At RCRG, a big part of what we do is capacity building. When we say that, though, we're often met with blank stares. What does it mean to build community capacity? Well, our focus, specifically, is the voluntary sector, where building capacity means growing Richmond's volunteer base, and enhancing the ability of local non-profit organizations to recruit, train, and engage volunteers.
We created Leadership Richmond - which comprises three programs - to carry out this important work.
Community Accelerator is a unique leadership program for youth between the ages of 15 and 25. Modelled on startup accelerators, which provide mentoring, support, and networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs, Community Accelerator helps youth develop a range of professional skills and competencies, from public speaking to financial literacy.
Rather than starting a business, however, participants each identify an unmet community need, and come up with a novel solution. From there, they receive support developing their proposals, which will cover everything from program design to budget requirements to partnership opportunities.
Community Accelerator concludes with a pitch presentation event, where participants, using the skills they've learned throughout the program, present their ideas to a group of non-profit professionals, who will offer feedback, advice, and potential support in bringing the ideas to life.
Community Accelerator is funded by RBC Foundation in support of RBC Future Launch. Additional funding is provided by TD Bank Group.
Community Accelerator has open enrollment, meaning you can sign up at any time. Upon doing so, you'll be added to our mailing list, and begin receiving information on upcoming Community Accelerator workshops, events, networking opportunities, and more.
As a program participant, you'll also be able to request guidance and advice from non-profit professionals, whether pertaining to your own community project or the charitable sector more generally.
SIGN UP FOR COMMUNITY ACCELERATOR
Community Accelerator workshops are free, and open to all Richmond youth between the ages of 15 and 25.
To sign up for a workshop, you do not need to be currently participating in Community Accelerator. If a topic sparks your interest, you're more than welcome to attend that session!
Below, you'll find a list of previous Community Accelerator workshops. Click the corresponding link to view a poster with more information.
If you're new to Community Accelerator, and see a workshop that interests you, email jdewolff@rcrg.org, and we'll look at potentially hosting it again.
Storytelling & Media Messaging | March 26, 2024
Budgeting 101 | October 11, 2023
Richmond is full of generous businesses that support a wide range of community causes. But how can they ensure that their support is resulting in the greatest possible impact? That's where the Richmond Caring Companies program comes in. We work with local businesses to develop and implement community engagement strategies, tailored to each company's resources and philanthropic goals.
As part of the program, we also organize an annual Day of Caring, giving businesses, their employees, and their families a chance to take part in a volunteer service project.
To find out how the Caring Companies program can help your business enhance its community involvement, call 604-279-7020.
Under the umbrella of Community, we offer a variety of training opportunities for the non-profit sector - everything from two-hour workshops to our six-week Volunteer Management Training Series. Whether you're a seasoned non-profit professional, or are just getting started in the field, attending our training is a great way to gain new knowledge and skills that you can put into practice at your organization.
To view a complete listing of our workshops and courses, and to register, visit our Training Centre.