Monthly Meeting Reminder - Monday, Jan 28, 2019

The Social Planning Council of Williams Lake and Area's meetings are intended to encourage dialogue on subjects that are relevant to the current needs of our unique community. Recently the subject of recruitment, retention, and succession for positions including staff, management, board members, and even volunteers has arisen within many local organizations and this is the subject of the discussion at the next meeting, this upcoming Monday, January 29th starting at 11:30 am at Community Futures* downtown Williams Lake. Please join us to share your experiences, challenges, solutions, or to just listen in. As one of the survey participants commented on SPC meetings topics, "There is always something to learn and connections to be made."

The discussion will last approximately 45 minutes with the attempt to ensure time for roundtable updates afterwards - please join for part of, or the whole meeting. There will be free coffee, tea and light lunch available. Hope to see you there - these meetings are open to everyone.

*there are lots of free public parking spots and parking lots within the close vicinity.

Last month's meeting minutes from Oct 22, 2018 (Open House and AGM took place in November, and we did not host a December meeting due to the holidays) are posted below for your review.

Hope to see you there!

Share our invitation found on our public facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/socialplanning.council.1

SPC Monthly Meeting Minutes (draft) - Oct 22, 2018

Location: Cariboo Friendship Society (upstairs boardroom), Williams Lake, BC

In attendance (from sign-in sheet): Janice Breck, Pratyush Dhawan, Jon Jackson, Ashlee Hyde, Rosanna McGregor, Shannon Thom, Anne Burrill, Jessica Dunn and Bruce Mack.

Regrets: Larry Stranberg, Diane Wright

Review Agenda and Minutes

·   Review meeting agenda for Oct 22, 2018

MOTION to accept agenda as presented - motion was seconded, all in favour, motion CARRIED

·   Review meeting minutes from Sept 24, 2018

MOTION to accept minutes as presented - motion was seconded, all in favour, motion CARRIED

Lived Experience Presentation - Anne Burrill

Discussion - Utilizing Lived Experience when researching any topic is an emerging best practice (strengthening over the past few years). Anytime there is planning, it is important to engage with people who have "lived experience in the subject". Not just in a token sense,  but through a meaningful process.

THRIVE Williams Lake is using this best practice in the project. In an engaged qualitative way (rather than in a quantitative way). You cannot just invite people to a meeting, they need to be engaged properly and supported.

When there is a table full of professionals - it is hard to attract Lived Experience people (intimidating environment). Respectful, meaningful dialogue while supporting them in the process of participating works best. A Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Coalition Publication provides many ways to engage (electronic copy available - put your name on it).

THRIVE Williams Lake Project specifics:

1) Interview (casual conversation initially - tell me your story, and then prompt) - 6 people so far.

2) Online survey - opportunity to share anonymously (with question - can we contact you for an interview?). Article in paper, posters around town, on facebook (starting to pick-up steam) - 28 people have taken this survey so far (goal is not a representative sample - to gather information only). Of the participants to date, 14 want an interview.

Handout was provided with some summary data of information already collected - Sample questions discussed:

1) What does poverty mean to you personally?

Stress (listed by all), isolation and embarrassment also high responses - really shows in our survey (and expressed in interviews). Significant mental health component.

2) What would it take to help your situation?

Housing is still identified as the top issue.

Currently the vacancy rate is the lowest it has been in many years.

1 bedroom a year ago was 625, now 750 dollars rent per month.

1000 dollars or more for a nice basement suite currently

Almost in a crisis situation locally with so many people living here temporarily (on temporary assignments including many road workers).

THRIVE Williams Lake project - will be bringing people with lived experience together to provide input as a group. In a non-intimidating environment (only lived experience participants will be invited) - likely taking place in November. Advocacy workers are invited to attend with clients.

Other Discussions:

One local employee had to quit her job because they have been homeless for over a month, and the employer didn't even suspect this.

Question - BC Housing - what are the plans for the Williams Lake Area?

Answer - Capacity to organize projects of this size is an issue in Williams Lake (huge projects can only be built every 5 years or so with current capacity). First Avenue development is currently taking place. There is also a great need for transitional housing locally.

Having lived experience info/voice is invaluable, but there is a risk in adding too much weight to any one perspective. Also impact is much more powerful and of value when you directly hear from people themselves.

Rosanna - participants at the Minister's table (legislative work behind the scenes) have been appreciative of the inclusion of lived experience being shared (philosophy from the beginning was to include lived experience and they have). Natural gas prices is also an identified issue in the north - not just housing affordability.

Hydro - two tier rate system is also hurting people in the north financially.

In even a small apartment - people can pay up to $100/month for electric bill in 2018

THRIVE Williams Lake Update

Project in general has felt slow to start, and is now "roaring down the freeway".

-Business at it's Best update: partnership (including City, CF, Chamber, WLCBIA). Gathering examples of good employers -  treat employees well, pay well and use creative ways to attract good employees. Then - the project will SHARE this to other employers with a celebratory event in the new year with the goal to share and promote other employers to consider some of these ideas. No shame and blame - focus on the positive entirely.

-Work Summit event with the Regional Education Council's steering committee in February - summit on employment potentials - what are things we can do within the community to address the gaps between the demand and supply between service providers and people looking for employment. The goal is to explore solutions and actions that can be taken.

Rosanna - There is a Cariboo Friendship Society workshop in November to engage young people from an entrepreneurial side, and she will keep the two ideas connected at this event.

Annual General Meeting reminder

Monday Nov 26 OPEN HOUSE from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm (AGM Business at 12:30 pm)

Check out the new office space

Participate in the survey sent out by the SPC

Learn about CTC

Learn about THRIVE Williams Lake

AGM Business (& Election of Officers) at 12:30

Coffee, tea, and snacks

Roundtable Updates

Shannon Thom (Williams Lake Employment Services) - Nov 29th event Find your Fit Tour (career exploration event geared towards youth). Interactive tables that are appropriate for children. Apr 1st, the Workplace BC contract is up for renewal.

Rosanna McGregor (Cariboo Friendship Society) - Interior Health opiate overdose response and evaluation re: aboriginal mental health and wellness plan (ten year). Small sharps portable - pushing for testing of drugs. Ministers Poverty reduction committee - lots of great ideas coming. Williams Lake Social Housing Society - approved to take a daycare space (and funding is approved). They have signed an agreement to pay $25/hour (dictated by government funding). WLSHS AGM Oct 29th at 12:00 pm (at 2004 - Third Ave).

Question - is there enough qualified ECE's locally for this daycare to hire? Also, comments - I think this would be the highest paid ECE position starting wage within the City! Answer - yes, some ECE's are not working after other local daycare closures.

Jon Jackson (Red Cross) - 2017 Wildfires: recovery efforts are still underway (including Housing repair and reconstruction efforts addressing those who sustained damage and need to rebuild with links and supports to other organizations). 2018 Wildfires: current assistance for early recovery. Team is in Dease Lake at this time (then travelling to near the Yukon Border).  More than early recovery was requested - under current review.

Ashlee Hyde (United Way) - Grant cheques sent out last week. Local Love is this year's campaign slogan. Video will be shared. Community Wellness teams are still out in the community (assessing gaps in services). Brand new project (partnership with WorkBC) - Fire mitigation job creation partnership - currently 4 participants being trained in fire smarting people's homes for seniors and people with low mobility. Package being developed. Signed an MOU with SD 27 & Interior Health to deliver program called "Cook it, Try it, Like it" - teaches kids to cook and try new foods (with request to bring it to Williams Lake). RCMP & Interior Health discussions taking place to bring back "positive ticketing". United Way purchased a poverty reduction simulation kit - can be taken to places for people to learn what it is like to live in poverty.

Pratyush Dhawan (Red Cross) - Four community partnerships program (3 in BC - 2017 BC Wildfires, 2018 BC Wildfires, and 2018 BC Floods). For 2017 funding is now shifting towards long term projects (for 2019 - and beyond with lots of mental health supports, safety and wellbeing, and aboriginal partnerships). Still looking to fill gaps. Red Cross has an increased capacity nationally now. New program guidelines with workplans etc. Updated list of projects online - approx 100 partnerships currently. Still working in our area - no deadlines yet and more support for longer term projects. Questions - contact Pratyush directly (or via other methods of contacting the Red Cross). New deadlines for 2018 - end of April next year (gave more time as requested/ broader window of time now).

Bruce Mack - looking forward to Summit in Feb (See Anne's updates)

Anne Burrill (Changemaker Consulting) - As part of the THRIVE Williams Lake project, the Adaptive Leadership Training workshop is taking place Oct 29 - 30th  - this is an experiential and hands on workshop. Housing First moved to CMHA (formerly out of Fraser Basin Council office). Low caseload at this time (due to higher current rent supplements and lack of available housing).

MOTION to adjourn meeting was made at 1:04 pm, was seconded, all in favour, motion CARRIED.

Community Updates (15) - Jan 11, 2019

Table of Contents:

1) The next SPC Meeting - interesting topic see below

2) Saturday Jan 12th (tomorrow) - Free Family Film Matinee at the Library

3) Interested in Nature Kindergarten? - mandatory meetings for parents

4) Canada Summer Jobs - funding opportunity (closes Jan 25, 2019)
5) THRIVE Williams Lake - Poverty Game Changer Event  Follow-up

6) Upcoming Free Workshop - Level 1 FoodSafe

7) Sip and Swap - a Waste Wise Shopping Spree! Jan 23rd at 4 pm

8) Salvation Army - needs volunteers for kitchen

9) Local CCACS Grants - Applications being accepted

10) Coda! Teen Choir - free for ages 9 - 17 (Jan 10 - Apr 11, 2019)

11) Annual Family Fest - Sunday Jan 27th from 10 - 2pm

12) Call for Performers - deadline Mar 2, 2019

13) Not sure about your English Skills? Free Language instruction classes

14) Citizens on Patrol (COP) - looking for volunteers

15) CDC looking for volunteers for Swim Program

Please visit http://cm.pn/43pk or see below for the above updates

1) The next SPC Meeting - interesting topic see below

The SPC meetings are intended to encourage dialogue on subjects that are relevant to the current needs of our unique community. Recently the subject of succession planning  for senior management positions has arisen within many local organizations and this is the subject of the discussion at  the next SPC meeting on Monday, January 28, 2019 beginning at 11:30 am at Community Futures in downtown Williams Lake (note - there are many public parking spots, and lots within the close vicinity).

The discussion will last approximately 45 minutes with other SPC agenda items afterwards - please join for part of, or the whole meeting. There will be free coffee, tea and light lunch available (donations accepted but not required - receipts provided upon request). If you plan to attend and have dietary restrictions please send an email at least a week prior to spc-coordinator@xplornet.com or leave a message at 250-243-2126. Hope to see you there - these meetings are open to everyone.

2) Saturday Jan 12th (tomorrow) - Free Family Film Matinee at the Library

Free Family Film Matinee at the Library in Williams Lake on Saturday, Jan 12th at 2:00 pm in the Programme Room. Refreshments and snacks included. The film being show is the Princess Bride. Call 250-392-3630 for more information. Library is Suite A - 180 N 3rd Avenue in Williams Lake (open Tues - Thur 10 am - 8 pm, and Fri - Sat from 10 am - 5 pm).

3) Interested in Nature Kindergarten? - mandatory meetings for parents

Do you know of a child who would thrive in a nature kindergarten? Let them know about SD 27's Scout Island Nature Kindergarten. Interested parents must attend the MANDATORY meeting Tuesday Jan. 15 (at nature house) at 6:30 pm or or Thursday Jan 17 (at Marie Sharpe) at 6:30 pm to learn about the kindergarten and receive the registration forms in order to be eligible to register their child for September 2019. Enrollment will be limited - for detailed program information visit www.sd27.bc.ca/outdoor-education/nature-kindergarten/

4) Canada Summer Jobs - funding opportunity (closes Jan 25, 2019)
The Call for Proposals for Canada Summer Jobs 2019 program is now open. Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative. It delivers funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees to create summer jobs for students between the ages of 15 and 30. Providing support to Indigenous organizations is a priority of this program, so I encourage you to distribute this information to the members of your communities, students and colleagues within your organization. There is no longer a requirement for the person to be in school. Additional information on the program and application process can be found below:

LOOKING FOR HELP THIS SUMMER?
WHY NOT HIRE A STUDENT?
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR WAGES IS AVAILABLE!
The 2019 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) application period for employers is from December 17, 2018 to January 25, 2019.

Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative. It provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees to create summer jobs for students between the ages of 15 and 30.

The application form as well as the applicant guide are currently available at www.canada.ca/canada-summer-jobs<https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/youth-summer-job.html>. You can submit your application online, by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre.

We encourage you to submit your 2019 application online. By doing so, you will benefit from a fast, easy-to-use, and secure way of applying. There are two systems available to enable you to apply online:

  1.  Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS):<https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/gcos.html> If you already have a GCOS account, please use this online platform to submit an online application; or
  2.  CSJ online<https://srv212.services.gc.ca/ihst/Questionnaire.aspx?sid=a6b040a0-c6ab-438e-889b-7cb3ec8e7171&lc=eng&iffsappid=EEC-CSJ&iffssid=bcd144df-ac43-4385-bfb4-c868fd9d1aa7> application form.

For more information:
Click: www.canada.ca/canada-summer-jobs<https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/youth-summer-job.html>
Call: 1-800-935-5555 (ATS: 1-800-926-9105)

5) THRIVE Williams Lake - Poverty Game Changer Event  Follow-up

Hello all,

Thank you for your interest and participation in the Poverty Game Changers event on December 6. We had almost 60 people attend and engage in a lively discussion about the challenges and opportunities for change in our community. This was more than a one day event, it was the beginning of a process of working together to change the conditions that contribute to and keep people struggling in our community. I’m attaching the event summary report – it’s a reminder of what we did and a snapshot for those who couldn’t attend. I also have transcribed the flipchart notes so if you are interested in more details, please let me know and I can send them along, or send the ones for a specific topic you are interested in.

We generated some ideas for moving forward, so if there’s anything you are particularly interested in staying connected to or following up on, please be in touch. I’m hoping many of these will gain some traction in the coming weeks and months.

All the best,

Anne Burrill, Project Lead

Thrive Community Poverty Reduction Project

 annelburrill@gmail.com

250.267.7211

www.facebook.com/ThriveWilliamsLake

6) Upcoming Free Workshop - Level 1 FoodSafe

With support from the Wildfire Business Transition Program , your local Community Futures is offering FREE Food Safe - Level 1 training to businesses and not-for profits. This upcoming FREE workshop takes place in Williams Lake on January 22, 2019 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at the Pioneer Complex (351 Hodgson Road).

To register: Please go to our website http://www.cfwildfire.ca/workshops/ to register. For more information contact kathie@cfdccariboo.com or call Community Futures at 250-392-3626.

 Sponsored by Western Economic  Diversification and Red Cross.

7) Sip and Swap - a Waste Wise Shopping Spree! Jan 23rd at 4 pm

The Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society is getting very excited about this! Indeed, the Waste Wise clothing swap is at 4pm on January 23rd at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre. Folks can drop off their clothing and accessories donations any time after 4pm at the centre, then the swapping will not start until 5pm. No limits, no holds, all fun! Please note: accepting gently used, clean donations ONLY (anything past its prime can go to the textiles recycling bin at the transfer station).

Free to attend (drinks and snacks included) - Open to men, women and kids. All leftovers will go to charity.  If you need to arrange to drop off your donations before the swap, please give us a call to discuss at 250-398-7929 or email wastewise@ccconserv.org

Visit https://www.facebook.com/CCCSociety/ or https://www.ccconserv.org/ more details.

8) Salvation Army - needs volunteers for kitchen

The Salvation Army in Williams Lake is looking for volunteers to help run the kitchen for various tasks and times Mon - Fri (or even Tues & Fri mornings from 9 - 10:30 am) Please contact the Salvation Army at 250-392-2423

9) Local CCACS Grants - Applications being accepted

The Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society's next round of grant funding is now open.

Support Grants for activities taking place between July 1 - Dec 31, 2019 - the deadline to apply is May 30, 2019

Project Grants for projects taking place between Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2019 - the deadline to apply is Jan 31, 2019.

Visit centralcaribooarts.com/grants for more information

10) Coda! Teen Choir - free for ages 9 - 17 (Jan 10 - Apr 11, 2019)

The Junior Cadet Society received a generous grant from the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society which allows them to partner with Angelkeys Music Studio to offer Coda! Teen Choir which is free of charge for anyone ages 9 - 17 to join.

Coda! Teen Choir takes place at St. Peters Anglican Church at 549 Carson Drive in Williams Lake on Thursdays from 6:30 - 7:15 pm from Jan 10th - Apr 11, 2019

There is no charge to participate during this session (dates above). Please contact Angela Sommer at www.angelkeys.ca or angelkeys11@gmail.com for more information!

11) Annual Family Fest - Sunday Jan 27th from 10 - 2pm

This annual Family Festival takes place on Sunday, January 27th from 10 am until 2:00 pm in the Gibraltar Room at the Cariboo Memorial Complex in Williams Lake.

This event features: Puppet show, Story telling, Door prizes, Free snacks, RC Car Racing, Book walk, Hands on fun & interactive learning, and Music!

Made possible by Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy, Strong Start, Interior Health, Success by Six, Pregnancy Outreach, Women's Contact Society, Child Development Centre, Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society, Scout Island Nature Centre, Lionesses & great team of local volunteers.

12) Call for Performers - deadline Mar 2, 2019

Performances in the Park is accepting applications for local, regional and international acts for the 2019 Performances in the Park weekly free outdoor summer music and talent event held at Boitanio Park in Williams Lake.

Performance in the Park takes place every Thursday evening through July and August.

Go to centralcaribooarts.com/performances-in-the-park for more information or to apply today - deadline is Mar 2, 2019.

13) Not sure about your English Skills? Free Language instruction classes

The CCPL has free language instruction for newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program classes for all levels. Free child minding is available. For more information about LINC call 250-945-4199, email susan@caribooliteracy.com or drop into the CCPL office at 118 C North First Ave in Williams Lake. Visit www.caribooliteracy.com for more information.

14) Citizens on Patrol (COP) - looking for volunteers

COP is looking for volunteers, over the age of 19 (must pass a criminal records check)  to patrol the community, record suspicious events and report to the RCMP. COP also requires office volunteers to perform data entry, general office work, communicate information to members and to coordinate patrols.

If you wish to assist the RCMP in making our community a better place to live call Dave Dickson at 250-392-8701 or Bob McIntosh at 250-305-1041 or 250-303-1428.

Everyone is invited to attend Community Policing meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm at their office in Williams Lake (downtown corner of 3rd & Oliver Street).

15) CDC looking for volunteers for Swim Program

The Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre is looking for volunteers for their swim program that takes place Wednesday afternoons. Contact Paige or Valerie for more information at 250-392-4481.