NELSON, BC--While many other organizations have been working to adjust to an online service model in response to COVID-19, Make A Change Canada has operated virtually with a remote workforce since its inception in 2005. Long before COVID-19 and the move to a “new normal,” clients of Make A Change Canada have accessed the organization’s online programs remotely, at any time of day from the comfort and convenience of home.
Still, Make A Change Canada has not remained idle in light of COVID-19. The organization has recently created a new themed Connection and Community Weekly Webinar Series, which will start on August 11, 2020, and includes sessions on getting published, pivoting your business online, and understanding the nature of online work in a post-pandemic economy.
The idea behind the series is to foster connection and a feeling of community between program applicants and clients currently registered in Make A Change Canada’s online programs.
“We held a very successful session called ‘Connection in Crisis: Finding Support Through Make A Change Canada’ during April when COVID-19 was at its height, and due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received, we have decided to expand on this new format and theme,” says Anne-Marie Edgar, Executive Director of Make A Change Canada. “It has become apparent that now more than ever, people want to connect with each other and with us in our virtual meeting space. Through our online tools and dedicated program staff we are helping to facilitate these important connections and are actively building our online community.”
Running every Tuesday in GoToTraining’s secure web conferencing platform, Make A Change Canada’s webinars are free and open to anyone wishing to enhance their day with some virtual connection. Webinar attendees are welcome to participate at their level of comfort, and may choose to contribute to the polls and discussions or attend as an observer. Many of the sessions will be co-facilitated by two of Make A Change Canada’s team members. This format allows for more spontaneity, discussion, and greater opportunity for experiential learning in an atmosphere dissimilar to traditional webinars.
“This is a great way to showcase our expertise in virtual programming,” states Edgar, who will also be part of the webinar line-up and co-presenting with the organization’s program manager in the Confidence on Camera session on August 25. “We have always been a no-touch organization, but we have still managed to provide programming that leads to close personal connection, and in some cases, lasting friendships. Our new webinar series is just one more way of achieving this.”
Make A Change Canada is accepting applications from potential clients seeking to improve their employment prospects on an ongoing basis. With the entirety of its programming delivered online, clients can engage in opportunities for personal and career growth with 100 percent confidence in their personal safety during these challenging times.
Make A Change Canada’s clients include people from vulnerable populations and persons facing barriers to employment. This includes people living with a disability or chronic health issue, youth, stay-at-home and single parents, older workers, Indigenous Peoples, new Canadians, members of the LGBTQ+ communities, and people living in rural or remote areas.
Founded in Nelson B.C., Make A Change Canada is one of just over 200 charities and nonprofits in Canada accredited under the Imagine Canada Standards Program and is a certified educational institution under Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Below are the upcoming Connection and Community webinars, which can also be found on Make A Change Canada’s website with full descriptions:
www.makeachangecanada.com/webinars
Tuesday, August 11 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific
How to get Published with Louise Doyle, Business Advisor
Tuesday, August 18 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific
Pivot Your Business Online (E-commerce 101) with Kenna Smith, CHt., Author and E-commerce Entrepreneur, and Chantal Orr, Business Advisor
Tuesday, August 25 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific
Confidence on Camera with Anne-Marie Edgar, Executive Director, and Mary Alton, Program Manager
Tuesday, September 1 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific
Enhancing Personal Empowerment with Jeanie Paterson, Professional Coach
Tuesday, September 15 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific
Self-employment vs. Employment, Finding Your Fit with Tara Thom Burnett, Employment Facilitator, and Louise Doyle, Business Advisor
Tuesday, September 22 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific
Online Work in a Post-pandemic Economy with George Papazian, Instructional Lead
Tuesday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific
The 4-Hour Workweek Book Review with Louise Doyle, Business Advisor, and Tara Thom Burnett, Employment Facilitator
More About Make A Change Canada/Faire un Changement Canada
Make A Change Canada, established in 2005, is a registered Canadian charity that provides employment, self-employment, and skills training to Canadians who face barriers to employment. Make A Change Canada is accredited under the Imagine Canada Standards Program and is one of just over 200 charitable organizations and nonprofits in Canada to have achieved this important designation. Make A Change Canada is exempted from certification under the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB), Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, and is a certified educational institution under Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Clients include people living with a disability or chronic health issue, youth, stay-at-home and single parents, older workers, Indigenous Peoples, new Canadians, members of the LGBTQ+ communities, and people living in rural or remote areas. For more information, please visit www.makeachangecanada.com.