KnowledgeConnector

Seasons are Changing

As your RCC’s, we will not let grass grow under our feet.

Last week we celebrated the official launch of the KC website and this week we have “steamed ahead” in our regions. We are continuing to encourage the volunteer and non-profit sector to use the new features on our site to help identify your strengths and gap areas through the online self assessment to link you to posted learning opportunities to enhance your individual leaning plan.

We are “big picture thinkers…” (which just happens to be one of the six competencies of the ASK assessment tool). We are always looking forward to new and exciting opportunities.  Volunteer Alberta and KnowledgeConnector staff are currently working on phase two. What does that look like you ask?  Well opportunities are endless but we need to focus on; what are the on the needs and gap areas in providing volunteers and leaders throughout rural Alberta with services and support  to help them be the most effective leaders.

So this is where you come in, we need your feedback and input;

– What drives you or your passion to become a volunteer?

– What are three barriers to volunteering in Rural Alberta?

– What do you see as our role in rural Alberta (Regional Capacity Coordinator – RCC’s)?

– Do you see value in having support from RCC’s (Volunteer Alberta) through out Rural Alberta?

– How can we better support you and your organization to meet your learning needs?

We do not have a crystal ball or a magic wand, so your feedback is important to us in order to move forward. Phase two of KnowledgeConnector can be what ever you would like  it to be… Change begins with you!

So please send your comments, suggestions or ideas to me at yvonne.rempel@knowlegeconnector.ca

I am blogging from Mexico and thought I would share some thoughts on cultural similarities and differences between rural Alberta and sunny Playa de Carmen. Although I am away it is hard to forget that the launch of KnowledgeConnector.ca just transpired and how exciting the implications this will have for rural Albertans in the nonprofit/voluntary sector. So let me share some observations on the idiosyncrasies that rural Alberta and Mexico share and why my excitement about the new phase of knowledgeconnector.ca is growing.

Rural Albertans are smart and hardworking yet know how to slow the pace of life down in comparison to urban centres. Like Mexicans, many realize the value of taking time to slow down. In general, I see many Albertans, like myself, working hard to do a great job and invest in their community. In Playa, I also witness a culture of very hardworking people. That may sound surprising as Mexico is known to have a culture that is relaxed and involves siestas, time on the beach and slack work hours.

Now, don’t get me wrong, rural Alberta most definitely contains organizations that are moving along as fast or faster than their urban counter parts. And the same goes for some Mexican organizations. In general though, the pace seems slower from an outsider’s perspective. But, that does not mean that there is less work going on. In fact, the opposite may be true. Here in Play de Carmen, I see the street vendors and workers working extremely hard, albeit on their shorter work days. They are so motivated and determined to offer only the best to all of their clients and customers. On the same token, I see rural Albertans working just as hard to offer their best to their organization and community.

An advantage Alberta now has over Playa de Carmen, is that we are now able to work even smarter using the A.S.K. Leadership Assessment online via KnowledgeConnector.ca. We can learn how to work smarter rather than harder by utilizing our assessed leadership skills. We can then learn how to strengthen our leadership gaps to do our job more efficiently so that we can do our job at a pace that does not burn us out. Yes, balance is the key to success in both the Mexican and Rural Alberta cultures and now we just learned how to do it even better.

If you haven’t filled out the online A.S.K. Leadership Assessment yet get started! If you would like to have an A.S.K. Leadership Assessment workshop facilitated for your board or staff give me a shout so you can get started on working more efficiently with your leadership skill set to make time for your siesta.

Victoria Poschadel | p: 780-945-6134 | e: victoria.poschadel@knowledgeconnector.ca

TGIF!!

Wow what a week; once again I have put on over 1200 km to my car this week travelling the North West region of Alberta spreading the word on KnowledgeConnector. I just got home from my final KnowledgeConnector “Launch” presentation in celebration of the big event this past Monday. If you just joined us, let me catch you up to speed…

First, on September 19th, Volunteer Alberta official Launched KnowledgeConnector.ca, and what an event that was. We had 7 host sites throughout Alberta (including Edmonton and Calgary) that was broadcasted through iCCAN. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a huge thank you to the staff at the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau (GPVSB) for co-hosting the event with me. You ladies “rock”.

We had over 100 individuals in attendance at our various “launch” sites throughout Alberta. Everyone had the opportunity to be welcomed by our “fearless leader”, Karen Lynch, executive director of Volunteer Alberta, where she shared her words of wisdom and enthusiasm fo this project. Following her,  we had the opportunity to view the new website (with all the new bells and whistles) under the guidance of our trusty KnowledgeConnector Project  Manager, Toby Rabinovitz. Following that, we had the privilege of listening to Jann Beeston, chairperson of Rural Alberta Development Fund Board (RADF) share her insight and knowledge of what it means to be a leader in the nonprofit/volunteer sector.

The new website allows learners throughout rural Alberta to link to various learning and training opportunities with just a click of a mouse. In addition, learners are able to go online and fill out their own ASK (attitudes, skills & knowledge) Assessment Tool which helps you identify your leadership strengths and gap areas by providing a printable “report card”. This report card will automatically link you to various listed learning opportunities listed on the website.

Not only is the new website “learner friendly” but we have included a section for learning providers as well. Individual learning providers (which we like to call LP’s) can go online and register their organization/agency and post their own learning opportunities. As well each LP is provided with their own login in and password which inables them to go in and edit anytime.

Now “go forth my people…” (sorry Toby just could not resist it seemed fitting) and enjoy the experience. We want your feedback on the website with “all the bells and whistles” it provides. Enjoy learning….

Hanna, Ponoka, Bow Valley, Wetaskiwin, Drumheller, Killam – these are some of the places I got to visit this week for our exciting launch of the second phase of knowledgeconnector.ca. The amount of excitement and enthusiasm for the launch of the second phase was outstanding. After 6 celebrations I am most certainly excited for a bit of a break. At the same time though, I am excited and rejuvenated from all of the positive energy and enthusiasm around learning I saw from those I was able to work with.

Watch the KnowledgeConnector Project Manager and Volunteer Alberta’s Communication Director go over the finer points of KnowledgeConnector and how it is transforming Alberta’s nonprofit/voluntary sector. Stay tuned for other videos of your local Regional Capacity Coordinators coming soon.

Knowledge Connector – Launch from Volunteer Alberta on Vimeo.

That’s right folks. September 19-23, 2011 is launch week for the second phase of KnowledgeConnector.ca.

KnowledgeConnector.ca will connect Alberta’s nonprofit/volunatry organizations to learning and professional leadership like never before. You will be able to use the online A.S.K Assessment to determine what Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge would personally benefit you and your organization to help make you the leader you were always meant to be. Access courses, training, and other learning opportunities in Alberta’s rural communities. This will truly be the “one-stop-shop” that enables you to locate a wide range of professional development and leadership opportunities – with just a few clicks of the mouse.

In honor of the launch, the Central East region will have events throughout the week enabling you to discover how you can personally benefit from the full capabilities of KnowledgeConnector.ca. To attend the provincial launch in Hanna, AB click here to view more details or click here to RSVP.

To attend one of the following events simply give me a call.

• September 19: Hanna Provincial Launch Presentation, 11-12pm, 401 Centre St. Hanna Learning Centre, Hanna, AB
• Septebmer 19: Hanna Open House Launch Celebration, 12 – 1 pm, 401 Centre St. Hanna Learning Centre, Hanna, AB
• September 21: Wetaskiwin A.S.K. Workshop , 11:30-12:30pm, Wetaskiwin Public Library, 5002 51 Ave, Wetaskiwin, AB
• September 21: Wetaskiwin A.S.K Leadership Assessment Workshop, 12:30 – 3:00 pm, Wetaskiwin Public Library, 5002 51 Ave, Wetaskiwin, AB
• September 22: Drumheller Open House Launch, 11-1pm, 224 Centre Street, Public Library, Drumheller, AB
• September 23: Killam Open House Launch, 10:30-12pm, Flagstaff Community Adult Learning, 5005 50 Street, Killam, AB
• September 23: Killam A.S.K. Leadership Assessment Workshop 12-2 pm, Flagstaff Community Adult Learning, 5005 50 Street, Killam, AB

I look forward to connecting with all of you at one of the upcoming events!!

Victoria Poschadel | p: 780.945.6134 | victoria.poschadel@knowledgeconnector.ca

Through iCCAN video conferencing technology, Jann Beeston, Chair of the Rural Alberta Development Fund Board, General Manager Campus Alberta Central, and Masters Candidate in Leadership at Royal Roads University will officially unveil the Knowledge Connector project from Hanna through iCCAN technology.

Throughout Alberta, regional influencers will gather to celebrate the nonprofit sector’s new, revolutionary tool.  On behalf of the Volunteer Alberta board and staff, KnowledgeConnector staff invites you to join them and add the following information into your calendar.

Knowledgeconnector.ca Launch Week September 19– 23

KnowledgeConnector.ca connects Alberta’s on-profit organizations to learning and professional leadership opportunities like never before.

I want to take this opportunity to personally invite the North West to the official launch of one of Volunteer Alberta’s most innovative projects
impacting on-profit/voluntary sector organizations throughout the province Monday September 19^th 11:00 AM.

Through iCCAN video conferencing technology, Jann Beeston, Chair of the Rural Alberta Development Fund Board, General Manager Campus Alberta Central, and Masters Candidate in Leadership at Royal Roads University will officially unveil the Knowledge Connector project from Hanna through iCCAN technology.

In honour of the launch, the North West region will have events throughout the week enabling you to discover how you can personally benefit from the full capabilities of KnowledgeConnector.ca. You will be able to use the online A.S.K Assessment to determine what Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge would personally benefit you and your organization to help make you the leader you were always meant to be. Access courses, training, and other learning opportunities in Alberta’s rural communities. This will truly be the “one-stop-shop” that enables you to locate
a wide range of professional development and leadership opportunities – with just a few clicks of the mouse

To attend the provincial launch cohosted by myself and the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau go to www.gpvsb.com and click on events calendar to RSVP.

To attend one of the following events during Launch Week simply give me a call.

• September 19^th Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau (GPVSB)

10:30 Am                             Meet and Greet (coffee and snacks provided)

11:00 am to 12:00 pm      Launch with Jann Beeston, Followed by Q& A with KnowledgeConnecto project manager                                                                                          Toby Rabinovitz

12:00 – 2:00 PM               FREE ASK Workshop

• September 19                  11:00 am – 12:00 pm    Hinton AB. Community Adult Learning Launch Day Viewing (803 Switzer Dr.)
• September 19                   11:00am  – 12:00 pm    High Level AB. Community Futures Launch Day Viewing (9810 99^th St.)
• September 22                  4:30 – 6:30 pm               Grande Cache AB. Launch Open House  & FREE ASK Workshop (Recreation Center                                                                          Curling Lounge – snacks and refreshments provided)
• September 23                  1:00 – 3:00 pm  Jasper  AB. Launch Open House & FREE ASK Workshop @ Habitat for the Arts                                                              (Provincial Building Upstairs)

I look forward to connecting with you at one of the upcoming events. For further information or to RSVP call me 1.780.827.1464 or email: yvonne.rempel@knowledgeconnector.ca

Sincerely,

YVONNE REMPEL

North West Regional Capacity Coordinator

www. KnowledgeConnector.ca

That’s right folks. September 19-23, 2011 is launch week for the second phase of KnowledgeConnector.ca.

KnowledgeConnector.ca will connect Alberta’s non-profit organizations to learning and professional leadership like never before. You will be able to use the online A.S.K Assessment to determine what Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge would personally benefit you and your organization to help make you the leader you were always meant to be. Access courses, training, and other learning opportunities in Alberta’s rural communities. This will truly be the “one-stop-shop” that enables you to locate a wide range of professional development and leadership opportunities – with just a few clicks of the mouse.

In honor of the launch, the Central West region will have events throughout the week enabling you to discover how you can personally benefit from the full capabilities of KnowledgeConnector.ca. To attend the provincial launch in Hanna, AB click here to view more details or click here to RSVP.

To attend one of the following events simply give me a call.

• September 19: CiRS, Red Deer, 4728 Ross Street, Red Deer, AB 11-12pm via iCCAN – RSVP
• September 20: Website Presentation,  10-11am, Ponoka Interagency,  5102 – 48 Avenue Ponoka, AB
• September 20: Website Presentation, 3-4pm, Bow Valley Interagency, location TBA, Bow Valley, AB

I look forward to connecting with all of you at one of the upcoming events!!

Victoria Poschadel | p: 780.945.6134 | victoria.poschadel@knowledgeconnector.ca

What a beautiful hot and sunny week! I was lucky to be on the road in Central East Alberta again in such beautiful weather. I did not have the opportunity to visit as many communities as I sometimes do but I did connect with a lot more nonprofit/voluntary sector organizations. This was thanks to the organizers of an event called “2011 Fall Parade of Programs” in Wetaskiwin.

This wonderful event was organized by the Wetaskiwin Community Learning Council and this year had over 50 groups as exhibitors and hundreds of people walk through the doors.  I was lucky to be invited to showcase KnowledgeConnector and had a great booth located right by the front entrance.  The Fall Parade of Programs is put on every year and free space is offered by the Drill Hall on their local Recreation Grounds. It is a beautiful community effort that costs the organizers next to nothing thanks to the free space and the exhibitors doing their own setup and take down.

Besides for creating awareness for all of the great things that community groups are doing, this event also is great for networking amongst the community groups. If you ask me this was an interagency meeting and trade show rolled into one.  It was a fantastic opportunity for me as I was able to connect and promote the upcoming launch and A.S.K. Leadership Assessment for phase two of KnowledgeConnector.ca at the Wetaskiwin Public Library on September 21 from 11-1! I know it was great networking for everyone else as well.

If you would like to create greater awareness for you organization through an event like the Fall Parade of Programs or would like to know more about this one call 780-361-6241 or email info@clcwetaskiwin.ca.

If you would like to attend the launch and/or workshop coming up in Wetaskiwin or a launch event near you give me a shout and I will send all
of the details!

Victoria Poschadel | p: 780.945.6134 | victoria.poschadel@knowledgeconnector.ca