From Grass Roots Press

Job quality and human resource issues are a hot topic in the non-profit sector these days. Here are a few resources worth exploring.

• The Canadian Policy Research Network (CPRN) has conducted a series of comprehensive studies of paid employment in Canada’s non-profit sector. The groundbreaking research examined the non-profit sector’s workforce, its working conditions and opportunities for skill development, its retention and renewal challenges, and its human resource management practices. CPRN has published five reports detailing the findings of their research. All five research reports, as well as summary reports and supplemental articles, are available for free download at the CPRN website at: www.cprn.org. You can also call CPRN for more information tel: 613-567-7500.
• The CPRN also has an interesting web resource for those interested in finding out how their job compares to those in other organizations. The site at www.jobquality.ca allows visitors to browse through dozens of indicators on job quality, and to compare their work experience, their firm and their industry with others across the country. The site is updated regularly with new indicators.
• One very informative website is called Developing Human Resources in the Voluntary Sector (HRVS). HRVS provides information and tools to help voluntary organizations attract, support, and keep employees. The site includes a Good Human Resource Practices Toolkit, a Human Resource Planning Guide, reports on employee and retirement benefits in the voluntary sector. You can even order a CD-ROM information package for boards of directors on the importance of human resources, and more. For more information call tel: 613-236-2664 or visit their website at www.hrvs-rhsbc.ca.
• The Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) has released the 2003 Association Executive Benefits and Compensation Report. The report is recognized as the definitive source of compensation and benefits information in Canada’s not-for-profit sector. For more information, contact CSAE at tel: 800-461-3608 or visit their website at www.csae.com/compensation.
• Volunteer Canada has released a 28-page Guide to Volunteer Program Management Resources. The guide lists books, guides, manuals, and other resources from Canada and around the world. A brief description and review accompanies each item. The guide is available as a free download from the Volunteer Canada website at: www.volunteer.ca/volcan/eng/content/vol-management/resources.php. You can also purchase a print copy for $7.50 plus taxes and shipping from Volunteer Canada at tel: 800- 670-0401 or email: info@volunteer.ca, or visit: www.volunteer.ca.

Advocacy on the Agenda

Increasingly, voluntary organizations recognize that playing an active role in influencing government policy is key to achieving their missions. At the same time, government acknowledges that the voluntary sector has a valuable and crucial role to play in shaping effective public policy. Yet many voluntary boards don’t have the background or skills needed to successfully engage in policy dialogue.

In response to this need Volunteer Canada and United Way of Canada-Centraide Canada have developed Advocacy on the Agenda: Preparing Voluntary Boards For Public Policy Participation to support voluntary organizations and their boards of directors in their policy dialogue efforts.

The 58-page manual is available for free download at: www.volunteer.ca/volunteer/pdf/boardadvocacymanual.pdf or you can order a print copy for $12 plus taxes and shipping. Contact Volunteer Canada at tel: 1-800-670-0401, e-mail: info@volunteer.ca, or visit www.volunteer.ca.