Rocking the House: Advancing Club Development & Community Engagement

 

Dear Club Managers and Club Members,

 

This Week in Curling

As clubs move toward the close of the season and begin planning ahead, this week’s update focuses on four timely priorities:

•    award nominations (deadline March 30th)
•    hosting opportunities for 2026–27
•    completion of membership reporting requirements
•    board and volunteer development supports available this spring

Thank you for the leadership you continue to provide in your clubs and communities.

    Curling Alberta Annual Awards – Nominations Open

It’s time to celebrate the people who make curling in Alberta possible! Nominations are now open to recognize exceptional volunteers, coaches, officials, athletes, and ice technicians.

🗓 Nominations close March 30 at midnight.

We encourage clubs to take a few minutes to recognize individuals who make a meaningful impact in your curling community.

 2026 Curling Alberta Award Nominations Form – Fill Out Form

 

   Expressions of Interest Now Open – Host a Curling Alberta Event

Curling Alberta is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from clubs interested in hosting

events, competitions, courses, clinics, and programs during the 2026–27 season. Why Consider Hosting?

Hosting Curling Alberta programming can:

• Increase local revenue and economic impact
• Strengthen community pride and volunteer engagement
• Inspire juniors and attract new members
• Build leadership and hosting capacity within your club
• Showcase your facility to participants from across Alberta

Hosting opportunities range from grassroots programming to major provincial events, with Curling Alberta staff providing planning and operational support.

Host a Curling Alberta Event – Submit an Expression of Interest

   Membership Tracking Fee Spreadsheets – Overdue Reminder

Thank you to all clubs who have already submitted their Membership Tracking Fee Spreadsheet — your cooperation is sincerely appreciated.

For clubs that have not yet submitted, please note that these spreadsheets are now overdue. This annual data collection is a condition of funding required by the Government of

Alberta for all provincially recognized sport organizations. The information provided is critical to

Curling Alberta’s:

• compliance and reporting obligations
• advocacy efforts on behalf of member clubs
• funding sustainability for the sport

□ •    Please email completed spreadsheets to: [email protected]

Thank you for your attention to this important requirement.

    Board Development & Non-Profit Learning Opportunities – Spring 2026

Spring is an ideal time for clubs to strengthen board effectiveness, volunteer skills, and long-term planning. The Alberta Community Development Unit is offering a series of free, online webinars relevant to curling club boards, managers, and volunteers.

Highlighted Topics Include:

• Board Roles & Responsibilities
• Role of the Board Treasurer
• Legal & Financial Responsibilities
• Risk Management
• Succession Planning for Non-Profits
• Grant Writing 101
• Strategic Thinking & Strategic Planning
• Basic Facilitation Skills (4-part series)
• Demystifying AI for Non-Profits

□   All sessions are hosted on Zoom and are free to attend.

View the full Spring 2026 schedule and register: Government of Alberta, Community Engagement Branch Events – 23 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Additional Self-Paced Board Resources

The Alberta Non-Profit Learning Centre also offers excellent tools and courses, including:

• The Nine Principles of Good Governance
• Board governance guides on committees, finances, and grant writing

Explore resources: Non-profit learning centre | Alberta.ca

   National Volunteer Week – April 19–25, 2026

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize and thank the volunteers who make our clubs and communities thrive. Clubs are encouraged to acknowledge volunteers in ways that are meaningful to them.

Looking to recruit or promote volunteer opportunities?

Volunteer Connector: Browse Volunteer Opportunities | Volunteer Connector

Wishing you all the best as you transition into the spring season. Thank you for your continued commitment to curling in Alberta — your leadership makes a meaningful difference in communities across the province.

Atina Ford Johnston

Director, Curling Club Development

Cell: 587-999-0148

Email: [email protected]