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| ARPA's e-Newsletter |
February 2010
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Mark Your Calendar!
2010 Youth Development Through Recreation Services Symposium
March 15-17, 2010
The Banff Centre
Register Today!
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 Reaction to the 2010 provincial budget
The Alberta Government's 2010 Budget "Striking the Right Balance" places priority and weighted focus on increased funding to healthcare ($1.7 billion) and a $250 million increase to education (school boards).
Analyzing specific budget components, the following become noteworthy points for those agencies operating within the quality of life and wellness sectors (including recreation and parks):
Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (ATPR) received a 13% cut to its departmental budget - see the ATPR Business Plan and Budget Estimates for further details. Notably:
- The ASRPWF's budget will be cut by 7.3%. In this regard, "provincial programs," which include funding to provincial sport and recreation associations, was reduced by 9.5% ($1.7 million).
The Alberta Culture and Community Spirit (ACCS) budget was cut 15% - see the ACCS Business Plan and Budget Estimates for further details. Notably:
- $2.5 million was removed from the Community Initiatives Program (CIP), representing a 9% reduction. The CIP grant program was used last year as an offset to $8+ million resulting from the dissolution of the Wildrose Foundation. Over the course of the past two years then, $10.5 million has effectively been taken, or committed to, removing those funds from general CIP grant applications.
- The Community Spirit grant program will receive $4 million less, representing a 20% reduction (from $20 million to $16 million).
The Alberta Municipal Affairs budget will have continued capital funding through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI), albeit the term of capital fund availability has been stretched. Such capital funds can support projects such as roads, recreation facilities, water treatment plants, and libraries.
Lottery Fund Estimates for 2010/11 represent roughly a $200 million drop in projected revenue estimates from projected estimates in 2009/10. Notably:
VLT revenues are declining - more than $200 million since 2006/07. Lottery ticket revenue is projected to increase slightly in 2010/11.
Other analysis of the Lottery Fund Estimates shows: More lottery revenue is being directed to Alberta Health Services (the provincial super board), from $90 million in 2008/09 to over $285 million in 2010/11. Reductions in funding were only directed to initiatives related to culture, recreation, and parks; transportation (street improvement program); and education. Recreation and parks (1.7%) and culture/community spirit (13.9%) receive 15.6% of total lottery revenues.
All of this long-term deterioration of lottery funds underscores the need to press forward on the 2009 ARPA AGM Resolution pertaining to the need for a review of the Alberta Lottery Fund and its disbursements.
In total effect, and not surprisingly given the global economic recession and provincial fiscal restraint circumstances, there is little to cheer about for the recreation and parks sector, nor for others in the voluntary not-for-profit sector.
This, however, comes at a time when chronic lifestyle illnesses (including obesity and Type 2 diabetes) are increasing at alarming epidemic rates. For the recreation and parks sector and others endeavoring to "make a difference" through existing and new wellness and quality of life initiatives, the 2010 Budget offers little in the way of investment.
The real concern relates more to the perceived and continued undervaluing of recreation and parks (as provincial government priorities) as effective means for building sustainable communities and providing positive offsets especially for those under- and unemployed due to the trying, current economic circumstances. For some, "striking the right balance" would appear to do little to move any provincial investment "upstream" towards much needed wellness and preventative measures, nor does it show real regard for the vital and increasingly necessary work of the voluntary not-for-profit sector, which is being asked year after year to do more with little capacity support.
For such budget and funding circumstances to be addressed with any effective intention or deliberation will require new and timely inter-sectoral/agency consultations and advocacy over the next 12 to 18 months.
For more information on the provincial budget, please visit:
http://budget2010.alberta.ca/index.html
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| Alberta Culture and Community Spirit engages non-profit and arts sectors to provide input to Minister's Dialogue
 Alberta Culture and Community Spirit is engaging in a discussion with the non-profit/voluntary sector and the arts sector to identify challenges and opportunities for the government and both sectors to work better together to help support healthy and vibrant communities.
These surveys provide an excellent opportunity for sectoral stakeholders to submit personal open-ended responses to the provincial government specifically focused on the successes and challenges they have recently experienced in meeting their mandates, and in working with other organizations.
The findings gathered through this dialogue, as well as through a series of face-to-face meetings being conducted across the province, will help shape government's priorities moving forward. This online opportunity for input will run until February 26, 2010.
For those ARPA members wishing to participate in either of the online surveys, please note the following links:
Non-Profit Voluntary Sector Survey
Arts Sector Survey
A summary of the online dialogue will be available on the Culture and Community Spirit website as soon as possible after the surveys close.
For more information, please visit www.culture.alberta.ca.
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 Final call for Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence nominations
The nominations deadline for the first edition of the Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence (RIAE) is February 26th, 2010.
Nominating an individual or organization can be completed in three simple steps: (1) Complete the nomination form; (2) Provide three letters of support; and (3) Provide an overview of the nominee including reference to the project, work, or services that support the nomination (max. 500 words).
The inaugural RIAE gala, scheduled to take place April 15th, 2010, is
presently seeking nominations in all awards categories. The intent of
this program is to honour achievement, excellence, creativity, and
innovation by Alberta's corporate sector in enhancing personal health,
community well-being, and quality of life that is directly linked to
recreation and parks development.
For more information on this initiative, or to download a nomination form or sponsorship package, please visit www.awards.recreationforlife.org.
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| Deadline to apply for ARPA scholarships is March 31st
ARPA is pleased to offer three scholarship opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate post-secondary students studying in the field of recreation and parks in the province of Alberta. With a new, simplified online application process, applying for an ARPA scholarship has never been easier!
The two AABRD Legacy Scholarships (graduate: $3,000 and undergraduate: $1,000) are to assist Albertans to advance their education in the area of recreation for people with disabilities (e.g., recreation administration, adapted physical education, rehabilitation medicine or other related programs). This scholarship intends to recognize academic achievements, contributions to, and endeavours in advancing the field of recreation for people with disabilities.
Apply for the AABRD Undergraduate or Graduate Scholarship:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/220659/aabrd-legacy-scholarship-application
The Halladay Memorial Scholarship recognizes a student enrolled in any undergraduate program related to recreation and parks, who has contributed to recreation and/or parks services through volunteer activities, work experience, studies and involvement in ARPA. This award with a value of $1,000 scholarship is given in memory of Jacqueline Diane Halladay, 1959-1981, to honour "one who gave so much."
Apply for the Halladay Memorial Scholarship:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/220607/halladay-memorial-scholarship-application-form
The application deadline for all scholarships is Wednesday, March 31st, 2010. For more information and detailed selection criteria, please visit www.awards.arpaonline.ca.
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| Don't miss the 2010 Youth Development Through Recreation Services Symposium!
Register today to attend the 2010 Youth Development Through Recreation Services (YDRS) Symposium! The 2010 YDRS Symposium will be held at The Banff Centre from March 15-17, 2010. This year's event will be focused on the theme of "Building Youth Friendly Communities" through these three primary streams:- Youth and Nature
- Leadership
- Building Connections with Youth
To register online today, please visit: www.regonline.ca/2010_youth_development_through_recreation_services
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 HIGH FIVE® Upgraded!
HIGH FIVE® has integrated cutting-edge research on bullying, physical literacy and Canadian Sport for Life, dealing with diversity, and emotional/social literacy skills for children, to enhance the curriculum of the Principles of Healthy Child Development (PHCD) course. In early February, upgraded sessions were held for all of Alberta's HIGH FIVE® Trainers to share these exciting changes and improvements. This will allow the trainers to provide even more knowledge and tools to staff who work children and youth in sport and recreation programs.
For more information about HIGH FIVE®, or to request a workshop, please call 780-415-1745 or visit www.highfive.arpaonline.ca.
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 Sogo Youth Carry the Olympic Flame
In January, youth across Alberta who participated in Sogo Active carried the Olympic Flame in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. One of the groups was the award -winning Sogo Calgary Team. Eighteen youth had the experience of a lifetime to carry the Olympic Flame on January 19th. The Torch Relay day was an exciting day, with over 130 parents, families and friends were bussed out the route to cheer on and celebrate these amazing youth.
Sogo Calgary was a collaboration of six organizations: City of Calgary Recreation, City of Calgary Community and Neighbourhood Services, YMCA Calgary, Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary, Child and Youth Friendly Calgary, and ARPA. Through the planning and execution of monthly events, Sogo Calgary youth learned valuable skills and abilities about organization, communication, teamwork, and leadership. Congratulations to all of the Sogo Active Torchbearers!
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 ACE Communities seeks rural youth reporters
ACE Communities is now putting a call out for its Youth Report Program. These youth-driven reports (whether they are written, photo-based, or videos) will be hosted as a blog on the ACE Communities website. The aim is a reverse-mentoring program where youth will also provide technology-based mentoring to other community leaders while learning more about community building.
ACE Communities is looking for voluntary reporters between the age of 13-18 years old, but consideration will also be made to other age groups. Youth reporters are also required to live in a rural Alberta community, and preferably one that is designated as an ACE Community (see www.acecommunities.ca for a list of ACE Communities).
This will be a rolling submission, so all interested parties are encouraged to apply. ACE Communities would also like to see samples of applicants' work (whether it is written, photographic, or video-based), but it is not a necessary requirement.
Email Janet Naclia, Creative Cultural Liaison for ACE Communities, at jnaclia@aceleaders.ca for more information on this initiative.
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| Farewell to Heather O'Hearn
It is with mixed emotions that ARPA announces that Heather O'Hearn's last day with our Association was January 29th. Heather is now pursuing an exciting opportunity with the City of Edmonton as a Community Recreation Coordinator.
Heather has made significant contributions to ARPA over the years... through her early work as the Children and Youth Program Coordinator, as well as involvement in Active Communities, June is Recreation and Parks Month, and her most recent role as Evaluation Coordinator for ACE Communities.
While we will miss Heather's quirky and quick sense of humour, her intelligence, attention to policy implications, focus on team building, and understanding of the importance of evaluation, we wish her the very best on her new career journey!
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| Parks and Recreation Ontario to host Educational Forum & National Exchange
The Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) Educational Forum and National Exchange is scheduled to take place April 6-9th, 2010, in Niagara Falls. The event will feature more than 45 sessions and 4 keynote addresses, a trade show, a gala awards dinner, and a national showcase as components of this unique learning opportunity.
New this year, PRO and its provincial and territorial recreation partners have added a National Exchange to this event including: National Strategy Sessions where topics of national interest will be discussed; a luncheon to showcase what is happening from coast to coast; and a national networking dinner where you can meet others from across the country and expand your network even further.
Please view the full conference brochure at:
http://www.prontario.org/index.php/ci_id/5975.htm
For more information on this event, please contact Parks and Recreation Ontario at 416-426-7065, forum@prontario.org, or visit our website at www.prontario.org.
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Upcoming ARPA Events
ACE Community Building Workshop
Date: February 19. 2010
Location:Jasper, AB
Registration Contact: Ginette Marcoux-Frigon (ginemarc@yrec.ab.ca)
ACE Community Building Workshop
Date: March 2, 2010
Location: Airdrie / Irricana, AB
Registration Contact: Kim Harris (kim.harris@airdrie.ca)
ACE Community Building Workshop
Date: March 4, 2010
Location: Drumheller / East Coulee, AB
Registration Contact: Norma Lang (cbi@dinosaurvalley.com)
ACE Communities Webcast with Ian Hill
Date: February 26th, 2010
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MST)
Youth Development Through Recreation Services (YDRS) Symposium
Date: March 15-17, 2010
Location: The Banff Centre, Banff, AB
URL: www.regonline.ca/2010_youth_development_through_recreation_services
Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence
Date: April 15, 2010
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Citadel Theatre, Edmonton, AB
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REConnect is a monthly e-newsletter produced by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association. For more information on this publication or ARPA, please contact Mandi Wise, Communications Coordinator, at mwise@arpaonline.ca.
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