Category: Blog: Miscellaneous

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Written by Abhinav Sharma,  ESPC volunteer

Introduction

National Non-Profit Day is celebrated on August 17. This day is designated to honour the tremendous work that non-profit organizations do to improve lives locally and globally (National Day Calendar, 2024). The impact of non-profits who aid the most vulnerable cannot be overemphasized. A not-for-profit organization is an association or corporation committed to operating “exclusively for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure, recreation, or any other purpose except profit” (National Day Calendar, 2024). Some examples of non-profits include, churches or church associations, schools, volunteer services organizations, medical providers, research institutes, etc. (Canadian Non-Profit Incorporation, 2024).

Profile and Impact

Non-profits touch on issues in the social, health, community development and advocacy sector which are known to have gaps in services. In 2022, the total economic activity contributed by non-profit entities in Canada was $216.5 billion, or 8.2% of the GDP (Statistics Canada, 2024).

Sports and recreation accounted for the greatest percentage of non-profit organizations in 2023 (33.3%), followed by religious organizations (19.8%), grant-making, fundraising and promotion (8.8%), and social services (8.5%). The lowest percentage of organizations were involved in health (1.0%) and environmental activities (0.4%) (Statistics Canada, 2024).

Issues and challenges

Financial viability remains to be a key concern for non-profits to thrive. Maintaining consistent funding can be challenging, especially when faced with economic downturns that can impact donations and grants (Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, 2023). By being transparent about how funds are being utilized and demonstrating accountability in financial management, organizations can better ensure their long-term sustainability and success (Ortega-Rodríguez et al., 2020).

According to recent surveys, non-profit organizations are facing increased demand for their services and more complex community needs, all while trying to make ends meet in the present economic environment with limited resources.  One wonders how the sector will manage going forward given the ongoing disparity between the capacity of organizations and the demand for services and programs (Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, 2023).

Numerous organizations in the non-profit sector have been compelled by the pandemic to reconsider their approaches to their operations and service delivery. A digital transformation can significantly improve the non-profit’s capacity to serve by boosting output, reaching a larger clientele, and fostering transparency and trust. In addition, data insights that support strategic decisions like the deployment of personnel and resources in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, the automation of tedious tasks that save expensive human errors, and increased productivity and collaboration can all be facilitated by digital transformation (Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, 2023).

The Way Forward for Alberta’s Non-Profit Sector

Recently Alberta’s non-profit sector has identified priorities crucial for stabilizing and strengthening the sector moving forward. These priorities include providing appropriate funding to address the impacts of the pandemic, inflation, and historic under-resourcing. A workforce strategy is also necessary to stabilize the non-profit workforce through addressing recruitment and retention concerns. Collaborating on data collection is essential to ensure that government and non-profits can make more informed decisions. Additionally, creating a dedicated space in government to share challenges, successes, and opportunities will strengthen partnerships between the not-for-profit sector and the Government of Alberta (Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, 2023).

How can you get involved?

-Find an issue: – Consider what social, environmental, or humanitarian issues resonate with you. Learn about various issues to understand the challenges and needs. Look for organizations working on the issue you care about, both locally and globally.

– Volunteer: -You can volunteer at your local non-profit organizations to give back to your community. By reaching out to these organizations, you can inquire about various volunteer opportunities that may be available. This can involve tasks such as administrative work, event planning, fundraising, or even direct service roles.

-Donate: – Donating to the not-for-profit sector is a powerful way to support causes you care about. The various ways you can donate include monetary donations, in-kind donations, sponsoring events/programs and peer or crowd-based fundraising.

-Support is available: -There are organizations that help non-profits fulfill their objectives and develop their capability. Organizations like Integral Org provide instruction and assistance in fundamental domains such as financial management, governance, and strategic planning that can help you and your non-profit work more effectively and accomplish more.

REFERENCES

1. National Day Calendar. (2024).” National-Nonprofit-day-august-17”. https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-nonprofit-day-august-17

2. Government of Canada. (2016). “What is the difference between a registered charity and a non-profit organization?”. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/charities-giving/giving-charity-information-donors/about-registered-charities/what-difference-between-a-registered-charity-a-non-profit-organization.html

3. Canadian Non-Profit Incorporation. (2024).” Frequently Asked Questions”. https://www.corporationcentre.ca/docen/home/faq.asp?id=incnp

4. Statistics Canada.(2024).”The Daily — National Insights into Non-profit Organizations, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, 2023”. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240320/dq240320a-eng.htm

5. Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations.(2023). ”​​Alberta’s Nonprofit Sector: Too Essential to Fail”. https://www.calgarycvo.org/too-essential-to-fail

6. Ortega-Rodríguez, C., Licerán-Gutiérrez, A., & Moreno-Albarracín, A. L. .(2020). Transparency as a Key Element in Accountability in Non-Profit Organizations: A Systematic Literature Review. Sustainability, 12(14), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145834

7. Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations. (2023). “Alberta nonprofits reveal sector’s top five priorities ahead of 2023 provincial election”. https://www.calgarycvo.org/ccvo-blog-news/platform-priorities-launch

 

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Written by Susanne Urbina,  ESPC Capacity Support Assistant

Our First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across Canada are recognized and celebrated for their history, heritage, resilience and diversity every June. Another opportunity to commemorate our country’s Indigenous community as well as all other Indigenous peoples around the globe, is on August 9^th, which is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

In 1982 , the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, held their first meeting in Geneva. This day was later adopted in 1994 by the UN General Assembly to celebrate projects, activities, and knowledge of the world’s Indigenous Peoples (UNESCO, n.d. para. 1) and to promote and protect their rights.

“Indigenous peoples have in common a historical continuity with a given region prior to colonization and a strong link to their lands. They maintain, at least in part, distinct social, economic and political systems. They have distinct languages, cultures, beliefs and knowledge systems.” They are committed to maintaining and developing their distinctiveness and unique communities (United Nations, n.d. para. 3).

The global Indigenous community of 476 million makes up 6.2% of the world’s population, occupies 22% of the world’s land area, and represents 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Indigenous Peoples in Latin America represent 8% of the 5,000 different cultures while over 75% live in China, South and Southeast Aisa (Amnesty International, n.d. para.1, World Bank Group, n.d. para. 2).

Estimated Distribution of Indigenous Peoples. Source: Indigenous Peoples, Poverty and Development, 2014

The 7,000 languages spoken by Indigenous people worldwide represent 90 countries but unfortunately, some estimates indicate that more than half of the world’s languages are at risk of becoming extinct by the year 2100 (Amnesty International, n.d. para. 1, World Bank Group, n.d. para. 1). On average, a language disappears every two weeks, stripping the cultural and intellectual heritage of communities. Hence,  revitalizing, conserving, and promoting all languages (UNESCO, 2024, para. 2).

These different cultures are honored on days of recognition, but the world’s Indigenous Peoples are still confronted with marginalization, discrimination, and violence. Due to the continued effects of colonialism and present systemic barriers, around 19% of this diverse population account for the world’s extreme poverty. As a result of these circumstances that lead to malnutrition and lack of health care resources, life expectancy is reduced by around 20 years compared to non-Indigenous Peoples around the world (World Bank Group, n.d. para. 2). Other factors that also contribute to a shorter life expectancy for Indigenous people are that they are the most imprisoned demographic group, they experience more issues with literacy, and they face higher unemployment rates (AMNESTY International, n.d. para. 3,4).

As a result of many Indigenous reserve lands being in remote or inaccessible places, Indigenous people who live there may be more susceptible to pandemics and epidemics. When these societies are affected, they’re often excluded from the treatments available. The elderly and those with underlying conditions are more affected when they’re sick and risk dying. An untimely death of an Elder, the knowledge keeper, risks a loss of knowledge, language and identity of a culture (World Bank Group, 2020. para. 3,4). Heightened susceptibility to climate change, restricted access to education and other related socioeconomics also contribute to ill-health (Hall, G., Gandolfo, A., 2016).

Insecure land and property rights have and still play a big part affecting custody of ancestral lands world-wide which have been exploited. This results in displacement, homelessness and a disruption to their culture, often without their community’s knowledge or consent, or with very few represented in these processes (United Nations, n.d. para 8). Indigenous people are working to prevent the destruction of their own land and all of mother-earth. “It’s a kind of incredible irony that all over the world the leading forces in trying to prevent a race to (ecological) disaster are the Indigenous communities.” (Stiftl, C., 2016)

In Journey into Biodiversity, Maria Tosa Cardenas shares “the only way to achieve sustainable development is by achieving a balance with nature”, emphasizing the importance of establishing Biosphere Reserves to “help us understand changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, providing local solutions to global challenges.” (UNESCO, 2024)

The threats to Indigenous peoples’ cultures and lands, to their status and other legal rights haven’t been the same throughout history. Some Indigenous communities around the world have been successful in being acknowledged, but most of the world’s Indigenous Peoples are still actively seeking recognition of their identities and ways of life (Province of Manitoba, n.d., para. 7).

To recognize August 9^th, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is to support and celebrate identities and culture. In this way, we may be able to preserve other world languages, customs, and increase our understanding of other worldviews.

References

UNESCO (n.d.) International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples https://www.unesco.org/en/international-day-worlds-indigenous-peoples

United Nations (n.d.) Indigenous Peoples, Common Historical Continuity https://www.un.org/en/fight-racism/vulnerable-groups/indigenous-peoples

Amnesty International (n.d.) Indigenous Peoples Rights  https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/indigenous-peoples/#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%205%2C000,speak%20more%20than%204%2C000%20languages.

World Bank Group (n.d.). Indigenous Peoples https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/indigenouspeoples

UNESCO (March 5, 2024). Multilingual education, the bet to preserve indigenous languages and justice. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/multilingual-education-bet-preserve-indigenous-languages-and-justice?hub=66750

World Bank Group (August 7, 2020) Everyone Equal: The Resilience of Indigenous Peoples Across the Globe. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2020/08/07/everyone-equal-the-resilience-of-indigenous-peoples-across-the-globe

Gillette Hall, Ariel Gandolfo, August 09, 2016, Poverty and Exclusion Among Indigenous Peoples, Voice  https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/poverty-and-exclusion-among-indigenous-peoples-global-evidence

United Nations. (n.d.) Indigenous Peoples-the challenges they face. https://www.un.org/en/fight-racism/vulnerable-groups/indigenous-peoples

Cassie Stiftl, August 09, 2016, Support Indigenous Resilience on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Pachamam Alliance https://news.pachamama.org/news/support-indigenous-resilience-on-international-day-of-the-worlds-indigenous-peoples?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Dynamic+Campaign&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_tgt=dsa-19959388920&hsa_grp=154399889707&hsa_src=g&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_mt=&hsa_ver=3&hsa_ad=666281953619&hsa_acc=3809916187&hsa_kw=&hsa_cam=20377498982&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5Ky1BhAgEiwA5jGujgvRHTHoRzhbMqYBTX_XE4npJbW0X8ky0G_xPpCctGhCoMggA68mbBoC9LsQAvD_BwE

UNESCO, Martha Ruiz Corzo “Pati”. (February 13, 2024). Journey into Biodiversity: Discover Pati’s story on the UNESCO Green Citizens podcast. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/journey-biodiversity-discover-patis-story-unesco-green-citizens-podcast?hub=66750

Province of Manitoba. (n.d.). Indigenous Peoples of the World. https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/socstud/foundation_gr8/blms/8-5-2b.pdf

 

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Written by Susanne Urbina,  ESPC Capacity Support Assistant

Our First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across Canada are recognized and celebrated for their history, heritage, resilience and diversity every June. Another opportunity to commemorate our country’s Indigenous community as well as all other Indigenous peoples around the globe, is on August 9^th, which is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

In 1982 , the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, held their first meeting in Geneva. This day was later adopted in 1994 by the UN General Assembly to celebrate projects, activities, and knowledge of the world’s Indigenous Peoples (UNESCO, n.d. para. 1) and to promote and protect their rights.

“Indigenous peoples have in common a historical continuity with a given region prior to colonization and a strong link to their lands. They maintain, at least in part, distinct social, economic and political systems. They have distinct languages, cultures, beliefs and knowledge systems.” They are committed to maintaining and developing their distinctiveness and unique communities (United Nations, n.d. para. 3).

The global Indigenous community of 476 million makes up 6.2% of the world’s population, occupies 22% of the world’s land area, and represents 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Indigenous Peoples in Latin America represent 8% of the 5,000 different cultures while over 75% live in China, South and Southeast Aisa (Amnesty International, n.d. para.1, World Bank Group, n.d. para. 2).

Estimated Distribution of Indigenous Peoples. Source: Indigenous Peoples, Poverty and Development, 2014

The 7,000 languages spoken by Indigenous people worldwide represent 90 countries but unfortunately, some estimates indicate that more than half of the world’s languages are at risk of becoming extinct by the year 2100 (Amnesty International, n.d. para. 1, World Bank Group, n.d. para. 1). On average, a language disappears every two weeks, stripping the cultural and intellectual heritage of communities. Hence,  revitalizing, conserving, and promoting all languages (UNESCO, 2024, para. 2).

These different cultures are honored on days of recognition, but the world’s Indigenous Peoples are still confronted with marginalization, discrimination, and violence. Due to the continued effects of colonialism and present systemic barriers, around 19% of this diverse population account for the world’s extreme poverty. As a result of these circumstances that lead to malnutrition and lack of health care resources, life expectancy is reduced by around 20 years compared to non-Indigenous Peoples around the world (World Bank Group, n.d. para. 2). Other factors that also contribute to a shorter life expectancy for Indigenous people are that they are the most imprisoned demographic group, they experience more issues with literacy, and they face higher unemployment rates (AMNESTY International, n.d. para. 3,4).

As a result of many Indigenous reserve lands being in remote or inaccessible places, Indigenous people who live there may be more susceptible to pandemics and epidemics. When these societies are affected, they’re often excluded from the treatments available. The elderly and those with underlying conditions are more affected when they’re sick and risk dying. An untimely death of an Elder, the knowledge keeper, risks a loss of knowledge, language and identity of a culture (World Bank Group, 2020. para. 3,4). Heightened susceptibility to climate change, restricted access to education and other related socioeconomics also contribute to ill-health (Hall, G., Gandolfo, A., 2016).

Insecure land and property rights have and still play a big part affecting custody of ancestral lands world-wide which have been exploited. This results in displacement, homelessness and a disruption to their culture, often without their community’s knowledge or consent, or with very few represented in these processes (United Nations, n.d. para 8). Indigenous people are working to prevent the destruction of their own land and all of mother-earth. “It’s a kind of incredible irony that all over the world the leading forces in trying to prevent a race to (ecological) disaster are the Indigenous communities.” (Stiftl, C., 2016)

In Journey into Biodiversity, Maria Tosa Cardenas shares “the only way to achieve sustainable development is by achieving a balance with nature”, emphasizing the importance of establishing Biosphere Reserves to “help us understand changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, providing local solutions to global challenges.” (UNESCO, 2024)

The threats to Indigenous peoples’ cultures and lands, to their status and other legal rights haven’t been the same throughout history. Some Indigenous communities around the world have been successful in being acknowledged, but most of the world’s Indigenous Peoples are still actively seeking recognition of their identities and ways of life (Province of Manitoba, n.d., para. 7).

To recognize August 9^th, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is to support and celebrate identities and culture. In this way, we may be able to preserve other world languages, customs, and increase our understanding of other worldviews.

References

UNESCO (n.d.) International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples https://www.unesco.org/en/international-day-worlds-indigenous-peoples

United Nations (n.d.) Indigenous Peoples, Common Historical Continuity https://www.un.org/en/fight-racism/vulnerable-groups/indigenous-peoples

Amnesty International (n.d.) Indigenous Peoples Rights  https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/indigenous-peoples/#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%205%2C000,speak%20more%20than%204%2C000%20languages.

World Bank Group (n.d.). Indigenous Peoples https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/indigenouspeoples

UNESCO (March 5, 2024). Multilingual education, the bet to preserve indigenous languages and justice. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/multilingual-education-bet-preserve-indigenous-languages-and-justice?hub=66750

World Bank Group (August 7, 2020) Everyone Equal: The Resilience of Indigenous Peoples Across the Globe. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2020/08/07/everyone-equal-the-resilience-of-indigenous-peoples-across-the-globe

Gillette Hall, Ariel Gandolfo, August 09, 2016, Poverty and Exclusion Among Indigenous Peoples, Voice  https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/poverty-and-exclusion-among-indigenous-peoples-global-evidence

United Nations. (n.d.) Indigenous Peoples-the challenges they face. https://www.un.org/en/fight-racism/vulnerable-groups/indigenous-peoples

Cassie Stiftl, August 09, 2016, Support Indigenous Resilience on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Pachamam Alliance https://news.pachamama.org/news/support-indigenous-resilience-on-international-day-of-the-worlds-indigenous-peoples?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Dynamic+Campaign&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_tgt=dsa-19959388920&hsa_grp=154399889707&hsa_src=g&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_mt=&hsa_ver=3&hsa_ad=666281953619&hsa_acc=3809916187&hsa_kw=&hsa_cam=20377498982&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5Ky1BhAgEiwA5jGujgvRHTHoRzhbMqYBTX_XE4npJbW0X8ky0G_xPpCctGhCoMggA68mbBoC9LsQAvD_BwE

UNESCO, Martha Ruiz Corzo “Pati”. (February 13, 2024). Journey into Biodiversity: Discover Pati’s story on the UNESCO Green Citizens podcast. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/journey-biodiversity-discover-patis-story-unesco-green-citizens-podcast?hub=66750

Province of Manitoba. (n.d.). Indigenous Peoples of the World. https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/socstud/foundation_gr8/blms/8-5-2b.pdf

 

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Written by Jen Scherer,  ESPC Volunteer.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, and encouraging conversations about elder abuse. Elder abuse is “any action or inaction by a person(s) in a trusting relationship that causes harm and distress to an older adult” (Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council, nd., Para.1). Estimates are that 1 in 10 Alberta seniors experience elder abuse (Government of Alberta, 2024), often from a spouse or family member (Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council, n.d.). Types of abuse can include financial abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, medication abuse, and neglect (Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council, nd.)

              Elder abuse is difficult to recognize because it occurs in private and behind closed doors. People may have many reasons for not speaking up about abuse they have experienced. Perhaps they are afraid they will not be believed, they may wish to preserve family relationships, they may be unable to explain what is happening, or perhaps they do not know who can help them. Ageism may contribute to elders’ experiences being dismissed or overlooked. Elder abuse can be complex to address. This is because elders may be reliant on those who abuse them for financial or caregiving support, they may have health challenges that limit their ability to seek help, or they may fear needing to move out of their own home without the support of their abuser.

              The Alberta government has a strategic plan to address and prevent elder abuse. There is a strong emphasis to increase awareness of elder abuse and to equip community members with the necessary knowledge to recognize and prevent elder abuse as well as where to go to find help (Government of Alberta, 2022).  If everyone has the tools to recognize, respond, and refer when they have a concern about elder abuse, older adults will have earlier intervention and a larger network of support when facing elder abuse (Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, 2021).

              While elder abuse can happen to anyone, some factors increase the likelihood of elder abuse occurring or increase the difficulty in finding help. Seniors who are isolated, are dependent on others, have cognitive or mental health concerns, or have a history in their family of domestic violence are at a higher risk for abuse (Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children, n.d.). Warning signs that a senior may be experiencing elder abuse include finding injuries that don’t have an explanation, a senior not having essential items that they need, changes in a senior’s financial situation, reduced social activities, and believing they are responsible for the financial or living situation of someone else. They may also exhibit behavioral changes- such as being suddenly fearful, withdrawn, or anxious (Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children, n.d.). It is important to believe a senior and not dismiss their concerns if they tell you that there is an issue or problem.

 Prevention of elder abuse requires addressing ageism (United Nations, n.d.). This includes valuing elders and their contributions to society, developing a sense of belonging and community for elders, and supporting caregivers with knowledge and resources on how to best care for their loved ones. The incidence and severity of elder abuse can be reduced in our community by increasing community connections and support, as well as reducing isolation for elders and their caregivers. Awareness is essential to preventing elder abuse- it is important for seniors, their supporters, and community members to be able to recognize elder abuse, know the resources to reach out to, and to believe that elders deserve to live with peace, safety, and dignity.

              When a community member recognizes a sign of elder abuse, the next steps are to respond and refer (Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, 2021). This may involve having a conversation with the elder to ask if they feel safe and address concerns or may involve calling a community resource that specializes in elder abuse (Canter for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children, n.d.). Edmonton has several resources for people who are concerned that they or someone they know may be experiencing elder abuse:

• Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council- This organization hosts a very informative website about elder abuse, along with posters and infographics that can be printed and posted or distributed to raise awareness. They have also published a booklet intended for seniors, which can be accessed online: Staying Safe: A Resource for Older Adults Living in Alberta. Home – Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council (A.E.A.A.C)
• Edmonton Seniors Abuse Hotline- 780-454-8888- This 24/7 phone line provides support, information, and referrals to anyone who has questions or concerns about elder abuse. Seniors’ Abuse Hotline – CMHA Edmonton
• Family Violence Information Line- 780-310-1818- This 24/7 phone line provides information, support, and referrals to anyone who has a concern about family violence, including elder abuse. Family violence – Find supports | Alberta.ca
• Seniors Protection Partnership- 780-477-2929- This collaboration between several agencies in Edmonton provides intervention, education, support, and referrals for people experiencing elder abuse. Elder Abuse (edmontonpolice.ca)
• Sage Safe House- 780-702-1520- The Safe House provides temporary housing for older adults fleeing abuse. Elder Abuse: SAGE (mysage.ca)

 

References

Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council. (2021). Staying Safe: A Resource for Older Adults Living in Alberta (p. 76). https://albertaelderabuse.ca/resources/staying-safe-a-resource-for-older-adults-living-in-alberta

Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council. (n.d.). What is Elder Abuse? https://www.albertaelderabuse.ca/what-is-elder-abuse/what-is-elder-abuse

Canadian Mental Health Association. (2024). Seniors Abuse Hotline. https://edmonton.cmha.ca/brochure/seniors-abuse-hotline/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0YXHr7mVhgMVRxOtBh3AZAWfEAAYASAAEgKX-_D_BwE

Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. (2021). Future Us: A Roadmap to Elder Abuse Prevention. https://futureus.cnpea.ca

Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children. (n.d.). How can you identify and help older adults at risk. It’s Not Right. itsnotright.ca/how-can-you-identify-and-help-older-adults-at-risk

Government of Alberta. (2024). Elder Abuse- Get Help. https://www.alberta.ca/get-help-elder-abuse

Government of Alberta. (2024). Family Violence- Find Supports. https://www.alberta.ca/family-violence-find-supports

Government of Alberta. (2022). A collective approach: Alberta’s strategy for preventing and addressing elder abuse. www.alberta.ca/elder-abuse-prevention-strategy

SAGE Seniors Association. (n.d.). Safe House Intake. https://www.mysage.ca/help/seniors-safe-house/safe-house-intake

United Nations. (n.d.). World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. UN Observances. https://www.un.org/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day

 

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Written by Shahina Hanif, ESPC Volunteer.

During our youth, playing outside in the summer, and the fear of being stung by a bee would paralyze one with fear whenever the tantalizing sound of buzzing was nearby. Although the fear of being stung has not left many of us, we have grown to understand that bees are not typically dangerous to humans. In fact, bees are essential to people. They are so significant that the United Nations has designated May 20^th as World Bee Day. This is a day to recognize and appreciate these magnificent insects and participate in protecting them.

Firstly, overcoming the fear and stigma surrounding the dangers of bees is the starting point. It’s important to know that “most bees are too small to sting you and that most will avoid doing so whenever possible” (Bolt, 2023). Although, a bee sting can be fatal for someone who has a bee allergy. A BBC article reveals that entomologists from the University of Illinois’ Department of Entomology are saying that, “… Bees do not seek out humans to pursue. They only sting [to] protect their hives and their queen … Bees gathering pollen or swarming – that is, moving between hives – are not a danger” (Kelly, 2014). Understanding that bees are not our enemies, but our friends, promotes the safety of everyone.

Secondly, observing the major impacts from the efforts of busy bees is a crucial bridging activity that allows bees and humans to flourish together. Here in Alberta, we are home to the largest beekeeping and honey production operations. CBC news shares, “according to Statistics Canada, 40% of all honey produced in Canada last year came from Alberta — and it has never been worth more” (Frew, 2024). Not only do we benefit financially from the beekeeping and honey industry, but we also benefit physically and ecologically. Our ecosystem would not be able to thrive without pollination. “Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity” (United Nations). Honey is regarded as highly nutritious, earning the fitting title of superfood, “with its antibacterial properties, flavonoids and antioxidants, [it] is in the category of healthy foods like blueberries, cruciferous veggies, nuts and whole grains” (Alberta Beekeepers Commission). Bees are a unique insect that are always giving to their environment and the people living there.

Lastly, attempting to give back to bees is the final step to joining forces with these mighty and vibrant insects to make a significant difference. Here are four things you can start doing now:

1. Share this article with friends and families to raise awareness of how awesome bees are so they can help the bees that are in their gardens or balconies.
2. Plant a collection of flowers in your outdoor garden so bees can access more nectar, which is essential to their survival. (Did you know that bees love traditional cottage garden flowers and native wildflowers such as Canada violets, prairie buttercup, and common tall sunflowers)?
3. Revitalize tired bees with some sugar. Offer them this energizing drink of two teaspoons of white granulated sugar with one teaspoon of water on a plate or drip it onto a flower. (Only use granulated sugar and don’t worry if the bee is lying on the ground and not moving- it’s taking a break, so let it be-e).
4. Enjoy local honey from a farmers’ market where you know bees are pollinating in pesticide free areas. (Do not consume it frequently though, because cutting honey consumption is beneficial for bee populations).

Bees are facing a threat due to intensive farming, monocultures, pesticides, and climate change. Nevertheless, we all have the power to protect our little friends by getting educated on the topic and sharing the knowledge with others so future generations can enjoy the many benefits that bees offer.

References:

Alberta Beekeepers Commission. (“no date”). About Honey. https://www.albertabeekeepers.ca/community-resources/about-honey/

Alberta Native Bee Council. (2021). Alberta’s Native Bees. https://www.albertanativebeecouncil.ca/albertas-native-bees

Bolt, C. (2023, June 16). Five Myths About Bees: The Truth About These Remarkable Insect. WWF. Five myths about bees: The truth about these remarkable insects | Stories | WWF (worldwildlife.org)

Frew, Nicholas. (2024, February 13). What’s The Buzz? Alberta Is The Powerhouse of Canada’s Honeybee Industry. CBC News. What’s the buzz? Alberta is the powerhouse of Canada’s honeybee industry | CBC News

Kelly, J. (2014, October 10). Flying Threat: Why Are Killer Bees So Dangerous? BBC News. Flying threat: Why are killer bees so dangerous? – BBC News

United Nations. (“no date”). We All Depend on The Survival of Bees. https://www.un.org/en/observances/bee-day

 

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