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Request for Applications Representatives for NGO working committee to work with the Community Animation Program (CAP) Management Team to implement policy development workshops Request Date: July 25, 2001 Closing Date: August 15, 2001 Address for inquires and applications: Rochelle Owen Community Animation Program (CAP) 16th Floor Queen Square, 45 Alderney Drive Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6 Ph:1-800-663-5755 or (902) 426-2578 Fax: 902-426-2062 email: rochelle.owen@ec.gc.ca CAP is partnering with the Voluntary Sector Initiative http://www.vsi-isbc.ca/ to provide train-the-trainer forums and community workshops on developing good public policy relating to issues of sustainable development. For more information on other services provided by CAP please check out or home page at http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/community/ or call 1-800-663-5755. 1. Purpose, Goals, and Objectives Purpose: To improve public policy by involving the voluntary sector. Goals * To increase the capacity of the voluntary sector to contribute to public policy issues related to sustainable development and water quality, air quality, and nature. * To build the capacity of Environment Canada and Health Canada to gather input from the voluntary sector on an on-going basis. Objectives This project will increase: * knowledge on sustainable development and the health, environment and economic issues related to water and air quality and nature issues; * understanding of public policy development processes; * input of voluntary sector into policy issues * co-operation between government and voluntary sector; * skills in workshop development and delivery; * networking amongst voluntary sector groups * skills in using the Internet to research and provide input into public policy Approach: The project will be delivered based on a "train-the-trainer" model, whereby voluntary sector partners will be given the training and the tools to further engage and train people in their respective communities. This initiative will result in both building the capacity of the voluntary sector in Atlantic Canada and subsequently enhancing public policy development. This model allows for flexibility in program design because community groups will be conducting training in their "community" (broad definition of community). All groups providing the training will have the same goals and objectives and standard outcomes and indicators however the approach they take in delivering the information can be altered to meet the cultural, linguistics, geographical, and literacy realities of their area. 2. Role of NGO The NGO working group member will be responsible for: * co-developing a train the trainers workshops with the CAP program; * acting as a host(coordinator) or co-host of a train the trainer event for other ngo's to become trainers; and * providing advice and on-site support for community workshops in their province led by previously trained groups. 3. Role of CAP The CAP Management Team is responsible for: * managing the overall project; * co- developing a train the trainers workshops with ngo working group; * providing facilitation support for train the trainer events; and * providing advice and on-site support from community workshops in Atlantic Canada if required. 4. Length of Appointment * One year: September 2001 to September 2002 5. Workload and Method of Payment A. One meeting a month: (include preparation and follow-up time) up to a maximum of 2 days a month. A rate of $15 per hour will be paid to the organization they represent, for time spent reviewing materials and attending meetings. Travel costs to attend meetings will be provided. B. Being eligible to Host or Co-Host a Train-the Trainers Workshop - Workshop will be already developed by the working group. Host will receive grant money for coordinating event for 15-30 people and workshop expenses such as participant travel, child care, translation, (Between Jan. 02 & March 02) C. Providing advice and support to 5-6 community workshops in their respective province: 16 days at $300 (Between April 02 & June 02) 6. Application and Selection The Community Animation Program (CAP) is searching for 8 -10 representatives of non-profit organizations in the environment, health, and economic/social development fields. The process of selection will consider creating a diverse working group that views geographical, cultural, and linguistic representation. The applicant's proposal should provide information on: A. Relevant experience and skills; provide examples of similar work. B. Why you have an interest in this position. 7. Submission Applicants must send a copy of their proposal(mail, email, fax) to CAP (see page 1 for complete address) no later than Friday, August, 15th. Appendix - Background information on CAP and public policy terms CAP is a joint initiative of Health Canada and Environment Canada. CAP aims to strengthen and support community groups in Atlantic Canada to: identify, understand, and take action on issues that link human health and the physical environment in their communities. CAP provides: 1. Organized workshops every second year (previous series included fundraising and strategic planning) 2. Free information on environmental health and organizational development issues 3. Resources (books, videos, journals) 4. Direct community support (facilitation and training) to build the capacity of a community group to work on issues that link human health and the environment. What is public policy? There are a variety of definitions of public policy, here are three: A. Public policy is "an identifiable course of action (legislation, regulation, ordinance, etc) hammered out in the political arena through debate and compromise to maximize the satisfaction of relevant interest" (Michigan State University, http://www.msue.msu.edu). B. Public policy is "the combination of basic decisions, commitments, and actions made by those who hold or affect government positions of authority." (Public Policy Making, Process and Principles, Larry Gerston, published book) C. "Public policies are aimed at the whole population or at specific, targeted groups, and can be created by all levels of government as well as by institutions such as school boards, hospitals, workplaces or community organizations. Public policies are made through a process involving citizens, government officials and elected officials who, ideally, work together to set an agenda for the common good. Policies shape our daily lives by regulating such things as where and when citizens may use pesticides on their lawns, which medications and treatments a provincial drug plan will cover, or whether an employer has an obligation to hire women and visible minorities (Capacity Building: Linking Community Experience to Public Policy, Julie Devon Dodd and Michelle Hébert Boyd for Population and Public Health Branch of Health Canada) Public policy decisions are based on the nature of the problems, facts presented and values exposed. Citizens can have their views reflected on public policy issues basically through three channels. 1. Parliamentary institutions (MP's, MLA's, Councilors) 2. Stakeholder groups and voluntary associations 3. Consultation and engagement of groups and citizens by the government. (Policy Statement and Guidelines on Consulting and Engaging Canadians, Privy Council Office) Why is it important to involve voluntary sector? * The policy environment is becoming increasingly complex, requiring greater co-operation between groups. * In recent years, policy development has become more reactive than proactive, resulting in a weakened capacity to deal with longer-term strategic and cross-cutting issues." Policy Research Initiative (PRI), http://policyresearch.schoolnet.ca/overview-e.htm Public policy * Voluntary organization have experience and knowledge that can help create better polices. _________________________________ Rochelle Owen Community Animation Program 16th Floor, Queen Square 45 Alderney Drive Dartmouth, N.S. B2Y 2N6 902-426-2578 (ph) 902-426-2062 (fax) http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/community/ CAP Atlantic provides information, training and animation to community groups working on issues that link human health and the environment. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- The preceding message was posted on Sustainable Maritimes (sust-mar) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Looking for an old message? You'll find it in the sust-mar ARCHIVES ... http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/lists/sust-mar
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