New Resources for Voluntary Sector, Non-Profit Groups

Want to learn how to attract volunteers? To raise funds successfully during tough times? What about recruiting and managing a volunteer board?

Answers to these questions, and many others, are available in the new Voluntary Sector Resource Collection.

The new collection was launched by Marilyn More, Minister of Volunteerism, today, Sept. 30, at Alderney Gate Library in Dartmouth. Members of the voluntary sector also attended.

"The voluntary and non-profit sector makes a valuable contribution to our communities," said Ms. More. "This new collection will help groups get current, helpful and timely information they need to continue their important work."

The collection, which includes books, periodicals and online resources, covers topics such as fundraising, risk management, media relations and more. It will be available, at public libraries across the province, to anyone with a library card.

Currently, French resources are available online only. Hard copy resources will be added as they become available.

"The collection will be a valuable source for staff in voluntary organizations, co-ordinators of volunteers, both paid and unpaid, and volunteer board members," said Sandra Murphy, executive director of Community Links, a provincial organization that works for seniors' well-being, community development and volunteerism.

"Having these resources available through the regional and local libraries will be a great asset to the sector."

The province has invested $9,000 in the collection. The initiative is a partnership between the Department of Health Promotion and Protection-Volunteerism, and the Nova Scotia Public Libraries division of the Department of Education.