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Group aims to end isolation for staff of Cowichan non-profits

A new group called Networking for Non Profits is launching Jan. 21 to support the local not-for-profit sector.

"Many of the Valley's organizations currently work with limited staff and find it can be quite isolating," said Anne-Marie Koeppen of Volunteer Cowichan. "This new group is designed to share skills and resources, as well as provide support to each other."

The group will be open to any organization, not-for-profit or for-profit, who believes the community is better served through connecting, communication and collaboration.

This new initiative is a merger of three similar groups: Leading Edge (for executive directors), Volunteer Management Group, and Cowichan Fundraisers Exchange.

The group will be driven by the suggestions and topics of interest by those who attend. Plans include regular speakers for professional development opportunities

that are often beyond the budget of smaller organizations.

Members will meet about eight times per year for workshop-style training on a variety of issues identified by members, as well as time for networking and sharing resources. A $5 to $10 donation is requested to cover refreshments and a small stipend for speakers. The group is also planning social evening mixers, and a joint volunteer appreciation event in April during National Volunteer Week.

Networking for Non-Profits launches on from 10 a.m. to noon at Sands Reception Room on Trunk St. in Duncan. After a discussion about the group's vision and plans, Rick Juliusson of FreeRange Consulting will lead a training workshop on donor cultivation. Doors open at 9:40 a.m. for coffee and networking.

For more information, or to register for the event and/or mailing list, visit: www.FreeRangeConsulting.ca/Networking