12th Biennial Australian and New Zealand Third Sector Research Conference - call for papers

As it recovers from one of the most destructive earthquakes to hit this part of the world, Otautahi/Christchurch and its community organisations have certainly learned a lot about change and resilience. Hence:

Conference: 'Resilience, Change and the Third Sector', 18-20 November 2014, Otautahi / Christchurch, Aotearoa, New Zealand.

But it is not just natural disasters that both threaten and present opportunities for the 'Third Sector' today. The changing policy environment, increasingly complex regulatory demands, shifting funding opportunities, diverse stakeholder expectations, new technologies, emerging population and social trends, can all buffet the sector around. And how can the sector maintain its integrity and be a force for change in society?

For the first time ever in Christchurch, and only in NZ three times previously, this is the premier Australasian conference for bringing together researchers, academics, practitioners, activists, and policymakers with a shared interest in non-profit organisations, communities, Tangata Whenua / Indigenous organisations, volunteering and philanthropy. We aim to help participants make the most of the evidence available and connect the dots.

Conference Proposals/Abstracts should be submitted to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Enquiries about Proposals to Suzanne Grant: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Conference dates: 18-20 November 2014

Community Development: Insights for Practice in Aotearoa New Zealand

This book examines the depth and breadth of experience in community work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand with examples from practice from the Otago and Southland/Murihiku region.

While the examples are drawn from this area, their application is universal, encompassing the theory and practice ('praxis') of community development as both a process and a way of perceiving the world.

Case studies presented within an editorial structure together provide a useful, insightful and easily read community work resource for practitioners and students.

Order a copy from Dunmore Press:

http://www.dunmore.co.nz/product/760337-CommunityDevelopmentInsightsforPracticeinAotearoaNewZealand-9781927212080

Phoebe was born on Christmas Day; at 6 weeks old it was confirmed that she was profoundly deaf. A story to celebrate 25 Year of children's cochlear implants

Music_Course3 Phoebe was born on Christmas Day; at 6 weeks old it was confirmed that she was profoundly deaf. Phoebe was fitted with hearing aid but they did not give her any access to sound. Her family went through the assessments for a cochlear implant.

At the age of 15 months Phoebe had her operation and a month later she had her 'tuning' to turn her cochlear implant on. From then on she went from strength to strength. Within 3 months she said her first word and then the words rushed out after that.

Just after her 2nd Birthday she started a local mainstream pre-school. Phoebe continued to progress, at 2 and a half she had age appropriate speech for a hearing child of her age and she had only had hearing for a year!

25 years ago The Ear Foundation in Nottingham funded the first 10 children's cochlear implants in the UK. Today most profoundly deaf children get a cochlear implant funded by the NHS and The Ear Foundation provides support and services to deaf children, young people and adults of all ages and with all hearing technologies. Cochlear Implants continue to provide hearing to children and adults alike.

Phoebe's experience of cochlear implants has been very positive. The Ear Foundation has been a great source of support through the journey.

Visit: www.earfoundation.org.uk

A family with Apert Syndrome launch 'Elijah's Hope' to support families of disabled children in UK's South West

Kaddy Thomas has created Elijah's Hope CIC, named after her seven-year-old son Elijah. The aim of the CIC is to help and support families within the South West of the UK facing challenges due to illness. Kaddy says:

'I am passionate about supporting children, young people and their families who have disabilities.'

Both Kaddy and Elijah suffer from Apert Syndrome, a congenital disorder characterised by deformities of the skull, face, hands and feet. Whilst Kaddy lives a mostly healthy life herself, Elijah is wheelchair-bound following an infection aged one, which left him severely brain damaged.

The CIC launches on March 24, Elijah's eighth birthday, and will offer information packs and newsletters about disabled services, as well as luncheon clubs for parents and children, peer support, and workshops for families.

To find out more call Kaddy on 01275 269359 (UK)