Think Innovation: The 2010 Not for Profit Summit

The Office for the Community Sector’s (OCS) annual summit will be held on 22 September 2010 at Docklands, Melbourne. At the 2009 Not For Profit Futures Summit we discussed the issues and problems the sector may encounter in the future. Now it’s time to join us for the 2010 Not For Profit Innovation Summit, where we will hear about the new approaches community organisations are taking in response to changing communities and needs. You will hear from engaging speakers, partake in discussions on how not-for-profit (NFP) community organisations are evolving, and learn how the sector as a whole can work collaboratively to ensure continual responsiveness. You will be encouraged to think outside the square, be innovative, and to come up with fresh ideas suited to the emerging future of Victoria.

Further information regarding the agenda and how to register for this event will be available shortly.
 

The Victorian Community Sector Awards 2010

The inaugural Victorian Community Sector Awards will be presented at the OCS Think Innovation Summit in September. The OCS developed the Awards in recognition of the outstanding work performed by our NFP community organisations every day. In keeping with the theme of this year’s summit, the 2010 awards will recognise those organisations who have adopted a creative new approach to conducting their operations, no matter how big or small this change may be. If you have developed a new way of dealing with an old problem, and your organisation has benefited as a result of this new way of thinking, then we want to hear from you. 

The award categories relate to four themes outlined in the Victorian Government’s Action Plan: Strengthening Community Organisations, and aim to highlight creative ways of addressing challenges in four distinct areas:

1. Operational /administrative practices: Have you developed a new way of streamlining your accountability and administration processes? Perhaps you have found a new approach to managing your finances, or have introduced a new way to handle administrative tasks.
2. Workforce practice: Have you shown creativity in addressing workforce challenges? Maybe you have implemented creative recruitment practices, or have developed programs to retain staff and promote leadership. Have you used ICT in a new way to strengthen your organisation? 
3. Partnerships between NFP organisations, philanthropy and business: Have you shown creativity in your partnerships with philanthropy and business? Have you thought of new ways to engage with, and attract funding from, philanthropy and business?
4. Engagement with the local community: Have you been creative in your engagement with local community? Perhaps you have established a new collaborative relationship with other organisations in your community to improve community life? 

All NFP community organisations are encouraged to apply. You don’t need to have made a big change to your organisation, you just need to demonstrate that you have shown creativity, and used a new approach to address an existing challenge. Winners in each category will be awarded $2,000, and shortlisted entrants will receive $500. The OCS will prepare a video of all shortlisted entrants to be screened at the Think Innovation Summit in order to celebrate the achievements made in the NFP community sector. The Minister for Community Development, Lily D’Ambrosio, will present the awards at the summit. 

The closing date for applications is Friday 9 July 2010.

To nominate your organisation, download and complete the Victorian Community Sector Awards 2010 Nomination Form (PDF 247 kb) or (Word 593 kb).
For further information, including the awards process, please refer to the Victorian Community Sector Awards 2010 Guidelines (PDF 257 kb) or (Word 608 kb).

Applications can be posted / faxed / emailed to the OCS:

2010 Think Innovation Summit Awards
Office for the Community Sector
Department of Planning and Community Development
GPO Box 2392
Melbourne VIC 3001
Fax: (03) 9208 3646
Email: communitysector@dpcd.vic.gov.au