GUELPH – The People and Information Network (PIN) is celebrating 20 years in Guelph and Wellington with a new tagline and three initiatives to get the new year off to a running start.
PIN, formerly the Volunteer Centre of Guelph Wellington, began in 2001 as a resource for nonprofits and charities and a central hub for volunteerism.
“PIN connects people, ideas and information together and we do this through three pillars of work,” executive director Kim Cusimano said in a press release.
Those pillars include:
– a robust community information portal hosting more than 1,200 information records on essential human services;
– a pillar of nonprofit leadership where PIN leads training, consultation and facilitates communities of practice for executive directors and leaders of volunteers; and
– a volunteer network pillar with a database of volunteer opportunities in Guelph and Wellington County, outreach to share these volunteer opportunities, recognition and best practices in leading volunteers.
“The benefits of volunteering are immense – from building networks, skills and experience to meeting new people,” says Cusimano.
“Being connected to others and finding meaning and purpose through giving of one’s gifts of time, talents and spirit is powerful.”
When communities harness that power, everyone benefits, she says.
To kick off 2021, PIN has unveiled its commemorative 20th anniversary logo and the tagline: Do. Give. Share.
“Imagine if our community pledged to do 20 things for good, give $20 for good, and share 20 hours for good. The collective impact would blanket our community in the warmth of human kindness and good. We could all use that,” Cusimano said.
In addition, PIN has three key initiatives to get started in January:
– A volunteer survey for Guelph Wellington is now open and runs through to February 19. The survey will help understand the local landscape of volunteerism from the perspective of volunteers;
– Free information session on virtual volunteering for leaders of volunteers. The session is on Jan. 22 from 9 to 10am and was developed from the results of the Community Benefit Sector Survey;
– EDPG Symposium – three speakers, three mornings, three topics on Sightline, Collaboration and Leadership. Sessions will be led by Rebecca Sutherns, founder and CEO of Sage Solutions; Kris Cummings, principle at DO/ABLE; and Curt Hammond, chief listening officer at Pearl Street Communications.
Sessions are Jan. 25, 27 and 29 from 8:30 to 10am.
Cusimano said it doesn’t matter if volunteerism is formal and structured or informal and spontaneous.
“We are excited about the future. Our 20th Anniversary instills pride in the work we have done and acts as a spark as we aspire to continue to grow and outreach into the community,” Cusimano said.
“PIN encourages our community to take action through Do. Give. Share.”
To learn more about PIN and the initiatives beginning a yearlong celebration, visit PINnetwork.ca.
