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Workshops in April for Sooke and area non-profits

A summary of what kind of workshops to expect in Sooke this April.

Local volunteer organizations find they have two big challenges: getting grant funding and promoting their cause or event.

“We have a great volunteer base in Sooke yet we hear even the most enthusiastic volunteers could use some help with grant writing and promotion,” said Marlene Barry, Chair of the Sooke Region Volunteer Centre (SRVC).

“We are very excited to present two learning opportunities for Sooke area organizations to address both of these needs," Barry said. “It’s a way we can recognize and support our many volunteer groups in the region with workshops beginning during National Volunteer Week (April 12-18).”

A Grantsmithing Tips Evening will take place on April 23, presented in partnership between SRVC and Sooke Region Food CHI. It will be an informative evening for local groups to learn ways to source out successful partnerships and funding grants. Representatives from the Victoria Foundation and Vancity Foundation will be on hand to provide tips on how to get grant funding.  It is being held April 23 at 6 p.m. The cost is $10.00 for FoodCHI and SRVC members and $20.00 for non-members, which includes supper. RSVP to info@sookefoodchi.ca and complete a short survey on the sookefoodchi.ca website.

Marketing, Promotion and Communications begins on Saturday, April 18 and continues on Saturday, April 25 (9:30-noon each day). Effective promotion and communications help local groups build awareness of events, attract new members and raise revenue through donations or grants.

On the first day, participants can discuss their communications challenges, learn how marketing, promotion and communications can benefit their organization in today's rapidly changing communications environment and receive hands-on help in developing a strategy. The next weekend they will receive feedback and discuss getting the message out, social media and no-cost and low-cost techniques. Participants will take away additional resources including handouts, templates and further reading list and be able to sign up for one-on-one structured feedback at a later date to polish their final product.

The workshop is sponsored by SRVC and Saseenos Communications (www.Saseenos.com), a local non-profit resource dedicated to helping Sooke region volunteer groups, small and home-based business and artists share their stories for no cost. This workshop is free for SRVC members and $10.00 for non-members.

To register for either or both of these learning opportunities or to receive more information, contact sookeregionvolunteers@gmail.com or leave a message at 250-642-6364 Ext. 235.