Saturday, July 02, 2005
Events / Local Living Communities New York, NY – June 30 and other dates
The Great American Job Scam
ELIST, June 29, 2005 (Idealist.org) - Greg LeRoy, founder and Director of Good Jobs First, presents his new book, The Great American Jobs Scam, which exposes the truth about corporate tax breaks and the creation of jobs. LeRoy will demonstrate how communities loose twice when corporations are subsidized – jobs and revenue – and offers common-sense reforms that will benefit taxpayers and build communities. Thomas Frank, author of What’s the Matter With Kansas? says of LeRoy’s book "Here is the secret history of our economic times, a tale of public larceny told plainly and painstakingly and also with a dash of mordant humor." This event is free and open to the public. http://www.demos.org/events.cfm.
The Great American Job Scam
ELIST, June 29, 2005 (Idealist.org) - Greg LeRoy, founder and Director of Good Jobs First, presents his new book, The Great American Jobs Scam, which exposes the truth about corporate tax breaks and the creation of jobs. LeRoy will demonstrate how communities loose twice when corporations are subsidized – jobs and revenue – and offers common-sense reforms that will benefit taxpayers and build communities. Thomas Frank, author of What’s the Matter With Kansas? says of LeRoy’s book "Here is the secret history of our economic times, a tale of public larceny told plainly and painstakingly and also with a dash of mordant humor." This event is free and open to the public. http://www.demos.org/events.cfm.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Flexible Workplaces
Lending Laptops to Telecommute at the Sierra Club
VICTORIA, BC, June 30. 2005 (Quality of Life Challenge) - At a non-profit organization like Sierra Club, paying employees a high wage is not always possible, so small actions to accommodate employees’ lifestyles can make a big difference. Sierra Club employees can work flexible hours or even work from home. Staff choose between a desktop computer or a laptop that allows them the flexibility of working off-site. Steve Young, who has worked for six years as Sierra Club’s GIS technician and systems administrator, telecommutes one day a week. He also chose a flex time schedule, which means he works nine hours for four days instead of five shorter days each week. "I live in Goldstream and the long commute isn’t a good use of time," Steve says. "Telecommuting saves me an hour a day, it’s better for the environment, and I can spend more time with my family." By working from home one day a week and using flex time to work a shorter week, he saves about $10 a day (or almost $1,000 a year) on gas and parking costs. http://www.qolchallenge.ca/The%20employerCHALLENGE%2028.html.
Lending Laptops to Telecommute at the Sierra Club
VICTORIA, BC, June 30. 2005 (Quality of Life Challenge) - At a non-profit organization like Sierra Club, paying employees a high wage is not always possible, so small actions to accommodate employees’ lifestyles can make a big difference. Sierra Club employees can work flexible hours or even work from home. Staff choose between a desktop computer or a laptop that allows them the flexibility of working off-site. Steve Young, who has worked for six years as Sierra Club’s GIS technician and systems administrator, telecommutes one day a week. He also chose a flex time schedule, which means he works nine hours for four days instead of five shorter days each week. "I live in Goldstream and the long commute isn’t a good use of time," Steve says. "Telecommuting saves me an hour a day, it’s better for the environment, and I can spend more time with my family." By working from home one day a week and using flex time to work a shorter week, he saves about $10 a day (or almost $1,000 a year) on gas and parking costs. http://www.qolchallenge.ca/The%20employerCHALLENGE%2028.html.
Events / Leadership Training / Cultural
Intercultural Sensitivity Series! August, September & November 2005
EDMONTON, AB, June 30, 2005 (APIRG) - Dear friend/colleague: we are pleased to announce the Intercultural Sensitivity Series 2005. Presentations (in Edmonton) are designed to provide professionals with an introduction & definition of intercultural competence (understanding, approaches & importance to individuals and organizations); information about international expertise; workshops to improve intercultural competence (local & international); resources/tools for ongoing learning; network of local resources, experiences and knowledge. Full details: www.programs.icdr.com/calendar.
Intercultural Sensitivity Series! August, September & November 2005
EDMONTON, AB, June 30, 2005 (APIRG) - Dear friend/colleague: we are pleased to announce the Intercultural Sensitivity Series 2005. Presentations (in Edmonton) are designed to provide professionals with an introduction & definition of intercultural competence (understanding, approaches & importance to individuals and organizations); information about international expertise; workshops to improve intercultural competence (local & international); resources/tools for ongoing learning; network of local resources, experiences and knowledge. Full details: www.programs.icdr.com/calendar.
Housing / Solutions / Model Programs
ACT: Change the Rules! Building Better Homes & Communities
WEB Reference, June, 2005 (ACT) - Got a housing reglatory issue? ACT on solutions. ACT projects have provided solutions on a wide range of regulatory issues. Check them out if you want to... Change bylaws and regulations to improve housing affordability and choice. Streamline building permit approval processes for greater efficiency. Enhance working relationships between municipalities and housing sector stakeholders. See if a proposed initiative has been assessed as to its feasibility. "The United Nations Centre for Human Settlements recognizes ACT as one of the top global best practices for improving the living environment." http://www.actprogram.com/english/welcome.asp.
ACT: Change the Rules! Building Better Homes & Communities
WEB Reference, June, 2005 (ACT) - Got a housing reglatory issue? ACT on solutions. ACT projects have provided solutions on a wide range of regulatory issues. Check them out if you want to... Change bylaws and regulations to improve housing affordability and choice. Streamline building permit approval processes for greater efficiency. Enhance working relationships between municipalities and housing sector stakeholders. See if a proposed initiative has been assessed as to its feasibility. "The United Nations Centre for Human Settlements recognizes ACT as one of the top global best practices for improving the living environment." http://www.actprogram.com/english/welcome.asp.
Community & Hybrid Models
The New Ownership Society
WEB Reference, June 27, 2005 (Gar Alperovitz, The Nation) - The alternative idea--a community-benefiting ownership strategy--takes a variety of forms. At one level are enterprises largely or entirely owned by employees who live in the communities in which those enterprises are located. At another are community-building neighborhood corporations. At still another level are nonprofit efforts that undertake economic activity to support community-service missions. Beyond these are publicly owned enterprises that provide jobs and services but also make money for cash-starved local municipalities. Still other efforts include large numbers of cooperatives, community land trusts and hybrid community-oriented economic efforts. Moreover, a number of public-pension and other investment strategies either help nonprofit efforts (especially in housing) or contribute to local community finances by strengthening the local tax base. Some invest in worker-owned companies. http://www.thenation.com/docprem.mhtml?i=20050627&s=alperovitz.
The New Ownership Society
WEB Reference, June 27, 2005 (Gar Alperovitz, The Nation) - The alternative idea--a community-benefiting ownership strategy--takes a variety of forms. At one level are enterprises largely or entirely owned by employees who live in the communities in which those enterprises are located. At another are community-building neighborhood corporations. At still another level are nonprofit efforts that undertake economic activity to support community-service missions. Beyond these are publicly owned enterprises that provide jobs and services but also make money for cash-starved local municipalities. Still other efforts include large numbers of cooperatives, community land trusts and hybrid community-oriented economic efforts. Moreover, a number of public-pension and other investment strategies either help nonprofit efforts (especially in housing) or contribute to local community finances by strengthening the local tax base. Some invest in worker-owned companies. http://www.thenation.com/docprem.mhtml?i=20050627&s=alperovitz.
Community Ownership
Social Responsibility Means Local
GREAT BARRINGTON, MA, June 29, 2005 (E. F. Schumacher Society) - Judy Wick's Twenty-Fourth Annual E. F. Schumacher Lecture "Good Morning Beautiful Business" is now in print. The lecture is a powerful call for including the word "local" in the definition of socially responsible businesses. "Perhaps the greatest benefit of the local-living-economy movement is that bycreating self-reliance we are creating the foundations for world peace. If all communities had food security, water security, and energy security, if they appreciated diversity of culture rather than a monoculture, that would be the foundation for world peace." Edited by Hildegarde Hannum, the lecture may be read on-line at: http://www.smallisbeautiful.org/publications/wicks_04.html or ordered in pamphlet form by sending $5 to the E. F. Schumacher Society, 140 Jug End Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Social Responsibility Means Local
GREAT BARRINGTON, MA, June 29, 2005 (E. F. Schumacher Society) - Judy Wick's Twenty-Fourth Annual E. F. Schumacher Lecture "Good Morning Beautiful Business" is now in print. The lecture is a powerful call for including the word "local" in the definition of socially responsible businesses. "Perhaps the greatest benefit of the local-living-economy movement is that bycreating self-reliance we are creating the foundations for world peace. If all communities had food security, water security, and energy security, if they appreciated diversity of culture rather than a monoculture, that would be the foundation for world peace." Edited by Hildegarde Hannum, the lecture may be read on-line at: http://www.smallisbeautiful.org/publications/wicks_04.html or ordered in pamphlet form by sending $5 to the E. F. Schumacher Society, 140 Jug End Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Local Living Economies
BALLE International Conference Surpasses Expectations
VANCOUVER, BC, June 9, 2005 (BALLE BC website) - BALLE BC was honoured to host the 3 rd annual Business Alliance for Local Living Economies International Conference that saw people from as far away as Newfoundland, North Carolina and Massachusetts in attendance… The annual BALLE conference is important because it displays the power of a group of people committed to building local living economies, who also see and feel the value of strong relationships, collaboration, and a vibrant community…. I feel that this conference has moved our young movement to another plateau and actually to some new paradigms… http://www.ballebc.com/NR/NRJun9-05.pdf. Next year’s BALLE Conference is planned for Vermont. For more information please contact Sarah Murray, 604-734-5674, sarah@thehoneymustard.com.
BALLE International Conference Surpasses Expectations
VANCOUVER, BC, June 9, 2005 (BALLE BC website) - BALLE BC was honoured to host the 3 rd annual Business Alliance for Local Living Economies International Conference that saw people from as far away as Newfoundland, North Carolina and Massachusetts in attendance… The annual BALLE conference is important because it displays the power of a group of people committed to building local living economies, who also see and feel the value of strong relationships, collaboration, and a vibrant community…. I feel that this conference has moved our young movement to another plateau and actually to some new paradigms… http://www.ballebc.com/NR/NRJun9-05.pdf. Next year’s BALLE Conference is planned for Vermont. For more information please contact Sarah Murray, 604-734-5674, sarah@thehoneymustard.com.
Local Living Communities
COPE Councillors reject Marine Dr. "Big-Boxes."
VANCOUVER, BC, June, 29, 2005 (COPE, Via SPEC) - Vancouver's COPE Councillors listened to local residents and voted to reject applications by Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire to build two big-box developments on South East Marine Drive. During two-weeks of public hearings at Vancouver City Hall, hundreds of South Vancouver residents, social and environmental activists, and labour representatives spoke against Wal-Mart's $30 million development. Opponents were concerned about the pollution caused by an added 18,000 cars driving to Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire as well as the negative impact on local retail business. For information contact: Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) 604-255-0400, www.cope.bc.ca.
COPE Councillors reject Marine Dr. "Big-Boxes."
VANCOUVER, BC, June, 29, 2005 (COPE, Via SPEC) - Vancouver's COPE Councillors listened to local residents and voted to reject applications by Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire to build two big-box developments on South East Marine Drive. During two-weeks of public hearings at Vancouver City Hall, hundreds of South Vancouver residents, social and environmental activists, and labour representatives spoke against Wal-Mart's $30 million development. Opponents were concerned about the pollution caused by an added 18,000 cars driving to Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire as well as the negative impact on local retail business. For information contact: Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) 604-255-0400, www.cope.bc.ca.
Mainstream Wake-up / Transportation
Bicycle Roadside Assistance
WEB Reference, June, 2005 (Better World Club) -The nation's first and only bicycle roadside assistance service is now available exclusively through Better World Club. Bicycle Membership provides nationwide emergency roadside assistance (up to 30 miles annually) for you and your bicycle. We'll take you and your bike to the nearest repair facility, or home, within 30 miles from pick up. There is a maximum of two service calls per covered member per year. The annual fee is $39.95 for one person, plus a one-time non-refundable sign up fee of $10. You may add additional household cyclists for just $15 more. This membership does not include automobiles. However, Bicycle coverage can be added to any of our Auto Programs for $15.00. http://betterworldclub.com/roadside_assistance/bike.htm.
Bicycle Roadside Assistance
WEB Reference, June, 2005 (Better World Club) -The nation's first and only bicycle roadside assistance service is now available exclusively through Better World Club. Bicycle Membership provides nationwide emergency roadside assistance (up to 30 miles annually) for you and your bicycle. We'll take you and your bike to the nearest repair facility, or home, within 30 miles from pick up. There is a maximum of two service calls per covered member per year. The annual fee is $39.95 for one person, plus a one-time non-refundable sign up fee of $10. You may add additional household cyclists for just $15 more. This membership does not include automobiles. However, Bicycle coverage can be added to any of our Auto Programs for $15.00. http://betterworldclub.com/roadside_assistance/bike.htm.
Transportation / Climate Change Reduction
Need Wheels Sometimes?
WEB Reference, US, June, 2005 (Flexcar Website) - Flexcar is the nation's first and largest car-sharing service. Our members use our automated, self-service reservation and vehicle access systems to drive any of dozens of new, fuel-efficient Flexcar cars, trucks, and minivans located across several metropolitan regions. A personal Flexcar membership costs only $40 a year. Rates are $7-$10 per hour and $35 - $90 per day. These rates include full insurance, gas, maintenance, cleaning, parking and 24-hour emergency service. If you live in or near the city and you can commute by bus, carpool, bicycle or foot, you can probably save hundreds of dollars a month by relying on Flexcar rather than a personal vehicle for your occasional driving needs. Flexcar also offers Business memberships. Hundreds of companies, nonprofits and government agencies have already switched to Flexcar to save money and enhance their employees' workday mobility. If your company has fleet cars or rents car for business travel, Flexcar can probably reduce your monthly costs by hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per month. http://www.flexcar.com/vision/default.asp.
Need Wheels Sometimes?
WEB Reference, US, June, 2005 (Flexcar Website) - Flexcar is the nation's first and largest car-sharing service. Our members use our automated, self-service reservation and vehicle access systems to drive any of dozens of new, fuel-efficient Flexcar cars, trucks, and minivans located across several metropolitan regions. A personal Flexcar membership costs only $40 a year. Rates are $7-$10 per hour and $35 - $90 per day. These rates include full insurance, gas, maintenance, cleaning, parking and 24-hour emergency service. If you live in or near the city and you can commute by bus, carpool, bicycle or foot, you can probably save hundreds of dollars a month by relying on Flexcar rather than a personal vehicle for your occasional driving needs. Flexcar also offers Business memberships. Hundreds of companies, nonprofits and government agencies have already switched to Flexcar to save money and enhance their employees' workday mobility. If your company has fleet cars or rents car for business travel, Flexcar can probably reduce your monthly costs by hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per month. http://www.flexcar.com/vision/default.asp.
Events / Local Living Communities New York, NY – June 30 and others…
The Great American Job Scam
ELIST, June 29, 2005 (Idealist.org) - Greg LeRoy, founder and Director of Good Jobs First, presents his new book, The Great American Jobs Scam, which exposes the truth about corporate tax breaks and the creation of jobs. LeRoy will demonstrate how communities loose twice when corporations are subsidized – jobs and revenue – and offers common-sense reforms that will benefit taxpayers and build communities. Thomas Frank, author of What’s the Matter With Kansas? says of LeRoy’s book "Here is the secret history of our economic times, a tale of public larceny told plainly and painstakingly and also with a dash of mordant humor." This event is free and open to the public. http://www.demos.org/events.cfm.
The Great American Job Scam
ELIST, June 29, 2005 (Idealist.org) - Greg LeRoy, founder and Director of Good Jobs First, presents his new book, The Great American Jobs Scam, which exposes the truth about corporate tax breaks and the creation of jobs. LeRoy will demonstrate how communities loose twice when corporations are subsidized – jobs and revenue – and offers common-sense reforms that will benefit taxpayers and build communities. Thomas Frank, author of What’s the Matter With Kansas? says of LeRoy’s book "Here is the secret history of our economic times, a tale of public larceny told plainly and painstakingly and also with a dash of mordant humor." This event is free and open to the public. http://www.demos.org/events.cfm.
Community Building / Resources
New Free Publications Online
WEB Reference, June 27, 2005 (Village Vibes, Charity Village) - We've added the Rural Development Handbook, a guide to personal, organization and community development, including fact sheets to help those who frequently work with groups just starting out. Find this and other free publications at: http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/charityvillage/lib11.html.
New Free Publications Online
WEB Reference, June 27, 2005 (Village Vibes, Charity Village) - We've added the Rural Development Handbook, a guide to personal, organization and community development, including fact sheets to help those who frequently work with groups just starting out. Find this and other free publications at: http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/charityvillage/lib11.html.
Events / Designer Workplaces - Haliburton, Ontario – Sessions for Fall / Winter
Work Like You Don’t Need the Money
ELIST, June 28, 2005 (GoodWork) - Because our life-work gives us identity and meaning, social and self-worth, this course is about spirituality which is all about our place, purpose, connections, and relationships, in life. And this course is about sustainability because work is how we relate to the environment and its impact today determines our legacy tomorrow. Work! Spirituality! Sustainability! They're Connected. They Matter! This twelve-session course is for those serious about defining or reinventing their work -- paid or unpaid. Course -- 3 Weekends or 12 Wednesday evenings Gaia Centre, near Haliburton, Ontario http://www.gaiacentre.org with Carol Kilby, M.Div. Doctor of Ministry.
Work Like You Don’t Need the Money
ELIST, June 28, 2005 (GoodWork) - Because our life-work gives us identity and meaning, social and self-worth, this course is about spirituality which is all about our place, purpose, connections, and relationships, in life. And this course is about sustainability because work is how we relate to the environment and its impact today determines our legacy tomorrow. Work! Spirituality! Sustainability! They're Connected. They Matter! This twelve-session course is for those serious about defining or reinventing their work -- paid or unpaid. Course -- 3 Weekends or 12 Wednesday evenings Gaia Centre, near Haliburton, Ontario http://www.gaiacentre.org with Carol Kilby, M.Div. Doctor of Ministry.
Cool Projects / Women
Project Greenhope
NEW YORK, NY, June 2005 (Greenhope website, reference) - 80% of the women committed to New York State prisons were convicted of non-violent drug offenses. 78% of women in prison reported that they have been physically or sexually abused. 76% of women prisoners reported that they are mothers of over 6,000 children. Project Greenhope’s motto: "reclaiming lives, one woman at a time". Greenhope's mission is to empower women involved in substance abuse and the criminal justice system to reclaim their lives, reunite with their families, and rebuild their communities. http://www.projectgreenhope.org/index.shtml.
Project Greenhope
NEW YORK, NY, June 2005 (Greenhope website, reference) - 80% of the women committed to New York State prisons were convicted of non-violent drug offenses. 78% of women in prison reported that they have been physically or sexually abused. 76% of women prisoners reported that they are mothers of over 6,000 children. Project Greenhope’s motto: "reclaiming lives, one woman at a time". Greenhope's mission is to empower women involved in substance abuse and the criminal justice system to reclaim their lives, reunite with their families, and rebuild their communities. http://www.projectgreenhope.org/index.shtml.
Sustainable Neighbourhoods / Gardens
What is "Stewardship"?
VICTORIA, BC, June 2005 (Christina Nikolic's website) - Wherever people are working the land, be they farmers or gardeners, there is growing awareness and concern about pesticide use, degradation of soils, wasted or contaminated water, or noisy machinery and air pollution. More and more, the realization is dawning on us that humans are"but Stewards of the Earth". Where better to start making the difference than our own back yards? Working with nature makes more sense than keeping up an endless, frustrating fight. Stewardship Natural Landscape Design can show you an easier, more natural way to a beautiful garden! http://www.stewardshipnld.com/.
What is "Stewardship"?
VICTORIA, BC, June 2005 (Christina Nikolic's website) - Wherever people are working the land, be they farmers or gardeners, there is growing awareness and concern about pesticide use, degradation of soils, wasted or contaminated water, or noisy machinery and air pollution. More and more, the realization is dawning on us that humans are"but Stewards of the Earth". Where better to start making the difference than our own back yards? Working with nature makes more sense than keeping up an endless, frustrating fight. Stewardship Natural Landscape Design can show you an easier, more natural way to a beautiful garden! http://www.stewardshipnld.com/.
