Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Events / Arcata, CA – Sep. 6 & 20
Earth Elders for Elder Earth
ARCATA, CA, Aug. 31, 2004 (Fhyre Phoenix) - Who are Earth Elders? And what is Elder Earth? We Elders - 50 years old and older - are the traditional leaders of human communities. Human communities are part of the Earth. Elder Earth is the natural state of the Earth, without degradation from human activity, in all the splendor of its natural, life-giving vitality and processes. Earth Elders are united by four principles and actions.
Earth Elders for Elder Earth
ARCATA, CA, Aug. 31, 2004 (Fhyre Phoenix) - Who are Earth Elders? And what is Elder Earth? We Elders - 50 years old and older - are the traditional leaders of human communities. Human communities are part of the Earth. Elder Earth is the natural state of the Earth, without degradation from human activity, in all the splendor of its natural, life-giving vitality and processes. Earth Elders are united by four principles and actions.
Global Village / Peace
TRANSCEND Peace University Online and Onsite
CLUJ, Romania, Aug. 28, 2004 (via International Centre, U of Calgary) - TRANSCEND Peace University (TPU) will begin a new semester! TRANSCEND Peace University is the world's first global peace university for policy makers, practitioners, scholars, students, UN staff and others working in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, post-war reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation, development, human rights, and other related fields. Please forward this announcement to individuals, organisations, UN agencies and governments which you believe may be interested in participating in the TPU's September Semester 2004. For more information or to apply on-line, please visit www.transcend.org/tpu. The deadline for applications for the September Semester is September 17, 2004.
TRANSCEND Peace University Online and Onsite
CLUJ, Romania, Aug. 28, 2004 (via International Centre, U of Calgary) - TRANSCEND Peace University (TPU) will begin a new semester! TRANSCEND Peace University is the world's first global peace university for policy makers, practitioners, scholars, students, UN staff and others working in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, post-war reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation, development, human rights, and other related fields. Please forward this announcement to individuals, organisations, UN agencies and governments which you believe may be interested in participating in the TPU's September Semester 2004. For more information or to apply on-line, please visit www.transcend.org/tpu. The deadline for applications for the September Semester is September 17, 2004.
Global Village / EcoVersity
A Model from Abroad: The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies
GALT, CA, Aug. 17, 2004 (CIP, by Carol Brodie) - Sometimes it helps to expand our horizons, and look beyond our continent to find examples of environmental sustainability and community involvement that can inspire and teach us. One such example is the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (Institute) in Israel. Read more.
A Model from Abroad: The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies
GALT, CA, Aug. 17, 2004 (CIP, by Carol Brodie) - Sometimes it helps to expand our horizons, and look beyond our continent to find examples of environmental sustainability and community involvement that can inspire and teach us. One such example is the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (Institute) in Israel. Read more.
Our Shifting Focus
Best Game on Earth
WEST VIRGINIA, USA, Aug. 28, 2004 (The Best Game) - Consider that life is a game we play by rules, working toward goals. Our immediate playing field is planet Earth. As we have been playing the "life game" so far, our goals and rules are not usually stated consciously -- indeed, they often conflict with the goals and rules of other people. The result is confusion and conflict, wasted time and resources. Consider that if we consciously agree on a few basic goals and rules, we can introduce a new "life game" which is much more enjoyable and effective for everyone. Consider that each of us has gifts which we want to contribute, and that we can do together what none of us can do alone. That by cooperating, we can multiply the wealth and be more fruitful in our efforts. By cooperating we can be far better stewards of our lovely Earth. http://www.bestgame.org/
Best Game on Earth
WEST VIRGINIA, USA, Aug. 28, 2004 (The Best Game) - Consider that life is a game we play by rules, working toward goals. Our immediate playing field is planet Earth. As we have been playing the "life game" so far, our goals and rules are not usually stated consciously -- indeed, they often conflict with the goals and rules of other people. The result is confusion and conflict, wasted time and resources. Consider that if we consciously agree on a few basic goals and rules, we can introduce a new "life game" which is much more enjoyable and effective for everyone. Consider that each of us has gifts which we want to contribute, and that we can do together what none of us can do alone. That by cooperating, we can multiply the wealth and be more fruitful in our efforts. By cooperating we can be far better stewards of our lovely Earth. http://www.bestgame.org/
Science & Technology
Sunflower Oil Boost to Car Future
UK, Aug. 26, 2004 (BBC, By science correspondent Richard Black) - The new process only produces a small amount of carbon dioxide. UK scientists have developed a process for making hydrogen from sunflower oil which could prove an important future source of eco-friendly energy. A University of Leeds team says the development could make hydrogen-powered vehicles a more realistic proposition. The researchers envision a small unit inside a car that would pull hydrogen out of the oil to drive a fuel cell. The team has presented details of its research to the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society. The production of hydrogen from biomass and bio-oils represents a realistic renewable source. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3601130.stm
Sunflower Oil Boost to Car Future
UK, Aug. 26, 2004 (BBC, By science correspondent Richard Black) - The new process only produces a small amount of carbon dioxide. UK scientists have developed a process for making hydrogen from sunflower oil which could prove an important future source of eco-friendly energy. A University of Leeds team says the development could make hydrogen-powered vehicles a more realistic proposition. The researchers envision a small unit inside a car that would pull hydrogen out of the oil to drive a fuel cell. The team has presented details of its research to the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society. The production of hydrogen from biomass and bio-oils represents a realistic renewable source. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3601130.stm
Global Village / Model Programs
Ecuadoran Literacy Aided by Cuban Teachers
QUITO, Aug. 2, 2004 (Prensa Latina) - The Cuban basic literacy campaign program currently being applied in Ecuador is beginning to bear fruit, as the first group of 415 residents in Cotacachi district are no longer illiterate. More than 80 percent of the people from this zone were illiterate when joining the program, and learned to read and write in three months. To celebrate the news, neighbors led by Mayor Auki Tituaéla and Cuban Ambassador to Ecuador Ileana Díaz Arguéllez, paraded hundreds of meters down the street, with delight on their faces. Anastasio Mitjans, the UNESCO representative in Ecuador, said that the literacy program is one of his organization’s main objectives and thanked the Cuban government for helping it complete the task. Expert Enrique Téllez told Prensa Latina that the educational program "Yo si puedo" (I can do it) is based on the use of radio and television. The method is becoming popular worldwide and its effectiveness has already been tested in other places. One of the countries hosting the project is Venezuela, where more than one million people have learned to read and write in six months. Téllez and his partner Regla Díaz said that after this period the students will pass to a next level of continuous study, and afterwards are expected to complete the elementary level of education in 32 months. The encouraging results achieved in Cotacachi have prompted other Ecuadoran regions to request the aid of Cuban teachers, 14 of whom are likely to fly to Ecuador before the end of this year to help extend the program. http://www.granma.cu/creditos.html. Granma International: http://www.granma.cu/ingles/index.html. Also at: http://granmai.cubaweb.com/ingles/index.html
Ecuadoran Literacy Aided by Cuban Teachers
QUITO, Aug. 2, 2004 (Prensa Latina) - The Cuban basic literacy campaign program currently being applied in Ecuador is beginning to bear fruit, as the first group of 415 residents in Cotacachi district are no longer illiterate. More than 80 percent of the people from this zone were illiterate when joining the program, and learned to read and write in three months. To celebrate the news, neighbors led by Mayor Auki Tituaéla and Cuban Ambassador to Ecuador Ileana Díaz Arguéllez, paraded hundreds of meters down the street, with delight on their faces. Anastasio Mitjans, the UNESCO representative in Ecuador, said that the literacy program is one of his organization’s main objectives and thanked the Cuban government for helping it complete the task. Expert Enrique Téllez told Prensa Latina that the educational program "Yo si puedo" (I can do it) is based on the use of radio and television. The method is becoming popular worldwide and its effectiveness has already been tested in other places. One of the countries hosting the project is Venezuela, where more than one million people have learned to read and write in six months. Téllez and his partner Regla Díaz said that after this period the students will pass to a next level of continuous study, and afterwards are expected to complete the elementary level of education in 32 months. The encouraging results achieved in Cotacachi have prompted other Ecuadoran regions to request the aid of Cuban teachers, 14 of whom are likely to fly to Ecuador before the end of this year to help extend the program. http://www.granma.cu/creditos.html. Granma International: http://www.granma.cu/ingles/index.html. Also at: http://granmai.cubaweb.com/ingles/index.html
GVO / Heroic Action
Honoring Young People Who are Building a Better World
WEB Reference, Aug. 2004 (NetAid) - NetAid’s Global Action Awards honor young people ages 14-18 in the U.S. who have taken outstanding actions to fight global poverty. Building a better world—one in which all people can live in dignity and realize their basic human rights—requires a new generation of leaders. These are leaders who understand the complexities of an interconnected world and the responsibilities that come with living in a true global community. They aren’t just visionaries; they take bold actions, devise innovative solutions and mobilize others to effect lasting social change. They are global citizens and they are our greatest hope for the future. Deadline is Sept. 24th. See: http://www.netaid.org/youth/awards/global_action
Honoring Young People Who are Building a Better World
WEB Reference, Aug. 2004 (NetAid) - NetAid’s Global Action Awards honor young people ages 14-18 in the U.S. who have taken outstanding actions to fight global poverty. Building a better world—one in which all people can live in dignity and realize their basic human rights—requires a new generation of leaders. These are leaders who understand the complexities of an interconnected world and the responsibilities that come with living in a true global community. They aren’t just visionaries; they take bold actions, devise innovative solutions and mobilize others to effect lasting social change. They are global citizens and they are our greatest hope for the future. Deadline is Sept. 24th. See: http://www.netaid.org/youth/awards/global_action
Designer Workplaces
Lowering Costs for Employees
VICTORIA, BC, Aug. 16, 2004 (Quality of Life Challenge –Issue 9) - Feature Human Resource Practice - CHOICES Adoption and Counselling Services. "When you have a small agency, the importance of each employee is magnified." This is how Laura Thompson, HR Representative and Office Manager, explains the attitude of appreciation and respect that forms the foundation of CHOICES Adoption’s policy toward their staff. Two years ago, a review of CHOICES Adoption’s employee policies served as a catalyst to revitalizing relationships within the company. Staff were encouraged to highlight issues of importance to them and suggest policy changes. As a result of this consultation, the need to lower costs for employees belonging to single-income families in the agency was identified as a priority. CHOICES Adoption was able to lower costs for their employees through a number of direct initiatives, including negotiating free monthly parking for staff, implementing an extended medical and dental health plan paid for by the company, covering employees’ MSP costs, and creating an RRSP plan whereby CHOICES Adoption matched funds (to a ceiling) saved by employees. CHOICES Adoption’s experience exemplifies the principle that suggestions for change from staff can generate lasting satisfaction for employees and promote the growth of the business. "Not only are we creating a healthy environment both personally and professionally for our staff, we then see these benefits naturally being demonstrated to our external clients." Laura Thompson. More on CHOICES Adoption and Lowering Costs for Employees.
Lowering Costs for Employees
VICTORIA, BC, Aug. 16, 2004 (Quality of Life Challenge –Issue 9) - Feature Human Resource Practice - CHOICES Adoption and Counselling Services. "When you have a small agency, the importance of each employee is magnified." This is how Laura Thompson, HR Representative and Office Manager, explains the attitude of appreciation and respect that forms the foundation of CHOICES Adoption’s policy toward their staff. Two years ago, a review of CHOICES Adoption’s employee policies served as a catalyst to revitalizing relationships within the company. Staff were encouraged to highlight issues of importance to them and suggest policy changes. As a result of this consultation, the need to lower costs for employees belonging to single-income families in the agency was identified as a priority. CHOICES Adoption was able to lower costs for their employees through a number of direct initiatives, including negotiating free monthly parking for staff, implementing an extended medical and dental health plan paid for by the company, covering employees’ MSP costs, and creating an RRSP plan whereby CHOICES Adoption matched funds (to a ceiling) saved by employees. CHOICES Adoption’s experience exemplifies the principle that suggestions for change from staff can generate lasting satisfaction for employees and promote the growth of the business. "Not only are we creating a healthy environment both personally and professionally for our staff, we then see these benefits naturally being demonstrated to our external clients." Laura Thompson. More on CHOICES Adoption and Lowering Costs for Employees.
GVO / Events / AIDS Conference – Saltspring Island, BC
Community to Community: Practical Tools to Tackle AIDS in Africa
SALTSPRING, BC, Aug. 10, 2004 (SOLID) - Saltspring Organization for Life Improvement and Development—is a non-profit society dedicated to linking the people and community of Saltspring Island with those in the Vaal Triangle of South Africa. SOLID, in partnership with Victoria international Development Education Association (VIDEA), is excited to announce our upcoming conference. This two-day event will take place September 18 and 19, 2004 on beautiful Saltspring Island. Why are we excited? We're excited because the two days we've got planned are jammed full of terrific workshops and panel discussions, and because this wonderful event culminates in a talk with visionary Stephen Lewis, UN AIDS Envoy to Africa! We've planned this event to provide practical tools, ideas, examples and inspiration. We have speakers coming from across Canada and Africa to offer their knowledge and expertise. Fill out the registration form available on the SOLID website, www.solidsaltspring.com.
Community to Community: Practical Tools to Tackle AIDS in Africa
SALTSPRING, BC, Aug. 10, 2004 (SOLID) - Saltspring Organization for Life Improvement and Development—is a non-profit society dedicated to linking the people and community of Saltspring Island with those in the Vaal Triangle of South Africa. SOLID, in partnership with Victoria international Development Education Association (VIDEA), is excited to announce our upcoming conference. This two-day event will take place September 18 and 19, 2004 on beautiful Saltspring Island. Why are we excited? We're excited because the two days we've got planned are jammed full of terrific workshops and panel discussions, and because this wonderful event culminates in a talk with visionary Stephen Lewis, UN AIDS Envoy to Africa! We've planned this event to provide practical tools, ideas, examples and inspiration. We have speakers coming from across Canada and Africa to offer their knowledge and expertise. Fill out the registration form available on the SOLID website, www.solidsaltspring.com.
Science & Technology
Air-driven Auto Debutes In Europe
France, Aug. 7, 2004 (Website Reference, via Vera Gottlieb) - The prototype air car developed by French company MDI is almost ready for serial production, which will begin in France and should be under way in eight plants planned for Spain by 2005.At a conference last November, Guy Negre, the engineer that conceived this zero-pollution car, explained that the first models will be produced at the pilot plant in France in 2004 and that identical plants will be opened in the countries that have signed production agreements by 2005. MDI reported 33 fully-paid reservations and more than 300 interested buyers worldwide. http://www.theaircar.com
Air-driven Auto Debutes In Europe
France, Aug. 7, 2004 (Website Reference, via Vera Gottlieb) - The prototype air car developed by French company MDI is almost ready for serial production, which will begin in France and should be under way in eight plants planned for Spain by 2005.At a conference last November, Guy Negre, the engineer that conceived this zero-pollution car, explained that the first models will be produced at the pilot plant in France in 2004 and that identical plants will be opened in the countries that have signed production agreements by 2005. MDI reported 33 fully-paid reservations and more than 300 interested buyers worldwide. http://www.theaircar.com
Global Village / Exemplary Resources
Why Coalitions Fail: What Works and What Doesn’t
WEB Reference, Mar. 4, 2004 (YES! Magazine) - Ever wonder why so many attempts to build coalitions across race and culture fail? Seasoned activists share their experience of what works--and what doesn't. http://63.135.115.158/article.asp?ID=724
Why Coalitions Fail: What Works and What Doesn’t
WEB Reference, Mar. 4, 2004 (YES! Magazine) - Ever wonder why so many attempts to build coalitions across race and culture fail? Seasoned activists share their experience of what works--and what doesn't. http://63.135.115.158/article.asp?ID=724
