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The CommunityNet Aotearoa monthly newsletter.
"News and views on community networking throughout Aotearoa."
The Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS) is a community-driven government-funded scheme providing essential support to non-profit, voluntary and community organisations. Every year, over $14 million of COGS funding is distributed to more than 3,000 community groups. Most grants are for $3,000 or less, and contribute to ongoing running costs (such as rent, travel, volunteer and administration expenses), to hosting hui, fono or community workshops, or toward project development costs. Applications for the latest funding round open on 1 June and close on the last Friday of July.
/communitycentre/news/national/cogs.htm
Are you a community organisation who would like to undertake some research? Lisa Star is an experienced researcher with a background in community work who is interested in working with a group to put together a proposal for the Community Sector Research Grant.
/communitycentre/news/national/proofresearch.htm
Now that world recession has reached our doorstep, it is becoming increasingly clear that contributions the non-profit sector can make - as it has for New Zealand's economy in previous years - will just as quickly dissipate unless a significant number of them take a long look at planning for their own self-sustainability, development, delivery of social services and programmes. Web-based technology presents a huge opportunity for non-profit organisations during these trying economic times.
/communitycentre/news/national/quirino.htm
Sorted.org.nz offers a free seminar called 'Sorted - Your guide to getting there'. If you're working with people who need help with getting their money matters under control, you may like to offer this one-hour seminar. Participants learn about the six key steps to getting financially sorted, how to achieve each step and where to get extra help. They leave with information to set their goals, look at their spending and develop a budget, as well as a set of Sorted's free booklets including the matching booklet 'Sorted - Your guide to getting there'.
/communitycentre/news/national/sorted.htm
There are two vacancies for the Pacific Health area on the NGO-Ministry of Health Working Group. The health and disability sector NGO-Ministry of Health Working Group was set up in 2002 as a response to the 2001 Statement of Government Intentions for an Improved Community-Government Relationship. Representatives of the health and disability sub-sectors are elected annually on a rotational basis to ensure consistency. The Working Group's main task is to work strategically on strengthening the sector's relationship with the Ministry of Health. Working Group members are, therefore, expected to be the leaders within their particular agency and within the sector. Anyone from an NGO registered in the Pacific sub-sector with the NGO Working Group Secretariat may nominate a candidate for the Working Group.
/communitycentre/news/national/ngoworkgroup.htm
In 2009 SOUNZ, Centre for New Zealand Music, will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the SOUNZ Community Commission. This project, funded by a generous and committed anonymous donor, has proved an effective way to bring together amateur musicians and professional composers to create new works. From Gisborne to Wanaka and Nelson to Auckland musicians and composers have used this opportunity to create an amazing variety of works. SOUNZ is now receiving applications for the 10th SOUNZ Community Commission, and we are looking forward to some very special proposals that will truly make this 10th SOUNZ Community Commission a celebrated collaboration!
/communitycentre/news/national/sounzcommission.htm
A downturn in the economy can have a dramatic effect on not for profit organisations. Some organisations have a policy to keep funds in reserve to help them through difficult times but not too many have sufficient capital to maintain 'business as usual' during a sustained downturn or a recession. Whether you need to modify some of your programs to get through a rough patch, or you need to embark on a major turnaround strategy, these tips will help you prepare for the imminent future.
/communitycentre/news/national/nfpupdate.htm
The Auckland Regional Council's Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) 2009 funding round is now open so it is time to start preparing your application form. The fund provides financial support and advice to individuals and groups with projects that make a difference to the Auckland region's natural, cultural and physical environments and heritage. This year you can apply online. Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 1 July.
/communitycentre/news/national/eifund.htm
The first publication in the Putting Pen to Paper series is now available. Produced by The Department of Internal Affairs, in co-operation with Waitakere City Council, it focuses specifically on the development of partnership agreements. Putting Pen to Paper guides those entering into new multiparty relationships and highlights some of the challenges and opportunities in developing and implementing partnering agreements in New Zealand. While the focus is on interagency working between central and local government, many of the principles will apply more widely. The second publication in the Putting Pen to Paper series, Putting Pen to Paper: Profiles, is a collection of actual partnering agreements and an in-depth look at the process of reaching them.
/communitycentre/news/national/pentopaper.htm
A new food safety guide designed for Marae cooks has been launched by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA). The guide, named Te Kai Manawa Ora, provides up-to-date food safety advice in a culturally sensitive format for a setting that is often run by volunteers. “Sharing kai is a core element of Māori culture, and the Marae is often the centre of this experience,” says Minister for Food Safety Kate Wilkinson. “This guide aims to help maintain the mana and dignity of Marae cooks by providing them with hints and tips for keeping food safe.”
/communitycentre/news/national/maraefoodguide.htm
Every Child Counts - He Mana to ia Tamaiti is calling for nominations for their annual awards to be presented in September in Auckland this year. There are two awards - one for an institution that has made a significant difference to improve the status and wellbeing of children during 2008-09 and the other for an individual who has made a difference by an action or role that improves the status and wellbeing of children in 2008-09. Nominations will be accepted up to and including Friday 18 July.
/communitycentre/news/national/everychildcounts.htm
More East Tamaki Primary students can now enjoy fresh vegetables straight from the garden thanks to a recent $5,000 grant from the Four Winds Foundation, with the promise of more to come. The grant was used to purchase timber, soil, mulch, irrigation and untreated macrocarpa to build a new vegetable patch, doubling the size of the school’s existing vegetable garden, ensuring healthy eating and living is very much part of the school curriculum. East Tamaki Primary School Principal Sarah Mirams says the vegetable garden has been developed as part of the ‘Garden to Table’ initiative designed to provide primary aged children positive experiences with nutritious food that will form the basis for good life-long eating habits.
/communitycentre/news/national/4windsgrant.htm
Women's Refuge says the government’s plan to establish a new Community Response Fund is a sensible measure to address the imminent impact of the recession. In May, the government announced the Community Response Fund that will make available up to $40 million in additional support in this coming year for community and voluntary sector organisations. Women’s Refuge Chief Executive, Heather Henare, said it was well established that high rates of domestic violence coincide with economic recession. “Women’s Refuge and other non-government organisations are only too aware of the demands that may be placed on us as job losses and business failure begins to take their toll on communities. We are pleased to see the Ministry of Social Development working in consultation with communities and social service agencies to ensure that we are there and we are resourced to provide essential support services when and where they are needed.”
/communitycentre/news/national/responsefund.htm
Latest community news, events, jobs and ads are online at:www.community.net.nz/communitycentre/news.
Keep New Zealand Beautiful (KNZB) is a non profit organisation operating as a charitable trust to promote litter abatement, waste reduction and town and city beautification.
http://www.knzb.org.nz
Website of the National Library of New Zealand (Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa). The National Library's key outcome is: New Zealanders connected with information important to all aspects of their lives.
http://webdirectory.natlib.govt.nz/dir/en/nz/maori/
The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF) is New Zealand's leading resource of information specifically for patients, family members and friends affected by leukaemia and related blood conditions. In pursuit of a vision to cure and a mission to care, the LBF are committed to improving the quality of life for patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and related blood conditions.
http://www.leukaemia.org.nz/
Caring for Carers is a service for unpaid carers who look after a family member with a serious illness or disability. Our support includes monthly meetings with needs and interest based topics, an annual pamper day for carers, a free helpline for easy access to information and personal support and advocacy on a national level.
http://www.caringforcarersec.co.nz
The Global Youth Foundation is a non-profit charitable trust, devoted to producing programmes and systems that help people to learn and communicate better; engender self esteem and positive attitudes to life; foster the development of leadership skills; empower the family to work as a supportive and co-operative unit; assist all involved to accept personal responsibility for their own well-being and the direction of their lives.
http://www.discoveryforteens.co.nz
Convergent Digital Solutions Ltd. is a consulting firm that empowers non-profits with Web 2.0 solutions that work. The company provides two service options because it works not only with well-resourced social service organisations but also offers a free web starter page kit to poorly-resourced charities, schools, community groups and other non-profits that don't have any technical know-how and can't yet afford a presence on the Web.
http://www.convergentdigital.co.nz
LivingWorks provides learning programmes that help caregivers play a role in preventing suicide. These programmes were developed in response to a growing concern about suicide. They recognise that many who consider suicide would rather live if they could find support to stay safe and deal with painful problems in living.
http://www.livingworks.org.nz/
Sorted is New Zealand's free independent money guide, run by the Retirement Commission. It's full of calculators and information to help you manage your personal finances throughout life.
http://www.sorted.org.nz/
The Treaty Resource Centre was established in April 2004 under the auspices of the Auckland WEA, as part of its recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Our work includes delivering Treaty workshops, consultation on policy development, support for conducting Treaty audits, and the maintenance of a reference collection of Treaty-related material.
http://www.trc.org.nz/home
The Auckland Baptist Tramping Club provides opportunities to explore the great New Zealand outdoors while enjoying Christian fellowship. Club trips are open to everyone - you do not have to be a Baptist or Christian to come along! This is a great way to make new friends.
http://www.abtc.net.nz
The Retirement Commission is an autonomous crown entity helping New Zealanders from age 5 to 105 to be financially sorted throughout their lives. Our key activities are providing financial education and carrying out regular reviews of retirement income policy.
http://www.retirement.org.nz/
Parentline is a child advocacy organisation that aims to enhance the lives of children and their families/whanau by providing wrap-around healing services and programmes. We are committed to intervention and prevention of family violence, child abuse and neglect.
http://www.parentline.org.nz
Volunteering Otago is a non-profit referral, promotion and advocacy group that has been working with community organisations in and around Dunedin since 1986. We provide a one-stop-shop for individuals looking for voluntary work and for organisations that need volunteers.
http://www.volunteeringotago.org.nz
Become a member of the Wellington Not For Profit Forum's social networking page at Linked In. It's for people working for associations, charities and not-for-profit organisations. A forum for exchanging ideas, getting information and networking.
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1859869
The Office of Ethnic Affairs is focused on people whose culture and traditions distinguish them from the majority in New Zealand. The website celebrates New Zealand and its ethnic communities.
http://www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz/
Te Waka Kai Ora (TWKO) is committed to environmental and cultural sustainability, recognising the unique qualities of native foods and medicines that come from our rich indigenous flora and fauna. Te Waka Kai Ora is committed to promoting Hua Whenua, Hua Māori and Hua Kaiora as initiatives that promote the use of traditional Māori values and ethics of organic food production.
http://huamaori.com
A charitable foundation who distributes funds to the community from the proceeds of gaming machines. The Foundation supports a cross section of non profit community groups, charities, welfare agencies, educational organisations and amateur sporting organisations.
http://www.fourwindsfoundation.co.nz/
Dragon boating is a fun way to exercise, it’s a non-impact sport enjoyed by all ages from 12 to 81. The Auckland Dragon Boat Association is New Zealand’s largest dragon boat club and an affiliated member of the NZ Dragon Boat Association (NZDBA), the governing body of dragon boat in New Zealand.
http://www.aucklanddragonboats.co.nz
Community Energy Action is a charitable trust that provides equitable energy efficient solutions to achieve good health, good environmental outcomes and the relief of fuel poverty in our community.
http://www.cea.co.nz/
You'll find these and more links at:www.community.net.nz/links.
These Events are coming up in the next few weeks. Find details at: www.community.net.nz/communitycentre/events.
These Training events are coming up in the next few weeks. Find details at: www.community.net.nz/communitycentre/training.
If you find yourself squinting at tiny text on a web page, try the Readability bookmarklet.
I often find the text on web pages too small for me. This is especially the case early and late in the day, and when I'm tired.
Of course, there are several remedies: use the web browser's View menu to zoom in or enlarge the text size, or use any controls the web page itself gives you.
Another method I discovered recently is the Readability bookmarklet. This one's a real gem, as it also takes away the 'stuff' from around the edges of the core content.
Visit the Readability page. Click a few radio button controls to choose the style of text, the size and how big the margins should be. Then drag the bookmarklet they provide into your web browser's Bookmark toolbar.
I recently viewed a typical, busy News web page. It was like so many pages I visit. The news item appeared in tiny text, and on the right was an ad and a list of other pages on the site. On many websites those ads are flashing and quite intrusive.
To read just the news story, without all the clutter, I clicked the Readability bookmarklet. All the extraneous junk was stripped away, and the text was displayed extra large, and superbly easy to read.
I've found some pages where Readability just doesn't work. Generally those pages are constructed in some 'tricky' way. On most pages though it does a great job.
If you'd like to be able to quickly and easily just read a web page without all the distracting 'frills', try Readability.
On the Internet there are big lists to match domain names with a website's 'real' address.
Here's a quick quiz: which do you find easier to remember, the number or the name:
I'd wager most people choose google.com. It's pretty hard for us humans to work with and remember numbers. We much prefer to remember names.
google.com
Here you are — just remember this number till the end of this article: 202.89.4.222.
202.89.4.222
Did you know that you can type either 209.85.229.147 or google.com into your web browser's Address Bar, and both take you to the same web page?
209.85.229.147
In the real world an address may look like this: 123 High Street, Anytown, New Zealand.
123 High Street, Anytown, New Zealand
In the Internet world addresses look like this: 209.85.229.147. That's what known as a 'dotted quad' IP address. IP stands for 'Internet Protocol'.
In the real world a friend may recommend a lawyer or accountant by name. We then locate them by consulting a phone directory. The directory tells us that Bigge, Learge and Caustly can be found at 1 Bank Street — it matches up the name with a specific address.
Websites work the same way.
When we type in a domain name such as google.com our computer has to figure out the address to visit to fetch the information we require.
There are directories on the Internet that hold big lists of domain names and the actual address where each domain name can be found.
When you type a domain name such as google.com into your web browser's Address Bar your computer actually consults a Domain Name System (DNS) server.
The computer asks for the address that matches google.com and the DNS Server replies with 209.85.229.147.
Then your computer sends the appropriate signals off to the appropriate places and before you know it the Google Search engine shows up on your screen.
That's all a whole lot of theory, and I've skipped over some nitty gritty details that real networking experts would feel are very important. I think it explains the general process though.
But have you spotted the weakness in all of this?
Picture this scene from an old movie: the car chase is on. The good guys are after the villains. The villains in the lead turn right at the signpost. But before they turn they jump out and turn the signpost round so it points the wrong way. The good guys read the sign and turn left.
In a future tip I'll talk about what happens if the Domain Name Server points the wrong way.
In July 2008 the Official Google Blog wrote in We knew the web was big…:
Recently, even our search engineers stopped in awe about just how big the web is these days — when our systems that process links on the web to find new content hit a milestone: 1 trillion (as in 1,000,000,000,000) unique URLs on the web at once!
What was that number again? Did you remember 202.89.4.222? Type it into your web browser's Address Bar, and it should take you straight to the much more memorable tvnz.co.nz.
tvnz.co.nz
Panui tips contributed by Miraz Jordan, http://knowit.co.nz
Past Website tips are all available on CommunityNet Aotearoa.
In May 2009 there were 51,428 visits (April 51,961).
Last month, 92 new community items were published.
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There were files 6,380 downloaded (April: 6,210). The most popular file download in May was the Sample Board Policies section of the Governance and Management How-to Guide (950 downloads). In April this was also the Sample Board Policies section of the Governance and Management How-to Guide (894 downloads).
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Remember: please forward the complete Panui to others who'll find it useful.
Nick Stanley, Web Content Writer.
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