoring and interaction.
  » Leave your comments on the State Services Commission blog.

• 14 Feb: OCVS Director Alasdair Finnie’s interview on Collaborative Voices airs on Wellington Access Radio 783AM.
  » Listen to the interview online.

• 16 Feb: Martin J Cowling volunteer management workshop in Invercargill.
  » Contact the local volunteer centre at southcomhouse@woosh.co.nz for more details.

• 17 Feb: Martin J Cowling volunteer management workshop in Dunedin.
  » Contact the local volunteer centre at dvct@ihug.co.nz for more details.

• 17 Feb:  Public Sector Integrity & Ethics Network meets in Wellington.
  » For a sobering commentary on the need for organisations to promote a culture of integrity, read the article A Trio of Miscreants from Ethics Newsline.

• 19 Feb:  Public Sector Integrity & Ethics Network meets in Auckland.
  » More information about the PSIE Network is on the Public Sector Intranet.

• 19 Feb: Building Better Government Engagement workshops in Auckland and Waitakere to seek feedback on It’s More than Talk from those experienced in stakeholder engagement.
  » See story #2 above for more details.

• 19 Feb: Martin J Cowling volunteer management workshop in Christchurch.
  » Contact the local volunteer centre at vc@volcan.org.nz for more details.

• 20 Feb: Building Better Government Engagement workshop in Hamilton to seek feedback on It’s More than Talk from those experienced in stakeholder engagement.
  » See story #2 above for more details.

• 20 Feb: Fundraising for Good course – Auckland.
  » For more details, see www.foresee.co.nz   

• 22-26 Feb: 1^st ever Down Under Institute – Hamilton.
  The Lifestyle Trust and Disability Resource Centre (Hawke’s Bay) Trust are co-hosting this event to explore international best practice in the areas of inclusion, diversity and community building.
  » To register, e-mail:  lyn@lifestyletrust.org.nz or visit www.lifestyletrust.org.nz/.

• 23 Feb: Martin J Cowling volunteer management workshop in Blenheim.
  » Contact the local volunteer centre at vm@volunteermarlborough.org.nz for more details.

• 23 Feb: Fit 4 Funding expo at Lower Hutt Town Hall.
  Hutt City Council in partnership with the Dept of Internal Affairs and Upper Hutt City Council is hosting this funding forum where key government agencies, funders and community organisations will participate in discussion panels/ seminars and provide information to the community face-to-face. Workshops will cover governance, volunteering and finance.
  Registration is essential by 13 February. $10 per person.
  » For more information go to www.huttcity.govt.nz or contact Joanne Gomez ph 570 6757.

• 25 Feb: Impact on Communities: Managing the Downturn Together workshop in Wellington.
  » See Story #1 above for background on this event.

• 25 Feb:  ANGOA Quarterly Research Forum (1pm-4pm) – Wellington.
   » Everyone welcome - read more at www.angoa.org.nz.

• 25 Feb: Martin J Cowling volunteer management workshop in Auckland.
  » Contact the local volunteer centre at volunteer@volunteeringauckland.org.nz for more details.

• 27 Feb: Fundraising for Good course – Nelson.
  » For more details see www.foresee.co.nz   

• 27 Feb: Martin J Cowling volunteer management workshop in Hamilton.
  » Contact the local volunteer centre at volunteeringwaikato@xtra.co.nz for more details.

March in New Zealand

• 2 March: Martin J Cowling volunteer management workshop in Tauranga.
  » Contact the local volunteer centre at mgr.volunteerwbop@xtra.co.nz for more details.

• 2 March:  Post-Graduate Programme in Social Enterprise commences online.
  Courses incorporate interests in associated fields such as not-for-profit management, corporate social responsibility and third sector research.
  Applications to receive a fee grant close in the second week of February.
  » Find out more on the Waikato Management School website.

• 4 March: Martin J Cowling volunteer management workshop in Wellington.
  » Contact the local volunteer centre at vw@volunteerwellington.org.nz for more details.  

• 6 March: Good Practice in Action seminar for public servants: Trust and accountability presentations by State Services Commission and NZAID.
  » Learn more or reserve a place at this full day event in Wellington.

• 6-8 March: Rotary District 9940 conference: Connecting with our communities – Napier.
  » Visit the Rotary website.

• 8 March: International Women’s Day.
  In Wellington, the Minister of Women’s Affairs is holding a breakfast at Parliament on 6 March, in association with the ZONTA Club and UNIFEM NZ.
  » Read more about International Women’s Day.

• 9 March: Building Better Government Engagement workshop in Christchurch to seek feedback on It’s More than Talk from those experienced in stakeholder engagement.
  » See story #2 above for more details.

• 11 March: ANGOA Roundtable – Wellington.
  Guest speaker, the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Tariana Tuira will talk about her plans and aspirations for the sector in the new parliamentary term.
  » Everyone welcome, read more at www.angoa.org.nz.

• 11 March:  Work Smarter Not Harder workshop in Rotorua (9am - 4pm) - facilitated by Debra Brough from the Department of Labour.
  Designed especially with not-for-profit organisations, the workshops will enable people to self-assess their organisation’s performance using the 7 drivers in the Workplace Productivity Toolkit, and think about how to make real improvements.
  » Cost: $25. Register online at www.rossco.org.nz

• 13 March: Building Better Government Engagement workshop in Wellington to seek feedback on It’s More than Talk from those experienced in stakeholder engagement.
  » See story #2 above for more details.

• 17 March: An open-house meeting in Wellington to discuss establishing a New Zealand Chapter of IAP2. Time: 4:30pm - 6pm at St Johns Bar, Cable Street, Wellington - everyone welcome.
  » Look for details on the International Association for Public Participation website or e-mail nznorth@iap2.org.au for more info.

• 18-19 March: Philanthropy NZ & Community Trusts combined conference: Passion, Pragmatism, Possibilities – Wellington.
  » Read more on the conference website.

• 19-20 March: Managing Difficult Conversations interactive workshop – Wellington.
  Based on recent research at the Harvard Negotiation Project, this Conflict Management NZ Ltd workshop will focus on transforming difficult conversations into learning and problem solving opportunities.
  » Read more at www.cmnz.co.nz.

• 19-20 March: Skills to Make a Difference – The National Non-Profit Sector Conference – Napier.
  » Find out more at www.nfpconference.co.nz

• 20 March: Fundraising for Good course – Invercargill.
  » For more details see www.foresee.co.nz   

• 21 March: Race Relations Day.
  This year’s theme is People in Your Neighbourhood. Partners in the day include the Human Rights Commission, the Office of Ethnic Affairs, the NZ Federation of Ethnic Councils, WOMAD, The Media Counsel Ltd, local government and the British Council NZ, along with many other organisations throughout the country.
  » See www.hrc.co.nz for more information.

• 26 March: Expo for environmental community groups, presented by the Hamilton Environment Centre, in partnership with Trust Waikato (10am-5pm), at Hamilton Gardens.
  The event will include workshops/presentations on topics such as writing and publicity with the media, greening your business, IRD status and the Charities Commission, funding advice, how to write a funding application, how to organise a community event, as well as a range of stalls.
  » Visit www.envirocentre.org.nz to register for this free event.

• 31 March: Consultation closes on the It’s More Than Talk discussion document.
  » See story #2 above for more details.

April onwards in New Zealand

• 1-2 April: OCVS Director to speak at NZ Kindergarten Association's General Managers hui in Wellington on day two.
  » www.nzkindergarten.org.nz

• 3-5 April: The Royal NZ Foundation for the Blind’s Red Puppy Appeal needs volunteer collectors on these dates.
  » Apply online at www.redpuppy.org.nz/  NOW!

• 14-17 April:  6^th Performance Measurement Assn International Conference - Theory and Practice in Performance Measurement – University of Otago, Dunedin.
  » Look here for more information on the conference.

• 17 April: Systems Thinking for Solving Complex Problems workshop - Duxton Hotel, Wellington.
  Led by internationally renowned expert Professor Kambiz Maani, this half-day workshop will help you construct lasting and effective solutions to complex problems by taking account of:
  - economic, environmental and social aspects of problems
  - variables that underpin human behaviour – for example morale or fear
  - relationships with other stakeholders.
  » Further information about the workshop and systems thinking.

• 22 April: Good Practice Participate seminar presented by Vivien Twyford, IAP2.
  » Watch for more details soon.

• 27 April: IPANZ seminar:Improving Policy Analysis and Decision-making in the 21st Century – Wellington.
  The speaker will be Yves Bourassa, Policy Manager from Environment Canada
  » Find out more from the IPANZ website.

• 14-20 June: Volunteer Awareness Week – Do a world of good: Volunteer.
  A4 and A3-sized posters and red balloons are available free of charge.
  » e-mail your orders (amount you require and your mailing address) to Glennis at office@volunteeringnz.org.nz.

• 18 June: State Services Senior Leaders Development Conference at the Wellington Convention Centre (Town Hall and Michael Fowler Centre).
  » Conference details are on the DevCon website.

• 30 June:  From silos to collaboration within organisations course starts at the Wellington Psychodrama Training Institute. 
  » For more details, e-mail admin@wpti.org.nz or visit www.psychodrama.org.nz.

• 28-29 Oct: Volunteering New Zealandnational conference - Wellington Town Hall.
  Themes are likely to include youth and baby boomer volunteering, and how best to co-ordinate and develop education and support for volunteer managers. The conference will gather various stakeholders from the community and voluntary sector, government and corporate in a number of workshops and panel discussions.
  » Watch for further details on the VNZ website.

• Various dates: The Institute of Directors (IOD) offers a range of professional development courses for board members. These include Not-for-profit governance essentials offered in several locations. The IOD also provides a range of services, including allowing not-for-profits to advertise their governance vacancies on the IOD website at no cost.
  » Check out the 2009 IOD training calendar online.
  » See the Institute of Directors governance presentation made at the Charities Commission AGM.

• 2009 date tba: Citizens’ Forum to examine the issue of political party funding and recommend reforms - with representation from each electorate.
  This forum is part of the Review of Electoral Administration and Political Party Funding announced in September. An Expert Panel will provide information and options for this Forum to deliberate on.
  » Read more about the review at www.electoralreview.govt.nz/

Overseas dates

• 18 Feb: NCVO Annual Conference 2009 - Civil Society: Building trust in uncertain times - London, UK.
  Participants will explore the voluntary and community sector's role within civil society and identify those issues that will matter most to people and communities in the future.
  » Further information at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk.

• 11-13 May: Connecting Up: The Online future of the Nonprofits, Are we there yet?-  Sydney, Australia.
  Australia's national non-profit technology conference will share great stories about how organisations and communities have used technology.
  » Further details at www.connectingup.org/conference or www.connectingup.org/blogdoug.

• 26-29 Nov:  12th IAVE AsiaPacific Regional Volunteer Conference - Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
  Volunteerism as a Lifestyle for Social Solidarity is the theme of this regional International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) conference, which will provide an opportunity for NGOs, governments, and the corporate sector to work together on issues such as volunteer participation in large-scale international events, corporate social responsibility, ICT use in volunteer programmes, diversity and community engagement.
  » Further information is at www.iave.org.

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