Information, research, and resources strengthen the nonprofit sector.
We have gathered some key resources that shed light on the different ways the nonprofit sector, volunteerism, and civic engagement support our society. We continue to monitor social trends, explore statistical information, and gather inspiring resources that support you in your day-to-day work.
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Top Resources
Book
Weaving Through the Community: becoming a responsive board
By Lindsay Ann Cooke – This book makes the case that non-profit boards are an important component of a healthy society where citizens participate in a meaningful way. The book examines the motives of people who choose to volunteer as board members and suggests that, though there may be many reasons, some altruistic and some self-serving, board members connecting to the concept of the “Servant Leader” will be the most successful in governing their organization.
75 pages, published 2001
Hardcopy: $8.00
Book
Transitions: The Art of Implementing Positive Change
By Karen Bruce – Transitions introduces a new change model that focuses on four foundational building blocks: Window of Opportunity, Leadership, The Human Side of Change, and Reflections. The concepts are introduced through a fictional group of characters that are working through a controversial merger of two nonprofit organizations. The emotional difficulties of dealing with personal reluctance to change, system and process issues, staff concerns, diverse stakeholder interests, and community needs are explored through the interaction of the characters.
97 pages, published 2006
Hardcopy: $10.00
Book
Social Enterprise, The Three P’s: Philosophy, Processes and Practicalities
By Shelley Williams – Has your organization thought about diversifying its funding base? Have you been told by other funders that you need to diversify your sources of funding? Have you considered social enterprise but not even contemplate it as it seemed an overwhelming task? Shelley Williams takes a thorough look at the pros and cons of nonprofit organizations going into revenue generating endeavors using a workbook style format.
105 pages, published 2005
Hardcopy: $10.00
Book
Sermons for the New Millennium
By Martin Garber-Conrad – This collection of essays explores issues related to the non-profit sector at the dawn of the 21st Century. Heated discussion of the future accompanied the end of the last millennium and historical perspective was in short supply. The emphasis in the book is the practical: what ideas can provide perspectives that can be used here and now? Along with the book’s valuable insights, its light, sometimes humorous style makes it a pleasure to read.
168 pages, published 1999
Hardcopy: $8.00
Book
Responding to Diversity
By Maureen Collins – This workbook is a personal, thoughtful, and action oriented reflection on the author’s journey as she facilitated an organizational change process of responding to diversity. This workbook can be used as a tool by individuals for personal reflection or by working groups to focus discussion. The workbook is of value both to groups who are just starting to think about how to address issues of diversity in service work and to those who already have experience.
49 pages, published 2006
$12.00
Book
Radical Relatedness: exploring the spiritual dimension of family service work
By Michael McKernan – Family service work has, at the heart of its mission, the urge towards community. The richest sense of what we offer our clients is an experience of meaningful connection with themselves; with the community of family, friends and fellow workers; and with society in general. The book includes discussions on the value of spirituality as it relates to social work practice, and the concepts and language used to address the emotional and intellectual baggage that has marginalized spirituality in social work.
288 pages, published 2004
Hardcopy: $10.00
Book
Political Asylums
by Ronald A. LaJeunesse – The author researched and wrote an historical account of the impact of public attitudes and social policy on mental health service delivery in Alberta..
331 pages, published 2002
Hardcopy: For lending only
Book
Partnerships: profits and not-for-profits together
By Martha Parker – Partnerships and strategic alliances between corporations and not-for-profits are becoming a more common element in giving, with altruism and self-interest blending to include “more than money.” Distinctive relationships are replacing cheque book philanthropy and are involving key stakeholders of both not-for-profits and companies. This book includes detailed case studies, rationale for change, the evolution of leading corporations and not-for-profits, plus reflections and learnings.
224 pages, published 1999
Hardcopy: $10.00
Book
Letters to (not always of) Joy
By Bob Wyatt – In his Muttart Staff Fellowship monograph, Letters to (not always of) Joy, Muttart Foundation executive director, Bob Wyatt, argues in favour of a strong national umbrella organization to advance the work of the voluntary sector.
149 pages, published 2006
Hardcopy: $8.00
Book
Improving Health Status Through Inter-sectoral Cooperation
By Dr. John H. Hylton – This book is about the determinants of health status ‑ that is, what makes some populations healthier than others. It reviews recent literature about the determinants of population health status and points out that health depends on much more than the availability of formal health services. A number of specific strategies for cooperating across sectors are discussed, and case studies where these techniques have been utilized are reviewed.
169 pages, published 2003
Hardcopy: $10.00