Online Help for Volunteers, Non-Profits

People working with non-profit groups now have improved access to skills and training online and volunteers can match skills with organizations in need to better serve Nova Scotians.

Minister responsible for the Voluntary Sector Marilyn More met with community leaders today, June 21, to launch SkillsOnlineNS courses for people working in non-profits.

"Non-profit organizations contribute $1.8 billion to the province's economy with nearly 6,000 organizations and 24,000 paid staff providing critical services and volunteer support," said Ms. More. "Many non-profits struggle to find and pay for relevant training in their region.

"Nova Scotians working at non-profits now have immediate access to custom learning, as well as thousands of administrative and management courses, which will help them help families in our communities across the province."

SkillsOnlineNS.ca provides quick and easy access to thousands of online courses, including eight customized for non-profits.

"We are so pleased those tailored courses are now available through SkillOnlineNS," said Lisa Kamperman, project manager for the Kings Volunteer Resource Centre. "Having access to these free, online courses will be a great resource."

The province introduced SkillsOnlineNS last fall for small and medium-sized businesses, community groups and all Nova Scotians. Today, more than 900 businesses are taking advantage of the program to enhance their workforce.

Education Minister Ramona Jennex will also meet with community leaders today to showcase goodNS.ca, an interactive website that will match volunteers with organizations needing their help.

"There are about 452,000 volunteers in Nova Scotia," said Ms. Jennex. "To help continue this strong volunteer force, this interactive website is another tool to attract and keep good volunteers. It is a creative way of taking the volunteer opportunity to the volunteer."

Community-based organizations and municipalities are also able to add goodNS.ca matching to their sites. This will help them connect people to volunteer activities at the community level.

For more information, visit www.goodNS.ca or www.skillsonlinens.ca .