‘Out with the old and in with the new’ is the mantra this week at the Community Information and Volunteer Centre (CIVC).
The resourceful organization is launching a new website today after more than a decade with the old one. More than just a fresh coat of paint, the new site at www.stalbertcivc.com is a complete redesign with major eye appeal, enhanced searchable features and a renewed focus on one particular aspect of their business.
While ‘Information’ is even mentioned in its name, the CIVC seems to be known more as a resource for matching volunteers with local opportunities. That will always be important, explains the agency’s director of information services, but there’s a lot more going on that people can check out.
“People seem very aware of the volunteer centre side and not so much aware of the community information side and that’s something that we really need to promote more so that people know we’re here,” Ricky Masic said. “That they can’t find information on the minor hockey league, or basketball or minor baseball, and they don’t know who to call to contact, they can call us. We can give them that information.”
She added that there would likely be some kind of campaign this year to help get the word out.
Among the many easily accessible pages of information are lists of daycares, preschools and babysitters. You can check out rental accommodations (including both apartments and basement suites available in the city), plus a link to the rental assistance program and its application form. Of course, there’s also the fully searchable online database called InformStAlbert.com that has details on over 200 local agencies providing all kinds of programs and services.
Masic espoused the merits of having such a well-organized and encyclopaedic online presence. She said that there is a huge demand for information but not everyone likes to pick up the phone to find answers. “That’s the whole idea behind the new website.”
Interactivity is also the name of the game as today’s launch is also meant to usher in a new era of immediacy and accessibility — the new site is Smartphone friendly. Those people who want to make nominations for the agency’s volunteer awards can now use an online form instead of having to print off a PDF file. The tab devoted to Sidekicks Mentoring includes a YouTube video about the program. You can even make an electronic donation via the link to CanadaHelps.org. Apart from that, she suggested that low-income clients start calling in to book appointments for CIVCs annual free tax service in March and April.
You can also check out the babysitting courses, upcoming events or peruse the dozens of volunteer positions currently available throughout the capital region.
“There’s always a lot going on.”
