June 27, 2018

Host an Awesome Winter Event in Your Community
Summer will be over before you know it, so make sure you have a fun ActivateYYC winter event to look forward to. We’re offering up to $750 to help get Calgarians in your community walking, playing, and being neighbourly. Ideas could include a winter obstacle course, a hot chocolate competition, a doggy day in the park, and more. The deadline to apply for the final round is less than a week away. Get those applications in before midnight on July 3rd. Congratulations to Wards 7, 8, 9, and 11 that are sold out. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Show us your creativity, and apply here today! Applications with ideas that haven’t been done before will take priority.

New Team Sponsorship Opportunity  
Know a local business or organization that is interested in increasing their community engagement? Let them know about our Chip in Fore Communities Golf Tournament team sponsorship options. Last year, over 60% of our 100+ players were community volunteers. Starting at $350, we can pair up staff with local volunteers from their area for a fun, stress free day on the course. Not only is it a direct way for businesses to show they care, but it is also the chance for them to learn what challenges and opportunities community associations and non-profits see. Spread the word about this unique way to create new lasting relationships, all while helping to nurture a network of over 20,000 grassroots volunteers. View the tournament’s 2018 Sponsorship Package for a full list contribution options. Want to join in on the fun yourself? Register to play today. 

Boland Survey
For over 20 years, non-profit HR professionals, executive directors, CEOs, and board members have looked to the Boland Survey for annual data on salary trends, benefits, recruitment, development, and best practices to make informed HR decisions. The Boland Survey now has added four new positions focusing on Community Association staff. Click here to submit your organization’s salary and benefit info before August 31st. Regional reports will be released on November 1st.

6th Annual Chip in Fore Communities Golf Tournament – Friday, August 24 
Stay tuned for our 2018/19 Workshop Guide to be released in early September. 

Featured Faces of Community:
Sabina Isgandarova
June’s featured Face is Sabina Isgandarova. Sabina is one of the co-founders of the Alberta Azerbaijani Cultural Society, which formed over 12 years ago. What started as a group of 5 people around a table has grown to have over 200 members! The Society brings people together to celebrate and showcase Azerbaijani history, culture, cuisine, and entertainment here in Alberta. Sabina says, “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without being part of a community.” Watch her share more of her story on our YouTube channel!

Show us Some Love!
The Friends of the Federation is part of the Shaw Charity Classic. We are looking for your support. Perhaps you are thinking about donating to a charity? I would ask you to consider the Friends of the Federation! For every dollar you donate, it will be matched by 50% through a charitable program called Shaw Birdies for Kids, presented by the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation. Our goal is to raise $7,500 can you help out? Remember size doesn’t matter!  Any donations over $10 will get a tax receipt. Click here to make a difference today, and thanks in advance for choosing to support our charity.

LiveWire Wants Your Stories!
As you may have heard, LiveWire is a new online news source here in Calgary, dedicated to telling stories Calgarians care about, specifically by including more community news. One way they want to do this is by having community contributors, people like YOU, submitting stories from your neighbourhoods and communities. You have so many good stories to share, and LiveWire wants to help you tell them! Click here for more information and to sign up to be a community contributor.

 

Chatting About Climate Change 
On June 13th, a handful of our members participated in a workshop hosted by the Honourable Shannon Phillips Minister of Environment and Parks. She is also the Minister responsible for the climate change office. We learned about the opportunities that her office provides for community. Check out: Efficiency Alberta, Non-Profit Energy Efficiency Transition, Business Energy Saving, and Energizing Spaces for more information and funding opportunities surrounding the conversation.

Block Talk Branded Accounts
In preparation for the release of Block Talk’s app on Android phones (coming this summer), you can set up a free “Branded Account” that allows you to post with your community association logo when you want to share news or events for your organization. Contact Block Talk by emailing comm.assoc.service@blocktalk.ca to set your community association up with this ‘Branded Account.’

Westhills Dementia
Friendly Community Update
Click here to read the update and learn about memory cafes, the Rundle College intergenerational program, volunteer opportunities, and more.

Here are a few highlights from our urban planning world this month – be sure to check our blog for a complete listing of recent events and updates.

We would also like to welcome Urban Planner Jennifer Miller to the team. Jennifer has a UofC Masters of Planning Degree; experience working in The City of Calgary’s Parks & Roads Department; and currently serves as Co-chair for the 2018 Alberta Professional Planners Conference. She is also in tune to the challenges that Calgary communities face, having volunteered within her community association’s development planning committee. Since starting her position, Jennifer is most looking forward to working towards more meaningful public engagement around planning issues in Calgary. 

  1. Developed Areas Guidebook Updates: Following the completion of the online survey and the subsequent survey that was handed out at our AGM, The City has produced a new draft for the Developed Areas Guidebook. Click the link above to read it, and please reach out to Ben at planning@calgarycommunities.com if you have questions or comments. Engagement will commence in the fall.
  2. Update on the Infill Working Group: The group has recently met to discuss subterranean development, and R-CG issues regarding height, setbacks, and secondary suites. Updates on the recent meetings are available at our planning blog. The City will soon present their recommendations to us, which we will share with you.
  3. Backyard Suites Design Guidelines Survey: Interested in providing feedback on the design of Backyard Suites? Click the link above to access the survey. It will be open until July 3rd and we encourage you to share it with your residents.  
  4. Cannabis Separation Distances Update: Council recently voted to recommend a 30 metre separation distance between cannabis stores and payday loan operators, pawnshops, and places of worship. Click on the above link to find out more.
Tips for Engaging Immigrant Residents in Neighbourhood Activities
Our newcomer population is increasing in Calgary. Check out some of our resources on how to build relationships and make meaningful connections with immigrants who live in your community!
  1. Building Blocks for Engaging Newcomer Volunteers
  2. People Centered Initiatives  
  3. Good Neighbour Guide

The third and final round of ActivateYYC is coming to an end. We need your ideas to make this round the best one yet! Get inspired and view a list of ideas that have already taken place throughout the city. This time we are looking for new winter activities and initiatives. Rally up some friends and get to brainstorming. You could be awarded with up $750 to bring your project to life! Have questions? Need help with the application process? McKayla is available help: activateyyc@calgarycommunities.com – (403) 244 – 4111 ext. 217. The deadline to apply is July 3rd.