Social Planning Council

2012-02-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

Community Updates – Feb 17, 2012

1) Dr. Martin Brokenleg’s: Creating a Positive Youth Culture: Recommended for all who work with and care for youth:

When: 9:00am - 3:00pm March 2, 2012
Location: Williams Lake Campus, Gymnasium
Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Cost: Free (but please register)

Dr. Martin Brokenleg consults worldwide and serves as the Dean of the Circle of Courage Institute. He holds a doctorate in psychology and is a graduate of the Episcopal Divinity School. He is an Emeritus Professor and was most recently Director of Native Ministries and Professor of Native American Theology and Ministries at the Vancouver School of Theology in Vancouver, British Columbia. For thirty years, Dr. Brokenleg was Professor of Native American studies at Augustana College of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He has also been a director of The Neighborhood Youth Corps, chaplain in a correctional setting, and has extensive experience as an alcohol counselor. Dr. Brokenleg has consulted and led training programs throughout North America, New Zealand, and South Africa. He is the father of three children and an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe practicing the culture of his Lakota people.

Dr. Brokenleg’s topics will include:
Creating a Positive Youth Culture/Growing Your Own Kids
Mobilizing the Community
Community Talking Circle

Lunch provided for registered youth and students - RSVP Required.Child-minding for children ages 4 and up will be provided for registeredparticipants - RSVP Required. To register email eventswl@tru.ca or fax 250-392-4984. Registration Form available online at http://events.tru.ca/event/2012/dr-martin-brokenleg

2) Dr. Glen Schmidt is coming to Williams Lake on March 15th to discuss The Social Aspects of Economic Growth. This free speaker series is presented by The City of Williams Lake, The Social Planning Council and The Community Development Institute at UNBC.

Date: Thursday, March 15, 2012
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Council Chambers, City Hall Williams Lake
Cost: Free
Poster: Attached – please print up a copy for your organization.

ABSTRACT: Dr. Glen Schmidt, Associate Professor, Acting Chair
School of Social Work, University of Northern British Columbia

The present economic downturn lends a sense of urgency and importance to encouraging growth and development. Even in good economic times one would be hard pressed to find political and community leaders opposed to new opportunities that create employment and enhance community viability. However, growth and development does not happen without social cost. The influx of workers, rapid population growth, localized inflation, pressure on infrastructure, and bifurcation factors create tension and raise issues that are not always considered as communities plan for significant growth. It is important to be aware of these costs and the potential effect on the social fabric of communities.

A professor with 17 years of experience at UNBC, Dr. Schmidt has served in various roles at the School of Social Work including: Field Director, BSW Coordinator, MSW Coordinator, and Program Chair. Glen has continued to be involved in direct practice on a part-time basis. He works primarily in the area of mental health and employee assistance. He is a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) in the Province of British Columbia.

For information please contact:
Anne Burrill at aburrill@williamslake.ca 250-392-8480 or
Jessica Knodel at spc-coordinator@xplornet.com

3) Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society:

BC Arts and Culture Week - Funding available:
Mark your calendars for BC Arts and Culture Week scheduled to take place from Sunday, April 22 to Saturday, April 28. Thanks to funding support from the BC Arts Council, ArtsBC will once again offer a limited number of grants to assist community and regional arts councils with their BC Arts and Culture Week initiatives. Applications are available on the ArtsBC website with a deadline of Friday, February 24, 2012.
The Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation: Cultural and Creative Arts
The Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation has provided funding to the cultural and creative arts communities of British Columbia since its inception in 1955. Eligible disciplines include: the visual arts, theatre, music, dance, festivals, heritage organizations, community arts councils, arts education, media arts, and libraries, particularly in smaller communities. Information is available on the Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation website, with a deadline of February 28, 2012.

Canadian Heritage: Building Communities through Arts and Heritage:
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program was created to help you celebrate your community, its past and its present. The Program will increase opportunities, through festivals and other events and projects, for local artists and artisans to be involved in their community and for local groups to commemorate their local history and heritage. Funding is available through three separate components: Local Festivals, Community Anniversaries and The Legacy Fund. Information is available on the Canadian Heritage website with a deadline of Sunday, April 1, 2012.

Arts in Education Council of BC Fund:
The Arts in Education Council of BC Fund offers small grants or awards to pay the fees of teachers, artists or other individuals presenting workshops, clinics or seminars designed to increase the appreciation of the arts and professional development of teachers in BC schools.
Small grants of up to $500 are awarded to organizations to assist in the presentation of professional development workshops, clinics or seminars designed to increase the appreciation of the arts for teachers in BC schools especially at the elementary level. Information is available on the ArtStarts website with deadlines of April 6 and October 5, 2012.

Canadian Heritage: Canadian Arts Presentation Fund:
The objective of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) is to give Canadians access to a variety of professional artistic experiences in their communities. The CAPF recognizes that arts presenters are key partners in achieving this objective by providing financial assistance to organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series, as well as their support organizations. Funding is available through two components: Programming Component and Development Component. Information is available on the Canadian Heritage website, with a deadline of April 30, 2012 for applicants with activities starting between April 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012.

Webinar on Audiences, Markets and Engagement in the Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Alliance is presenting an exciting webinar for performing arts managers and marketers. Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 2-3pm (ET) Presenter: Kelly Hill, President, Hill Strategies ResearchRegistration is free for members of a Performing Arts Alliance association (Canadian Dance Assembly, CAPACOA, Opera.ca, Orchestras Canada, PACT). Registration is $25.00 + HST for all other participants.

This webinar will highlight key information on performing arts audiences, marketing and engagement, with an emphasis on research findings that performing arts managers and marketers can apply to their day-to-day work in the sector. The presentation will include information about performing arts attendance, consumer spending, audience motivations and audience engagement. The goal of the session is to leave participants with relevant data that can help them increase the efficiency of their marketing, fundraising and communication endeavors, as well as inspiring participants to find new ways of reaching audiences and sponsors.

Beginner Drawing Classes
March 2, 6:30 - 8:30pm, March 3, 10am - 3pm, and March 4, 10am - 3pm at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre, Cost is $60, all proceeds to the Cariboo Arts Society, Supplies: pencil and paper - your choice

Contact: Anne Kohut, 250-392-6020 or email annekohut@live.caRegister your name before February 17th. Pay on site Friday, March 2nd (cash or cheque to Cariboo Arts Society)

After School Art Classes at the Station House Gallery
The classes run Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with two classes each day. The first class is from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm and the second is from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Classes will be taught by Instructor Rachel Walker. Topics will be exploration of color, light, and shadow, and how to "see" like an artist. For $150.00 including materials, through ten classes, students will create original paintings, working with watercolors, acrylics, charcoal, and mixed media, and even be introduced to master artists. Rachel is very flexible in regards to the ten classes, so if one is missed, it can be made up for later on - punch cards of 10 classes are $150.

Contact Diane at the Station House for more info - 250.392.6113 or diane@stationhousegallery.com

CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS:

ARTS FEST 2012 - Regional Juried Art Show - April 27, 2012 – May 25, 2012 Deadline: March 15, 2012 Application information is available on the CIRAC website

COMMUNITY ROOTS: Inspirations from the Potato House
Submit your artwork inspired by 49 Borland Street in Williams Lake and the past, present, and future of the Potato House Project. Selected artworks will be exhibited at the Station House Gallery from July 6 - September 1, 2012. Deadline: May 31, 2012 Application forms are available on the Potato House Project website.

Call for Exhibition Proposals for 2013
The Station House Gallery is seeking submissions (individuals or groups) to submit proposals for the 2013 exhibition year. Deadline: August 31, 2012. More information is available on the Station House Gallery website.

OTHER NEWS: Amendments to the BC Society Act
The BC Society Act outlines the rules that govern BC's more than 26,000 societies. As defined by the province, the Act is the statute that provides "rules for the registration and corporate governance of not-for-profit entities." The BC Government has proposed amendments which could affect your organization, and is offering two in-person sessions (Vancouver and Victoria) and one 'virtual' session. These sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposed amendments from Ministry of Finance officials, and help you to consider the comments you may wish to send to the Ministry of Finance by their submission deadline of April 30, 2012. Ministry of Finance policy and legislation specialists will be available to answer questions. Virtual - Conference Call: Thursday, February 16th from 2pm - 4pm (contact the CCACS)

Send written feedback by April 30th, in electronic form to Ministry of Finance via fcsp@gov.bc.ca with "Comments - Society Act Discussion Paper" in the subject line of your email. If you wish to send comments in paper format, please direct them to: Finance and Corporate Sector Policy Branch, Ministry of Finance, PO Box 9418 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9V1

3) Green Gazette on Facebook – The Green Gazette Newspaper is now on Facebook. Check out their pa

Community Updates - Feb 3, 2012

2012-02-03T08:37:00.001-08:00

Presentation March 15th with the Social Planning Council & City of Williams Lake:

Save the date… Glen Schmidt from UNBC is coming to Williams Lake on Mar 15 from 6 – 8 pm to present “The Social Aspects of Rapid Economic Growth”. This presentation describes how inextricable linked economic growth and social development are. Everyone is invited and his presentation is brought to you for free by the Social Planning Council and the City of Williams Lake. More information will be sent out shortly.

Womens Contact Society:

Womens Conference - The Womens Contact Society in partnership with TRU is hosting a Womens Conference at TRU on Saturday Mar 10 from 8 – 4:30 pm. The focus of this particular conference is for women who own homebased businesses and how to run them most effectively. Some topics include dealing with difficult people, personal budgeting, women and leadership, stress managements and marketing strategies. There is also a keynote speaker discussing women and stress. The cost is $50/person (with subsidies available for those with limited incomes) and includes lunch and child minding . If you register by Feb 20th you get an early bird price. Please contact the Womens Contact Society for more information.

International Womens Day - On March 9th the Womens Contact Society is hosting their annual dinner to celebrate. This dinner is taking place at TRU and you can get more information by calling the Womens Contact Society.

“Set for Success” is a new Program which provides professional clothing for women looking to join the workforce. This program is donation based and there are lots of clothing already available. If you know someone who could use this program, please tell them about it.

On Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at the Salvation Army there is a Womens only fitness program with Ellen Paynton and is free of charge.

On the last Tuesday of each month there is a monthly womens get -together that is free of charge and child minding is provided.

Emotional Health Day lunch is on Feb 7th from 12 – 1 pm at the Contact Society.

The Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy:

The “reach a reader” campaign - was a successful event that raised over $1500 – thank-you to everyone who participated.

The first Aboriginal Empowerment Gathering was a well attended and successful event. To learn about future gatherings please contact Janette Moller at 250-392-8161 partnerassistedlearning@gmail.com or June Striegler 250-392-8130 jstriegler@shaw.ca

Family Fest 2012 is this Sunday Feb 5th from 10 am – 2 pm at Marie Sharpe School Gym. This community event is put on by Success By 6 and the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy to celebrate families and supporting lifelong literacy. These events are free and everyone is welcome. There will be games, crafts and puppets, face painting, balloons, storytelling, bookwalk, book swap, door prizes and more. Snacks and drinks provided.

Council of Canadians Next Meeting – Friday Feb 3rd at 10 am (today)

The venue for the Council of Canadian's meeting with David Williams from Friends of Nemiah (a strategizing session regarding Prosperity Mines proposal ) has been changed from the library to the TNG board room at 253 4th Ave. N. Visit http://www.williamslakecouncilofcanadians.ca/CofC/Home.html for more information.

Enterprising Non-Profits Workshop with the United Way

United Way and the City of Kamloops are co-hosting a FREE workshop on Tuesday, March 27th from 9-4:30pm on Enterprising Non-Profits (ENP). Please see the attached poster. You will need to register with ENP – see link on poster. There are only 35 spots so register soon. Please contact Danalee Coates for more information at danalee@unitedwaytnc.ca or call 250-372-9933.

Salvation Army Family Services Update: by Claudine Kadonaga

The Addictions Program at the Salvation Army is starting; two counselors hired for February St and program development under way. The first intensive 60 day rotation is slated to commence April St and will have space for twelve to fifteen clients. For the first year (during the development stage) the Intensive Addictions Day Program will have no client user fees, and will operate Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 PM with some evening and weekend supports.

The Outpatient Addictions Day Program is a holistic treatment for drug and alcohol dependency and includes; Psycho-educational programming & group , One-to-one counseling, Spiritual Development, Volunteer Component, Fitness Component, Creative Arts Component, Peer interaction. Clients can be self referred or sent to us through other agencies. An intake appointment will be made and assessment and treatment plan drawn. Client will either be admitted into the Out Patient Day Program or referred to a residential treatment program.

The Fitness Room is open to anyone free of charge Monday to Friday during regular drop-in hours. Fitness instructor Ellen Painting teaches Yoga and Strength classes Tuesday and Thursday 10:30 AM. We are looking for other instructors who would be willing to donate one hour a week to offer group classes in Aerobics, self defense, etc. We will be hiring Ellen to teach a group instructor's course to any volunteers who will then donate time to teach classes.

Renovations of building to meet the BC Building code was completed this weekend.... Funds for the Kitchen renovation have been secured and we hope to have a fully commercial kitchen before the summer.

An entry Level 'Kitchen Prep' course will be offered free of charge to clients. Four spaces available each month and is operated through the Soup Kitchen. The course will run for four weeks and students will be taught food safe, receive instruction and hands-on experience in the use of small and large commercial kitchen appliances, develop dependability and good work ethics. Upon successful completion of the one month training, participants will receive a certificate of completion and a letter of reference that can be utilized when applying for a job in the food industry.

TRUE has been approached regarding a partnership for education operating out of the newly renovated commercial kitchen in the fall. Possibilities are Camp Cook course, Chef's course, or a full Culinary Arts program where students prepare a four course meal and then offer the public the opportunity of an evening of fancy dining.

The Food Bank is well stocked through the generous donations of the public. We also have received three shipments from the Canada Food Bank Association. We have a surplus and currently have a skid of each: Diapers, Formula, Life Style Cookies, and Crackers: Plus boxes of Bran Muffin Mix, Chocolates, and Teddy Grahms. The Food Bank would like to share with any agency that can utilize or distribute these products. Also available are paper towels and bleach for any agency that could use these in their facility. Please call Sabrina at 250-392-2423 to place an order. She will assemble the product and have it ready for pick up when requested. If you are interested, please let us know as soon as possible. The excess product is currently sitting in the kitchen, the area that will soon become the new walk-in Freezer/Fridge. For more information please email claudine_kadonaga@can.salvationarmy.org.

Boys and Girls Club:

It’s time for our Annual General Meeting and Celebration. As always, our AGM’s dispense with the “business” aspects quickly so that we can quickly move along to the celebration of our year. This year, we will be acknowledging our appreciation to the many youth and adult volunteers who are key to the fabric of our organization. The AGM is on Feb 15th at 5:30 pm (light dinner included). Please RSVP (so we make sure we have enough food! ) to: isher@noopa.org or call 250-392-5730.Thank you, and we hope to see you, Monica Johnson

Full day Programming - There is space available for full day programs for non-instructional teaching days this school year. The goal is to provide an extended learning opportunity and exposure to new and fun activities. Please contact the Club for more information.

Healthy Choices Healthy Food – There will soon be opportunities at the Club for youth to learn about food and nutrition and how to cook these foods up. Bryce from New World Café comes and teaches cooking classes!

Mobile Medical Clinic – Progress has been made towards converting the old Noopa bus into an operational mobile medical clinic for the community. More details will be forwarded as this project progresses.

The Latest from BC Statistics:

The latest report on the Inequality Gap from BC Stats is attached for you to read & distribute.

Child Development Centre:

The Child Development Centre provides no-cost infant massage classes and pelvic floor training sessions. Registration is required and please bring 2 bath towels and extra diapers. These classes are taking place on the following Tuesdays Feb 7, 14, 21, and 28th 2012 from 10:30 – 11:30 am at 540 Borland Street (3rd floor). Contact the Public Health office at 250-305-5000 for more info or to register.

The Skills Plus Program at TRU:

This program has received funding to continue their skills building program. There is space available in this program which will focus on basic computer training and has time schedules designed to fit around those will full time employment including the mines. This is a 65 hour program and for more information please contact Betty Turatus at bturatus@tru.ca

Community Updates – January 20, 2012

2012-01-19T13:56:00.000-08:00

Please find the following four community updates below:

1) Richard Heinberg coming to 100 Mile House on Feb. 7th, 2012!
2) Calendar of Events (Jan – Jun 2012) from the Council of Canadians
3) Compassionate Nonviolent Communication Workshop
4) Communities that Care (CTC) Community Board working groups

1) Richard Heinberg coming to 100 Mile House on Feb. 7th, 2012

The South Cariboo Sustainability Society and the Agr-Culture Centre have some exciting news! World renowned author, educator and speaker, Richard Heinberg, is coming to 100 Mile House on Tuesday, February 7th. He will be giving a public presentation at 7 PM at the 100 Mile Community Hall. We are extremely fortunate to have such a high calibre speaker coming to our area. We hope that you can attend this memorable event.

Here is some brief information about Richard Heinberg (http://richardheinberg.com/):

Richard Heinberg is the author of ten books, forecasting the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and arguing that we need to live within the earth's limited natural resources. With a wry, unflinching approach based on facts and realism, Richard exposes the tenuousness of our current way of life and offers a vision for a truly sustainable future. Richard is the Senior Fellow in Residence at the Post Carbon Institute (http://www.postcarbon.org/).

Richard's latest work, The End of Growth, explains the ongoing financial crisis, how and why it occurred, and what we must do to avert the worst potential outcomes. It describes what policymakers, communities, and families can do to build a new economy that operates within Earth’s budget of energy and resources. His message is that we can thrive during this transition if we set goals that promote human and environmental well-being, rather than continuing to pursue ever-expanding GDP.

Please see the poster (attached) for more information about the event. In addition, below are two U Tube clips that are recommended by the Post Carbon Institute.

300 Years of Fossil Fuels in 300 Seconds www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ-J91SwP8w

Who Killed Economic Growth? www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQqDS9wGsxQ

Yours truly,

Patricia Spencer
Co-chair, South Cariboo Sustainability Society
Box 10135 - 108 Mile Ranch, BC
250.791.1901 earthwiseps@shaw.ca

https://www.facebook.com/pages/South-Cariboo-Sustainability-Committee/120590728018850
Our brochure: http://www.ccconserv.org/sustainability/southcariboohand-out.pdf

2) Calendar of Events (Jan – Jun 2012) from the Council of Canadians

The latest updated calendar of events that the Coalition of Groups has put together can now be found on the Williams lake Council of Canadians website at http://www.williamslakecouncilofcanadians.ca/CofC/Home.html
Their next meeting is after the Jan 28th Food Forum at TRU at 2:30 pm
Contact Bette McLennan for more information at bettemcl@gmail.com

3) Compassionate Nonviolent Communication Workshop

FEBRUARY 4TH & 5TH AT THE FRIENDSHIP CENTER IN WILLIAMS LAKE

Join Rachelle Lamb in this revealing and insightful workshop on how to increase your relational intelligence and communication effectiveness.

You will learn:

The four cornerstones of successful relating
How conflict starts and escalates and what to do about it
How to translate “hard to hear” messages into something productive for everyone
Your role in establishing harmonious communication and keeping things on track

Rachelle Lamb from Victoria BC is a sought after author, speaker and certified trainer of Compassionate Nonviolent Communication.

TUITION: $225 / $195 Earlybird Jan 20th

Info/Registration: http://www.rachellelamb.com/
Melanie Reinelt 250-394-7711

4) Communities that Care (CTC) Community Board Working Groups

The last Community Board meeting was an excellent meeting with great discussion and ideas on our projects. The minutes for this meeting are quite detailed as I tried to capture the richness of our discussions (please email Carla for copy).

Our working groups and project leads are:

Transit to Scout Island – Denise Deschene
Safe Spaces – Lora Fairbrother and Sally Errey
Expand Positive Action – Rana Grace
Glass Slippers – Lora Fairbrother
Communication Strategy – Carla Bullinger
Acknowledge our History – Anne Burrill

Please contact them directly with ideas and participation. If you know of anyone else who should be involved in any of these working groups, please invite them to participate.

We have agreed to meet on the second Thursday of every month from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Next meeting is February 9. The location is still to be determined.

Thanks,
Carla Bullinger, Facilitator
Communities that Care
Williams Lake, BC
email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca
cell: 250-267-8249

Future Social Planning Monthly Meeting Dates

2012-01-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

We are re-evaluating the day of month & time we currently meet so are sending out three potential time slots that would remain the same each month (e.g. the fourth Monday of each month). Please sign up for any or all of the proposed dates & times but note there will only be one meeting per month.

Results of this poll will be used to determine future meeting dates (February onwards) so please participate and stay tuned. Currently, the next scheduled SPC meeting is on Monday Jan 30th at 11:30 am at City Hall.

Options (vote for all options that could work for you)
NO SIGN UP or REGISTRATION is required

1) Fourth Monday of each month – 11:30 am – 1 pm (current slot)
2) Fourth Monday of each month – 1:30 – 3 pm
http://www.doodle.com/9niw4veueky5mcgm

3) Third Monday of each month – 11:30 am – 1 pm
4) Third Monday of each month – 1:30 pm – 3 pm
http://www.doodle.com/tduy4n6svr7tcria

5) Third Wednesday of each month – 11:30 am – 1 pm
6) Third Wednesday of each month – 1:30 – 3 pm
http://www.doodle.com/x4gefer5ewxhxwsf

New webpage

2012-01-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

We are currently designing another webpage to better service the needs of members and the community. We will continue to use this site in the meantime, but stay tuned for upcoming updates to this site.

Next SPC Meeting date

2012-01-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

The next regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Jan 30th, 2012 at 11:30 am at City Hall (light lunch by donation).

Community Updates - Jan 13, 2012

2012-01-13T08:52:00.000-08:00

Community Updates – January 13, 2012

Below are eight Social Planning and Community updates for you before the Holidays.

1) Indian residential School Adjudication Secretariat & The Cariboo Friendship Society are providing a free Information session on the Independence Assessment Process (IAP).

Community Information Sessions – Jan 19th and 20th from 9 – 4:30 pm at the Cariboo Friendship Society Boardroom (99 South Third Avenue). Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served.

The IAP is an alternative dispute resolution process for resolving claims of serious abuse suffered at an Indian Residential School. It is one part of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. IAP Info Line – 1-877-635-2648, 24hr Crisis line 1-866-925-4419. The application deadline for IAP is September 19, 2012.

2) Reminder - Lets Talk About Food! Williams Lake Local Food Forum

Saturday January 28
9:00 – 2:00
TRU Cafeteria

As many of you are already aware of, the Williams Lake Food Policy Council has partnered with the City of Williams Lake, Thompson-Rivers University and the Oliver Street Market to bring a Second Local Food Forum to our Community.

Our Five Year Food Action Plan is complete! We need YOUR input in creating our Second Food Action Plan for Williams Lake & Area, which will help to guide & prioritize local food projects and initiatives over the next 5 years. Admission is FREE, please pass this invitation along to anyone else you think might be interested.

Coffee and snacks provided by the Oliver Street Market vendors you've come to love over the summer! Local food Lunch by Cariboo Growers by small donation

As the famous quote by Wendell Berry states, "Eating is an agricultural act"; If you eat, we need to hear your voice at our Local Food Forum.

Michelle Daymond
250-267-2085
candoitconsulting150@gmail.com
tatjana.bates@interiorhealth.ca

3) Please find attached info on XploreSportz Winter 2012 from the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. Registrations need to be in by Jan. 31st. Keep your fingers crossed for some snowfall! Contacy Irene Berns for more information P: (250) 398- 7665 E: iberns@williamslake.ca

4) There is still some funding available from the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society (deadline is Jan 16th). Check out their website for more information at http://www.centralcaribooarts.com/

5) Upcoming Library Events

Focus on Financial Literacy
Tuesday January 17th, 7pm, Library program room
DO YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME JUGGLING DEBTS AND BILLS? ARE YOU SAVING ENOUGH FOR YOUR FUTURE? IS PAYDAY ALWAYS TOO FAR AWAY?

If so, this program is for you.

Put on by Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy, and proudly supported by a grant from the TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund

Armchair Travel Program, 2012
The extremely popular Armchair Travel program is back at the Cariboo Regional District Library Williams Lake Branch. Event organizer Pam Hedley-Smith has planned an exciting line-up of new speakers and travel destinations. Each Armchair Travel evening features the recent travel experiences of a local community member, through words, pictures, sometimes even music and food. Hold tight speakers are yet to be announced, but the dates are scheduled.

Thursday January 19th
Thursday January 26th
Thursday January 2nd
Thursday January 9th
Thursday January 16th
Thursday January 23rd

Eye Health with Dr. Averi Van Dam
Come to this session on January 31, 7pm in the library program room. In this session Dr. Van Dam will be covering the top 10 “eye myths” we’ve all heard about (ie. Is it safe to wear contacts overnight? Does eating carrots improve your night vision?)

Celebrate Family Literacy Week Jan 21-27, 2012
Read a book and pick up a Literacy Passport at the Williams Lake Library
In partnership with the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy, join us Friday January 27th for a Robert Munsch puppet show at 3:30pm. Seating is limited so register early at the front checkout.

Library to hold Elder College class on Introduction to using Ebooks and Audiobooks
Feb 3, 1-3pm – Library program room
Feb 10, 10-12pm – TRU library computer lab
Registration is January 18th, 2012, 1:00pm-2:30pm at St. Andrews’ United Church Hall

NFB Film Nights during the month of February
Wednesday Feb 1, 2012, 7pm

The Chocolate Farmer – Documentary (71 min 22 s)
In an unspoiled corner of southern Belize, cacao farmer Eladio Pop works his plantation in the tradition of his Mayan ancestors. A tender and moving tale, this lush cinematic journey captures a year in the life of the Pop family as they struggle to preserve their values in a dramatically changing world.
Wednesday Feb 15, 2012, 7pm

Mighty Jerome – Documentary (83 min 38 s) – Marking African Heritage Month (February 2012)
A film about the rise, fall and redemption of Harry Jerome, track and field star and one of Canada’s greatest athletes. Gorgeous monochrome imagery, impassioned interviews and astonishing archival footage are used to tell the compelling story of what has been called “the greatest comeback in track and field history.”

Wednesday Feb 29, 2012, 7pm

The Future Is Now! – Documentary (91 min)
In an effort to re-connect a pessimistic “everyman” with humanity, a journalist takes him on a voyage of possibilities, encountering leading thinkers in the arts and sciences. Will the journalist succeed in turning the cynic into an optimist? Will it matter? What can one person do?

6) Community Cookbook… needs you!

The Canadian Mental Health Association in the Cariboo Chilcotin is celebrating Williams Lake’s wonderful and diverse community and is inviting residents of the Cariboo to participate in a community cookbook. Please contact Marilyn Livingston or Tom Salley at 250-398-8220 or marilyn.livingston@cmhawl.org for more info or to get involved.

7) Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy

REACH A READER & FAMILY LITERACY WEEK
Reach a Reader is taking place Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. The Williams Lake Tribune is one of our partners and CCPL provides articles, news, and stories for this issue. This issue is then sold by volunteers and local “celebrities” who roam the city and hang around town and businesses on January 26. You can support this effort by making a donation and/or buying a newspaper from one of our volunteers.

Family Literacy Day is Jan. 27, but the Williams Lake Library & CCPL have activities planned for the entire week. In addition, you can visit the ABC Life Literacy website for activity ideas around family literacy. There is a Journey to Learning Passport for Family Literacy Day for families – copies of passport are available at the WL library - , and there is also a section just for adults with adult-themed tip sheets and activities to encourage year-long learning. Their website: www.abclifeliteracy.ca

FAMILY FEST
Family Fest is confirmed for Sunday, February 5 at Marie Sharpe School from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This is a popular free event which CCPL has been organizing for the last few years. Kirsten Stark, whom you’ve probably met as our Financial Literacy Coordinator, is organizing the event. You can contact Kirsten at kirsten@caribooliteracy.com for more information. We also welcome volunteers who can help set up or clean up on the day of the event.

FINANCIAL LITERACY
Kirsten Stark, Financial Literacy Coordinator, will be offering one-to-one support as well as workshops beginning in February. An information session on her free workshops will be held at the Williams Lake library on Jan. 17 at 7:00 p.m. Monthly workshops will begin in February, and they will take place at various locations with a range of guest speakers from local financial institutions. Attached with this update is the workshop schedule. For more information contact Kirsten at kirsten@caribooliteracy.com

ABORIGINAL EMPOWERMENT GATHERINGS (POSTER IS ATTACHED)
CCPL received funding through the Aboriginal Community Adult Literacy Program to provide this program. The purpose of the Urban Aboriginal Empowerment Gatherings is to: support the literacy needs of Aboriginal learners creatively, flexibly and sensitively; and to enhance confidence and improve well-being. The first session will take place on January 18th, 12:00 p.m. at TRU and the topic will be Motivation and Encouragement. Philip Johnson from Nenqyani Treatment and Wellness Center has graciously volunteered to attend as our guest speaker. Caroline Derksen from the Cariboo Regional District Library will be in attendance with books on motivation and has offered to be part of the discussion. Child minding and lunch will be provided. For more information contact Janette Moller, 250-392-8161.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
This free workshop will take place:
Where: Public Library
When: Every Second Tuesday starting Jan. 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Who is it for: This workshop is intended for people with no prior computer knowledge or experience.
People must pre-register at the library or with Janette Moller at the PAL office, 250-392-8057 or by email at partnerassistedlearning@gmail.com

8) A Series of Sustainable Gardening Workshops are starting at the end of February. Please contact TRU for more information or to register.

Community Updates

2011-11-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

Community Updates – Nov 11, 2011

1) If you were unable to attend the Social Planning Council AGM and Social Development Strategy Input Session in partnership with the City of Williams Lake you can still have your voice heard. To participate online, please email aburrill@williamslake.ca or call 250-392-2311.

2) Municipal Election Kits are still available. View, print or download online at http://www.firstcallbc.org/pdfs/CurrentIssues/MuniKit2011.pdf .

3) CCACS 2012 Grants Available

The Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society is making grants available in 2012 for arts and culture in Williams Lake and the Central Cariboo (CRD Areas D, E, F).

Project Grants of between $300 and $2,000 are available for projects which
• Are new or build creatively on previous work
• Increase participation in arts & culture
• Must be completed before December 31, 2012

Operating Grants of up to $3,000 are available to assist registered non-profit arts and culture organizations in developing and enhancing their arts and culture programming.

The deadline for applications is Monday, January16, 2012 at 5pm, and full details, adjudication criteria and application requirements can be obtained by visiting www.centralcaribooarts.com or by request from info@centralcaribooarts.com.

Awards will be made by the Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake on the recommendation of the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society

For further information please contact CCACS Coordinator Leah Selk at 778-412-9044 or email info@centralcaribooarts.com

4) Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Funding is available. Schools can apply for up to $3500 and daycares to $2000 to go towards school ground greening and food garden projects across Canada. There are three more deadlines to submit an application for the 2011 – 2012 school year (Dec 2, 2011 March 16, 2012, and Jun 1, 2012). Contact Evergreen at 1-888-426-3138 or email info@evergreen.ca for more information.

5) The Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society invites you to the following workshops.

Grant Applications: A Grantor’s View: November 17, 2011, 6pm – 9pm, at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre with Instructor: Graham Kelsey. Registration: No charge. Please register at 778-412-9044 or info@centralcaribooarts.com. The workshop will introduce commonly made pitfalls in grant applications (e.g. budgeting, project description etc.) Participants will be engaged in working on how to avoid them.

Running Productive Meetings: DATE HAS CHANGED TO JANUARY 12, 2012 6pm – 9pm, at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre with Instructor: Graham Kelsey. Registration: No charge. Please register with the CCACS at 778-412-9044 or email info@centralcaribooarts.com. Participants will learn the basics of preparing, chairing and constructively participating in meetings that are efficient, effective and stimulating.

Building an Artist Portolio: January 21, 2012, 9am – 12:30pm, at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre with Instructor: Cat Fink. Registration: Cost is $20 per individual, or $35 includes registration for “Creating Artist Proposals”. Please register by January 13, 2011. This workshop is on the basics of creating your portfolio.

Creating Artist Proposals: January 21, 2012, 1:30pm – 5pm, at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre with Instructor: Cat Fink. Registration: Cost is $20 per individual, or $35 includes registration for “Building an Artist Portfolio”. Please register by January 13, 2011. This workshop is on the basics of putting together a proposal for entry to group shows, solo shows, and residencies.

To register or for more information please contact Leah Selk, Coordinator , Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, 778-412-9044, info@centralcaribooarts.com

AGM & Social Development Strategy Input Session in partnership with the City of Williams Lake

2011-10-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Social Development Strategy Input and Social Planning Council Annual General Meeting

The Social Planning Council of Williams Lake in partnership with the City of Williams Lake would like to invite you to an opportunity to give input to a social development strategy for our community. This is the next step of planning for our community now that we have a new Official Community Plan (OCP).

We also hope to establish priorities for the work of the Social Planning Council in the coming year.

In addition we invite you to:

Hear updates on Social Planning projects over the last year,

•The Living Wage Project
•Communities that Care
•Access Williams Lake
•The Memorandum of Understanding between SPC and the City of William Lake
•Food Policy Council

And to participate in our Annual General meeting

When: Monday Oct. 24 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Thompson Rivers University Gathering Place

Dinner provided RSVP: Jessica Knodel
Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area
spc-coordinator@xplornet.com, 250-243-2126

See you in the Fall

2011-07-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

Monthly Social Planning Council meetings will resume in the fall. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday September 26, 2011 at City Hall (11:30 am start time). See you then!

Meeting Minutes – March 28, 2011

2011-06-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Meeting Minutes – March 28, 2011

Attendance (from sign-in sheet): Ann Smith, Carrie Sundahl, Nancy Gale, Michelle Daymond, Jocelyn Wood, Michael Lucas, Tatjana Bates, Frances Rutherford, Annie McKitrick, Jay Goddard, Jan Fichtner, Rosanna McGregor, Kimberly McLennan, Sally Errey and Jessica Knodel.

1) Review and acceptance of the Mar 28/11 meeting minutes and May 2/11 agenda

2) Feature Speaker – Sally Errey, BBP (blood borne pathogens) Prevention Worker for the Boys & Girls Club, discusses Harm Reduction Strategies.

Presentation Summary: All of us take risky behaviours throughout our lives and BBP Harm Reduction Programs provide safe options and alternatives to minimize these risks and thereby reducing costs to people and society.

Blood Borne Pathogen Harm Reduction strategies include: Drop-in centres, public health outreach, emergency shelters, condom distribution, needle exchanges, overdose prevention campaigns, needle drop boxes, prescription narcotics, supervised drug consumption facilities.

Harm Reduction strategies are evidence based from research all across the world and is supported by Interior Health. As an example the Insight Society reported a 30% reduction in over doses after Harm Reduction strategies were implemented.

The group of third year nursing students working with Sally have now completed their project on this subject. They applied a Community Readiness Assessment Tool kit and administered survey questions to a wide sample of friends, family, teachers and others from around the City. Their Final Report results showed high scores in denial and resistance. The students Bobby Lindemark, Connie Casler and Haley
Engel also created a brochure about Harm Reduction that should be printed soon with assistance from Interior Health.

What can we all do? Strategies in the tool kit include: a) Announcing and highlighting the prevalence of BBP within the local community to really “hit home” (a local example is that there is a high prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea within Williams Lake), b) speaking to groups at every opportunity and sharing what you learn with others afterwards, and c) having an educational table and display at events.

One current initiative in Williams Lake is providing free & confidential CARE Packages which include condoms available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Public Health Office (540 Borland), CMHA (across from Safeway), Womens Contact Society (above Cariboo Ski), Kornak & Hamm’s Pharmacy, Cariboo Friendship Society, the Yorston Medical Clinic, and Mental Health office (487 Borland Street).

To book a presentation to help raise awareness or for copies of brochures or posters, please contact Sally (prevention@noopa.org, 250-392-5730).

Discussions which followed:

Annie noticed that unlike other communities Williams Lake appears to be lacking options and asked what types of Pregnancy Prevention Programs are available to people in Williams Lake?

Sally answered the long term goal is to get a clinic in Williams Lake for marginalized youth with no options available to them. Currently it is very hard to even get a PAP screening in town for those without a family doctor (which many don’t have due t the limited amount of local Physicians. Current local options include a) “Compassionate Package” which is a Government Program through referral from a family doctor and takes 4 – 6 weeks, and b) Emergency contraceptive is available at the cost of approximately forty dollars.

3) Employment Program Contract Proponent Requests

Two employment services proposals from Williams Lake are being submitted to the Province of BC for consideration. The SPC has been asked to write letter of support for both Horton & Associates (Williams Lake Employment Services) and jointly for AXIS & ESP Consulting. The table agreed that it is not in conflict of interest to write letters for both agencies as long as the SPC focuses on the “need” of the services both these proposals provide (rather than endorsing agencies themselves).

Action: Jay will draft both letters and circulate them for feedback. The SPC will then send a letter of support to each agency.

4) Williams Lake Food Policy Council (WLFPC) Community Gardens

Currently the FPC needs 3 million liability insurance for their garden space before the City can allow people to use the sites.

Pursuing insurance for the gardens requires other layers of insurance to be in place within their “parent” organization, at present the SPC. Other options include finding another parent organization (currently there is not enough man power at the FPC to form their own society).

The SPC Executive wants to assist the FPC to get their community gardens available for use as soon as possible and is comfortable keeping the FPC as a sub-committee for the interim, but require more communication with the Board of the SPC. Jay point out that Director’s Insurance for example doesn’t help anyone if the SPC is not involved with the FPC.

It was decided that at least one Director from the SPC Board needs to have an active role within the FPC and report directly to the SPC Executive. Nancy Gale was nominated to be a Board Member for this role and agreed to be the liaison between the SPC Board table and Michelle Daymond the current sub-contracted Food Action Coordinator for the FPC.

The SPC does not currently have the additional insurance policies the FPC requires, and since they have no confirmed funding past June, the FPC offered to help pay for insurance.

Action: Rosanna will follow up with Insurance Agent to pursue further insurance.

5) Communities That Care Program update April 2011 – Carrie Sundahl

Sustainability Working group meeting - Goals were determined as:

oContinuation of Contract
oForward planning regarding Youth Survey
oGrowth in membership
oGrowth in Evidence Based programs

Youth Engagement Working group – Art Mural ceremony with the Strong Women of Tomorrow. The ceremony was emotional and very profound as each youth shared their experience. Other organizations have approached the group to do a mural.

Implementation Working Group – RCMP have secured more funding to purchase Positive Action materials for Alkali Lake. It was stressed that the RCMP not be seen as a funding resource. A press release will be written to announce the funding.

Three one page description were created to help inform the community:
oWhat is Communities That Care?
oWhat is Positive Action?
oHow to Invest in Communities That Care Evidence Based Programs?

April 13/14 I-minds presentation and Pro-D Day. CTC participated in the workshop to promote the CTC project and Positive Action as well as learn more about the Imind program resources

April 18 – CTC Board Meeting. Items discussed were:

oCTC contract renewal. MCFD chose the School district as the new contract holder. The new contract will start September 2011 – May 2012. Reasons included:

oInfrastructure was considered within the 9 month period
oAligns with goals of aboriginal framework
oFuture funding was considered
oChallenging for a new agency to establish goals in the 9 month period
oOver the 9 months, the school district could make lead way in the business, aboriginal and social service sectors.
oQuestions were written on 5 pieces of flipchart paper to get the Board members feedback:

1.What is the role of CTC?
2.What is the role of the Key Leader Board?
3.What is the role of the Community Board?
4.Who needs to be involved?
5.What resources do we need?

Preparations are being made for the BC Rural Network presentation on May 24/25. A video will be created with interviews from community members on their experience with CTC

Next Community Board meeting will be May 10, 2011, and the next Key Leader meeting will be June 14, 2011. An invitation was passed around for new members to join the Key Leader Board and attend the next meeting.

Materials made available at the meeting included: “What is Communities that Care?”, “What is positive Action?”, “How to INVEST in CTC Evidence Based Programs” and a formal “Invitation to join the CTC Key Leader Board”– For copies of these documents please email ctc@williamslake.ca or spc-coordinator@xplornet.com

6) BC Rural Network AGM and Conference May 24 & 25th, 2011 reminder

With visitors from all across British Columbia, this incredible two day event is sponsored in partnership between TRU, the SPC and the South Cariboo Social Planning Committee. Some confirmed activities include:

•Communities that Care Presentation
•Living Wage Presentation
•Michael McCarthy Flynn (aka “the Living Wage Guru”) from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) will be speaking on May 24th,
•Panel discussions – Food Initiatives, Natalie Clark on Engaging Youth, Social Media for Community Development
•Un-sessions (with a theme and moderator) – Food Policy, Youth Leadership, and Arts & Culture
•Tuesday afternoon session on “e-learn”

These events are free for youth, and for adults costs $20 for a half day or $40 for a full day. You can also join the BC Rural Network for $40 and as a member can get in for free (if there is space left).

The SPC also discussed asking Michael McCarthy Flynn to speak at a venue open to the public Tuesday evening.

Maureen will be sending out press releases and invitations.

7) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Williams Lake - Annie McKitrick

The draft MOU between the SPC and the City of Williams Lake that was distributed to the membership for feedback last month is being presented to Council for consideration tonight. Council will also be reviewing the Secondary Suite Policy and reading the Official Community Plan (OCP).

This will be the last SPC meeting Annie will be attending as she is moving to Alberta to work in a similar capacity. Anne Burrill will be returning as the actual Manager of Social Development for the City of Williams Lake on May 17, 2011.

The SPC took this opportunity to thank Annie for all the hard work and amazing work she has done in the community during her time at the City. Her work is appreciated by everyone at the table and we thank-her very much. Annie also thanked the group for their hard work and cooperative efforts.

8) Round table updates (limited due to time constraints)

Annie - The last Community Capacity Building meeting was a very valuable meeting which Monica attended and can provide more information about. The SPC should continue with these capacity building initiatives.

Nancy (CDC) – a) Expansion Plans for the 2nd Avenue Building continue. The greatest need is for more office space, meeting space, and service centre & client space. Instead of two floors the design plans now include single storey additions with a retaining wall, b) Good News! - Funding has been approved for a new clinic to server the broader Chilcotin Area and two Shuswap communities.

Michelle (FPC) – Upon Annie’s recommendation, Michelle recently attended an Enterprising for Non-profits Seminar and learned about many available funding and programs available. If anyone would like more information please contact Michelle at 250-267-2085 or michelle.daymond@gmail.com.

Sally (Boys & Girls Club, Canadian Cancer Agency) - Provided posters for some ProD Day Sessions on May 13th, 2011 - To register for either of the sessions below please contact Rayna at rayna.carpenter@sd27.bc.ca or 250-398-3855

•Creating Safe Spaces Workshop focused on discrimination and bullying is taking place on the Pro D Day May 13th from 1 – 3pm at Columneetza Secondary School. This is for Counsellors, Social Jstice Advocates, Youth Workers, Community Service Providers, Parents and Students.

•Hi5Living Toolkit – Hi5Living.org is an interactive toolkit designed by Teachers, for Teachers. It was created by the BC Cancer Aency Prevention Programs as part of our Healthy Living School Program to deliver positive messages and reliable information about healthy choices. There is a Pro D Day session on May 13th from 9:30 – 11:30 am at Columneetza Secondary.

Meeting Adjourned: the next regular scheduled meeting is rescheduled for Monday May 30, 2011 11:30 am City Hall (due to May 23 being a holiday).

March 28, 2011 Meeting Minutes

2011-05-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

March 28, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Attendance (from sign-in sheet): Carrie Sundahl, Cindy Davis, Michelle Daymond, Ray E. Saunders, Michael Lucas, Nancy Gale, Annie McKitrick, Sally Errey, Monica Johnson, Jay Goddard, Jessica Knodel and Jocelyn Wood.

1)Review and acceptance of the Feb 28/11 meeting minutes and Mar 28/11 agenda

2)Feature Speaker – Dr. Ray E. Sanders (Director, Williams Lake Campus and Regional Centres, TRU) talks about the new "Leaders moving Forward" task force in Williams Lake.

Background: Dr. Ray Saunders grew up in Oklahoma and recently moved to Williams Lake. He started as the new campus Director at TRU in Williams Lake in September and is very happy to be in this community. “Leaders moving Forward” is an informal and non-political group of individuals within the community that came together in response to the question “What happens if we do, or do not get Prosperity Mine” and what social impacts will this have. The group meets every three weeks on Friday mornings at Alley Katz and consists of many individuals including Kerry Cook, Tracy Gard, Diane Wright, Gordon Horton, Jeremy Vogt, Glen Holling, and Katherine Witman.

Summary: "Leaders moving Forward" task force recognizes that economic development does not occur without social development (and vice versa). Their focus is on the big picture and act as a clearing house for ideas across agencies. The goal is “improving quality of life for everyone at every level”. The group brought in a consultant to tackle three out of ten areas of the City’s Official Community Plan (OCP): Social Well Being, Resilient Economy and Partnering with First Nations which has since became their focus.

Discussions which followed:

Jay pointed out that the SPC’s is currently the “go-to” body (within the City’s OCP) as a leadership table for Social Development and Well-being therefore the Leaders moving Forward task force and the SPC need to work together. Now is the best time to start collaborating as the SPC continually struggles to get representatives from the business sector to the table, and as Ray stated the Leaders moving Forward group recognizes “economic development does not occur without social development (and vice versa)”.

Ray agreed the work of the Social Planning Council (SPC) has a huge role to play and currently individuals within the Leaders moving Forward group that also work with the SPC include Diane Wright and Nancy Gale. This group however has no formal mandate such as the SPC which is a formal Society. Rather, it is individuals (as themselves) meeting to informally discuss. If they get too formal group attendance will die out so they want to remain informal. Nancy added that they did not get together as a group per se, rather as people with experience in many different areas.

Jay asked what the relationship between the SPC and Leaders moving Forward group is and Monica expressed surprise that the SPC wasn’t involved especially by recommendation of the outside consultant since this Society is very old and established within the community. Jay and Michael highlighted communication as key at all levels and that social well-being needs to be approached by many different lenses (e.g. social worker & business chairman).

Ray reiterated the Leaders moving Forward group has no power by itself. Instead it is breaking down silos and cross pollinating ideas. The goal is to generate ideas and collaborate to locate resources. Nancy mentioned it takes time for all groups to even understand what each other does and Kerry Cook as Mayor responded by bringing people together so the community could start tackling the issues and concerns that are continually brought to her desk.

Michael acknowledged and thanked the Leaders moving Forward group for modelling good behaviour and way of doing things including taking the time to speak at the SPC table today.

Jay concluded that dialogue should continue around the crime prevention issues the CTC program raised within Williams Lake. Everyone agrees our community is an exciting place to be and it is a golden opportunity, right now, to combine dialogues between the Social and Business communities.

3) Discuss any SPC business items.

Communities that Care (CTC) – Carries Sundahl

•CTC attended the Gabor Training’s evening presentation
•RCMP has funding for Positive Action (PA) materials.
•PA packages were made available at the Library on Mar 14 (I-Mind for grades 6-10).
•Art mural and Ceremony with the Cariboo Friendship Centre’s SWAT (Strong Woman of Tomorrow).
•Oversight meeting to create a work plan for the program’s transition
•In Anahim money is available for the program “Empowered by Horses” which is tailored to the risk factors of women.
•PA has extended into 100 Mile House schools which is a very positive spin off of the CTC Program.
•Jay noted testimonials and presentation of direct results is invaluable for securing ongoing momentum and spin-off projects. Nancy added that “Worry Dragon” was kept because of program testimonials.

Food Policy Council (FPC) – Michelle Daymond

•Carson Drive garden is continuing to be developed.
•The Cariboo Lodge wants to provide garden space again this year.
•Seedy Saturday event is on April 16. It is being held at the Community Corner building Parking lot in conjunction with the first year anniversary of the site housing Cariboo Growers, BIA and Community Policing.

Living Wage Project – Monica Johnson

•The project is almost complete. The final draft will be sent to the SPC Executive first and then to the Board.
•In addition to its original calculations it will include different variables and other instruments (e.g. benefits and/or salary options).
•There will be a presentation on the Living Wage as part of the BC Rural Networking Conference.
•There may be available funds to bring Michael MCCarthy Flynn (a Living Wage BC expert) to speak in Williams Lake. On April 11 in the GVRD there is a conference which Sally is attending. Sally will bring back information she learned to the SPC table.
•Michael noted a presentation on the Living Wage would be very valuable for the Leaders moving Forward group.
•Both the CDC and Boys & Girls Club are now Living Wage employers.

BC Rural Networking Conference – Jay Goddard

Theme “Bridges to the Future – Engaging Youth” will bring over 75 delegates from across the province to Williams Lake. Panel sessions will include the topics: Solutions to the challenge of educating the next generation, how can youth take over the business sector, discussions around Social Media, and Food Security, Leadership and Arts and Culture Initiatives.

Action: SPC to forward a registration package or visit BC Rural Network online.

Official Community Plan – Annie McKitrick

Action: Members to send OCP recommendations by email to Annie McKitrick by Thursday.

4)SPC Website - What do you want to see? How can we best utilize the site to serve all the needs of our membership?

Action: A survey requesting feedback from members will be sent out by email using Survey Monkey.

Action: Contact our membership to encourage linking www.accesswilliamslake.org on their website.

5)Round table updates and networking between table members and organizations.

Jay – TRU
•Experiential Youth Leadership Course delivered by expert Gavin Clark will take place in May.
•On April 14th the Thursday Film will be with Dorothy Christian at the Gathering Place at TRU at 1 pm. Please RSVP to Rhonda at TRU.

Monica – Boys & Girls Club
•There will be age 7 – 12 summer programs available.
•The drop-in centre is busy planning spring activities.
•The AGM was recently held.

Sally – Boys & Girls Club & Canadian Cancer Agency
•As BBP Prevention Worker for the Boys & Girls Club Sally is currently working with 3rd Year Nursing Students at TRU on education and prevention practices. They have completed their interviews which Sally will relay at the end of the month.
•May 13 is a Pro-D Day and Diane Willis, Safe Spaces Coordinator will speak about many topics including bullying & sexual orientation. She will present both during the day as well as in the evening. These talks are open to anyone who wants to attend.
•The Womens Contact Society is hosting a safe-space after school program. Kits are already purchased.

Annie – City of Williams Lake
•On March 31st United Way’s Brenda Amesly will be facilitating the City on occupational capacity and board development which includes all organizations across the board (from art groups – local food groups). This will be held at 3pm in Council Chambers. Brenda would also like to learn more about the Living Wage Project of the SPC.

Nancy – Child Development Centre
•School aged team is now back at the 2nd Avenue location (since recent budget cuts).
•Architects have been working on how to best expand the location on Second Avenue with two floors and increased meeting space.
•There have been 31 new referrals from MCFD last month which exemplifies the demand for services.
•Three Corners Health has received funding to deliver a clinic with parents and care providers in mind.
•Action Requested: Add SPC Board Updates to next month’s meeting agenda.

Sherry – School District No.27
•Positive Action in the schools is going really well. The program started midway through the school year so teachers are now starting to pre-plan how to incorporate the materials more next year.
•The School District is partnering with MCFD to get a counsellor who is available at least once a week. Hopefully this will materialize by the end of this school year.

Cindy – Womens Contact Society & Early Childhood Education
•The Early Childhood Development Network is yearly planning session is in June. People encouraged to attend include child care providers as well as people with children.
•Group sessions for young parents under the age of twenty are being held at the Kids Daycare until the end of June. Sessions are every other Thursday from 3:30 – 4:30pm with the next one being held April 14.
•Annual Children’s Festival in Boitannio Park is being held Sunday May 29th from 10 – 3pm. Registration forms are available through the Womens Contact Society.

Meeting Adjourned: April’s Meeting is rescheduled until May 2 (due to the holiday). Location to be announced.

Feb 28 Meeting Minutes

2011-03-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Meeting Minutes – February 28, 2011
(City of Williams Lake 11:30 am - lunch provided)

Attendance (from sign-in sheet): Kimberly McLennan, Michelle Daymond, Ryan Desjardins, Jan Fichtner, Jay Goddard, Cindy Davis, Annie McKitrick, Deb Radolla, Bruce Mack, Jocelyn Wood, Dave Dickson, and Jessica Knodel.

Lunch & watch the short video everyone is talking about - Changing Education Paradigms with speaker Ken Robinson

As part of our transition back to being less program based, we are having short presentations at the start of each meeting. This month we showed the video entitled “Changing Education Paradigms” with speaker Ken Robinson.

This film is both engaging and entertaining and provides a good encapsulation of 21st learning. It provides a different perspective about how we can support moving towards new learning structures within our education system.

Some discussions that followed included:

Within post secondary institutions there is too much emphasis on judging students based on marks alone.

The school system is only one institution among many that need to promote new ways of learning. Shifts in schools need to be accompanied by shifts everywhere else. Parents, employers, coaches, mentors, counsellors all need to work together.

For those of you who missed watching the video we featured at this meeting please see the link below:

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/ken_robinson_changing_education_paradigms.html

Review and acceptance of the Jan 24/11 meeting minutes and Feb 28/11 agenda

Review and discuss the City's draft Social Well Being Sections (4.11 - 4.16) with Annie McKitrick, Acting Manager of Social Development for the City of Williams Lake.

In April Council is scheduled to adopt the OCP which will be used to assist in decision making. The City of Williams Lake used an innovative way to create their OCP that included gathering input from groups and individuals directly which resulted in ten priority areas including Social Well Being. Final drafting of the City’s OCP is almost completed and the City has asked for continued feedback during these final stages.

The Social Planning Council distributed copies of the Social Well Being Section 4.1 to their membership and email groups prior to the Feb 28 meeting and copies were also provided at the table.

Some discussions and comments included:

This is a more comprehensive OCP than most - it includes very detailed social, environmental, and food security sections. Overview provided by City Staff included the following points:

One objective is to make the downtown the heart of the city. Create a more vibrant downtown that does not “get deserted” at 5 pm and on the weekends. Mixing residential with commercial can help encourage this.
Creating a greater sense of neighbourhood communities, and using the land for residential commercial and industrial in a coexisting but non intrusive way.
Creating more housing alternatives and residential areas that include more options than just the stereotypical “four bedroom home with a garage”.
Increasing accessibility including transportation, wheelchair access and parking.
Broadening the scope of Williams Lake as a central hub for nearby rural communities and even those further away such as Anahim Lake. Williams Lake serves the needs of over 15K residents including the outlying areas.
Develop land use around the airport and promoting Williams Lake being a world class recreation destination.

Before the document is finalized, complete a survey today - visit the CRD or City Website to let your voice be heard.

Discussions which followed:

Under Coordinated Planning – should include encouraging the participation of younger citizens to ensure keeping capacity within current organizations as the population continues to grow and older generations are starting to retire.

Within the City’s children and youth population there is still an enormous amount of racism prevalent. We need to start encouraging diversity from a very young age.

Poverty and access to employment – can this section be linked to the economic sections of the OCP?

Can the Literacy section be moved to coordinated planning?

Many people would like to see more development of parklands.

Action: The SPC Board meet to discuss the sections further and make recommendations.

4. Updates on CTC (see below), FPC, the Living Wage Project, BC Rural Network Conference and the presentation to City Council on Feb 22/11.

a) Communites that Care Program: see update provided below

January/February 2011

Williams Lake

January 24-26: Reclaiming Youth Conference. Courses included Deep Brain Learning: Pathways to potential with challenging youth and Response Ability Pathways: Restoring bonds of respect
Ordered Positive Action materials for the Resource Library at the Women’s Contact Society
Ongoing meetings with the Youth Engagement team re: Art mural project at the Friendship Centre. Tasks have included:

Renaming the group: SWOT – Strong Women of Tomorrow
Designing the mural for the front entrance of the Friendship Centre. The design will be a large tree with dream catchers listing all the Friendship Centre programs, and a logo for the name Strong Women of Tomorrow
Purchasing painting supplies
Creating a face book page for ongoing communication and progress with the project
Painting began the week of February 7th

February 7 – Evaluation survey was emailed to Board Members in WL and Anahim Lake. The deadline was extended till February 25th. The results will be discussed at the next CTC Board meeting on March 7th, 2011
February 8 – Telephone conference call with provincial CTC groups: Williams Lake, Anahim Lake, Prince George, Quesnel, Kelowna, Victoria and Squamish
Event planning for the Dr. Gabor Mate evening event on March 1st at TRU
Set up a shelving unit for the Positive Action Resource Library, transferred each kit into individual totes and created an inventory for the library
February 14 – Meeting with MCFD to discuss upcoming CTC contract
February 15 – Oversight working group meeting
February 16 – First Nations Education Council presentation
February 21 – CTC Board meeting. Welcomed new members and had a discussion on three questions:

What do you see as the benefits of working together for our community?
What are your ideas for assisting CTC in expanding the dialogue and the circle?
What do you need to feel welcomed and valued to join in while working together?

February 25 – Positive Action Open House at the Women’s Contact Society. 19 people attended including the newspaper media

Anahim Lake
Parenting Wisely is now being implemented as an outreach program, in connection with the Head Start program
Roots of Empathy is having a strong impact in both the AL and Nagwuntl’oo schools
Girl Power group on Monday nights and the afterschool programs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings are going very well, with meals provided by the Ulkatcho Band
Positive Action program is going strong. Christian Academy had some staff turnover and new teachers were trained
A funding application was written for the RBC Grant in partnership with the AL school
February 16 – Community Board meeting. The evaluation was discussed along with an update on next year’s contract
February 17th – Youth Basketball tournament as part of the afterschool program
February 18th – Roots of Empathy training in Williams Lake

Administration Update: The CTC program is going to RFP and the SPC will continue to administer the CTC program until the end of June.

b) Food Policy Council Update: see update provided below

UPDATE FROM WILLIAMS LAKE FOOD POLICY COUNCIL
For Social Planning Council Meeting
February 28, 2011

TERMS OF REFERENCE

A Terms of Reference has been tentatively approved by the Food Policy Council, pending additions by Tatjana re: role of Interior Health (to be completed by March FPC meeting)

Our approved Mission Statement is:

To develop food security policies and a strategic action plan that will move Williams Lake towards a place where all community members obtain a safe, culturally acceptable and nutritionally adequate diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes self-reliance and social justice.

COMMUNITY GARDENS
Contracted Chris Robinson, owner and farmer, Road’s End Vegetable Company, as a Consultant to design and help build the Carson Community Farm/Garden
Draft proposal and budget for Carson Community Farm/Garden has been submitted for review to FPC on Wednesday, Feb. 23.
Currently seeking out an interested agency to eventually run the garden (long-term planning for turnover from FPC)

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB PARTNERSHIP
Michelle mentors 3 youth 4 days per week. We are working on local farms, in Cariboo Growers, the Food Bank and Drop-In Centre and the SPCA
This program goes until end of May 20, 2011

SEEDY SATURDAY
Confirmed date, Saturday April 16, 2011
To be held in the Cariboo Growers Parking Lot, in conjunction with 1 year anniversary party of Cariboo Growers

COMMUNITY ROOT CELLAR
A working group has been set up to discuss the feasibility of creating a Community Root Cellar in WL

For more information on the Williams Lake Food Policy Council, or any of our projects, please contact Michelle Daymond, Food Action Coordinator
250-267-2085 candoitconsulting150@gmail.com
or Tatjana Bates, Community Developer
250-302-5010 tatjana.bates@interiorhealth.ca

c) Living Wage: see provided report below

What is a Living Wage?

Living wage refers to the hourly wage that is deemed necessary for a household to achieve a basic standard of living, once government transfers have been added to the family’s income (such as the Universal Child Care Benefit) and deductions have been subtracted (such as income tax and Employment Insurance Premiums). The Living Wage is calculated so as to ensure that the family has the income to:

Feed, clothe and provide shelter for their family;
Promote healthy child development;
Participate in activities that are an ordinary element of life in a community; and
Avoid the chronic stress of living in poverty.

A living wage differs from a minimum wage, which is the legal minimum employers must pay, in that a living wage accounts for expected expenses and their actual costs in a community relative to an individual’s family situation. Hence, a living wage will vary from location to location, and within a community, from person to person.

The “living wage” is based on a mathematical formula that calculates expected expenses and their actual costs in a community. The formula used for the purpose of this study was one used by Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and other groups.

The goal of the project is to provide information to assist our city to measure the ability of working persons to meet the needs of their families. Meeting our living wage standard will help to promote Williams Lake as a great place to choose to live.

Why is a Living Wage Important?

The concept of the living wage dates back to Pope Leo XIII, who published a public letter in 1891, in which he insisted on a living wage as a protection against poverty. The living wage is based on the notion that those who work full time should not have to live in poverty and that by paying a living wage workers need not rely on the government for basic services. The purpose of the living wage is to reduce the number of working poor and reward hard work with sufficient pay.
What is the Living Wage for Williams Lake

The results of the analysis indicate that a living wage in Williams Lake is as follows:

For a single person: $13.45/hour
For a single parent with one child: $14.06
For a two parent, two children, two income household: $15.77/hour

The hourly wage is based on a 35 hour work week. In total, 234 employers representing the full scope of employers within Williams Lake were surveyed through participation in a direct survey, or by collecting data from collective agreements. Overall, the participation rate was 51%. We are pleased with the rate of participation, and feel the scope is such that we have a representative sample of the businesses. Contrary to media reports, specific information on participant wages/benefits will not be published. Businesses were assured of anonymity.

Next Steps for the Study

The study will also incorporate employee benefits when the final report is concluded (release expected at the end of February). Based on data collection, 43% of local employers provide a certain degree of employment benefits.

A summary of what other communities are doing with their living wage information will also be presented (ie, implementation of living wage policies etc.).

Recommendations on how our community might consider using the living wage information (ie; not-for-profits, who generally receive funding from governments, could use the information as leveraging to increase their funding, thereby ensuring that they can offer a living wage to their employees, which increases their service capacity, increases staff retention turnover, and helps with recruitment).
Study Funded by CBAC, with Support from the Communities that Care Program and the City of Williams Lake.

d) BC Rural Network Conference

Being held over two days at TRU on May 23 & 24th, this event’s focus is Rural Community Economic and Environmental Development. Both the SPC and TRU are being represented at this event and at the end of the conference the SPC and South Cariboo Social Planning Commitee are holding a joint meeting together. There will be a formal presentation on food security and open ended discussion as well as a presentation on the Living Wage inititatives.

e) Presentation to City Council

The presentation to City Council on Feb 22, 2011 provided a current update from the SPC and will be continued on a quarterly basis.

5. What do you want to see? Conversation about what type of information members want made available on the web. How can we best utilize the site to serve all the needs of our membership?

Topic tabled to next month’s meeting agenda.

6. Round table updates and networking between table members and organizations.

Jay: TRU is in the process of revitalizing their academic plan. It includes attracting local students to study in Williams Lake as well as recruiting students from outside our region. Creating an innovative niche program exclusive the Williams Lake TRU campus is one initiative being pursued as well as developing the BA program. There is also a lack of non-profit management training within the province which is a future area TRU should consider.

Annie – the active Junior Council program is successfully moving forward. On May 28 there is the Childrens Bike Rodeo in joint partnership with the Success by Six program and the City of Williams Lake. More information will be available soon.

Jan – There is an upcoming Pro-D day on Mar 4 with Tom Swanke presenting on the Chilcotin Wars 9 am at WLSS. On Mar 15 there is a Teaching and Community Presentation – Jan to send out a sign-up form and poster with more details.

Cindy – There is a free family concert at the TRU Gym from 5 – 7 pm April 2, 2011. There is also the annual Children’s Festival upcoming on May 29th at Boitanio Park. It will be a fun family event to attend and if you want to partake in the festivities please contact Cindy at the Women’s Contact Society. On February 25 there was a Positive Action Open House at the Women’s Contact Society with more than twenty people in attendance. There are CTC Kits now available at the Library.

Bruce - Partners for Literacy used survey results from families with children aged 3 – 5 to create travel kits with literacy activities. A lack in literacy skills is linked to the activities of children outside of school. One example is while travelling – this travel kit initiative provides a valuable alternative activity for parents to offer which encourages and promotes continued learning and reading outside the classroom.

Kimberly – the Volunteer database is up at running at Williams Lake Employment Services. Volunteer request forms are available to any organization looking for volunteers. People wanting to volunteer do not need to be unemployed (as many programs often require). For more information or to request forms please contact Kimberly (or the SPC).

Next Monthly Meeting

2011-02-24T16:34:00.001-08:00

Our next monthly meeting is on February 28, 2011 11:30 am at City Hall (lunch provided). Meeting minutes, agendas and other supportive materials are available by email.

Salvation Army Williams Lake Food Bank Eligibility Criteria

2011-01-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

The 2011 elegibilty criteria for the Salvation Army Williams Lake Food bank, items put into emergency, perishable hamper, as well as a list of extras available to clients is now available. They have made a number of changes to the eligibilty criteria, decreased the size of hampers, increased accessibility for high needs clients, and are providing services on a walk-in basis. With these changes they are attenpting to better serve those with high needs in our community.

For more information please email Claudine Kadonaga at claudine_kadonaga@can.salvationarmy.org

Update - Annual General Meeting held Nov 22, 2010

2010-12-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

The Social Planning Council’s Annual General Meeting took place on Monday November 22 at City Hall. Our next monthly meeting is at 11:30 am January 24 at City Hall (lunch provided).

Update: Over the past few years, the Social Planning Council has remained a strong network of professionals, organizations and individuals improving the social well being of residents in the Williams Lake area.

Future directions of the SPC include:

-Working with the MCFD to transition the CTC program next spring to another agency to administer.
-The Social Planning Council will return to the “big picture” networking organization and table.
-Regular monthly meetings will remain the 4th Monday of each month with the exception of this month (no meeting in December 2010).

Please email spc-coordinator@xplornet.com or call 250-243-2126 for a 2010 - 2011 membership form.

AGM - Nov 22, 2010

2010-10-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Our AGM is scheduled for November 22, 11:00 am – 2 pm, City Hall.

This is an important meeting for the future direction of the Social Planning Council.

RSVP to spc-coordinator@xplornet.com or (1)-250-243-2126 is appreciated but not required.

CTC Update - Oct 25, 2010

2010-10-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Communities that Care (CTC) Program Update
Monday October 25, 2010

October 2010

Williams Lake:
1)Telephone conference call with Carol Allred – Founder of Positive Action.

2)Meeting with Jan Fichtner and Jay Goddard to discuss school/partnership involvement and implementation plan for Positive Action.

3)Purchased Positive Action materials for all three schools in Williams Lake.

4)Meeting with Youth Engagement working group. Discussion included: a) Art projects in the community to address the risk factor: Low neighbourhood attachment b) Facebook page to inform community on youth activities and other youth related information and c) Fundraising ideas for the leadership graduating class.

5)October 13 – 15 Roots of Empathy training: a) Six new instructors were trained for Williams Lake and area. Schools implementing ROE are: Mountview, 150 Mile, Cataline, Skyline, Chilcotin Road, Nesika, Kwaleen, Horsefly, Marie Sharpe and Glendale and b) Instructor for Anahim Lake was trained and will be moving to Williams Lake after receiving a job offer. Rana Grace was able to secure funding for another instructor in AL and she will be trained in Vancouver November 8, 9, 10th.

6)Meeting with Funding working group to discuss CTC budget. Decisions on how to spend the remaining Program Resource funds will be discussed at the CTC Board meeting on October 27th.

7)October 26th – Presentation to City Council updating SPC and CTC progress.

8)October 27th – CTC Board meeting. Agenda items: a) Review and celebrate CTC accomplishments to date, b) Update existing sub-committees and progress of Positive Action, c) Refocus and prioritize tasks related to program implementation, evaluation and sustainability, and d) Delegate priority tasks.

Anahim Lake:
1)Kevin McLennan - Principal of AL School will be doing his research for his Masters in Counselling on Positive Action and assisting the evaluation process.

2)Have received positive feedback and outcomes from Positive Action in all three schools. The K-1 class at Nagwuntl’oo school will be implementing the program at a bronze level due to staff turnover.

3)Positive Action Climate kits were introduced and have been very successful.

4)A youth arts project to paint murals is planned for November, as part of a youth engagement initiative.

5)October 22 – Health and Wellness Fair. Terra will be presenting a slideshow on Community U-Turn and Positive Action.

6)Adopt a youth program will start up this month.

7)October 28th – Community Board meeting.

Sept 27, 2010 Meeting Updates

2010-10-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

1) The SPC is presenting to City Council on October 26th. Carrie Sundahl and Michael Lucas will be presenting on the CTC project, and Jay will present other initiatives of the SPC including Access Williams Lake and Food Policy Council projects. The SPC table also wants to hear Council’s feedback.

2) Food Policy Council Update - The City of Williams Lake recently passed community garden policy and granted the FPC the ability to lease city land at the bottom of Carson Drive for a 16000 square foot community garden plot.

3) CTC update (July & August: Discussions – it is now the time to move forward to ensure programs continue after the CTC Program in Williams Lake comes to an end. The different boards are being combined to make efforts more effective. The CTC project goals from this point forward is to become a jumping start for ongoing initiatives within both communities.

United Way 2010 Community Funds for the Central Cariboo

2010-09-13T19:27:00.001-07:00

The Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way is welcoming applications for their 2010 United Way Community Funding for the Central Cariboo anytime between now and October 15th. Please contact Francy Hayward for more information at francy@unitedwaytnc.ca or by calling 250-372-9933.

CTC Update - June 2010

2010-09-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

A monthly networking conference call has been set up with other regions in B.C. who are implementing the CTC model. These include Prince George, Kelowna, Victoria, Terrace, Squamish, Williams Lake and Anahim Lake.

The youth engagement working group gave three separate presentations to the youth at Noopa, WL Secondary School and Columneetza. Valuable feedback was received from the youth survey results and strategies to address our priority risk and protective factors.

Williams Lake:
June 14 – Community Board meeting. Jan Fitchner gave a presentation on the Sense of Belonging Plan; Work groups are being developed for Community outreach, evaluation feedback and the Action Plan report; Potential EB programs were discussed and recommendations to implement Positive Action and Roots of Empathy were agreed upon.

June 16 – Key Leader Board meeting. Agenda items included discussion of the recommended programs, Implementation training, project timeline, engaging more community members and communication with the Key Leader Board. The roles of the City and SPC were also clarified. The next meeting will be August 17th.

Anahim Lake:
The Community Board met on June 3rd. A project update was given along with a presentation of the Positive Action and Parenting Wisely program materials.

Carrie and Terra met with Jim Rowse – Acting Principal of Anahim Lake School to discuss implementation of the Positive Action program, and the need to hire a Co-ordinator to implement the program in three schools.

A letter requesting approval for increased TA hours was sent to key members of the School District Staff. The request was approved for 5 hours/week to assist in the implementation of the Positive Action program.

The Parenting Wisely training scheduled for June 4 – 5 was postponed due to the trainer going on a sudden sick leave. Carrie has been in communication with the Parenting Wisely head office to discuss other training possibilities.

Job Opportunity - Living Wage Project

2010-06-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

Funds granted by the Social Development Working Group (SDWG) of CCBAC, to the SPC to administer a research project to calculating the Living Wage for the Williams Lake area have been received. We are actively looking to fill the position to complete this project (see description below).

The Social Planning Council of Williams Lake and Area is seeking an individual to complete a Living Wage & Poverty Reduction research project to produce a useful working document for social service agencies and levels of City government to use in future social planning initiatives. Responsible to the Board of Directors of the Social Planning Council while receiving support/research supervision, this is a contract position for 200 hours at $20/hour to be completed by September 30, 2010. Please submit resumes to spc-coordinator@xplornet.com or by mail to Box 20045, Williams Lake B.C. V2G 4R1 on or before July 1, 2010.

May 13 & 14th Workshops were a Success

2010-06-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

More than 160 community members attended the May 13 & 14th Mark Totten Workshops held in Williams Lake.

The Mark Totten Presentations were direct and engaging. He is an expert on at risk youth and gang involvement and his presentation focused on getting people educated with prevention program goals. A key lesson he taught is that “[if we keep doing the same thing, things won’t change]”. The goal of his presentations was to move the CTC process forward and he helped achieve this goal. With teachers, parent, CDC staff, health nurses among the crowd his message was well heard. More people want to join in the CTC process and by September there will be programs in place.

Positive outcomes included an increase in community involvement, a better understanding of EB programs and the CTC project, a strong partnership with the School District and increased knowledge on the screening and selection process for implementing EB programs into our community.

Mark Totten commented while visiting Williams Lake that our community is much further along than many communities on addressing these issues, and in the amount of service coordination that takes place between our local organizations.

Mark Totten is coming to Williams Lake May 13 - 14, 2010

2010-04-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

The Communities that Care Project is bringing Mark Totten, a keynote speaker on evidence based prevention programs to Williams Lake May 13th and 14th.

For more information on Totten and Associates please visit http://www.tottenandassociates.ca, visit the CTC blog at http://www.ctcwilliamslake.blogspot.com/ or contact Project Manager Carrie Sundahl at ctc@williamslake.ca, or 250-392-1844

Important Notice - Monthly Meeting Day Changes

2010-04-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

Our monthly meeting day of week is changing. To accommodate more of our members our monthly Social Planning Council meetings are moving to the 4th Monday of each month. Our next scheduled meeting is on Monday May 17, 2010.

Note: there are no scheduled meetings in July and August.

Access Williams Lake Update

2010-04-21T17:02:00.001-07:00

Important update - Access Williams Lake online community resource directory website

The following web page address is now live and available to accept new entries from non-profit community organizations. Please visit http://accesswilliamslake.org/update.htm to fill out the online form.

The website is scheduled to launch mid June.

Highlights from our March 18 meeting

2010-04-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

1) Mary Forbes on behalf of the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society gave a fun and interactive presentation on bottled water which included trivia questions (with a colourful talk show host), “taste tests” of bottled, City, and well water, and a draw for a free PBA free stainless steel water bottle. Mary is available to give these presentations to other groups within the community by appointment and can be reached by calling 250-398-7929. The handout entitled “Toxic footprint off bottled water” is available by emailing spc-coordinator@xplornet.com and will soon be available at www.ccconserv.org

2) Communities that Care Project Update:

a) The Spencer West event at TRU on February 22 (after his presentation at Williams Lake Secondary) was well received and attended by invited community members.

b) On February 24, Anahim Lake held a public forum and two CTC programs were chosen for the community: Positive Action which is a school based program (Kindergarten - Gr. 12) designed to improve academic performance and reduce behavioral problems, and Parenting Wisely which addresses family management problems.

c) Carrie has been in contact with Mark Totten who is a consultant and keynote speaker on evidence based programs and developing community prevention strategies. There is a possibility of bringing Mark to Williams Lake to give a workshop and the logistics are still in the discussion phase. For more information on Mark Totten and Associates his website is: http://www.tottenandassociates.ca

3) Diana presented serious concerns about the EPCOR power plant chipping and burning creosote soaked railway ties.

Four issues are of major concern: The ties are being stored behind the Station House Gallery, these ties are leeching into the creek below, the toxins present potentially serious health concerns (Rob Higgins and Marten from TRU are currently investigating these further), and the ties are combustible and catch on fire on a regular basis.

There are currently 20 rail cars sitting there and the ties are being chipped into sawdust to be burned. Emissions from the plant have not been monitored or inspected since 2001. Chips that have combusted stay burning/smouldering for months at a time. The homes upwind from the area are experiencing air quality issues, and an ash pile on the creekside of Soad Creek Road most likely also contains remnant of these toxins.

The CCCS is working with the Ministry of Environment about the leeching and burning concerns. City Council has asked CN to not give anymore ties to EPCOR although they have no legal recourse to stop the burning of the ties.

Update since March 18 – The burning of creosote soaked railway ties at the power plant have stopped.

Highlights from our February 18, 2010 meeting

2010-04-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

1)The Social Planning Council is holding the Community Focus Group for the new community resource directory web page on Monday, Feb 22, 11:30 am – 2pm (lunch) at City Hall (rsvp appreciated but NOT required). This is to determine how our local website will be setup – everyone from the community is welcome to attend. RSVP appreciated, but NOT required.

2)Communities That Care Project update

a)Anne Burrill presented The Williams Lake CTC Community Assessment Report, which is now an official public document available on the City website (see link below). The report has been presented to City Council, and will be presented to the School District next week.

The Community Profile presented in the report is a very valuable public tool that everyone is encouraged to use. It is the first time all historical and demographic factors are in one document and the uses are endless. The CTC is also able to present to groups who would like more details.

b)Carrie is currently working on the Action Plan and researching potential programs for Williams Lake. In Anahim Lake they had 31 people attend the CTC Community Assessment Report Public Forum and are now working on implementing recommended community programs.

View the CTC Community Assessment report at
http://www.williamslake.ca/files/4/CTC%20Community%20Profile%20Final%20-%20Feb%202010%20web.pdf

The CTC Williams Lake Project blog is now live at http://www.ctcwilliamslake.blogspot.com/

Non-profit directory entries

2010-03-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

Not-For-Profit? Connect by March 31st!

The Access Williams Lake & Area project has literally hundreds of items to research and load by June 15th! We need your help!Within the next two weeks, please email to AccessWilliamsLake@gmail.com the following:

1)Organization name;
2)A note confirming that it is either a not-for-profit or government-funded initiative;
3) A note stating whether or not the program is dependent on government funding to run; (The above three items simply help us organize our calling database for our annual updating work.) plus, for publication in the directory itself:

4) Name of each distinct program administered by your organization;
5) Ten to fifty words describing each program's activities;
6) Program web page or email address (Note: In order to minimize spam to agencies, email addresses are not usually listed, but if an organization has no website, an email address may also be included in the submission.)
7) Program address;
8) Program phone number

Please send all of the above in one email to AccessWilliamsLake@gmail.com by March 31, 2010

For examples of what a listing would look like, one can view www.accesskamloops.org. The Access Williams Lake & Area project, though, can also include each program's address (if program administrators wish). Every entry can be edited upon request at any time.

With questions about which programs are eligible, or about any other matter, please review the press release below or contact Jessica Knodel at spc-coordinator@xplornet.com or 250-243-2126.

January 14, 2010 Meeting Highlights

2010-03-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

Three updates from our January 14, 2010 meeting

1) Communities that Care Project Update:

Previously the Manager of the 100 Mile House Youth Centre Carrie Sundahl brings over ten years experience to the SPC and is excited to be the new CTC Project Manager.

CTC Project Updates:

Training in both Anahim Lake, and Williams Lake were a success last month.

The Community Assessment Profile for Williams Lake is now completed and will be released to the public February 11, 2010.

They are now in the process of compiling community resources and researching programs towards the implementation of local programs to address the identified needs within Williams Lake (anticipated by end of April).

Anahim Lake’s Community Action Plan is also completed and they are currently choosing programs for their local community. They have been coordinating a calendar for the local area to increase accessibility to programs and information exchange between their community organizations.

2) Toni Pate from the Boys & Girls Club introduces the HIV/AIDS Prevention Program:

Toni has been working on the HIV/AIDS prevention program in Williams Lake since April 2009. Her background education includes both psychology and sociology and she previously worked for the AIDS Society of Kamloops, and was involved in the Sex Worker Program getting sex trade workers off the streets.

Funded by BBI (Interior Health funded) this program applies the new “population health approach” which comprehensively looks at health as a capacity to reaching goals, looking at the population as a whole with different groups within it.

Toni is available for presentations to groups from 2 – 200 people, make referrals and provide Counselling support through the Boys and Girls Club. A recent event included a successful Coffee House event on Nov 28, presentations to schools, a mall awareness “cookie” event, and has received great support from the community (e.g. Dominoes Pizza, and Tim Horton’s).Toni can be reached through the Boys and Girls Club at 250-392-5730

3) Revisiting a “Living Wage” Project for the Williams Lake Area:

Rosanna has found a qualified candidate for this project. Georgina Mortensen, a TRU student who is completing her practicum working with Rosanna at the Friendship Society is interested in taking this project on and has come to today’s meeting to learn more.

Calculating the Living Wage is an initiative of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. For more info visit http://www.policyalternatives.ca

For a copy of the full meeting minutes please email spc-coordinator@xplornet.com

Reminder Feb 22 Community Focus Group

2010-02-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING REMINDER:

The Social Planning Council is holding a Community Focus Group for the online community resource web page which will connect residents and non-profits with each other to enhance the accessibility of programs and services available to residents. Monday, Feb 22, 11:30 am – 2pm (lunch) at City Hall (rsvp appreciated but NOT required). Call 250-243-2126 or email spc-coordinator@xplornet.com for more info. This is to determine how our local website will be setup – everyone is welcome to attend.

December 10, 2009 Meeting Highlights

2010-02-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

Three updates from our December 10, 2009 meeting

1) Online Community Resource Database update:

The website developers have now begun working on the site design which will include a community calendar option (3 –4 months period) and they anticipate early to mid January for design completion.

The success of a project like this is entirely dependent on the involvement of the host community and the team will spend a day connecting with agencies to get more input at an upcoming Focus Group scheduled for February 22, 2010 11:30 – 2:00 pm at City Hall.

After that, we will continue to connect online to receive new entries and updates, year round, while also annually completing a full, proactive update, making phone contact with each and every program administrator to ensure all listings continue to be current.

For more information please email spc-coordinator@xplornet.com

2) CTC Update:

Anne Burrill, Rob Smith, and new Project Manager Carrie Sundahl are in Anahim Lake today for Community Action Plan training. Williams Lake training will begin next week at TRU.

Creating a Community Action plan is the next step of the project. Using the data collected from the Community Assessment survey, this action plan will address the gaps in programming as identified by survey results. The question “What do we do now” is the goal of the Action Plan (timeline goal of March 31).

There are plans to hold a community forum to further include the general public towards the public release of the Community Assessment Report.

3) TRU Human Service Diploma student presentation:

Community Resources – 179 students Isabella Kreis and Megan Peach presented a summary of the project entitled “Me to We” which helps individuals find meaning in a material world in a positive and socially responsible way.

Their project involves bringing Inspirational Speaker Spencer West to Williams Lake Secondary School the morning of February 22, 2010

Spencer West’s speech focuses on: anti-bullying, anti-discrimination, overcoming obstacles, and the message that anyone can make a difference.

His recent presentation to more than 60K from GM Place in Vancouver (with Live Online Feed from Vancouver - Toronto) involving the Dalai Lama was very successful. Please visit the following webpage for more information http://www.metowe.com/speakers/SpencerWest/

Three Highlights from our November 12, 2009 Monthly Meeting

2009-12-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

1) To address the great need to enhance the accessibility of programs and services available to residents has lead to a partnership with the United Way for an online Community Resource Directory for the Williams Lake Area.

This partnership includes grant funding from United Way which will cover the costs of developing the website as well as hosting and maintenance fees for a five year period.

More updates will be posted as this project continues.

2) The City of Williams Lake "Imagine our Future" project (http://www.imagineourfuture.ca/) is seeking community members feedback and discussion in ten areas of focus in cluding social well being. Please contact City Planner Liliana Dragowska at 250-392-1770 or ldragowska@williamslake.ca

3) CTC Update: a) A successfull Community Board Meeting was held recently which mapped out the project for the next few months, b) Community Assessment Report is in draft form and scheduled to be released to the public in January. Prior to then it will be presented to the Key Leaders Group at their December meeting, c) Community Action Plan training in Williams Lake begins Dec 8, d) In Anahim Lake the project is in the same stages and has the valuable assistance from UNBC Social Work Practicum student.

October 19, 2009 Annual General Meeting Summary

2009-12-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

AGM business included Chair Report from Monica Johnson, Financial Report from Anne Smith, Williams Lake Food Policy Council update from Tatjana Bates, Communities that Care presentation update from Anne Burrill, and the Election of Officers.

New Board of Directors includes: Diana French, Monica Johnson, Anne Smith, Jay Goddard and Rosanna McGregor.

At 7:00 pm Keynote Speaker Seth Klein gave a compelling overview of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) "A Poverty Reduction Plan for BC". This report (summary, full report and video slideshow can be found online at the following web page address: http://www.policyalternatives.ca/ or email us directly.

We are taking membership renewals - please email spc-coordinator@xplornet.com for a registration form.

AGM October 19, 2009 - TRU 5:30 pm

2009-10-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Social Planning Council of Williams Lake invites you to our Annual General Meeting October 19, 2009 at Thompson Rivers University with keynote speaker Seth Klein from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives presenting "A Poverty Reduction Plan for BC" on why BC needs a poverty reduction plan, the ways in which we all pay for poverty, the key components of an effective plan, and why there is nothing inevitable about poverty in a province as wealthy as ours.

Dinner and regular AGM business starts at 5:30 – 7:00 pm.
Seth Klein presents, with questions to follow from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

This event is open to the public and we encourage you to tell others about Keynote Seth Klein presenting in Williams Lake starting at 7pm.

RSVP not required but appreciated to :spc-coordinator@xplornet.com, (1)-250-243-2126

Williams Lake Food Policy Council and Food Action Plan

2009-10-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Social Planning Council is happy to announce that on July 9, 2009 a formal motion to accept Food Policy Council as a standing subcommittee of the Social Planning Council was passed with unanimous support.

Tatjana Bates (Interior Health, Public Health provided an update on the Food Policy Council’s (FPC) initiatives. Started in September 2006 the FPC has an opportunity for funding to continue their Food Action Plan which includes a year round food cooperative located at the old Petro Canada station. Already the FPC has a Farm to School salad bar which feeds 160 students twice a week, Choices for Youth program, and an upcoming October Festival to showcase and serve food out of the park to people in need.

The Goals of the Food Action Plan include: Increasing Access to local grown food, promoting self sufficiency, promote food security policies, and provide healthy food in support of a viable local food economy.

For more information contact Tatjana at Tatjana.Bates@interiorhealth.ca, 250-302-5010

Update: Communities that Care Project

2009-07-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

It is a pleasure to announce the surveys have been completed and an initial report has come back. The Community Board and Risk & Protective Factors group is working hard to get an available report ready the end of September with the evaluation framework still currently in draft form. For more information contact Anne Burrill, City of Williams Lake at 250-392-8480, or Susan Nelson at 250-392-4929 or ctc@williamslake.ca

Prosperity Mine Project

2009-07-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

In May 2009 the Social Planning Council wrote a letter to the Editor of the Williams Lake Tribune regarding the Prosperity Mine project.

Editor:

On behalf of the Social Planning Council, I am writing to express specific concerns about the focus paid to social and environmental impacts of Prosperity Mine. I’d like to first be clear that our intention is not to impede economic development as we are all eager to have employment opportunities come to our community. We do, however, strenuously urge the developers to pay full attention to process in considering the social and environmental impacts of the mine development.

With enough examples of similar projects that have gone ahead strictly based on an economic cost-benefit analysis and the resulting negative social and environmental outcomes, it would be ill-advised to proceed without genuine consideration of social and environmental impacts and take action to address them. As a community, we have made huge strides in our efforts to create an integrated approach and to recognize that economic and social development planning must be mutually inclusive, and we are seeing incredibly positive results in terms of our ability to work together. Through discussions at our Social Planning Council table, there is concern that the division between those who support Prosperity and those who don’t is already significant. While we recognize that it is unreasonable to expect that regardless of process, a project such as this will have full support, the consequences of proceeding without extensive research and respectful deliberation of community input could leave a sizeable fracture in our community which will effect our ability to work together in the future.

Monica Johnson
Chair

In response to the above letter, Taseko Mines gave a presentation at the monthly Social Planning Council meeting on June 11, 2009. Katherine Gizikoff presented background information including detailed mapping, and operational plans for their Prosperity Mine Project at Fish Lake. Question and answer period followed with social impacts the focus of discussion. Some concerns addressed included local unemployment rates and plans for hiring local employees. Others focused on the impacts of increased traffic to and from the site, as well as the potential for increased family violence as income levels rise. Another question asked was if any plans by Taseko Mines were being made to provide social benefits such as recreation sites, new bus routes, and other community services.

For questions and more information, you may contact Katherine Gould Gizikoff, Manager of Government and Enviromental Affairs at Taseko Mines Limited directly at 250-392-3100 or KatherineGizikoff@tasekomines.com.

For full meeting minutes please email spc-coordinator@xplornet.com

New Board of Directors

2008-12-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

The following people were elected to the Social Planning Council Board at the Annual General Meeting on September 29:

Executive:
Monica Johnson, Chair
Jay Goddard, Vice-Chair
Anne Burrill, Communications Director
Eva Navrot, Treasurer
Kim Herdman, Secretary

Directors at large:
Ann Smith
Rosanna McGregor
Diana French
Nancy Gale

Annual General Meeting Rescheduled

2008-05-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

The Social Planning Council AGM has been rescheduled to September 29. Additional details to follow.

Imagine Williams Lake update

2008-04-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

On April 9 we held our second community vitality session, focused on developing community action. The attendance was less than the initial meeting, but we are optimistic that there was an opportunity for some good discussion and planning. Priority items were identified as:

arts and culture centre;
youth and community leadership;
community sustainability review;
a buy local program;
First Nations outreach;
planning more community wide events;
youth outreach;

While some of these ideas have been talked about for some time, and other have existing initiatives started, this was a good opportunity to have community members share their ideas.

We expect to recieve a report on the second session soon.

The project team and steering committee will be reviewing the reports and notes from the sessions in preparation for planning the next steps.

Annual General Meeting June 19

2008-04-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

The annual general meeting for the Social Planning Council will be held June 19 from 4-7 pm. Location to be announced at a later date.

Imagine Williams Lake CVI results and focused planning Session

2008-03-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

Community members are invited to participate in a Focus Session on April 9th, 2008 in the Gibraltar Room hosted by the City of Williams Lake and the Social Planning Council.

· Presentation of results from the Community Vitality Assessment held January 23, 2008
· A community priority setting session to identify projects for action
· A focused planning session to get short term action underway and begin planning for longer term activities
· An opportunity to get involved in making Williams Lake a better place to live.

Everyone from the community is invited and welcome to participate in this process. Bring your passion and your commitment to making Williams Lake a great community.

The summary report from the January Community Vitality Assessment will be available in the first week of April. It can be accessed on the City of Williams Lake website: www.williamslake.ca

If you are interested in participating in the Community Vitality Assessment process, please contact Andrea at
303-0346 or by email at imagine@williamslake.ca

Crime prevention requires more complex response than jail

2008-02-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

The Social Planning Council of Williams Lake is a consortium of social service providers, concerned citizens and community educators dedicated to the promotion of social planning and the awareness of social issues based on research, informed practice and a concern for individuals who are experiencing social disadvantage. We would like to provide a concerned counterpoint to some of the views expressed by Walt Cobb in his February 7th column (No consequences for lawbreakers addicts, February 07, 2008).
In his column, Mr. Cobb appears to advocate for a fear-based approach to dealing with adolescents, and people who potentially commit crimes, including people with mental illness and addictions. While his response is no doubt based in a frustration we all feel with the current level of property crime in our community, it is nonetheless , just that an emotional opinion with little substance. We feel strongly that if taken seriously, Mr. Cobb’s get tough stance has the potential to actually do more harm than good by fostering an even deeper prejudice against marginalized and disenfranchised individuals in our community.
To be sure, as service providers, childcare workers, social workers and educators, we work with individuals who struggle with addictions and mental illness, with adolescents who leave unbearable home lives, with individuals with learning and intellectual disabilities like FASD for whom the world is not a welcoming and supportive place. We also recognize the difficulties our public school system faces trying to accommodate this diversity and at the same time having to prove that it is “accountable “ through standardized tests that simply reflect the socio-economic status of the neighborhoods of the schools in which they are conducted and not as Mr. Cobb suggests “showing up” the teachers.
To oversimplify the problem of crime by taking a get tough stance on issues of youth crime and addiction has been tried. The United State has the highest incarceration rate in the world (National Council on Crime and Delinquency, 2006). It is 4 times the world average and several times higher than countries like Iran and Rwanda. It also has a number of very punitive laws for drug related and property crimes, such as the 3 strike law in California. Yet the crime rate in the US continues to be the same. There is no overall reduction in crime suggesting that the fear of going to jail has almost no effect on the crime rate.
It has long been suggested that what does work to reduce crime has been a solid investment in social infra-structure, Things like support for people living in poverty, the availability of drug treatment programs, liberalization of drug laws (where people struggling with addictions are not seen as criminals), adequate health care including mental health care, education and community supports for parents in particular single mothers and finally a strong public education system. The last decade in BC has seen a pronounced erosion of all of these services particularly in rural areas. The fact that in Canada we have some of these services speaks to our relatively low crime rate compared to other nations in the world.
Crime is obviously an emotional issue for people and no helping professional would advocate that there be no consequences for criminal activity, but to simplify it to an issue of getting tougher on young people and people facing addictions and mental illnesses and to point the finger at teachers and social workers as enabling this to happen is both counter productive and irresponsible. We hope this letter begins to help people understand that there are other less reactionary solutions to the problem.
--Submitted by Jay Goddard, Vice-Chair

Imagine Williams Lake - CVI Assessment a success!

2008-02-05T16:16:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to report that we had over 75 participants at our CVI assessment meeting on January 23. Feedback to date has been very positive. Those who were unable to come to the session are welcome to complete the online survey until February 6. You can find it on the City of Williams Lake website: www.williamslake.ca.
We expect to receive the report in mid March and will be working hard to distribute it widely to the community. The follow up session will be held April 9.