Community Leadership Resources

Community Leadership Resources (CLR) is a volunteer and management development service committed to enhancing the organizational and governance capacity of non-profit organizations serving York Region.
Our goal is to offer our clients the resources they need to function at optimum effectiveness. Services provided by CLR include promoting and developing volunteer and staff leadership through education, networking opportunities, current and relevant resources, co-ordinating management and executive training and individual consultation by experienced and knowledgeable volunteers.
Community Leadership Resources Programs and Services
- Community Workshops
- Non-Profit Board Development Opportunities
- Consultations
- Library
- Publications
- Networking Opportunities
- Reports
- Fund Distribution Review
- Useful Links
Community Workshops
CLR hosts Community Workshops designed to meet the professional development needs of non-profit managers and volunteer leaders. Community Workshops address issues related to management and governance of non-profit organizations.
For more information, please contact Michele McGee, Community Resources Manager at 905-474-9974 ext. 225 or mmcgee@uwyr.on.ca
Non-Profit Board Development Opportunities
The Community Leadership Resources Program provides professional development opportunities for Board Members of non-profit organizations in York Region. The purpose of the sessions is to bring together Board Members to participate in professional development, information sharing and mentoring opportunities. The sessions are offered in two formats: evenings for Board Members and mornings for Executive Directors / Senior Staff.
For more information, please contact Michele McGee, Community Resources Manager at 905-474-9974 ext. 225 or mmcgee@uwyr.on.ca
CLR Consultations
CLR Volunteer Consultants are professionals who offer their time and expertise to build capacity in the non-profit sector in York Region.
Volunteer Consultants provide consultation to non-profit organizations in York Region, in specific areas of non-profit governance and management, including:
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All consultations are facilitated processes available to non-profit organizations in York Region.
For more information, please contact Michele McGee, Community Resources Manager at 905-474-9974 ext. 225 or mmcgee@uwyr.on.ca
Sam Bowman Resource Library
CLR has its own small library dedicated to educational materials for executive management and governance. Our library consists of books, journals, newsletters, papers, reports and organizational tools that can be borrowed by non-profit organizations in York Region.
If you are interested in visiting our library, please call us in advance so that we can assist you with your search.
Contact: Kandice Duncan at 905-474-9974 ext. 221 or kduncan@uwyr.on.ca
Location: 80F Centurian Drive, Suite 200, Markham, ON
Publications for Sale
CLR offers the following publications which are available for purchase:
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An Organizational Exploration: Core Competency Assessment Manual Not-for-profit organizations are being called upon regularly by funders to justify continued support, and to demonstrate how they are adapting to changing needs in the community. This manual encourages a regular evaluation of core competencies as a tool to spur action for organizational improvement where needed. This manual is a self-directed guide to help not-for-profit organizations understand core competencies and complete an inventory that will allow them to take action. An overview of the concept of Core Competency is presented and the balance of the manual provides detailed instructions on how to complete the inventory. Cost: $6.00 plus shipping & handling |
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Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations (2nd edition) This book provides an in depth explanation of how to undertake a strategic plan. It clearly states what strategic planning is and how it is different from long range planning. It explains in detail the reasons for undertaking strategic planning. The book is directed towards non-profit organizations and would be an especially useful guide for organizations who have little experience and/or knowledge of strategic planning. It includes a CD Rom with worksheets and templates. It uses case studies throughout the book to illustrate situations which may arise during the planning process and to provide examples of strategic planning phases. A fictional organization is created to illustrate the use of the worksheets throughout the book. It also uses checklists and process notes. The appendices include blank worksheets, sample work plans, the EEMO self assessment tool, surveys, sample techniques, more tools, techniques and templates and further references. Cost: $43.00 plus shipping & handling |
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Measuring Program Outcomes: A Practical Approach This guide provides a very clear description of outcome measurement, the reasons why outcome measurement is important and the difference between inputs, outputs and outcomes. The authors also explain in detail how organizations can use the results of their findings. Four hypothetical examples guide the reader through the eight steps. Examples are provided to guide the reader through developing indicatiors and measurement tools and references are provided should the reader need more information. Worksheets and exhibits can be photocopied and used by organizations. Cost: $14.00 plus shipping & handling |
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Kaleidoscopic Organizations: Diversity and Inclusivity: A Framework Developed in consultation with Alok Mukherjee, this is a wonderful framework and toolkit that is designed to assist in enhancing your organizations ability to address issues of diversity. The book deals with diversity and inclusivity in terms of three key areas: Service, Human Resources and Governance, and is intended to assist groups in assessing and developing plans to become more inclusive of the communities they serve. Cost: $30.00 plus shipping & handling |
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MEDIA-WISE: A Guide to Media Relations for Not-for-Profit Organizations MEDIA-WISE, developed in consultation with Susan Sommers, is designed for use by non-profits of all sizes and focuses. This book is intended to help organizations understand the media and to provide them with the tools needed to create a targeted media list, contact and follow-up with key media, write news releases and prepare media kits, communicate in a crisis, and much, much more. MEDIA-WISE can be used by anyone who deals with the media, from Executive Director to volunteers! To find out more about Susan, please visit www.susansommers.ca. Cost: $19.95 plus shipping & handling |
To order these publications, please download and complete the Book Order Form and fax to Kandice Duncan at 905-474-0051 or email Kandice at kduncan@uwyr.on.ca.
Please contact Kandice for shipping and handling costs for your purchase.
Networking Opportunities
Executive Directors’ Breakfast Meeting
Come meet and share information with other Executive Directors of non-profit organizations serving York Region. This is a great opportunity for mutual support, collaboration and executive mentorship.
Chair: Lynn Ziraldo, Learning Disabilities Association of York Region
Email: info@ldayr.org
Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 16, 2010
8:30 am to 10:00 am
Location: Rexall Health Centre (Community Room)
9625 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON
(Yonge Street and Weldrick Road)
Reports
EFFECTIVE PRACTICES FOR NON-PROFITS
As part of UWYR’s continuing efforts to build capacity in the local non-profit sector, we have, in partnership with The Ontario Trillium Foundation, produced Effective Practices for Non-Profits, which outlines effective practices for dealing with some of the more common issues that face many non-profit organizations: Executive Director Performance Appraisal, Recruiting Board Members From Diverse Ethnic Communities and Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Organizations.
LEADING ETHNORACIAL ACCESS DIALOGUE
The Leading Ethnoracial Access Dialogue (LEAD) Report is the result of community consultations with three ethnoracial communities; the Chinese, South Asian and African Caribbean. Data from 2001 Census states that these communities are the fastest growing ethnoracial communities in York Region.
LEAD was launched in 2002 to gain a better understanding of the most effective and efficient ways to improve access to social services for these under-served communities.
The Leading Ethnoracial Access Dialogue (LEAD) Report explores the gaps and challenges in the human service sector for these ethnoracial communities and offers recommendations to UWYR in removing the existing barriers.
The LEAD Implementation Plan & The Executive Summary includes an Executive Summary of the LEAD Report, Recommendations, and the Implementation Plan.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND FUNDING PRIORITIES SETTING REVIEW
Donors count on United Way of York Region to ensure their charitable contributions are helping those who need it the most.
Every five years we conduct a community needs assessment to ensure donor dollars are strategically allocated. The most recent assessment was conducted in 2004 by the Advisory Committee on Needs Assessment and Funding Priorities Setting (ACNAPS).
The Final Report: United Way of York Region Needs Assessment and Funding Priorities Setting Review is the result of extensive consultation with a variety of stakeholders. Criteria for future funding allocations will be developed based upon the new funding priorities contained in this report.
- Needs Assessment and Funding Priorities Review
- Needs Assessment and Funding Priorities Review (Summary)
- Understanding our Environment
Fund Distribution Review
Message from Rick McHale, Chair – Fund Distribution Committee
In September 2005, the Board of Directors of UWYR approved the following important reports prepared by the UWYR Fund Distribution Committee (FDC):
The "Report on 2005-2010 New Funding Priorities" sets forth the general purposes and expected outcomes of programs to be funded by the UWYR Community Fund (currently known as the "Core Program Fund") based on the five funding priorities for 2005-2010.
The "Report on Fund Distribution Review" introduces significant improvements to UWYR’s fund distribution polices and procedures.
The Reports are the result of hundreds of hours of volunteer and staff work and extensive consultation over the past 15 months. I would like to thank all members of the FDC and Fund Distribution Review Working Group for their exemplary and untiring work. The membership lists are attached
The implementation of the two reports will lead to numerous changes. We believe that these much needed changes will benefit all stakeholders: the communities that together we serve, member and funded agencies and UWYR. The community needs identified as priorities in the UWYR 2004 Needs Assessment Study will be addressed by UWYR funded programs. For Member and Funded Agencies, they will work with a more clearly defined, streamlined and transparent fund distribution mechanism. Last but not least, UWYR will enjoy even stronger accountability from Member and Funded Agencies on uses of its funding.
I would like to acknowledge the work of the Past Chair of the FDC Mary Neal and Community Resource Director, Simon Cheng for their exceptional leadership and contribution to the final reports. Mary’s guidance was relentless in leading us through a lengthy and uncharted course. Simon’s extensive knowledge, research and capacity for work were critical in disseminating and applying a wealth of data.
The Reports are attached in pdf format.
- Report on 2005-2010 New Funding Priorities; and
- Reports on the Fund Distribution Review, including:
All recommendations made in the Reports were approved by UWYR Board of Directors on September 19, 2005.
Useful Links
Submit a Link
To submit a link to be included on this list, please contact Michele McGee, Community Resources Manager at 905-474-9974 ext. 225 or
Alliance for Nonprofit Management
http://www.allianceonline.org
Professional association of individuals devoted to improving management and governance of nonprofit agencies. Alliance members include management support organizations, individual professionals, and various organizations that provide assistance to nonprofit agencies.
BoardMatch
http://www.boardmatch.org
An online volunteer board matching service and e-Learning resource.
Recruit talented and enthusiastic individuals oriented to the roles and responsibilities of board service and access continuous e-Learning for your organizations board and staff.
BoardSource
http://www.ncnb.org
Provides information, tools, training, and leadership development for board members of nonprofit organizations worldwide. Also includes a comprehensive selection of material on nonprofit governance (e.g. books, videotapes, and audiotapes).
Canada Revenue Agency
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/chrts/menu-eng.html
Information for organizations on how to qualify for charitable status, how to operate a charity, filing annual returns, and various other resources.
Capacity Builders
http://www.capacitybuilders.ca
Provides one-stop access to management consultants, services, tools, and training for nonprofit organizations.
Charity Channel
http://www.charitychannel.com
A volunteer-driven online community established in 1992. To date, there are over 100,000 participants and 35,000 subscriptions to its forums and eNewsletters.
Charity Village
http://www.charityvillage.com
Canadas source for the nonprofit sector, providing more than 3,000 pages of news, jobs, how-to articles, volunteer and event listings, educational opportunities, and various other resources.
Help 4 Nonprofits
http://www.help4nonprofits.com
Provides information for nonprofit boards, fundraising techniques, personal and professional development, and marketing resources.
Helpmate Community Information and Volunteer Bureau
http://www.inforichmondhill.org
Provides a community information service for the Town of Richmond Hill and surrounding municipalities and a volunteer bureau for York Region.
Imagine Canada
http://www.imaginecanada.ca
A membership-based organization that works with charities, governments and corporations to advance the role and interests of the charitable sector for the benefit of Canadian communities.
Ministry of Labour
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/
english/about/a_z.html
A listing of labour-related topics, including the Employment Standards Act, Canada Labour Code, statistics, health and safety, etc.
Nonprofit Issues
http://www.nonprofitissues.com
A national newsletter written for nonprofit executives and their advisors, providing clear and comprehensive coverage of real issues affecting nonprofits on a daily basis.
Nonprofit Risk Management Center
http://www.nonprofitrisk.org
Established in 1990 to provide assistance and resources for community-serving nonprofit organizations. Its purpose it to understand and respond to questions with practical, affordable suggestions for controlling risks that threaten a nonprofits ability to accomplish its mission.
Professional Administrators of Volunteers Resources – Ontario
http://www.pavro.on.ca
A provincial organization that promotes professional standards of excellence in the administration of volunteers resources throughout Ontario.
Resource Centre for Voluntary Organizations
http://www.rcvo.org
Provides information for the non-profit sector on volunteer management, board development, fundraising, and agency management.
Volunteer Canada
http://www.volunteer.ca
A national umbrella association on behalf of volunteer centres that promote the growth of volunteerism and community participation in Canada.









