Friday, December 31, 2004
Empowerment / Women’s Enterprise
Are You a Women Who Needs a Business Loan?
VANCOUVER ISLAND, Dec. 2004 (SSFPA) - While we are on the subjects of finance and business development, the following announcement from the Women's Enterprise Society of BC (WESBC) could be of great interest to you. WESBC has a unique business loans program for women in BC who want to start or expand a business. WESBC is a "Business Plan Lender," which means they grant loans on the strength of your business plan or idea, not just your credit rating. The WESBC team will guide you through the process of getting a loan. After you are up and running, their qualified business an.alysts are available to help you, when you need it, with any business challenge you have. For more information, please visit the WESBC web site. Women owner/operators are a growing (pardon the pun!) trend in the agri-food sector, and this sort of program can be very valuable. http://www.wes.bc.ca/services/financing.htm.
Are You a Women Who Needs a Business Loan?
VANCOUVER ISLAND, Dec. 2004 (SSFPA) - While we are on the subjects of finance and business development, the following announcement from the Women's Enterprise Society of BC (WESBC) could be of great interest to you. WESBC has a unique business loans program for women in BC who want to start or expand a business. WESBC is a "Business Plan Lender," which means they grant loans on the strength of your business plan or idea, not just your credit rating. The WESBC team will guide you through the process of getting a loan. After you are up and running, their qualified business an.alysts are available to help you, when you need it, with any business challenge you have. For more information, please visit the WESBC web site. Women owner/operators are a growing (pardon the pun!) trend in the agri-food sector, and this sort of program can be very valuable. http://www.wes.bc.ca/services/financing.htm.
Community Action / Sustainable Neighbourhoods
Begin the Transition to a Sustainable Future
NEWMARKET, ON, Dec. 2004 (Windfall) - Windfall Ecology Centre is a York Region based enterprising non-profit organization that brings environmental solutions to homes, businesses, institutions, and communities. We have achieved results by mobilizing community cooperation and by providing practical services and advice since 1998. The environmental programs delivered by Windfall Ecology Centre focus on actions we can take today in our own lives - in our homes, our businesses, our communities - to begin the transition to a sustainable future. http://www.windfallcentre.ca.
Begin the Transition to a Sustainable Future
NEWMARKET, ON, Dec. 2004 (Windfall) - Windfall Ecology Centre is a York Region based enterprising non-profit organization that brings environmental solutions to homes, businesses, institutions, and communities. We have achieved results by mobilizing community cooperation and by providing practical services and advice since 1998. The environmental programs delivered by Windfall Ecology Centre focus on actions we can take today in our own lives - in our homes, our businesses, our communities - to begin the transition to a sustainable future. http://www.windfallcentre.ca.
Business Ideas / EcoJobs / Alliances
Community Bands Together for Green Growth through Tourism
TORONTO, ON, Dec. 18, 2004 (Good Work) - The Green Tourism Association is a unique non-profit organization that is committed to establishing an urban green tourism industry in Toronto. We work collaboratively with a network of businesses, community and environmental groups, government agencies, heritage and cultural organizations and individuals that share our common interest. Our mission is to lead tourism in Toronto towards a sustainable future, evolving an industry which is ecologically sound, promotes and supports local economies, and fosters an appreciation of and respect for diverse cultural and natural heritage. Visit www.tourgreen.ca for more information about the association.
Community Bands Together for Green Growth through Tourism
TORONTO, ON, Dec. 18, 2004 (Good Work) - The Green Tourism Association is a unique non-profit organization that is committed to establishing an urban green tourism industry in Toronto. We work collaboratively with a network of businesses, community and environmental groups, government agencies, heritage and cultural organizations and individuals that share our common interest. Our mission is to lead tourism in Toronto towards a sustainable future, evolving an industry which is ecologically sound, promotes and supports local economies, and fosters an appreciation of and respect for diverse cultural and natural heritage. Visit www.tourgreen.ca for more information about the association.
Mainstream Wake-up / Leadership
Transparency, Trust and Citizen Engagement
EDMONTON, AB, Dec. 17, 2004 (APIRG) - The Research Report: Transparency, Trust and Citizen Engagement, is written by Julia Abelson and François-Pierre Gauvin of the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis at McMaster University, in collaboration with Judy Watling and Mary Pat MacKinnon of CPRN's Public Involvement Network. It presents the citizens' perspective on accountability. The authors draw on the findings of four recent CPRN citizens' dialogues, involving more than 1,600 randomly chosen Canadians from coast to coast, as well as a number of other sources. Their paper provides a reference point against which to judge whether current efforts to improve accountability meet citizens' expectations. (free .pdf download) http://www.cprn.org/en/doc.cfm?doc=1141.
Transparency, Trust and Citizen Engagement
EDMONTON, AB, Dec. 17, 2004 (APIRG) - The Research Report: Transparency, Trust and Citizen Engagement, is written by Julia Abelson and François-Pierre Gauvin of the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis at McMaster University, in collaboration with Judy Watling and Mary Pat MacKinnon of CPRN's Public Involvement Network. It presents the citizens' perspective on accountability. The authors draw on the findings of four recent CPRN citizens' dialogues, involving more than 1,600 randomly chosen Canadians from coast to coast, as well as a number of other sources. Their paper provides a reference point against which to judge whether current efforts to improve accountability meet citizens' expectations. (free .pdf download) http://www.cprn.org/en/doc.cfm?doc=1141.
Technology & NFPs / NGOs / Events – Online - Jan. 11-13th
Online Executive Briefings: Nonprofits & Technology
Internet Reference, Dec. 19, 2004 (Nonprofit Online News) - Register between now and 5 pm (PST) Monday, 1/3/05, and receive a free copy of Communication Centered Technology Planning (if you sign up for 1 or 2 sessions), or a free 30 minute coaching session within two weeks after the Briefings (if you sign up for all 3 sessions). Registration closes Monday, Jan. 10, 5pm (PST). http://www.gilbert.org/programs/workshops/Briefings/ExNPT.
Online Executive Briefings: Nonprofits & Technology
Internet Reference, Dec. 19, 2004 (Nonprofit Online News) - Register between now and 5 pm (PST) Monday, 1/3/05, and receive a free copy of Communication Centered Technology Planning (if you sign up for 1 or 2 sessions), or a free 30 minute coaching session within two weeks after the Briefings (if you sign up for all 3 sessions). Registration closes Monday, Jan. 10, 5pm (PST). http://www.gilbert.org/programs/workshops/Briefings/ExNPT.
Community Ownership / Business
Hiring People with Disabilities
VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 15, 2004 (Quality of Life Challenge) - "People with disabilities may be restricted in what they can do, however they can do things very well. They make very productive employees." says Brian Boychuk, VP Production. Rogers’ Chocolates is a company whose commitment to creating high quality chocolates is matched by a commitment to providing a quality work place for all employees. Five employees with disabilities have been placed with Rogers’ Chocolates by the Victoria Association for Community Living (VACL). VACL assists individuals with developmental and physical disabilities to find paid work. A job coach is available to support them one-on-one for as long as necessary. Rogers’ pays 100% of their wages…Rogers’ commitment to the accommodation and inclusion of these employees has had a positive impact on the working environment for everyone. Brian says, "Instead of one rule for everyone, the employees recognize that the company has a flexible approach to the individual. The employees take pride in knowing that their employer can accommodate a variety of needs." As a result, Rogers’ has a loyal workforce and a very low staff turnover. http://www.qolchallenge.ca/Rogers%20Chocolates%20Case%20Study.pdf.
Hiring People with Disabilities
VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 15, 2004 (Quality of Life Challenge) - "People with disabilities may be restricted in what they can do, however they can do things very well. They make very productive employees." says Brian Boychuk, VP Production. Rogers’ Chocolates is a company whose commitment to creating high quality chocolates is matched by a commitment to providing a quality work place for all employees. Five employees with disabilities have been placed with Rogers’ Chocolates by the Victoria Association for Community Living (VACL). VACL assists individuals with developmental and physical disabilities to find paid work. A job coach is available to support them one-on-one for as long as necessary. Rogers’ pays 100% of their wages…Rogers’ commitment to the accommodation and inclusion of these employees has had a positive impact on the working environment for everyone. Brian says, "Instead of one rule for everyone, the employees recognize that the company has a flexible approach to the individual. The employees take pride in knowing that their employer can accommodate a variety of needs." As a result, Rogers’ has a loyal workforce and a very low staff turnover. http://www.qolchallenge.ca/Rogers%20Chocolates%20Case%20Study.pdf.
Green Marketing / Zero Waste
Would consumers really use less energy if they had better informationand knew how much it really cost?
CHICAGO, IL, Dec. 2004 (CNT Update) - YES, and the Energy Smart Pricing Program (ESPP) is proving it. http://www.energycooperative.org/energy-smart-pricing-plan.php/.
Would residents really forgo car ownership and accept the notion ofsharing a car with others in their neighborhood?
CHICAGO, IL, Dec. 2004 (CNT Update) - YES, and I-GO is proving it.http://www.i-go-cars.org/.
Would consumers really use less energy if they had better informationand knew how much it really cost?
CHICAGO, IL, Dec. 2004 (CNT Update) - YES, and the Energy Smart Pricing Program (ESPP) is proving it. http://www.energycooperative.org/energy-smart-pricing-plan.php/.
Would residents really forgo car ownership and accept the notion ofsharing a car with others in their neighborhood?
CHICAGO, IL, Dec. 2004 (CNT Update) - YES, and I-GO is proving it.http://www.i-go-cars.org/.
Exemplary Resources / Climate Change
Transopoly
CHICAGO, IL, Dec. 2004 (CNT Update) - Two new versions of our public involvement tool Transopoly, an online version and a version designed to aid local transportation planning about the original Transopoly, designed to aid regionaltransportation planning. http://tinyurl.com/55lh6.
Transopoly
CHICAGO, IL, Dec. 2004 (CNT Update) - Two new versions of our public involvement tool Transopoly, an online version and a version designed to aid local transportation planning about the original Transopoly, designed to aid regionaltransportation planning. http://tinyurl.com/55lh6.
Local Living Communities / Housing
RESTORE
VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 2004 (EcoNews) - If you’re planning any household renovation jobs, hold everything until you’ve been to Habitat for Humanity’s new ReStore, at 2100 Douglas (corner of Pembroke). ReStore buys and sells quality new and recycled building materials, and the funds raised support Habitat's building programs. Every $60,000 raised through the store allows them to provide a family with a home of their own, while keeping perfectly good materials out of the landfill and lessening our burden on the Earth. Volunteers are needed to pick up donations, and for cashiering. Donations of building materials and tools are also needed. Call 386-STOR. http://www.habitatvictoria.com/restore.html.
RESTORE
VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 2004 (EcoNews) - If you’re planning any household renovation jobs, hold everything until you’ve been to Habitat for Humanity’s new ReStore, at 2100 Douglas (corner of Pembroke). ReStore buys and sells quality new and recycled building materials, and the funds raised support Habitat's building programs. Every $60,000 raised through the store allows them to provide a family with a home of their own, while keeping perfectly good materials out of the landfill and lessening our burden on the Earth. Volunteers are needed to pick up donations, and for cashiering. Donations of building materials and tools are also needed. Call 386-STOR. http://www.habitatvictoria.com/restore.html.
Exemplary Resources
Greenhouse Gas Action Guide for Municipalities
VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 2004 (EcoNews) - The Greenhouse Gas Action Guide: straightforward, cost-effective actions to help municipalities reduce their GHGs, including transport, buildings, land use, and waste: http://www.ghgactionguide.ca.
Greenhouse Gas Action Guide for Municipalities
VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 2004 (EcoNews) - The Greenhouse Gas Action Guide: straightforward, cost-effective actions to help municipalities reduce their GHGs, including transport, buildings, land use, and waste: http://www.ghgactionguide.ca.
Local Living Economies / Funding Home Power
Utility Files Rules for Self-Generation of Green Power
WEB Reference, Dec. 3, 2004 (Canadian Association for Renewable Energies) - Proposed conditions have been filed with the provincial energy board for establishment of a self-generation program for small residential and commercial consumers. Only wind, solar PV, hydro, biogas and forest biomass will be allowed, and the repayment plan from the utility will be based on annual net consumption. http://renewables.ca/.
Utility Files Rules for Self-Generation of Green Power
WEB Reference, Dec. 3, 2004 (Canadian Association for Renewable Energies) - Proposed conditions have been filed with the provincial energy board for establishment of a self-generation program for small residential and commercial consumers. Only wind, solar PV, hydro, biogas and forest biomass will be allowed, and the repayment plan from the utility will be based on annual net consumption. http://renewables.ca/.
Environment / Individual Impact
At Home Guide to Help Eliminate Dangerous Chemicals
WEB Reference from Vera Gottlieb, Dec. 31, 2004 (http://www.panda.org/) - Reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, and protect wildlife from the toxic threat. Dangerous man-made chemicals used in every-day products are contaminating people and wildlife. Take a quick shopping trip and see what's putting your health, and our planet's, at risk. Get your WWF-DetoX plan and follow our four steps to a healthier future for you and your family. Help bring dangerous man-made chemicals under control Reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, and protect wildlife from the toxic threat. http://www.panda.org/campaign/detox/reduce_your_risks/.
At Home Guide to Help Eliminate Dangerous Chemicals
WEB Reference from Vera Gottlieb, Dec. 31, 2004 (http://www.panda.org/) - Reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, and protect wildlife from the toxic threat. Dangerous man-made chemicals used in every-day products are contaminating people and wildlife. Take a quick shopping trip and see what's putting your health, and our planet's, at risk. Get your WWF-DetoX plan and follow our four steps to a healthier future for you and your family. Help bring dangerous man-made chemicals under control Reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, and protect wildlife from the toxic threat. http://www.panda.org/campaign/detox/reduce_your_risks/.
