VCN BOARD PRESIDENT JIM SAYRE IN MEMORIAM

James (Jim) Sayre passed away in the early hours of August 25th from esophageal cancer.

Jim used his law degree to assist the disadvantaged, representing clients of the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) in the areas of Workers’ Compensation and Employment Insurance law.

Jim played a big part in the Vancouver Community Network (VCN), from the very early days to now. He was Board Chair for more than a decade and a significant proponent in VCN’s charter challenge to gain charitable status. His chief concerns recently had been C-51 and the limits it may place on citizen’s right organizations as well as the day-to-day enjoyment of basic liberties to Canadians. Jim felt that VCN should help community groups, advocates and activists improve their understanding of the internet in order to assist their clients more effectively.

VCN TO OFFER COMMUNITY VOICE MAIL

VCN is happy to announce a new partnership with Lu’ma!

Lu’ma’s Community Voice Mail is a simple yet important tool for people who are homeless, phoneless, in crisis, and/or in transition.

With the help of VCN staff and volunteers, clients are set up with a phone number free of charge. Clients will be able to remain in communication and receive voice mail from their caseworkers, loved ones, and prospective employers.

The VCN help|desk is available Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm at #280-111 West Hastings St. (the Woodward’s Building) to assist those who are interested in setting up voice mail.
SEND AND RECEIVE VCN EMAILS WITH YOUR PHONE

 Did you know that registered email account users can set their phones to send and receive emails using their VCN email address?

The instructions for setting up your Android or iPhone are on our website.

If you need further assistance, you can call VCN’s help desk at 778-724-0826 or send an email to [email protected].

Please note that we will be removing inactive email accounts from our system. Tell your friends that this may make email handles normally difficult to obtain—such as [email protected]– easier to get.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE UPCOMING FEDERAL ELECTION

In order to vote, you must be registered at your current address. Elections Canada as an online voter registration service that allows you to:

• check if you’re registered to vote
• update the address on your voter registration, or
• register to vote

Remind your friends and family to check that they are registered at their current address.

Ensure you have appropriate ID to show when you go to to vote. You can find a list of acceptable forms of identification on the Elections Canada website.

UPCOMING NET2VAN EVENT – LISTENING TO YOUR MEMBERS: USING SOCIAL (MEDIA) INTELLIGENCE

Learn how to develop a social media listening strategy.

Find out what your members want… They’re already telling you!

When:    Tuesday, September 8, 5:30pm-7:30 pm
Where:    The HiVE, #210-128 W Hastings St.
RSVP:       http://www.meetup.com/net2van/events/223657747/

 

LADIES LEARNING CODE: HTML & CSS FOR BEGINNERS

Are you looking to build your programming skills? HTML and CSS are the backbone of all websites, and knowledge of them is a necessity if you are interested in web development, creating marketing emails, or even blogging this is the workshop for you.

When:                       Sep 5, 2015 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Host:                         Ladies Learning to Code: Vancouver
More Info here:      http://bit.ly/1fLlsnT

 

A bug was fixed with the “Spam” and “Not Spam” buttons on Squirrelmail/webmail. The buttons will now work correctly and a message will appear indicating the action completed successfully.

For people that do not use Squirrelmail/webmail, you will also now have two new folders named “Learn Spam” and “Not Spam”. Messages in “Learn Spam” will be reported as spam. Messages in “Not Spam” will be reported as not spam. You can manually create these folders or they will be automatically created when you go to https://www2.vcn.bc.ca, click on “Mail Login”, and login with your VCN account information.

VCN RECEIVES FUNDING FOR YI PROGRAM FOR 2015-16

The Vancouver Community Network (VCN) is happy to announce that we have received federal funding to continue the Youth Internship Program in 2015-2016.

VCN has been running the YI program since 2003, connecting over 600 youth with impactful nonprofit/community organizations across Metro Vancouver.

Funded under the Youth Employment Strategy, the YI Program functions to assist young people gain the skills and experience needed to successfully transition into and remain in the labour force. Further, the YI program encourages not-for-profit organizations across Canada to develop and apply ICT-related skills, knowledge and opportunities by helping them to create internship opportunities.

If your nonprofit organization is interested in hosting an intern for the 2015-16 cycle or youth between the ages of 15 and 30, visit our website and apply: http://yid.vcn.bc.ca 

RELAUNCH OF VCN’s WEB TEAM

To establish a sustaining funding source, VCN developed a social enterprise strategy for our web and IT Support services. Please recommend tech|team and web|team services. Each delivers high-level projects at low costs that are geared to your needs.

Revenue from the tech|team and web|team are used to keep our free programs available to the community. If you know of anyone needing tech or web assistance, please refer our services to your networks.

Contact us at [email protected] or for a free consultation and quote!

SPAM FILTER

In June 2015, VCN installed a new spam filter. VCN members no longer need to login to a separate interface to configure or look at their spam. If you receive less or no spam but still receive normal emails then the filter is working normally. You can configure your spam filter by clicking “Mail Login” at https://www2.vcn.bc.ca/, go to “Options”, and then “Spam Filters”. Refer to the “Legend” section or contact the VCN help|desk for assistance at 778-724-0826 or [email protected].

MEMBERSHIPS AND DONATIONS

VCN is a charitable nonprofit working to support digital inclusion and social justice. Any contribution to VCN to help us continue our work assisting youth, seniors and vulnerable people’s free access to the internet would be appreciated.

Organizations hosting a website on VCN servers will receive an ‘invoice’ for their VCN membership dues in August. Organizational memberships are a minimum of $25 although more is gratefully appreciated and helps sustain and offer more VCN programming.

If you enjoy VCN’s free tech and web services, please keep this valuable service available by donating and renewing your membership with VCN: https://www2.vcn.bc.ca/get-involved/donate/.

LAUNCH OF WINDOWS 10

Windows 10 was launched worldwide on July 29^th. Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 users who registered for a free upgrade should either have the new OS now or will have it shortly.

Microsoft is also offering Windows 10 free over the next year to those who have the Home or Pro versions of Windows 7 or 8. This free download does not extend to the Enterprise versions used by large organizations. To find out more about downloading Windows 10 go to

http://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/windows-10-upgrade

POWELL STREET FESTIVAL

The 39^th Annual Powell Street Festival will take place at Oppenheimer Park on Saturday, August 1^st and Sunday, August 2^nd from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm.

The festival celebrates Japanese Canadian culture, arts and heritage. For more information go to www.powellstreetfestival.com.

 

On Wednesday, July 1st, 2015 at 4pm, a hardware failure caused some VCN servers to lose power. On the same day, an unrelated power failure occurred at VCN’s office which caused monitoring and request tracking systems to go down.

On Thursday, July 2nd, 2015 at 11am the hardware was replaced and all VCN services were operational.

NEW INVESTMENT TO EXPAND COMPUTER FOR SCHOOLS PROGRAM

On June 05^th at the Neil Squire Society, Industry Canada Minister James Moore announced that an additional $2 million in new funding to expand the Computer for Schools (CFS) program.

CFS provides digital skills training, refurbishes donated computers, and distributes them to schools, libraries, nonprofits learning organizations, and Aboriginal communities throughout Canada.

“The funding announced today will create new opportunities for community groups to help low-income and new Canadians build their digital skills, train for jobs and fully participate in the digital economy”, says Minister James Moore.

CFS also provides work opportunities to graduates and young people through VCN’s Youth Internship program. Read the press release here: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=984709

 

JUDY GRAVES SPEAKS TO CBC ABOUT THE STREET MESSAGING SYSTEM

Judy Graves, community leader and homeless advocate, was featured on CBC One’s The Early Edition to discuss the Street Messaging System.

“It’s an oral story community and so if we can get messages out to even one third of the people in the street, we know that they’ll tell other people in the street,” she told Rick Cluff. “It is without exception the fastest way of getting the story out.”

Judy is calling on all social service providers in the Downtown Eastside to participate in the SMS, and encourages donations of used and refurbished mobile phones to VCN.

On June 10^th, Judy received an honorary degree from Simon Fraser University for her life’s work of community service and advocacy for the marginalized.

Listen to Judy’s interview: http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Local+Shows/British+Columbia/ID/2669170972/

 

VCN AT COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

VCN SOCIAL

VCN held its first networking event at the Billy Bishop Legion in Kitsilano on June 16^th. The evening brought together the VCN user group, Vancouver’s tech community, and IT enthusiasts to socialize and connect over drinks.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about VCN’s ongoing work in the community to bridge the digital divide as well as share their thoughts on ways to improve VCN’s programming.

 

SUMMER + CONNECT

VCN joined the community at the Summer Connect Event on June 17^th. The lively event, organized by the Union Gospel Mission, helped link the homeless or those who are struggling and/or at-risk with 30 vital service providers.

With the accompaniment of live music and food, services offered at the event included haircuts, employment assistance, income assistance, and pet care.

2^ND ANNUAL RECONCILIATION IN ACTION EVENT

VCN was invited to participate in the 2^nd Annual Reconciliation in Action Event organized by the Aboriginal Life in Vancouver Enhancement (ALIVE) Society and Our Place.

The community-powered event, held at Ray-Cam Cooperative Centre, gathered many residents, nonprofits and community groups, members of government, local businesses and community leaders to celebrate community successes and strategies.

 

MEMBERSHIPS AND DONATIONS

Get charitable this June! VCN is counting down the days until the end of the Great Canadian Giving Challenge. Only 7 days left to make your donation to support VCN’s work in the community. Every dollar you donate qualifies VCN for the $10,000 grand prize!

To give please visit Canada Help’s website: https://www.canadahelps.org/gcgc/49308

PDF VERSION

VCN now has a new spam filter.

There are new features that will automatically block spammers and the interface has been integrate into webmail at https://mail.vcn.bc.ca/.

To configure your spam filter go to “Options” at the top and then “Spam Filters”. You can whitelist or blacklist email addresses.

To train your spam filter continue to use the “Spam” and “Not Spam” buttons or forward your emails to “[email protected]” and “[email protected]”.

Please email [email protected] or call 778-724-0826 if you have any issues.

The DSPAM spam filter is currently offline for maintenance. It will be replaced with an improved spam filter.

VCN & THE GREAT CANADIAN GIVING CHALLENGE (GCGC)

This year VCN be participating in the Great Canadian Giving Challenge (GCGC), a National public contest to benefit any registered Canadian charity.

Every $1 donated to on CanadaHelps.org or givingchallenge.ca, automatically enters the charity to win a $10,000.

Starting on June 1^st, support the VCN’s ongoing work in the community to bridge the digital divide!

VANCOUVER COMMUNITY NETWORK SOCIAL 

VCN is organizing a meet-up event on June 09^th, 2015.

Over drinks, we’ll gather to discuss Vancouver’s nonprofit tech community, ‘open source’, the meaning of ‘free’ when talking about the need for donation/membership dues, exchange knowledge between VCN members, and learn about the VCN Tech Team services.

Light refreshments will be provided.

When: June 09, 2015, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: Billy Bishop Legion (19+)

1407 Laburnum Street, Vancouver, BC

Register to the meet-up here:

http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vcn-social-tickets-17174702999?aff=es2

SPRING CLEANING!

VCN’s Tech Team has been monitoring email accounts and is planning to deactivate accounts that have been inactive for more than 1 year.

This means that new email addresses will be freed up in the coming months.

If you would like to sign-up for another VCN account please go to:

https://www2.vcn.bc.ca/sign-up/email-sign-up-for-individuals/

100 in 1 day PUBLIC WORKSHOP at MPNH

100 in 1 Day is returning on Saturday June 6th, 2015. People of all ages and backgrounds will be uniting to participate in workshops and share their visions for a better city.

Learn, meet people, and develop your urban intervention with a series of free workshops.

For more details: https://vancouver.100in1day.ca

 To register: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/100-in-1-day-public-workshop-mount-pleasant-neighbourhood-house-registration-15790338327

MEMBERSHIPS AND DONATIONS

Remember VCN counts on you to either pay your yearly membership ($15) and/or making a donation helps us to support the entire system. Any amount helps and we will issue email a tax receipt in January. Please commit to keeping this valuable resource available into the future.

PDF VERSION

On Wednesday, April 29th at 9am a network switch had a hardware failure. All VCN services were down. At 11:15am, the problem was resolved and all VCN services were restored. During the afternoon, some VCN services may have been down for a few seconds while new network hardware was added. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

PDF Version

ANNOUNCING!

TECH|TEAM MOVES TO WOODWARD’S HERITAGE BUILDING

VCN Tech|Team has been relocated to the beautiful Woodward’s Building at 111 West Hastings Street, Second Floor.

Drop-in for free access to computers and the Internet.  It is open to the community from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, with technicians on hand to provide solutions to your technical issues. For help with your personal computer call the Technical Help Desk first. It’s freely available by appointment.

2015 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

VCN held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 20, 2015, with a quorum including 4 board members, 3 staff, 4 VCN volunteers, plus 12 regular members.

Highlights of 2013-14

• hired our first Executive Director
• speed of internet connection
• true cost of “Free” at VCN
• VCN’s move to digital archives
• VCN’s social enterprise development of VCN Innovation Labs
• Worked toward launch of “Telling Our Stories” an interactive website which hosts 60+ personal stories and videos of people growing up in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s in the Grandview Woodlands, Strathcona and Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.  See http://www.seniorsstories.vcn.bc.ca
• developed the Street Messaging System (see the next page for more information on this project).

SHORT FILM ON VCN’S STREET MESSAGING SYSTEM

In today’s information age, access to ICTs is essential. The Street Messaging System (SMS) is a unique and instant way of connecting people experiencing poverty and/or homelessness to services available. The SMS actively sends accessible, reliable, and informative text messages into the hands of those that need it most.

The short film was funded, by Telus for the Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society’s Play It Forward program, VCN collaborated with filmmaker Anna Christina Waters to create a short film to educate the public, providers, and funders on the SMS. The commissioned film, featuring Homeless Advocate Judy Graves, is available online and will be available for free on the TELUS OptikTM TV.

See it now at http://www.vcn.bc.ca

VCN INTERN MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

The third VCN Intern Magazine is now available online. This issue was produced for the Industry Canada-funded 2014-15 Youth Internship program, and documents the work of interns at their placements and highlights the incredible work that their organizations are doing in the community. It serves as a platform to showcase the diverse voices of interns from graphic designers to creative writers to journalists. Interns produced pieces that spoke on issues relating to bridging the digital divide and community development with a particular focus on Community Based Learning.

Download it in PDF format (7MB)
http://yid.vcn.bc.ca/files/2015/03/web_quality-pdf-volume-3-vcn-magazine1.pdf
VCN is a non-profit organization and needs to raise just over $150,000 a year in order to operate. We rely exclusively on sponsorship, grant and your donations to get there.

Please consider donating to the VCN. Your tax-deductible gift of $25 or more will ensure we can keep delivering much needed programs.

By becoming a member or renewing your membership, or making a cash donation, you help ensure the long-term sustainability of an organization dedicated to ensuring everyone in our community has access to the Internet since 1993.

A sincere thank you to our renewing and new members. We couldn’t do it without you!