“Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.”
- Aldous Huxley
Effective groups
Collaborative process
One of the hallmarks of effective groups is the ability to work together collaboratively – sharing knowledge and learning from each other - whether in formal partnerships or as volunteers, in formal committees or in informal working groups.
Collaboration in groups top^
Collaboration Training Manual
An online training manual developed for the National Network for Collaboration, with a useful framework model and a number of practical tools.
University of Vermont, Center for Rural Studies, linked 08/16
http://www.uvm.edu/extension/community/nnco/cd/index.htm
Partnership Synergy: A Practical Framework
A research article on the importance and measurement of synergy in effective partnerships.
NCCMT website, National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (2008). McMaster U, (Updated 27 April, 2010), linked 08/16
http://www.nccmt.ca/registry/view/eng/8.html
Committee functioning top^
Committees and Delegation
A brief summary of the purpose, requirements, and composition of committees to support a consensus process.
Tree Bressen, linked 08/16
http://www.treegroup.info/topics/handout-committees.pdf
Effective Committees
Good overview of how to make committees effective as they are often the working force at the heart of an organization and build the support base of an organization.
Alberta Food and Agriculture, linked 08/16
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex1333
Effective Committees Factsheet
Clear, concise set of tips.
ON Min of Ag website, linked 08/16
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/facts/08-061.htm
Ideas to Generate Participation in Committees
Excellent ideas for how to increase participation in committees.
Carter McNamara, Free Management Library, linked 08/16
http://managementhelp.org/boards/activating-committees.htm
Standard Committee Terms of Reference
Provides a template for developing Terms of Reference.
Co-op Tools website, linked 08/16
http://cooptools.ca/list/doc/committee_terms_reference_template
Volunteer management top^
Building a Great Vounteer Program
Self-paced 2-hour online course; $127 for 3 months access.
Charity Village Campus, linked 08/16
https://charityvillage.com/elearning/courses/building-a-great-volunteer-program.aspx
Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement
This revised Code for Volunteer Involvement enables organizations to enhance their existing practices and continue to ensure that solid foundations are in place for involving volunteers in their organizations.
Volunteer Canada and the Canadian Administrators of Volunteer, linked 08/16
http://www.vmpc.ca/_Library/Docs/CodeEng.pdf
Collective Wisdom
Resources for leaders of volunteers including Recruitment Insights, Supervision Tips, Teaching about Volunteering, Great Recognition Ideas, Fostering Diversity, and more.
Energize Inc website, linked 08/16
http://www.energizeinc.com/wisdom.html
Insurance Toolkit for the Voluntary Sector
Provides information and a series of questions to address the insurance needs of voluntary sector organizations.
CCVO website, linked 08/16
https://www.calgarycvo.org/insurance-toolkit-for-the-voluntary-sector-a-guide-for-nonprofits-and-charities/
United Planet Volunteer Opportunities
An international, educational, humanitarian, and peace-building non-profit organization with members and volunteers in over 150 countries devoted to fostering cross-cultural understanding and friendship and supporting communities in need in order to unite the world in a community beyond borders.
United Planet website, linked 08/16
http://www.unitedplanet.org/
Working with Volunteers
Resources for working effectively with volunteers, with links to a range of resources.
PlanetVolunteer.net, linked 08/16
http://www.planetfriendly.net/volunteer/management.html