Archives for July 2015

Archive for July, 2015

Pride – Thank You For Being Here!

Posted on: July 3rd, 2015 by Nellie's No Comments

Photo by Adriana Pelayo Rubio

While volunteering at Nellie’s booth at Pride this past weekend, more than once we received the comment “Thank you for being here.” While the comment could be have been chalked up to sticking it out in the heavy rain that ‘damp’ened (but did not dampen) celebrations, it was said and received within a much larger context of ‘sticking it out’ in the struggle for equity and empowerment. Nellie’s was there to advocate and in solidarity, rather than for the gratitude, but the importance of giving and receiving thanks was not lost on us.

Pride is an opportunity to celebrate community(ies) and connection but also to acknowledge the work that continues year round to create safe spaces and experiences. This is the work of places and communities like Nellie’s. Pride also provides an opportunity for pause amidst the celebrations to give thanks to the growing community of change makers and advocates, who acknowledge the history of Pride and continue to lead change. To those change makers, we say thank you.

Thank you for being part of an inclusive community.

Thank you for being willing and active participants in feminist action and education.

Thank you for continuing to speak up against homophobia, racism, sexism and classism.

Thank you for being catalysts for change within your communities.

Thank you for educating, for engaging in conversations and advocacy, and for building inclusive spaces.

Thank you for your patience and your practice.

Thank you for being here.

Here, in both the struggle and the celebration.

As this year’s Pride celebrations come to an end, Nellie’s continues to celebrate equity, feminism and a collective commitment to change. We recognize the strides being made, for example, last week’s US Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage equality, while standing firmly committed to breaking down the barriers that continue to exist for many in our community(ies). We do this willingly and whole-heartedly and with ever more gratitude for those who join us.

In solidarity and with much thanks,

Nellie’s

Nellie’s Needs Volunteers

Posted on: July 1st, 2015 by Nellie's No Comments

Volunteer Position Description

FUNDRAISING ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEER

Nellie’s mission is to operate programs and services for women and children who have and are experiencing oppressions such as violence, poverty and homelessness. Nellie’s is a community based feminist organization which operates within an anti-racism anti-oppression framework. We are committed to social change through education and advocacy, to achieve social justice for all women and children.

Nellie’s operates a 36 bed shelter and independent Community Support and Outreach Programs for women and children who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

This volunteer position works closely with a team of administrative staff in the office. Main work revolves around administrative support for the successful delivery of resource development activities to raise funds to support Nellie’s programs and services for marginalized women and children.

Responsibilities:

Help with mail outs and telephone calls
Online research for new contacts
Set up and participate at community events and activities
Maintain proper documentation and records of work undertaken

Assists with other duties as required, from time to time, aiding in the efficient operation of the organization

Requirements:

Commitment to the mission of Nellie’s
Able to work on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays between 10-4pm
Basic understanding of the issues impacting women and children
Able to work with other volunteers, staff and the public
Comfortable speaking on the phone with supporters
Able to use a computer, Microsoft Office including Word, basic spreadsheets, and knowledge of the Internet
Organizational skills an asset
Commitment of a minimum of 8 hours a month during the workday
Need a police check
Must complete the 2 evening volunteer orientation on August 26 & 27.

Deadline:

Please submit your resume to Helen Stalker helen@nellies.org by August 21st, 2015