The Community Leadership Certificate Program provides those already in the workforce, as well as those interested in entering the field, with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for working within the complex and challenging operational environment of a community leader.

The Community Leadership Program will be of primary interest to those working or interested in working within the voluntary sector but will also appeal to those working in government settings where community development is a priority, or within businesses committed to corporate social responsibility. Graduates will understand the essential nature of communities, community leadership and the role of the voluntary sector. As such they will also be proficient in areas identified as essential components of leadership within the voluntary sector: administration, board governance, community building, fundraising and resource development, leadership, communications, human resource management, planning and policy development, and technology and volunteer management.  They will be able to build and lead sustainable organizations that have a clear direction and plan for the future in such diverse fields as arts, child care, social services, health, sports, recreation, environment, heritage, agriculture, faith based organizations, international development, and etc.

The program has also been designed to build on, and provide ongoing learning opportunities for, those who first complete the requirements for the Volunteer Management Program (3 courses, see numbers 1, 4, 14 below) or the Fundraising Program (3 courses, see numbers 1, 2, 3 below). The courses required for the Volunteer Management and the Fundraising Programs can also be credited toward the Community Leadership Certificate Program providing further incentive for ongoing learning. See information about the courses being offered in January 2006.

1. Voluntary/NonProfit Sector Overview
   This course will provide an overview of the voluntary sector and explore its key role in building strong, healthy, and vibrant communities. The profile, scope, and composition of the voluntary/nonprofit sector will be introduced as well as trends and issues impacting the sector, its unique strengths, challenges, organizational structures and resourcing.


2. Introduction to Philanthropy and Fundraising
   Fundraising and resource generation is an essential component of community leadership.  This course will explore the importance of philanthropy in Canada and provide participants with the ability to apply various methods and practices of raising funds and generating resources. Key strategies explored will include capital campaigns, planned giving, special events, corporate sponsorships, direct mail, government, and foundation grants. The course will also investigate best practices and the tools available to identify and track donor information.


3. Advanced Fundraising
   The strength of a voluntary/nonprofit organization depends on its capacity to secure funds in order to support its mission. With the heightened competition for funding, organizations need to convey a compelling message in order to secure a strong donor base. This course will focus on the tools required to effectively engage in fundraising.  Focus will be placed on developing a case for support, proposal writing, moves management, and the development of a fundraising plan.


4. Volunteer Management
   Community leadership does not occur without managing volunteers. This course will provide the skills and knowledge required for those responsible for managing volunteers in today’s complex environment.  The learner will gain an understanding of the volunteer manager’s role in planning, organizing, and implementing effective volunteer management systems based on the volunteer cycle. Topics will include the planning cycle, risk management, recruiting, screening, interviewing, training, scheduling, motivating, supervising, recognizing, and evaluating effective volunteers.


5. Community Fundamentals
   Community Fundamentals is designed to introduce the student to the concept, history and models of community development. Students will understand the rationale for community development, its relationship to the delivery of community services and healthy communities and the roles and responsibilities of staff working in a community development capacity.


6. Community Development
   This course provides the skills and knowledge necessary for working in a community development capacity, as well as developing specific facilitative techniques for application in community settings.  This course will provide a variety of facilitative tools and resources for the community developer’s toolkit.


7. Leadership
   This course will assist participants in understanding the importance of individual leadership in building and sustaining strong, healthy, and vibrant communities within the complexities and challenges of today’s environment. Individual leadership competencies, styles and models will be explored as well as the role of leaders in organizational settings, working with groups in a community leadership capacity and as community leaders. Emphasis will be placed on developing a personal plan for achieving leadership competencies, how to contribute to a healthy and innovative organization, principles and roles for leaders working in a community development capacity and as a systems-thinking community leader.


8. Public Policy & Advocacy
   This course is designed to help participants understand the potential political role of the voluntary sector within its communities and the role of charities in advocacy. Key processes by which public policy is made in Canada will be explored in this course including the nature, rationale for and concepts of public policy. This course will also examine the policy process, the policy system, its environment and institutional framework for policy making, policy research and analysis.  Participants will explore their personal ethics and values in policy advocacy and will have the opportunity to examine a policy of their choice and develop a strong case either for or against the policy.


9. Planning
   This course will provide participants with theoretical background and practical examples for applying strategic planning processes within community settings. This course will discuss the role of strategic planning in today’s rapidly changing environment, provide a variety of strategic planning tools and give participants opportunities for practical application of these tools. Participants will learn community involvement strategies, research methodologies and a number of concepts, and frameworks and models of strategic planning. Program and project planning, proposal writing, evaluation, and outcome measurement will also be addressed.


10. Community Communications
    This course will examine the principles of communication and its role in community leadership and voluntary sector organizations. Effective communications can target the right messages to the right audiences at the right time. This course is designed to provide an overview of communications: from branding an organization, to the development of a communications plan, to choosing the most appropriate marketing communication vehicles and tools and measuring the results. Participants will also gain a better understanding of research basics, competitive analysis, identity, message development, advertising, advocacy, electronic media, marketing, promotion, publicity, public relations and media relations.
    


11. Governance & Administration
    This course is intended to provide participants with an understanding of board governance and the board role in strategically leading voluntary sector organizations and strengthening communities. Focus will be placed on the roles and responsibilities of board members including planning, human resources, finance, and legal responsibilities.  Topics will include the practical use of vision, mission and values, board development, meeting management, policy development, board/staff relations, evaluating the executive director, building partnerships, community involvement, and relations.


12. Financial Management for NonProfits
    This course will provide participants with the financial management and taxation background necessary to support the work of voluntary sector organizations. Focus will be placed on general accounting principles, bookkeeping, taxation laws for charities and nonprofits, forecasting and budgeting for a nonprofit and financial statements for nonprofits.


13. Information Management and Technology
    Sound Information Management and Information Technology (IM/IT) will be essential to individuals working in a community leadership capacity. Emphasis will be placed on providing an overview of how technology is being used to manage information and stakeholder relationships, research, promote organizations, advocate for social change, communicate, network and learn online. Additionally, participants will learn how to assess the readiness of organizations to implement new technology, analyze needs, and develop an action plan. An emphasis will be placed on furthering an understanding and appreciation of free and open source technology.


14. Introduction to Human Resources Practices
    This course will draw on theories and practices of managing and developing staff in order to build and strengthen the organization and will explore the relationship between achieving organizational goals and human resource planning. Topics covered in this course will include assessing organizational needs and assets, understanding types of organizations and people, managing diversity in the workplace, employee planning and resourcing, employee training, performance management and termination. This course will also provide an overview of employee relations and the legal environment. Participants will be given the opportunity to study and develop human resource policies and procedures. Topics include trade unions, labour laws, health and safety, pay equity, sex and race discrimination and employment equity.


15. Community Leadership Practicum
    The Community Leadership Project or Thesis will provide participants with the opportunity to research a trend, issue or need within the voluntary sector or to implement a project that is of interest to the participant.