OPIRG BROCK
WEEKLY EVENTS NEWSLETTER
June 6-12
People from all walks of life are invited to participate in the research, education, and action facilitated through OPIRG Brock – including not only students but interested community members. All events listed occur in St. Catharines unless indicated otherwise. For a map of the Brock Campus please see: http://www.brocku.ca/parking-services/campus-map. To learn more about OPIRG Brock please see our website at: www.opirgbrock.org. To submit events for inclusion in the newsletter please email opirgbu@gmail.com the Thursday of the week before the event; we’d love to hear from you!
Volunteer Opportunities!
OPIRG InfoShop Community Garage Sale Coming Up on Saturday June 11! Items needed to sell!
Are you just starting your Spring cleaning? Do you have un-needed goods cluttering your space? Consider donating them to the OPIRG InfoShop Community Garage Sale! This will be a fundraising event to keep the InfoShop, an important resource for social justice and environmental initiatives, in our downtown core!
DATE: June 11th 2011
TIME: 10am to 4pm
LOCATION: 10 Summer Street (Beside and behind Rapid City Cycle)
If you have items you would like to donate to our Community Garage Sale please email OPIRG at opirgbu@gmail.com.
Calling all artists!
OPIRG has paired up with the Agricultural Workers Center in Virgil for their Open House. It is a time to welcome back returning migrant workers and to extend a welcome to first time workers!
We will be needing artists to collaborate in creating a very large banner to specifically represent female migrant workers in the Niagara region!
If you are interested in making art and learning more about the migrant worker community get in touch by emailing opirgbu@gmail.com!
Food Not Bombs Volunteers Needed for Saturday afternoons and Sundays
Food Not Bombs - Niagara is starting up again after our winter hibernation! Food servings will be happening every Sunday in Montebello Park. If you would like to help, please contact us about the following. (Or you could just show up; but letting us know is always helpful.):
Food pick-up: Saturdays at 2pm at the market (2 volunteers needed/week)
Cooking: Sundays at 12-2:30 at 10 Bellevue (3 + volunteers needed/week)
Serving: Sundays at 2:45-5pm at Montebello (3 + volunteers needed/week)
Clean-up: Sundays 5:30-6pm at 10 Bellevue (2 volunteers needed/week)
Outreach: help w/ posters (there are some currently at the OPIRG InfoShop at 10 Summer Street), flyers, zines, information, help w/ media (notices in BrockPress, perhaps classifieds?, rants in the view, help with the webpage, email, or fb site, etc.)
Inventory: We are always in need of basic food items to help spruce up donations. Contact us to help.
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=8426983118
Email:
foodnotbombsniagara@gmail.com
Website:
http://foodnotbombs-niagara.weebly.com/
Events!
Workshop: Your Demonstration, Your Rights
Monday June 6, 7-10 pm, Niagara Action for Animals (NAfA) House, 94 Welland Avenue, Saint Catharines, Ontario
What should I say?
Where should I stand?
Why are police at a peaceful protest?
Join us for the first in a series of workshops. This week we will be having a brief workshop on what rights you have as a demonstrator. With information vetted by lawyers, we will be using local examples to better prepare and organize around heightened police presence.
Vegan snacks will be provided.
Free! Documentary Screening: Addicted to Plastic
Tuesday June 7, 8 pm, OPIRG Brock InfoShop, 10 Summer St.
Addicted To Plastic reveals the history and worldwide scope of plastics pollution, investigates its toxicity and explores solutions.
To help raise funds for the OPIRG InfoShop, we have gourmet vegan pizza and donuts available for sale each Tuesday! Local Summer Street shops Bella Noella's and Rise Above Bakery will be supplying the food for us, and all proceeds will go towards keeping the InfoShop running.
Free! Anti-Oppression Workshop
Thursday June 9, 6pm, OPIRG Brock InfoShop, 10 Summer St.
For all of you interested in proactively working against oppression in all its forms this is your opportunity to find out how to identify when oppression is happening and what you can do to ensure it stops! Oppressive practices are ubiquitous and sneaky – come and learn how to squash it out of your language and actions!
InfoShop Fundraiser Garage Sale
Saturday June 11, 10-4pm, OPIRG Brock InfoShop, 10 Summer St.
Join us downtown at the OPIRG InfoShop (beside and behind Rapid City Cycle) for a fundraising garage sale! We will have a wide variety of items on sale including, bikes, housewares, clothing, furniture, and much more!
The OPIRG InfoShop is an important community resource for social justice and environmental organizing. We screen free weekly documentaries, offer free workshops and classes through our FreeSkool program, have monthly art openings, and have a weekly bike teach in/repair centre!
See you June 11th!
A Taste of Cuba
Sunday June 12, 2-6pm, 170 Ridge Road, Ridgeway
The Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association (CCFA) Niagara Invite the People of the Niagara Region To:
Enjoy “A Taste of Cuba” a Family Social Afternoon of Food, Cuban Music and Dancing on Sunday, June 12th
From 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. at 1760 Ridge Road, Ridgeway.
Meet Special Guests: Consul General of Cuba, Jorge Soberon Luis, and members of his consular staff.
Special Invitations are extended to:
-Regional Niagara M.P.'s and M.P.P.'s,
-Niagara Regional Councilors
-Municipal Mayors and Members of Council
Recall the Cuban hospitality of last winter’s Cuban vacation.
Cost: $10.00 (Special Guests and Special Invitations Excepted)
Information and/or RSVP: Dave Ph: 905-382-3468; Email: ccfaniagara@yahoo.ca
Other Newsworthy Notes!
Save the Date for the Save the InfoShop Music Fest
Saturday June 18, 5-10pm, OPIRG Brock InfoShop, 10 Summer St.
Live music fundraiser to keep the socially just and environmentally conscious OPIRG InfoShop in our downtown core! Come see this unique space and enjoy performances by Randi Townsend, Matt Sajn, Beautiful Women of Belmez, Little My, Send Christians, Eric Smith, The Kindest Man, Omar Shabbar, and Ladee Lyrix!
$ 10 at the door (or pay what you can)
For more information email: opirgbu@gmail.com
Project SEED (Socially Engaged Entrepreneur Development)!
Are you a socially minded student entreprenuer?
Do you have the seed of a good social change idea that could radically improve our campus or Niagara community- if only you had the funding and support to turn your seed of an idea into a field of success?
Project SEED is a SLIC-sponsored social innovation incubator that promotes the exploration of social change strategies by young Brock entrepreneurs and leaders. A wild flower may produce 2,000 seeds per year. That's 2,000 seeds of ideas being transferred by the winds onto more fertile areas. Following the same approach, Project SEED encourages students to get their seeds of ideas out into our communities.
When wild flower seeds fall on particiularly fertile ground, the plant reproduces quickly and plentifully. It's the same idea with agents of change; when a world changing idea lands in the hands of Project SEED, it has the opportunity to grow, spreading and changing the landscape of Brock and the Niagara community.
With the right support and funding, Project SEED will help sow the seeds of social change initiated by Brock students into developed causes that benefit the greater good of our communities. Budding world-changers can apply to Project SEED and present their ideas to the SLIC Advisory Committee.
http://www.brocku.ca/slic/project-seed
OPIRG York is currently hiring for THREE staff positions:
• Communications Coordinator
• Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
• Special Events and Programming Coordinator
Deadline for applications: June 9, 2011, 6pm
Interviews will take place: June 13 – 15
Positions begin June 20, 2011
Please read below for more detailed job descriptions. For more
information on OPIRG York, please visit opirgyork.ca
How to apply:
• Please specify which job you are applying for. If you are applying for
all three job positions, please submit separate applications each
• Applicants must provide a resume and a one-page cover letter. Please
explain in the cover letter why you are interested in working with
OPIRG-York and your understanding of social justice organizing from an
anti-oppressive lens.
• OPIRG York encourages individuals from marginalized communities to
apply. This includes Aboriginal peoples, people of colour, women, queer,
transgendered, trans-sexual, inter-sexed people, working class people,
single parents, immigrants and people with dis/abilities.
• Eligible applicants are: between the ages of 15 and 30 years of age;
registered as a full-time student in the previous academic year and
intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic
year; and are legally entitled to work in Canada
Applications are due 6pm June 9, 2011. Please email applications to
sharmeen@opirgyork.ca. Please include
“Canada Summer Job Application” in the subject of the email
Qualifications:
• Experience working within a collective, or consensus-based decision making
• Familiar with the mandate of OPIRG York
• Strong ability to work independently and to take initiative within
deadlines
• Strong time management and multi-tasking skills
• Interpersonal communication and info/skill-sharing skills
• Additional knowledge in graphic or web design a plus
Job Descriptions:
*Communications Coordinator: 20 hours a week at $15.00/hour for nine weeks *
This position will assist the Coordinator of Information and
Administration with a communications strategy to implement by the fall
of 2011. Duties include:
- attend bi-weekly Communications Committee meetings
- assist with website re-design including content, concepts and on-going
updates
- assist in development and coordination of weekly radio show collective
(PrOPIRGanda) on CHRY 105.5FM. This includes assisting in outreach,
developing story ideas and working with staff on archiving radio shows
- develop and coordinate fall Back to School newsletter by soliciting
content, liaising with student and community groups on involvement,
assisting with editing and layout
- coordinate back to school “branding” campaign for OPIRG York
including: new pamphlets, stickers, and other swag for the fall
- assist with promotion of back to school events such as Disorientation
and other events and conferences organized by OPIRG York
- Liaise with York Federation of Students and York University to ensure
OPIRG York content is available for students
*Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator: 20 hours a week at
$15.00/hour for nine weeks *
This position will assist both the Volunteer Coordinator and the
Coordinator of Information and Administration with building an outreach
strategy at York University and beyond. Duties include:
- Developing an outreach plan for students and community in the North
York area
- Build and facilitate partnerships with North York community
organizations and York University community groups
- Connect and work with Jane and Finch and North York community
organizations
- Develop a list of partnerships for workshops and co-sponsorships,
including partners for the Social Justice Fair in September 2011
- Coordinate logistics for Fall Volunteer Recruitement Drive including
class room talking, table coordination and promotion in community
organizations
- Organize both off-campus and on-campus events and campaigns in
partnership with Jane/Finch and North York community groups
- Work with staff on promotional ideas and outreach materials
*Special Events and Programming Coordinator: 20 hours a week at
$15.00/hour for nine weeks *
This position will assist the Volunteer Coordinator with the programming
of OPIRG York, including preparing for event coordination for the fall
2011. Duties include:
- Assist with summer programming at York University including August
“Alternative Media Workshop series” and monthly workshops, film
screenings and events
- Assist Volunteer Coordinator in process of planning for week long
DisOrientation for September 2011
- Assist in coordination of Disorientation Committee, including
coordinating meeting times with other student and community organizations
- Research and plan exciting new events to host on and off the York
University campus
- Assist in planning a Back to School Fair including Alternative
Disorientation concert and Social Justice Fair Administrative support
around event planning with volunteer coordinator
- Plan and connect with organizations and groups on campus to work on
events throughout the summer and fall
- Assist in coordination of logistics for Fall Volunteer Recruitment Drive
- Creating and putting together a resource booklet on social change in
the York community
Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity:
Job Posting OUTREACH AND ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Salary: $22.50 per hour, with health benefits
Hours: 32 per week
Application Deadline: Friday, June 17th, 2011 (5 pm)
Start Date: mid-July, if possible
Posting date: May 31, 2011
Probation Period: Six months
(Essay required, with resume and cover letter)
Unionized with CUPE 1281
OUTREACH AND ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR
It is understood that coordinating tasks or ensuring certain work gets done implies delegating appropriate tasks and responsibilities to volunteers.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STAFF AND THE COLLECTIVE:
Work within and promote understanding of the GRCGED vision, basis of unity, and policies
Hold everyone in the space accountable to the vision, basis of unity, and policies
Maintain and further develop accessibility measures in the GRCGED, (including adaptive technology, ergonomic and accessible furniture, centre layout, etc.)
Ensure that we are and remain relevant and accessible to people who face multiple oppressions, including but not limited to aboriginal people, immigrants, Jewish people, members of non-dominant ethnic, linguistic, religious and/or cultural groups, people of colour, people with disabilities, people living in poverty, queer people, refugees, single and sole-support parents, transgendered, transsexual and gender-queer people and working class people.
Ensure the center is open to the public at least 20 hours a week during the semester and exams.
Maintain confidentiality and (where possible) anonymity of centre users, volunteers and staff
Act as a community resource re: matters pertaining to our vision, basis of unity, general culture and context of the GRCGED
Establish reasonable priorities and goals for each job, and evaluate these often.
GENERAL DUTIES
Attend and participate in regular volunteer, collective and staff liaison meetings
Work under the direction of and report to the GRCGED collective.
Communicate, share information and work collectively with other staff
Communicate, share information and work collaboratively with volunteers
Provide direction to casual, term and wage subsidy employees working in areas related to your job description as per the Collective Agreement
Where possible, support the other staff in their work.
Perform “Office Hour” tasks as needed when the centre is open, including helping resource centre users and providing confidential crisis support to folk accessing the centre over email, phone and in person during your office hours who are seeking resources and referrals on issues including but not limited to: issues of violence, mental health, physical health, sexual health, parents/childcare, housing, labour/job, academics, oppression, etc.
Support volunteers in their GRCGED work, skill-building, and political and personal development
Delegate meaningful tasks where appropriate and possible to volunteers
Provide info and support and resources to people interested in starting up new initiatives
Provide accurate, accountable references for GRCGED volunteers in consultation with the Volunteer and Programming Coordinator
Maintain privacy and confidentiality of GRCGED volunteers, staff and centre users.
Maintain accurate, accessible files and records.
OUTREACH
Network with other local campus and community organizations, especially those which are organized by and/or do work supporting oppressed communities.
Coordinate partnerships with such organizations.
Coordinate promotion of GRCGED services, programs, special events and volunteer opportunities.
Ensure such promotion happens on and off-campus communities, particularly those who are multiply oppressed, through campus and local media, direct meetings, tabling at resource fairs, clubs days, participation in community events, using available display boards, kiosks, banners, etc. on and off-campus, etc.
Produce promotional material about the centre in general, specific events and programs and our volunteer opportunities.
Ensure that the GRCGED is recognized and promoted at events that we co-sponsor
Ensure we recognize any sponsors or granting bodies for our events.
Work with the Vol/Prog coordinator to organize open houses introducing people to the GRCGED
Develop and implement promotion strategies that specifically speak to people from multiply-oppressed communities, especially those which are under- or un-represented in the GRCGED
Be in contact with similar resource centres in other areas.
ADMINISTRATION
Grants
Coordinate grant-writing for annual university grants
Provide on-going support to grant coordinators
Ensure that grant requirements are met and that proper reports are prepared on time.
Investigate other granting bodies and fundraising opportunities
Finances
Ensure bills are paid on time and deposits are made regularly.
Arrange training for the finance committee as needed
Act as a cheque signer
Apply for and maintain registered charitable status
Work with the finance committee on the following:
Accounts payable and receivable; Monthly account reconciliation and financial statements; year end financial statements and balancing and roll-over; managing cash sales and petty cash; ensuring financial records are organized and maintained on-site; coordinate annual budgeting process; arranging and preparing for audits as needed
Act as a resource to grant coordinators, working groups, committees and other projects around financial matters
Provide support as needed on such matters that are the responsibility of the collective, such as weekly payroll, benefits, filing taxes/T4s, source deductions, union dues, RoEs etc.
Office/Resource Centre
Ensure that mail, email and voice mail gets sorted, forwarded, responded to, filed, as appropriate
Ensure that the centre space is organized, well-maintained and accessible
Ensure that outgoing voicemail messages is accurate and updated as needed
Ensure that the GRCGED website is updated regularly
Ensure regular maintenance of the computers, including virus scans
Ensure the community referral databases and library databases are on-line and functional
Troubleshoot computer network and equipment problems, with consideration of warranties and per-paid tech-support plans, coordinate computer and network repairs as needed.
Ensure promo materials, sign up sheets, sign-in/task lists, centre usage tracking, cash box sheets and other forms are available
Order and purchase supplies as needed, in accordance with financial policies.
Act as a primary contact for administrative matters
Be familiar with and ensure the GRCGED is compliant with relevant legislations and policies, including the University of Guelph Student Organization Policy
Volunteer Support
Coordinate and prepare for volunteer meetings, including ensuring agenda information is available in advance, facilitators are prepared, rooms are booked; also follow up when needed
Ensure volunteer meeting minutes are properly typed, distributed and filed.
Provide support and act as a resource to working groups, committees and special projects as needed, especially regarding finances, room bookings, policies, partnerships and other areas related to this job description.
Ensure the Volunteer binder is updated
Policy
Ensure polices are updated and accessible
Coordinate and facilitate policy development, including reviews of the vision and basis of unity
Coordinate regular volunteer visioning sessions
Encourage sustainable change and growth in the centre, especially in relation to trans-inclusivity, accessibility, anti-racism and other anti-oppression matters
Be a resource for working groups, committees and other staff in developing policies
Qualifications:
Required qualifications:
-Commitment to uphold the GRCGED vision, basis of unity and policies and procedures
-Experience with and ability to work within an anti-oppressive environment
-Experience within a collective environment and the ability to work collectively
- Experience with, and ability to work in a consensus environment
-Experience with bookkeeping and financial administration
-Experience with databases, spreadsheets, accounting software
-General familiarity with networked computers
-Good filing and record-keeping skills
- Good communication skills
- Commitment to conflict resolution
-Willingness to learn and to share skills
-Good one-to-one people skills
-Strong organizational skills
- Excellent time-management
-Ability to take initiative, work independently
- Ability to work in a collaborative atmosphere
-Commitment to work in a feminist and anti-oppressive environment
Assets:
- Experience with crisis support
-Ability to collaborate with volunteers, the collective, other staff and
community partners
-Experience with networked PC and Mac environments
-Ability to trouble-shoot computer problems
-Competence with databases, spreadsheets, accounting software
- Experience with desktop publishing, web design and other media
-Experience with grant-writing and fundraising
-Familiarity with local organizations and communities who face multiple
oppressions
-Consensus facilitation skills
-Experience with policy development
-Experience administering a not-for-profit
Employment Equity Policy for Permanent Positions:
The Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity (GRCGED) believes that:
a) we live in a society rooted in oppression,
b) structural injustice and unconscious prejudice influence our experiences and the decisions that we make,
c) there is no such thing as a "level playing field" with regards to people's experience and job qualifications and methods of evaluating the above,
d) any progressively-oriented organization has a need for experience, knowledge, and guidance from oppressed people, especially in the case in which oppressed people are currently underrepresented within the culture of such an organization, and
e) policies such as employment equity policies exist to address and compensate for the above dynamics and to help the Employer identify the best candidate for a job based on qualifications and considerations which are not always easily represented in a traditional resume or job application.
Therefore, the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity encourages members from oppressed communities, such as aboriginal people, immigrants, members of non-dominant ethnic, linguistic, religious and/or cultural groups, people of colour, people with disabilities, people living in poverty, queer people, transgendered, transsexual and gender-queer people, refugees, single and sole-support parents, working class people, and people in financial need to apply and to identify as an Employment Equity candidate in their cover letter.
All job postings shall consider the ability to uphold the GRCGED vision and basis of unity as a required qualification as well as the ability to work within an anti-oppressive environment.
All candidates who identify under employment equity and who meet the required qualifications for the job shall be short-listed for an interview.
The GRCGED shall recognize non-formal experience and education as being equally valuable to formal education and work.
The GRCGED shall also consider the candidate's ability to address oppression within the GRCGED.
Where two or more candidates are equally or equivalently qualified for a job, priority will be given to a candidate who qualifies under employment equity.
Where no employment equity candidates are considered qualified for the job but two or more candidates are equally or equivalently qualified, priority will be given to the candidate who the hiring committee believes can best uphold the GRCGED vision and basis of unity, work within an anti-oppressive environment, and work with oppressed communities, especially those currently underrepresented at the GRCGED.
Because of the nature of the GRCGED, positions of employment at the Centre are only open to women and transfolk.
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:
Only complete applications will be considered. A completed application consists of:
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. A written response of 250-750 words to the following question:
What barriers might exist for people from communities listed in our employment equity policy and what steps would you take to increase accessibility to the GRCGED for these communities?
Please send your resume, cover letter, and essay to:
Attn: Hiring Committee
Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity
University Centre Room 107
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
E-mail: grcgedhiring@gmail.com
Please note: Only applicants that are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Please be prepared to bring two references to the interview.
WEEKLY EVENTS NEWSLETTER
June 6-12
People from all walks of life are invited to participate in the research, education, and action facilitated through OPIRG Brock – including not only students but interested community members. All events listed occur in St. Catharines unless indicated otherwise. For a map of the Brock Campus please see: http://www.brocku.ca/parking-services/campus-map. To learn more about OPIRG Brock please see our website at: www.opirgbrock.org. To submit events for inclusion in the newsletter please email opirgbu@gmail.com the Thursday of the week before the event; we’d love to hear from you!
Volunteer Opportunities!
OPIRG InfoShop Community Garage Sale Coming Up on Saturday June 11! Items needed to sell!
Are you just starting your Spring cleaning? Do you have un-needed goods cluttering your space? Consider donating them to the OPIRG InfoShop Community Garage Sale! This will be a fundraising event to keep the InfoShop, an important resource for social justice and environmental initiatives, in our downtown core!
DATE: June 11th 2011
TIME: 10am to 4pm
LOCATION: 10 Summer Street (Beside and behind Rapid City Cycle)
If you have items you would like to donate to our Community Garage Sale please email OPIRG at opirgbu@gmail.com.
Calling all artists!
OPIRG has paired up with the Agricultural Workers Center in Virgil for their Open House. It is a time to welcome back returning migrant workers and to extend a welcome to first time workers!
We will be needing artists to collaborate in creating a very large banner to specifically represent female migrant workers in the Niagara region!
If you are interested in making art and learning more about the migrant worker community get in touch by emailing opirgbu@gmail.com!
Food Not Bombs Volunteers Needed for Saturday afternoons and Sundays
Food Not Bombs - Niagara is starting up again after our winter hibernation! Food servings will be happening every Sunday in Montebello Park. If you would like to help, please contact us about the following. (Or you could just show up; but letting us know is always helpful.):
Food pick-up: Saturdays at 2pm at the market (2 volunteers needed/week)
Cooking: Sundays at 12-2:30 at 10 Bellevue (3 + volunteers needed/week)
Serving: Sundays at 2:45-5pm at Montebello (3 + volunteers needed/week)
Clean-up: Sundays 5:30-6pm at 10 Bellevue (2 volunteers needed/week)
Outreach: help w/ posters (there are some currently at the OPIRG InfoShop at 10 Summer Street), flyers, zines, information, help w/ media (notices in BrockPress, perhaps classifieds?, rants in the view, help with the webpage, email, or fb site, etc.)
Inventory: We are always in need of basic food items to help spruce up donations. Contact us to help.
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=8426983118
Email:
foodnotbombsniagara@gmail.com
Website:
http://foodnotbombs-niagara.weebly.com/
Events!
Workshop: Your Demonstration, Your Rights
Monday June 6, 7-10 pm, Niagara Action for Animals (NAfA) House, 94 Welland Avenue, Saint Catharines, Ontario
What should I say?
Where should I stand?
Why are police at a peaceful protest?
Join us for the first in a series of workshops. This week we will be having a brief workshop on what rights you have as a demonstrator. With information vetted by lawyers, we will be using local examples to better prepare and organize around heightened police presence.
Vegan snacks will be provided.
Free! Documentary Screening: Addicted to Plastic
Tuesday June 7, 8 pm, OPIRG Brock InfoShop, 10 Summer St.
Addicted To Plastic reveals the history and worldwide scope of plastics pollution, investigates its toxicity and explores solutions.
To help raise funds for the OPIRG InfoShop, we have gourmet vegan pizza and donuts available for sale each Tuesday! Local Summer Street shops Bella Noella's and Rise Above Bakery will be supplying the food for us, and all proceeds will go towards keeping the InfoShop running.
Free! Anti-Oppression Workshop
Thursday June 9, 6pm, OPIRG Brock InfoShop, 10 Summer St.
For all of you interested in proactively working against oppression in all its forms this is your opportunity to find out how to identify when oppression is happening and what you can do to ensure it stops! Oppressive practices are ubiquitous and sneaky – come and learn how to squash it out of your language and actions!
InfoShop Fundraiser Garage Sale
Saturday June 11, 10-4pm, OPIRG Brock InfoShop, 10 Summer St.
Join us downtown at the OPIRG InfoShop (beside and behind Rapid City Cycle) for a fundraising garage sale! We will have a wide variety of items on sale including, bikes, housewares, clothing, furniture, and much more!
The OPIRG InfoShop is an important community resource for social justice and environmental organizing. We screen free weekly documentaries, offer free workshops and classes through our FreeSkool program, have monthly art openings, and have a weekly bike teach in/repair centre!
See you June 11th!
A Taste of Cuba
Sunday June 12, 2-6pm, 170 Ridge Road, Ridgeway
The Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association (CCFA) Niagara Invite the People of the Niagara Region To:
Enjoy “A Taste of Cuba” a Family Social Afternoon of Food, Cuban Music and Dancing on Sunday, June 12th
From 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. at 1760 Ridge Road, Ridgeway.
Meet Special Guests: Consul General of Cuba, Jorge Soberon Luis, and members of his consular staff.
Special Invitations are extended to:
-Regional Niagara M.P.'s and M.P.P.'s,
-Niagara Regional Councilors
-Municipal Mayors and Members of Council
Recall the Cuban hospitality of last winter’s Cuban vacation.
Cost: $10.00 (Special Guests and Special Invitations Excepted)
Information and/or RSVP: Dave Ph: 905-382-3468; Email: ccfaniagara@yahoo.ca
Other Newsworthy Notes!
Save the Date for the Save the InfoShop Music Fest
Saturday June 18, 5-10pm, OPIRG Brock InfoShop, 10 Summer St.
Live music fundraiser to keep the socially just and environmentally conscious OPIRG InfoShop in our downtown core! Come see this unique space and enjoy performances by Randi Townsend, Matt Sajn, Beautiful Women of Belmez, Little My, Send Christians, Eric Smith, The Kindest Man, Omar Shabbar, and Ladee Lyrix!
$ 10 at the door (or pay what you can)
For more information email: opirgbu@gmail.com
Project SEED (Socially Engaged Entrepreneur Development)!
Are you a socially minded student entreprenuer?
Do you have the seed of a good social change idea that could radically improve our campus or Niagara community- if only you had the funding and support to turn your seed of an idea into a field of success?
Project SEED is a SLIC-sponsored social innovation incubator that promotes the exploration of social change strategies by young Brock entrepreneurs and leaders. A wild flower may produce 2,000 seeds per year. That's 2,000 seeds of ideas being transferred by the winds onto more fertile areas. Following the same approach, Project SEED encourages students to get their seeds of ideas out into our communities.
When wild flower seeds fall on particiularly fertile ground, the plant reproduces quickly and plentifully. It's the same idea with agents of change; when a world changing idea lands in the hands of Project SEED, it has the opportunity to grow, spreading and changing the landscape of Brock and the Niagara community.
With the right support and funding, Project SEED will help sow the seeds of social change initiated by Brock students into developed causes that benefit the greater good of our communities. Budding world-changers can apply to Project SEED and present their ideas to the SLIC Advisory Committee.
http://www.brocku.ca/slic/project-seed
OPIRG York is currently hiring for THREE staff positions:
• Communications Coordinator
• Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
• Special Events and Programming Coordinator
Deadline for applications: June 9, 2011, 6pm
Interviews will take place: June 13 – 15
Positions begin June 20, 2011
Please read below for more detailed job descriptions. For more
information on OPIRG York, please visit opirgyork.ca
How to apply:
• Please specify which job you are applying for. If you are applying for
all three job positions, please submit separate applications each
• Applicants must provide a resume and a one-page cover letter. Please
explain in the cover letter why you are interested in working with
OPIRG-York and your understanding of social justice organizing from an
anti-oppressive lens.
• OPIRG York encourages individuals from marginalized communities to
apply. This includes Aboriginal peoples, people of colour, women, queer,
transgendered, trans-sexual, inter-sexed people, working class people,
single parents, immigrants and people with dis/abilities.
• Eligible applicants are: between the ages of 15 and 30 years of age;
registered as a full-time student in the previous academic year and
intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic
year; and are legally entitled to work in Canada
Applications are due 6pm June 9, 2011. Please email applications to
sharmeen@opirgyork.ca. Please include
“Canada Summer Job Application” in the subject of the email
Qualifications:
• Experience working within a collective, or consensus-based decision making
• Familiar with the mandate of OPIRG York
• Strong ability to work independently and to take initiative within
deadlines
• Strong time management and multi-tasking skills
• Interpersonal communication and info/skill-sharing skills
• Additional knowledge in graphic or web design a plus
Job Descriptions:
*Communications Coordinator: 20 hours a week at $15.00/hour for nine weeks *
This position will assist the Coordinator of Information and
Administration with a communications strategy to implement by the fall
of 2011. Duties include:
- attend bi-weekly Communications Committee meetings
- assist with website re-design including content, concepts and on-going
updates
- assist in development and coordination of weekly radio show collective
(PrOPIRGanda) on CHRY 105.5FM. This includes assisting in outreach,
developing story ideas and working with staff on archiving radio shows
- develop and coordinate fall Back to School newsletter by soliciting
content, liaising with student and community groups on involvement,
assisting with editing and layout
- coordinate back to school “branding” campaign for OPIRG York
including: new pamphlets, stickers, and other swag for the fall
- assist with promotion of back to school events such as Disorientation
and other events and conferences organized by OPIRG York
- Liaise with York Federation of Students and York University to ensure
OPIRG York content is available for students
*Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator: 20 hours a week at
$15.00/hour for nine weeks *
This position will assist both the Volunteer Coordinator and the
Coordinator of Information and Administration with building an outreach
strategy at York University and beyond. Duties include:
- Developing an outreach plan for students and community in the North
York area
- Build and facilitate partnerships with North York community
organizations and York University community groups
- Connect and work with Jane and Finch and North York community
organizations
- Develop a list of partnerships for workshops and co-sponsorships,
including partners for the Social Justice Fair in September 2011
- Coordinate logistics for Fall Volunteer Recruitement Drive including
class room talking, table coordination and promotion in community
organizations
- Organize both off-campus and on-campus events and campaigns in
partnership with Jane/Finch and North York community groups
- Work with staff on promotional ideas and outreach materials
*Special Events and Programming Coordinator: 20 hours a week at
$15.00/hour for nine weeks *
This position will assist the Volunteer Coordinator with the programming
of OPIRG York, including preparing for event coordination for the fall
2011. Duties include:
- Assist with summer programming at York University including August
“Alternative Media Workshop series” and monthly workshops, film
screenings and events
- Assist Volunteer Coordinator in process of planning for week long
DisOrientation for September 2011
- Assist in coordination of Disorientation Committee, including
coordinating meeting times with other student and community organizations
- Research and plan exciting new events to host on and off the York
University campus
- Assist in planning a Back to School Fair including Alternative
Disorientation concert and Social Justice Fair Administrative support
around event planning with volunteer coordinator
- Plan and connect with organizations and groups on campus to work on
events throughout the summer and fall
- Assist in coordination of logistics for Fall Volunteer Recruitment Drive
- Creating and putting together a resource booklet on social change in
the York community
Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity:
Job Posting OUTREACH AND ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Salary: $22.50 per hour, with health benefits
Hours: 32 per week
Application Deadline: Friday, June 17th, 2011 (5 pm)
Start Date: mid-July, if possible
Posting date: May 31, 2011
Probation Period: Six months
(Essay required, with resume and cover letter)
Unionized with CUPE 1281
OUTREACH AND ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR
It is understood that coordinating tasks or ensuring certain work gets done implies delegating appropriate tasks and responsibilities to volunteers.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STAFF AND THE COLLECTIVE:
Work within and promote understanding of the GRCGED vision, basis of unity, and policies
Hold everyone in the space accountable to the vision, basis of unity, and policies
Maintain and further develop accessibility measures in the GRCGED, (including adaptive technology, ergonomic and accessible furniture, centre layout, etc.)
Ensure that we are and remain relevant and accessible to people who face multiple oppressions, including but not limited to aboriginal people, immigrants, Jewish people, members of non-dominant ethnic, linguistic, religious and/or cultural groups, people of colour, people with disabilities, people living in poverty, queer people, refugees, single and sole-support parents, transgendered, transsexual and gender-queer people and working class people.
Ensure the center is open to the public at least 20 hours a week during the semester and exams.
Maintain confidentiality and (where possible) anonymity of centre users, volunteers and staff
Act as a community resource re: matters pertaining to our vision, basis of unity, general culture and context of the GRCGED
Establish reasonable priorities and goals for each job, and evaluate these often.
GENERAL DUTIES
Attend and participate in regular volunteer, collective and staff liaison meetings
Work under the direction of and report to the GRCGED collective.
Communicate, share information and work collectively with other staff
Communicate, share information and work collaboratively with volunteers
Provide direction to casual, term and wage subsidy employees working in areas related to your job description as per the Collective Agreement
Where possible, support the other staff in their work.
Perform “Office Hour” tasks as needed when the centre is open, including helping resource centre users and providing confidential crisis support to folk accessing the centre over email, phone and in person during your office hours who are seeking resources and referrals on issues including but not limited to: issues of violence, mental health, physical health, sexual health, parents/childcare, housing, labour/job, academics, oppression, etc.
Support volunteers in their GRCGED work, skill-building, and political and personal development
Delegate meaningful tasks where appropriate and possible to volunteers
Provide info and support and resources to people interested in starting up new initiatives
Provide accurate, accountable references for GRCGED volunteers in consultation with the Volunteer and Programming Coordinator
Maintain privacy and confidentiality of GRCGED volunteers, staff and centre users.
Maintain accurate, accessible files and records.
OUTREACH
Network with other local campus and community organizations, especially those which are organized by and/or do work supporting oppressed communities.
Coordinate partnerships with such organizations.
Coordinate promotion of GRCGED services, programs, special events and volunteer opportunities.
Ensure such promotion happens on and off-campus communities, particularly those who are multiply oppressed, through campus and local media, direct meetings, tabling at resource fairs, clubs days, participation in community events, using available display boards, kiosks, banners, etc. on and off-campus, etc.
Produce promotional material about the centre in general, specific events and programs and our volunteer opportunities.
Ensure that the GRCGED is recognized and promoted at events that we co-sponsor
Ensure we recognize any sponsors or granting bodies for our events.
Work with the Vol/Prog coordinator to organize open houses introducing people to the GRCGED
Develop and implement promotion strategies that specifically speak to people from multiply-oppressed communities, especially those which are under- or un-represented in the GRCGED
Be in contact with similar resource centres in other areas.
ADMINISTRATION
Grants
Coordinate grant-writing for annual university grants
Provide on-going support to grant coordinators
Ensure that grant requirements are met and that proper reports are prepared on time.
Investigate other granting bodies and fundraising opportunities
Finances
Ensure bills are paid on time and deposits are made regularly.
Arrange training for the finance committee as needed
Act as a cheque signer
Apply for and maintain registered charitable status
Work with the finance committee on the following:
Accounts payable and receivable; Monthly account reconciliation and financial statements; year end financial statements and balancing and roll-over; managing cash sales and petty cash; ensuring financial records are organized and maintained on-site; coordinate annual budgeting process; arranging and preparing for audits as needed
Act as a resource to grant coordinators, working groups, committees and other projects around financial matters
Provide support as needed on such matters that are the responsibility of the collective, such as weekly payroll, benefits, filing taxes/T4s, source deductions, union dues, RoEs etc.
Office/Resource Centre
Ensure that mail, email and voice mail gets sorted, forwarded, responded to, filed, as appropriate
Ensure that the centre space is organized, well-maintained and accessible
Ensure that outgoing voicemail messages is accurate and updated as needed
Ensure that the GRCGED website is updated regularly
Ensure regular maintenance of the computers, including virus scans
Ensure the community referral databases and library databases are on-line and functional
Troubleshoot computer network and equipment problems, with consideration of warranties and per-paid tech-support plans, coordinate computer and network repairs as needed.
Ensure promo materials, sign up sheets, sign-in/task lists, centre usage tracking, cash box sheets and other forms are available
Order and purchase supplies as needed, in accordance with financial policies.
Act as a primary contact for administrative matters
Be familiar with and ensure the GRCGED is compliant with relevant legislations and policies, including the University of Guelph Student Organization Policy
Volunteer Support
Coordinate and prepare for volunteer meetings, including ensuring agenda information is available in advance, facilitators are prepared, rooms are booked; also follow up when needed
Ensure volunteer meeting minutes are properly typed, distributed and filed.
Provide support and act as a resource to working groups, committees and special projects as needed, especially regarding finances, room bookings, policies, partnerships and other areas related to this job description.
Ensure the Volunteer binder is updated
Policy
Ensure polices are updated and accessible
Coordinate and facilitate policy development, including reviews of the vision and basis of unity
Coordinate regular volunteer visioning sessions
Encourage sustainable change and growth in the centre, especially in relation to trans-inclusivity, accessibility, anti-racism and other anti-oppression matters
Be a resource for working groups, committees and other staff in developing policies
Qualifications:
Required qualifications:
-Commitment to uphold the GRCGED vision, basis of unity and policies and procedures
-Experience with and ability to work within an anti-oppressive environment
-Experience within a collective environment and the ability to work collectively
- Experience with, and ability to work in a consensus environment
-Experience with bookkeeping and financial administration
-Experience with databases, spreadsheets, accounting software
-General familiarity with networked computers
-Good filing and record-keeping skills
- Good communication skills
- Commitment to conflict resolution
-Willingness to learn and to share skills
-Good one-to-one people skills
-Strong organizational skills
- Excellent time-management
-Ability to take initiative, work independently
- Ability to work in a collaborative atmosphere
-Commitment to work in a feminist and anti-oppressive environment
Assets:
- Experience with crisis support
-Ability to collaborate with volunteers, the collective, other staff and
community partners
-Experience with networked PC and Mac environments
-Ability to trouble-shoot computer problems
-Competence with databases, spreadsheets, accounting software
- Experience with desktop publishing, web design and other media
-Experience with grant-writing and fundraising
-Familiarity with local organizations and communities who face multiple
oppressions
-Consensus facilitation skills
-Experience with policy development
-Experience administering a not-for-profit
Employment Equity Policy for Permanent Positions:
The Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity (GRCGED) believes that:
a) we live in a society rooted in oppression,
b) structural injustice and unconscious prejudice influence our experiences and the decisions that we make,
c) there is no such thing as a "level playing field" with regards to people's experience and job qualifications and methods of evaluating the above,
d) any progressively-oriented organization has a need for experience, knowledge, and guidance from oppressed people, especially in the case in which oppressed people are currently underrepresented within the culture of such an organization, and
e) policies such as employment equity policies exist to address and compensate for the above dynamics and to help the Employer identify the best candidate for a job based on qualifications and considerations which are not always easily represented in a traditional resume or job application.
Therefore, the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity encourages members from oppressed communities, such as aboriginal people, immigrants, members of non-dominant ethnic, linguistic, religious and/or cultural groups, people of colour, people with disabilities, people living in poverty, queer people, transgendered, transsexual and gender-queer people, refugees, single and sole-support parents, working class people, and people in financial need to apply and to identify as an Employment Equity candidate in their cover letter.
All job postings shall consider the ability to uphold the GRCGED vision and basis of unity as a required qualification as well as the ability to work within an anti-oppressive environment.
All candidates who identify under employment equity and who meet the required qualifications for the job shall be short-listed for an interview.
The GRCGED shall recognize non-formal experience and education as being equally valuable to formal education and work.
The GRCGED shall also consider the candidate's ability to address oppression within the GRCGED.
Where two or more candidates are equally or equivalently qualified for a job, priority will be given to a candidate who qualifies under employment equity.
Where no employment equity candidates are considered qualified for the job but two or more candidates are equally or equivalently qualified, priority will be given to the candidate who the hiring committee believes can best uphold the GRCGED vision and basis of unity, work within an anti-oppressive environment, and work with oppressed communities, especially those currently underrepresented at the GRCGED.
Because of the nature of the GRCGED, positions of employment at the Centre are only open to women and transfolk.
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:
Only complete applications will be considered. A completed application consists of:
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. A written response of 250-750 words to the following question:
What barriers might exist for people from communities listed in our employment equity policy and what steps would you take to increase accessibility to the GRCGED for these communities?
Please send your resume, cover letter, and essay to:
Attn: Hiring Committee
Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity
University Centre Room 107
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
E-mail: grcgedhiring@gmail.com
Please note: Only applicants that are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Please be prepared to bring two references to the interview.
