Executive Council
December 23, 2014

Supporting and Engaging Communities

Provincial Government Encouraging Community Sector Growth in 2015

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, today highlighted how work is nearing completion on a census of volunteer organizations – the first of its kind in Canada. The comprehensive census will help the Provincial Government and community organizations identify the needs of the community sector. It is estimated that there are approximately 3,600 volunteer and non-profit organizations in the province.

“This past year was a reminder of how the community sector is driven by remarkable people who are giving back and providing valuable services for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. In cooperation with our community partners, the Office of Public Engagement held its most comprehensive Community Summit to date, reached a record number of young people through the URock Awards, and continued to offer free online training resources for the sector through SmartForceNL.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement

In February, the Community Summit, which is held every two years, connected community leaders province-wide in St. John’s, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Using an innovative web-based approach to facilitate relationships within the community sector, the Provincial Government engaged over 200 people across all regions of the province – an all-time high for the summit. To read a copy of the Community Summit What We Heard document, please visit: open.gov.nl.ca.

“The Provincial Government is excited about the year ahead, which will include taking steps to provide even better guidance and support for the community sector. From completing the current census of volunteer organizations to fostering social enterprise, we will build on the successes we have already achieved and gain important insight into ways in which we can strengthen communities.”
- Minister Kent

Through the URock Volunteer Awards, the Provincial Government continues to recognize the remarkable ways in which young people are giving back to their communities. Along with the approximately 300 people who attended the event in May, the NLYouth.ca external link website was viewed over 1,200 times, with webcast audiences across Canada and the rest of the world.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Provincial Government today highlighted how work is nearing completion on a census of volunteer organizations – the first of its kind in Canada.
  • The census will help the Provincial Government and community organizations identify the needs of the community sector. It is estimated that there are approximately 3,600 volunteer and non-profit organizations in the province.
  • Volunteer organization representatives are encouraged to call 1-855-681-8210 (toll-free) to participate in the survey.
  • In February, approximately 200 people attended the Community Summit, which connected non-profit organizations, staff and volunteers in St. John’s, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay through innovative technology.
  • A free Non-Profit Essentials online training resource for the community sector is available by visiting SmartForceNL external link.

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Media contact:
Kip Bonnell
Communications Manager
Office of Public Engagement
709-729-1221, 687-9081
kbonnell@gov.nl.ca

2014 12 23                                   2:45 p.m.