Inspiring Action: Your November Edition | | |
|
This month, we’re shining a light on the power of action — from innovative programs and partnerships to community-led initiatives creating real impact across Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether it’s youth employment, local entrepreneurship, or social well-being, November is full of stories that remind us how small steps can spark big change.
💡 Discover how communities are turning inspiration into impact this season.
| | |
ASCEND — Building Confidence, Skills & Meaningful Futures
The First Cohort: A Resounding Success
We’re excited to share updates on ASCEND (Achieving Success through Community Engagement & Development) — a youth employment initiative funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS).
Led by Community Sector Council NL (CSCNL) and delivered in NL, NS, and PEI with partners Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia (IONS) and Community Sector Network of PEI (CSNPEI), the first cohort connected 40 youth participants with 38 community employers across the region.
Through 70 hours of personal and career development training and meaningful community placements, participants built skills, confidence, and readiness for future employment.
Feedback from both youth and employers has been overwhelmingly positive:
| | |
Cohort Two: Expanding Across Four Regions
This fall, ASCEND expanded to Nunavut in partnership with Inspire Nunavut and the Nunavut Association of Non-Profit Organizations (NANPO) — reaching over 100 participants across four regions.
The third cohort is set to begin in March 2026, and employers and youth can complete online applications now.
| | | | |
Catch Andre LeBlanc and Lindsey Hynes from CSCNL on The Tim Powers Show (VOCM) discussing the Social Enterprise Through Acquisition (SETA) program and the inspiring story behind the Two Whales Coffee Shop conversion.
🎧 Tune in to the October 22, 2025 episode (minute 35) here:
| | |
|
Earlier this fall, Table 8 Co-operative celebrated its social acquisition of Two Whales Coffee Shop in Port Rexton. Their first season running the café has been a success!
CSCNL was proud to support this transition through the SETA Program, with thanks to partners: Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of
Co-operatives, The Northpine Foundation, ACOA, and IET.
| | | | | Community Well-Being Fair – Marystown | | |
Join us on Tuesday, November 18, at St. Gabriel’s Hall, Marystown, for the Community Well-Being Fair, hosted in partnership by CSCNL and Newfoundland & Labrador Health Services.
This event highlights how social factors influence health and quality of life, bringing together community organizations, service providers, and individuals who care about improving well-being across the province.
Organizations are invited to showcase their programs and services that promote well-being for people of all ages. Booth registration is free but limited.
| | | |
Succession Planning for Small Business – Rocky Harbour
Thinking about selling your business… or buying one? Join us Nov. 18 at the Ocean View Hotel for a free session on succession planning — with expert advice, real-world tips, and practical tools to plan your next step.
🕗 8:30 AM–2:00 PM | Free to attend
| |
☕ Coffee’s On November
Let’s Talk Perinatal Mental Well-Being
Join us on November 24, 1–2 PM NST for our next Coffee’s On session, featuring the Strongest Families Institute (SFI), a registered charity offering free, evidence-based mental health programs for children, youth, and adults across NL.
This session will spotlight Strongest Beginnings, a new perinatal mental well-being research study supporting parents from pregnancy through early childhood. SFI is currently recruiting 50–60 participants across NL for this clinical series study.
| | | | |
PLACE Dialogues 2025
Join community leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across Newfoundland and Labrador for PLACE Dialogues 2025 on November 26, a virtual and in-person event exploring this year’s theme: “Seeing New in the Old, Through a Sea of Possibility.”
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on creativity, resilience, and the power of local assets.
| | |
Community Well-Being Session: Baie Verte
(In Person – Nov 26)
Join us in Baie Verte for a hands-on workshop focused on identifying local well-being priorities and turning community ideas into action. Delivered in partnership with the Baie Verte Peninsula Mining Innovation Task Force.
| |  | |
Support for Small Business: Burlington Meetup
(In Person – Nov 27)
Are you considering buying or selling a small business? This casual meetup offers guidance on succession planning, available supports, and resources — hosted with the Baie Verte Peninsula Mining Innovation Task Force.
| | |
State of Canada’s Cities Summit – Dec. 3–4, 2025
We’re proud to share that Andre LeBlanc, Social Ventures Senior Associate at CSCNL, will be speaking about the Social Enterprise Through Acquisition (SETA) program at the State of Canada’s Cities Summit, hosted by the Canadian Urban Institute.
Join leaders from across Canada to explore local solutions for resilience, equity, and prosperity.
| | | | | |
NOTICE: Early Application Deadline for Canada Summer Jobs 2026
Community-sector organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador are encouraged to take note of the earlier-than-usual application period for Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2026.
🗓️ Applications are open from November 4 to December 11, 2025 (11:59 p.m. PST).
Start preparing your job descriptions and budgets early to make the most of this youth employment funding opportunity.
| | | |
Teen Challenge Physical Activity Funding Program
Recreation NL is offering funding to support active living opportunities for youth ages 13–19 — including $250 for one-time physical activity events and $500 for ongoing programs (4+ weeks).
Application deadline: February 6, 2026.
| | |
VOCM Cares Foundation Program Funding
Applications are open November 7–14 for local charities across Newfoundland and Labrador supporting health, education, and safety initiatives. VOCM Cares provides community-based program funding to strengthen local impact.
| | |
Community Waste Diversion Fund
Municipalities, Indigenous Community Governments, and Local Service Districts can now apply for up to $25,000 to support sustainable waste management projects. This funding supports initiatives that improve solid waste diversion and environmental impact in local communities.
Applications by Nov. 27.
| |
EmpowHer: Building Safe Relationships
In partnership with the FIG Fund, EmpowHer helps young adults (ages 18–25) explore healthy relationships, consent, and gender equality.
📍 Nov 29–30 | Ches Penney Family YMCA
| |
|
Wheels of Hope Volunteer Driver
Help provide transportation for people living with cancer to get to their treatments.
Volunteer 3–4 times per month in your community and make a meaningful impact.
| |
|
Voices for Change – Volunteer Advocate
Become a voice for change by joining the Canadian Cancer Society’s advocacy team to influence policy, build community awareness and amplify the voices of those affected by cancer. Flexible weekly commitment.
| | |
Southern Avalon Performance Series – Nov. 18–20
Join us for three days of music, dance, stories, and volunteer appreciation celebrating community and creativity across the Southern Avalon.
📍 Free admission | All ages welcome
| |
Join the 2026–27 Board of Trade Ambassador Team
The St. John’s Board of Trade is recruiting volunteers to join its 2026–27 Ambassador Team, a network of members helping build stronger business connections, share experiences, and support local growth.
| |
MANL Call for Instructors
The Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MANL) is seeking an instructor to teach Introduction to Collections Management — a two-day core course in MANL’s Certificate in Museum Studies Program, to be offered in 2026.
| |
NL Economic Developers Training
The Economic Developers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (EDANL) is offering two days of practical, skills-focused training for local and regional economic development professionals.
📍 St. John’s | December 11–12, 2025
| |
Join Canada’s UN Delegation – CSW70
The Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) is inviting applications to join Canada’s delegation to the 70th UN Commission on the Status of Women. Be part of global discussions advancing gender equality and women’s rights.
| |
Make Every Purchase Count
Join Buy Social Canada on November 20, 2025 for a free virtual event showcasing new research on social procurement and social enterprise across Canada. Learn about emerging trends, success stories and how communities are purchasing with purpose.
| | |
Disability Confidence Training for Employers
Equip your organization to champion inclusive hiring and workplace practices with the Untapped Talent “Disability Confidence Training” — a professional e-learning course designed to build confidence in hiring and retaining people with disabilities.
| | | |
Want to stay on top of policy matters? Below is a round-up of recent government announcements, reports, and invitations for public feedback that may impact our sector:
🔹 2025 Poverty Reduction Annual Report Released — The National Advisory Council on Poverty released its 2025 report, outlining progress, gaps, and recommendations toward a Canada free of poverty. → Read report
🔹 Chief Public Health Officer’s 2025 Report — Working Together for Well-Being highlights how cross-sector collaboration strengthens health and well-being across Canada. → Explore report
🔹 New Lobbying Rules for Nonprofits — Beginning January 19, 2026, nonprofits must register if lobbying exceeds 8 hours in 4 weeks (previously 20% of time). → Learn more
| | |
🌟 Featured: Manager, Revenue & Strategic Development - CSCNL (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Worker Advisor - Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL), St. John's, NL
🌟 Adult Basic Education (Level 1) Instructor - Community Education Network, Stephenville, NL
🌟 Executive Director - St. John’s Status of Women Council and St. John’s Women’s Center (SJSWC/WC), St. John's, NL
🌟 Chief Executive Officer - The Chapman Group (Propel), Atlantic Canada
🌟 Pre-K Administrators, Child Care - YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador, Province Wide
🌟 Sessional Tutor - Learning Disabilities Association of NL, St. John's, NL
🌟 Wellness & Engagement Lead - Stella’s Circle, St. John's
🌟 Regional Settlement Coordinator - Association for New Canadians, Happy Valley - Goose Bay, NL
🌟 Settlement Program Assistant - Association for New Canadians, St. John's
Have a nonprofit job to share? If you're a board director, hiring manager, or recruiter, contact us to have it featured in our newsletter.
| | | | |
