Thursday, September 30, 2004
Our Shifting Focus / Leadership
30,000 Young People Declare a Clean Energy Future!
ELIST, Sep. 2004 (ESFWN, posted by Julian Dautremont-Smith) - Dear Friends, Oil prices are skyrocketing. Conflicts are mounting. Mercury is causing brain damage. Global warming is hitting home. Russia is ready to sign Kyoto, but the United States is nowhere to be seen. This October our generation is ready to stand up and declare a clean energy future! On October 19th, two weeks before the election, the youth of the United States are challenging all candidates for elected office and leaders of our institutions to lay out their plan for a complete transition beyond dirty energy. Sign the Declaration of Independence from Dirty Energy and help us reach our goal of 30,000 youth declaring our freedom on October 19th, Energy Independence Day!http://www.energyaction.net/declaration/declaration.php .
30,000 Young People Declare a Clean Energy Future!
ELIST, Sep. 2004 (ESFWN, posted by Julian Dautremont-Smith) - Dear Friends, Oil prices are skyrocketing. Conflicts are mounting. Mercury is causing brain damage. Global warming is hitting home. Russia is ready to sign Kyoto, but the United States is nowhere to be seen. This October our generation is ready to stand up and declare a clean energy future! On October 19th, two weeks before the election, the youth of the United States are challenging all candidates for elected office and leaders of our institutions to lay out their plan for a complete transition beyond dirty energy. Sign the Declaration of Independence from Dirty Energy and help us reach our goal of 30,000 youth declaring our freedom on October 19th, Energy Independence Day!http://www.energyaction.net/declaration/declaration.php .
Social Responsibility / Asserting Equity
Tax Justice Network Secretariat Launched
LONDON, UK, Sep. 21 2004 (E-lists & Websites, ref. The Guardian, UK) - Billions of pounds, enough to pay for the entire primary health and education needs of the world's developing countries, are being siphoned off through offshore companies and tax havens, according to a body formed to expose the offenders. This month the Tax Justice Network, which was formed last year by tax experts and economists worried about the trend, launched an international secretariat in London. It will work with the UN and other international bodies to reverse the practice of hiding money from governments worldwide. http://www.odiousdebts.org/odiousdebts/index.cfm?DSP=content&ContentID=11486
Tax Justice Network Secretariat Launched
LONDON, UK, Sep. 21 2004 (E-lists & Websites, ref. The Guardian, UK) - Billions of pounds, enough to pay for the entire primary health and education needs of the world's developing countries, are being siphoned off through offshore companies and tax havens, according to a body formed to expose the offenders. This month the Tax Justice Network, which was formed last year by tax experts and economists worried about the trend, launched an international secretariat in London. It will work with the UN and other international bodies to reverse the practice of hiding money from governments worldwide. http://www.odiousdebts.org/odiousdebts/index.cfm?DSP=content&ContentID=11486
Our Shifting Focus
Humanitarian Prize Nominations
ELIST, Sep. 23, 2004 (The Gilbert Center) - The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is currently accepting nominations for their 2005 Humanitarian Prize. The $1 million (U.S.) prize is awarded annually to an organization making extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering anywhere in the world. http://news.gilbert.org/clickthru/redir/5223/54657/rms.
Humanitarian Prize Nominations
ELIST, Sep. 23, 2004 (The Gilbert Center) - The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is currently accepting nominations for their 2005 Humanitarian Prize. The $1 million (U.S.) prize is awarded annually to an organization making extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering anywhere in the world. http://news.gilbert.org/clickthru/redir/5223/54657/rms.
Environment / Exemplary Resources
Worldwatch University Online
ELIST, Sept. 23, 2004 (ESF Listserve) - Worldwatch has launched a new online resource page for students, teachers, and professors. On this page you'll find presentation-ready PowerPoint slides and spreadsheets on key environmental and social trends, links to Worldwatch resources, and useful ideas on how to turn your interest in sustainability into action! Visit Worldwatch University now at www.worldwatch.org/ct/20040922/features/wwuniversity/ .
Worldwatch University Online
ELIST, Sept. 23, 2004 (ESF Listserve) - Worldwatch has launched a new online resource page for students, teachers, and professors. On this page you'll find presentation-ready PowerPoint slides and spreadsheets on key environmental and social trends, links to Worldwatch resources, and useful ideas on how to turn your interest in sustainability into action! Visit Worldwatch University now at www.worldwatch.org/ct/20040922/features/wwuniversity/ .
Exemplary Resources
Canadian Research Sources Online
NANAIMO, BC, May 12, 2004, (CIP Reader’s Input) - Hi, If you ever want to find out the latest research being conducted in Canada on every topic under the sun, you can start with this page: http://www.chairs.gc.ca/web/chairholders/index_e.asp. It is a list of chairholders with Canada Research (a government body), which you can reference by discipline (and there is something for everybody, believe me!). I just learned something I never knew about cancer (that our body's ability to repair damaged DNA may be just as important as our exposure to carcinogens). Brenda
Canadian Research Sources Online
NANAIMO, BC, May 12, 2004, (CIP Reader’s Input) - Hi, If you ever want to find out the latest research being conducted in Canada on every topic under the sun, you can start with this page: http://www.chairs.gc.ca/web/chairholders/index_e.asp. It is a list of chairholders with Canada Research (a government body), which you can reference by discipline (and there is something for everybody, believe me!). I just learned something I never knew about cancer (that our body's ability to repair damaged DNA may be just as important as our exposure to carcinogens). Brenda
Corporate Social Responsibility / Women
Scarlett Magazine
VANCOUVER, BC, June 10, 2004 (CIP Reader’s Email) - FYI.... A new magazine based in Vancouver called "Scarlett Magazine" (business-lifestyle magazine that celebrates the achievements of women) has a Community Investment Program, where they allocate a complimentary ad page in an issue of Scarlett to a non-profit organization. Scarlett chronicles the journeys of a whole generation of women who have embraced ambition as part of their personal and professional lives. These are women who have decided that their vocation — be she an artist, a scientist, an executive, an entrepreneur or a CEO — is an important part of their life and identity. She is proactive, flexible, innovative and resourceful. She embraces technology as a convenient means to simplify her life. She is ambitious, yes, but she is also someone who desires to live a life where she can be herself at home and at work. http://www.scarlett.ca/
Scarlett Magazine
VANCOUVER, BC, June 10, 2004 (CIP Reader’s Email) - FYI.... A new magazine based in Vancouver called "Scarlett Magazine" (business-lifestyle magazine that celebrates the achievements of women) has a Community Investment Program, where they allocate a complimentary ad page in an issue of Scarlett to a non-profit organization. Scarlett chronicles the journeys of a whole generation of women who have embraced ambition as part of their personal and professional lives. These are women who have decided that their vocation — be she an artist, a scientist, an executive, an entrepreneur or a CEO — is an important part of their life and identity. She is proactive, flexible, innovative and resourceful. She embraces technology as a convenient means to simplify her life. She is ambitious, yes, but she is also someone who desires to live a life where she can be herself at home and at work. http://www.scarlett.ca/
Exemplary Resources
Disinfopedia
NANAIMO, BC, June 2, 2004 (CIPNews reader email) – Another interesting Web site mentioned in the e-Catalyst newsletter (by IMPACS). Disinfopedia is a collaborative project to produce a directory of public relations firms, think tanks, industry-funded organizations and industry-friendly experts that work to influence public opinion and public policy on behalf of corporations, governments and special interests. The Disinfopedia is sponsored by the Center for Media and Democracy. We started in February 2003 and are now working on 4748 articles. http://www.disinfopedia.org/wiki.phtml?title=Disinfopedia
Disinfopedia
NANAIMO, BC, June 2, 2004 (CIPNews reader email) – Another interesting Web site mentioned in the e-Catalyst newsletter (by IMPACS). Disinfopedia is a collaborative project to produce a directory of public relations firms, think tanks, industry-funded organizations and industry-friendly experts that work to influence public opinion and public policy on behalf of corporations, governments and special interests. The Disinfopedia is sponsored by the Center for Media and Democracy. We started in February 2003 and are now working on 4748 articles. http://www.disinfopedia.org/wiki.phtml?title=Disinfopedia
Exemplary Resources
MediaChannel
VANCOUVER, BC, July 6, 2004 (CIPNews reader email) - From e-Catalyst (IMPACS e-newsletter) - MediaChannel. MediaChannel.org is a nonprofit, public interest Web site dedicated to global media issues. MediaChannel offers news, reports and commentary from an international network of media-issues organizations and publications, as well as original features from contributors and staff. MediaChannel is a media issues supersite, featuring criticism, breaking news, and investigative reporting from hundreds of organizations worldwide. As the media watch the world, it watches the media. See http://www.mediachannel.org.
MediaChannel
VANCOUVER, BC, July 6, 2004 (CIPNews reader email) - From e-Catalyst (IMPACS e-newsletter) - MediaChannel. MediaChannel.org is a nonprofit, public interest Web site dedicated to global media issues. MediaChannel offers news, reports and commentary from an international network of media-issues organizations and publications, as well as original features from contributors and staff. MediaChannel is a media issues supersite, featuring criticism, breaking news, and investigative reporting from hundreds of organizations worldwide. As the media watch the world, it watches the media. See http://www.mediachannel.org.
Media Strategies / Exemplary Resources
ItrainOnline
VANCOUVER, BC, July 6, 2004 (CIPNews reader email) - From e-Catalyst (IMPACS e-newsletter) - In keeping with our own work on the strategic use of technology, we came across this great site that some of our Canadian allies are working on (notably Alternatives and Making IT Work) to make technology tools available for global southern organizations. Check out ItrainOnline for very helpful discussions about technology and communications basics such as building online communities through the web and email.
ItrainOnline
VANCOUVER, BC, July 6, 2004 (CIPNews reader email) - From e-Catalyst (IMPACS e-newsletter) - In keeping with our own work on the strategic use of technology, we came across this great site that some of our Canadian allies are working on (notably Alternatives and Making IT Work) to make technology tools available for global southern organizations. Check out ItrainOnline for very helpful discussions about technology and communications basics such as building online communities through the web and email.
Local Living Planet / Peace Building
Development, Women, and War
EMAIL, Sept. 2004 (CCRLIST, x-posted from Eyecatcher/Shevolution) 'Development, Women, and War. Feminist Perspectives'. A new Development in Practice reader published by Oxfam GB 2004. A set of short chapters edited and introduced by Professor Haleh Afshar ofthe University of York (UK), and Deborah Eade, Editor of the internationaljournal 'Development In Practice'. The new Oxfam Development In Practice reader is a timely manual when the prospective role of women in useful numbers at influential levels in Iraq's reconstruction appears to have dropped from the Coalition governments' (and Media's) attention, even as June 30 approaches. In other conflict regions such as Sri Lanka women seem entirely absent from peace negotiations. This publication is as close yet to any examination of the flaws in peace-making processes which exclude the involvement of more than half the world's population. It should be required reading by all men and women in Defence Departments worldwide. http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_we_do/resources/devwomenwar/devwomenwar.htm .
Development, Women, and War
EMAIL, Sept. 2004 (CCRLIST, x-posted from Eyecatcher/Shevolution) 'Development, Women, and War. Feminist Perspectives'. A new Development in Practice reader published by Oxfam GB 2004. A set of short chapters edited and introduced by Professor Haleh Afshar ofthe University of York (UK), and Deborah Eade, Editor of the internationaljournal 'Development In Practice'. The new Oxfam Development In Practice reader is a timely manual when the prospective role of women in useful numbers at influential levels in Iraq's reconstruction appears to have dropped from the Coalition governments' (and Media's) attention, even as June 30 approaches. In other conflict regions such as Sri Lanka women seem entirely absent from peace negotiations. This publication is as close yet to any examination of the flaws in peace-making processes which exclude the involvement of more than half the world's population. It should be required reading by all men and women in Defence Departments worldwide. http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_we_do/resources/devwomenwar/devwomenwar.htm .
Local Living Planets / Peace & Space
And the Award Goes to...
LOS ANGELES, CA, Sep.,2004 (ICIS-Institute for Cooperation in Space). – "A CRITICAL MASS" has been awarded "Outstanding Use of Independent Music in a Documentary." by the 14th Annual Los Angeles Music Awards (2004). "A CRITICAL MASS" is a mixture of a fictional story, recorded speeches and interviews with citizens, community leaders, peace activists and public officials about A Depart of Peace and a Space Preservation Treaty to ban all space-based weapons.. Featured speakers and interviews include: Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich; Rev. Jesse Jackson, Senior Founder and President, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition; Danny Glover, American actor and international activist; Carol Rosin, President, Institute for Cooperation in Space; Alfred Webre, International Director, Institute for Cooperation in Space; and Madea Benjamin, Co-Founder, Code Pink International. The movie chronicles individuals who are creating a more peaceful and humanitarian society. Urgent and important issues are established as well as positive solutions of how the human spirit can evolve for the sake of self, community, and the universe. Read more.
And the Award Goes to...
LOS ANGELES, CA, Sep.,2004 (ICIS-Institute for Cooperation in Space). – "A CRITICAL MASS" has been awarded "Outstanding Use of Independent Music in a Documentary." by the 14th Annual Los Angeles Music Awards (2004). "A CRITICAL MASS" is a mixture of a fictional story, recorded speeches and interviews with citizens, community leaders, peace activists and public officials about A Depart of Peace and a Space Preservation Treaty to ban all space-based weapons.. Featured speakers and interviews include: Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich; Rev. Jesse Jackson, Senior Founder and President, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition; Danny Glover, American actor and international activist; Carol Rosin, President, Institute for Cooperation in Space; Alfred Webre, International Director, Institute for Cooperation in Space; and Madea Benjamin, Co-Founder, Code Pink International. The movie chronicles individuals who are creating a more peaceful and humanitarian society. Urgent and important issues are established as well as positive solutions of how the human spirit can evolve for the sake of self, community, and the universe. Read more.
Global Village / EcoJobs
Global Footprint Network Seeking Research Associate
ELIST, Sept. 22, 2004 (EFSWN) - Position Announcement:The Global Footprint Network is seeking a Research Associate with strong quantitative and environmental science skills to assist with development of the National Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts, support the development of standards and conduct Ecological Footprint assessment projects. Read more.
Global Footprint Network Seeking Research Associate
ELIST, Sept. 22, 2004 (EFSWN) - Position Announcement:The Global Footprint Network is seeking a Research Associate with strong quantitative and environmental science skills to assist with development of the National Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts, support the development of standards and conduct Ecological Footprint assessment projects. Read more.
Science & Technology
Popeye Would Be Proud…
ELIST, Sep. 27, 2004 (Idealist Updates) - Researchers at MIT have taken huge strides toward harnessing the power of an unusual energy source: spinach. Their studies are focused on photosynthesis, the process that allows plants to convert sunlight to usable energy. http://apnews.excite.com/article/20040924/D859NBKO0.html.
Popeye Would Be Proud…
ELIST, Sep. 27, 2004 (Idealist Updates) - Researchers at MIT have taken huge strides toward harnessing the power of an unusual energy source: spinach. Their studies are focused on photosynthesis, the process that allows plants to convert sunlight to usable energy. http://apnews.excite.com/article/20040924/D859NBKO0.html.
Global Village Overview / Environment
Ecotourism Grows in Venezuela’s Tropical Andes
ELIST, Sep. 27, 2004 (Idealist Update) - A novel NGO program is helping peasants in the remote Andean highlands of Venezuela convert parts of their homes to rustic guest houses offering unrivaled access to the stunning surroundings. The influx of ecotourism earnings is helping the peasants survive while protecting the sanctity of the diverse tropical mountain ecosystem. http://globalinfo.org/eng/promo.asp?Key=40008853756.
Ecotourism Grows in Venezuela’s Tropical Andes
ELIST, Sep. 27, 2004 (Idealist Update) - A novel NGO program is helping peasants in the remote Andean highlands of Venezuela convert parts of their homes to rustic guest houses offering unrivaled access to the stunning surroundings. The influx of ecotourism earnings is helping the peasants survive while protecting the sanctity of the diverse tropical mountain ecosystem. http://globalinfo.org/eng/promo.asp?Key=40008853756.
Community to Community
Fairly-Traded Soccer Balls Helping Kids the World Over
VICTORIA, BC, Sep. 27, 2004 (Left Coast News) - FAIR KICK SOCCER is a not for profit small business located in Victoria,B.C. We import, market, and distribute Fairly Traded soccer balls inWestern Canada. Our balls are made by Talon Sports in the SialkotRegion of Pakistan. The balls carry a Fair trade label that certifies that their manufacturing meets certain social, economic, and environmental standards. The Fair trade label ensures workers get paid a living wage, which in turn ensures they can provide for themselves, their families, and their community. The FIFA standard balls are hand stitched of artificial polyurethane leather. In a size 5 ball there are 690 stitches. No child labour is used as parents can now support their families and send their children to school. Included in the price of the ball is a fair trade premium of about 20%. This premium is used for community development projects such as a health clinic, additions to the school, clean watersystems, etc. Read more.
Fairly-Traded Soccer Balls Helping Kids the World Over
VICTORIA, BC, Sep. 27, 2004 (Left Coast News) - FAIR KICK SOCCER is a not for profit small business located in Victoria,B.C. We import, market, and distribute Fairly Traded soccer balls inWestern Canada. Our balls are made by Talon Sports in the SialkotRegion of Pakistan. The balls carry a Fair trade label that certifies that their manufacturing meets certain social, economic, and environmental standards. The Fair trade label ensures workers get paid a living wage, which in turn ensures they can provide for themselves, their families, and their community. The FIFA standard balls are hand stitched of artificial polyurethane leather. In a size 5 ball there are 690 stitches. No child labour is used as parents can now support their families and send their children to school. Included in the price of the ball is a fair trade premium of about 20%. This premium is used for community development projects such as a health clinic, additions to the school, clean watersystems, etc. Read more.
Global Village / Our Shifting Focus
Call for Proposals for the Alberta Social Forum deadline: January 10, 2005
CALGARY, AB, Sep 22, 2004 (Alberta Social Forum) -The coordinating committee of the Alberta Social Forum invites activists, artists, members of civil society organizations, and community groups, and other progressive people, to submit proposals for workshops, seminars, panels, round tables, events, cultural and theatrical activities, music, dance, etc., in the spirit of the World Social Forum and its Charter of Principles. All proposals should address how you intend to use the opportunity to create linkages, and encourage sharing & cooperation, with those who attend your session. Forum Dates: February 25-27, 2005, Calgary, Alberta. http://www.albertasocialforum.ca/proposal/
Call for Proposals for the Alberta Social Forum deadline: January 10, 2005
CALGARY, AB, Sep 22, 2004 (Alberta Social Forum) -The coordinating committee of the Alberta Social Forum invites activists, artists, members of civil society organizations, and community groups, and other progressive people, to submit proposals for workshops, seminars, panels, round tables, events, cultural and theatrical activities, music, dance, etc., in the spirit of the World Social Forum and its Charter of Principles. All proposals should address how you intend to use the opportunity to create linkages, and encourage sharing & cooperation, with those who attend your session. Forum Dates: February 25-27, 2005, Calgary, Alberta. http://www.albertasocialforum.ca/proposal/
Environment / Youth
Call for Applications to the Youth Round Table on the Environment!
ELIST, Sep. 27, 2004 (PIRG-Calgary) - YOUNG? INTERESTED? MOTIVATED? The YRTE is an opportunity for youth from all sectors of society to learn more about the priority issues and the current initiatives at Environment Canada. The YRTE also provides an exchange opportunity for youth from across the country to come together and share their ideas and experiences from their respective regions. During a one-year term, which will begin in November this year, the group meets up to three times to provide recommendations to Environment Canada on priority environmental issues, programs and policies. The YRTE also acts as a venue to identify youth participants for departmental/ ministerial events and activities. To participate in the Round Table.
Call for Applications to the Youth Round Table on the Environment!
ELIST, Sep. 27, 2004 (PIRG-Calgary) - YOUNG? INTERESTED? MOTIVATED? The YRTE is an opportunity for youth from all sectors of society to learn more about the priority issues and the current initiatives at Environment Canada. The YRTE also provides an exchange opportunity for youth from across the country to come together and share their ideas and experiences from their respective regions. During a one-year term, which will begin in November this year, the group meets up to three times to provide recommendations to Environment Canada on priority environmental issues, programs and policies. The YRTE also acts as a venue to identify youth participants for departmental/ ministerial events and activities. To participate in the Round Table.
EcoVersity / Community Involvement
COOL! Bringing Students Together for their Communities
GALT, CA, Sept. 17, 2004 (CIP News, Carol Brodie) - If you could find a way to bring together the college students in your area so that they could connect, learn some life lessons and leadership skills, AND help the community, wouldn’t you? Well, in 1984 a Harvard graduate named Wayne Meisel found a way to do just that.
Read more.
COOL! Bringing Students Together for their Communities
GALT, CA, Sept. 17, 2004 (CIP News, Carol Brodie) - If you could find a way to bring together the college students in your area so that they could connect, learn some life lessons and leadership skills, AND help the community, wouldn’t you? Well, in 1984 a Harvard graduate named Wayne Meisel found a way to do just that.
Read more.
Environment / Online Resources
Links to More Environmental Subjects
WEBSITE Reference, Sept. 2004 (Vera Gotlieb) – The-Science-Lab.com - http://www.the-science-lab.com/Environment/ .
Links to More Environmental Subjects
WEBSITE Reference, Sept. 2004 (Vera Gotlieb) – The-Science-Lab.com - http://www.the-science-lab.com/Environment/ .
