Updates & Events
02 Sep, 2010 - Human Rights Awards 2010 Call for Nominations
In celebration of International Human Rights Day, the 4th Annual Human Rights Awards will be held on December 10th.
The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations who have dedicated themselves to creating a better future for those in our community.
Nominations are invited in the following categories:
- Individual
- Youth
- Non-profit Organization
- New/Emerging Individual or Organization
- Business
Please visit the website for more information or to nominate a member of our community!
02 Sep, 2010 - Youth Contest Fosters Dialogue on Armed Conflict
In an effort to give young people a stronger voice concerning today's most pressing humanitarian issues – from mass displacement caused by war to the lifelong and devastating impact of landmines – the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is launching a global "young reporter" competition, aimed at enabling people between the ages of 18 and 25 to better understand how violence affects young lives and share their views on armed conflict with others.
The "young reporter" initiative coincides with the International Year of Youth, which started on 12 August. The goal of this contest is to provide a basis for young people to listen to and learn from each other.
Each of the four winners of the competition will be invited to travel to a country that has been affected by armed conflict – Georgia, Lebanon, Liberia or the Philippines – where they will be able to talk with other young people who have lived through fighting or suffered its consequences.
Each will be hosted by an ICRC delegation and will have the opportunity to see activities run by the ICRC and/or the National Red Cross Society in the country concerned. In addition, the young reporters will receive coaching on writing about humanitarian issues from ICRC experts.
To be eligible, applicants must have strong communication skills. They should be interested in youth issues, have a desire to do something that will have an effect on people's lives, and have done voluntary work related to social or humanitarian services. Aspiring young reporters must submit an article, photo essay or short video on a humanitarian challenge of their choice. Entries will be judged on the basis of editorial quality, originality and relevance.
Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 25, have a valid passport and should be available for travel in January or February 2011. Submissions are encouraged from young adults in all nations.
The deadline for submissions is 1 October 2010. The winners will be notified by 1 November 2010. For full entry details, please go to competition.
For further information, please contact:
Anna Nelson
ICRC Geneva
tel: +41 79 217 3264
01 Sep, 2010 - ACGC's Development in a Box
ACGC is thrilled to be accepting applications to participate in the Development in a Box program. Follow the link for more information about how your classroom can participate!
Within this educational resource you will discover a wealth of lesson plans, activities and supplementary support, which will assist you in guiding your students through the Alberta curriculum in their journey towards becoming global citizens. The lesson plans and activities included in this box have been contributed by twenty of ACGC’s sixty-five members and touch upon thematic areas based around the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)- poverty, economics, human rights, environmental sustainability, peace studies and taking action on global issues; additional activities not falling directly under one of these specific categories are also included.
Upon exploration of this resource book you will discover: an individual table of contents for the lesson plans and activities; a section dedicated to lesson descriptions; applicable Alberta curriculum links in varying subject areas for grades seven through twelve, for each specific lesson; a description and contact information for each of our member organizations.
If you have any questions please contact Julia at engagement@acgc.ca
Download the Registration Form and sign up today!
01 Sep, 2010 - Microcredit Conference- Calgary, September 11
This year's conference will take place at the Calgary Danish Canadian Club and will identify the contribution that Rotary and others, are making towards this noble goal. Domestic and foreign examples of microcredit transforming people's lives will be showcased.
See an all inclusive overview of microcredit growth through the international monitoring site www.microcreditsummit.org.
Speakers
Pat Donaldson, an Indigenous Canadian www.empressive.ca will share how her Indian status was revoked by her Mom to avoid Pat being forced to attend residential schools and how many years later she found and successfully used microcredit.
A blue ribbon panel of five microcredit couples will also be interviewed by local anti-poverty activist Dr Bob Dickson of Results Canada and his partner Jennifer. This lively exchange is designed to allow the audience to learn quickly about the work being done by these dynamic individuals.
Could there have been a higher profile charity in the news lately, other than the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation www.gatesfoundation.org? Gates has an interesting approach to microcredit in funding entitled "savings lead organizations”.
Likewise folks may recall hearing about the KIVA organization www.kiva.org from the Oprah TV show; KIVA puts the borrower and the lender in virtual communication over the internet. Co-founder Matt Flannery will be on hand to tell how that TV appearance bolstered their working capital until it now stands at more than $65 million.
The cost of the conference is $75 for the day including meals and coffee breaks. See more details at www.calgarymicrocreditconference.com.
01 Sep, 2010 - Everything is Connected: Environment, Economy, Foreign Policy, Sustainability, Human Rights and Leadership in the 21st Century- Edmonton, September 15
As part of the Edmonton Speaker Series, please join in listening to Sheila Watt-Cloutier- Nobel Peace Prize nominee and world leader on global climate change and human rights share her ideas on Everything is Connected.
With a focus on solutions, Watt-Cloutier brings us to the realities of the Arctic, where Inuit today face profound challenges to their environment, their economy, their health and their cultural well-being. The challenges they face are clearly connected to the industries we support, the disposable world we have become, and the non-sustaining policies we create. Because her Inuit culture faces the most extreme challenges of globalization, Watt-Cloutier speaks from firsthand experience - and couples that with her extensive experiences as a global leader. Drawing upon her ancient culture, and speaking from a position of strength, not victimhood, she helps audiences find common ground. Her Arctic voice - not as far away as we might imagine - enlightens and inspires. With inclusive good will, it bridges some extremely divided gaps around the world.
The Luncheon & Presentation is from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 11:30am. Tickets are $50 each, or a table of 10 is $450.
Location: Westin Hotel, 10135 100 Street, 12 - 1:30 PM
For tickets please visit www.tixonthesquare.ca
01 Sep, 2010 - Circle Alberta Phase II: From Dialogue to Action- Edmonton, October 21-23
The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights is pleased to announce that the second Circle Alberta Gathering will be hosted at the beautiful Sawridge Inn South in Edmonton from October 21st-23rd.
The Circle Alberta Project aims to advance relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Peoples and work to build collaborative solutions to promote the rights of Indigenous People in our Province.
Please join and be part of the movement to action!
Location: Sawridge Inn South
4235 Gateway Blvd
Edmonton, Alberta
T6J 5H2
1-888-729-7343
Date: Thursday October 21, 2010 to Saturday October 23, 2010
Please visit our website at www.jhcentre.org or contact Chelsea Rutkowski, Intercultural Programs Coordinator, for registration information.
Contact Information:
(780) 453-2638
circlealberta@jhcentre.org
01 Sep, 2010 - Film Screening – Iftaar Dinner and Screening of “In Pieces” - Edmonton, September 2
An iftaar dinner and viewing of "In Pieces," a documentary that examines the historical and current relations between Muslim and Jewish Edmontonians will take place on Thursday, September 2 from 7:00 - 10:00 PM.
The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, the Interfaith Centre and Edmonton Muslim Leadership Forum present filmakers Rabia Sheikh and Maigan van der Giessen who will present their documentary and discuss the documentation process.
Discussant: Chelsea Freeborn Rutkowski, Intercultural Programs Coordinator, John Humphrey Centre.
Please confirm your attendance, as well as accompanying guests by August 30th to Rabia (email below).
Location: Garneau United Church
Address: 11148 84 Avenue NW
Cost: Free
Contact: Rabia Sheikh
Contact Email: rsheikh@ualberta.ca
01 Sep, 2010 - Employment/Volunteer/Internship Opportunities
Visit Job Opportunities for updated ACGC and member opportunities!
01 Sep, 2010 - Fundraising Guidance and Receipting Workshops- Edmonton, September 30
Understanding CRA’s Fundraising Guidance and More (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) - $25
In June 2009, Canada Revenue Agency released new guidelines regarding fundraising. Learn more by registering for these courses!
- CRA’s rules on appropriate allocation of fundraising expenses and new transparency, accountability and disclosure requirements that have been introduced for Canadian charities;
- about fundraising ratios and how they may affect your choice of fundraising methods;
- the consequences of inappropriate fundraising including director and officer liability;
- the other 10 top legal compliance issues registered charities need to understand.
The Dos and Don’ts of Charitable Receipting (1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.) - $25
Join Mark Blumberg as he discusses charitable receipting and how to make sure that your charitable status is not jeopardized. Following the session, you will be able to answer these questions and many more:
- when is your charity allowed to issue official donation receipts and for how much?
- what is split receipting and how does it affect your galas, golf tournaments and other fundraisers?
- what are the top receipting mistakes and abuses and how do you avoid them? Who should attend these workshops?
- CEOs, directors, staff, and volunteers of Canadian registered charities that are involved with either fundraising, issuing donation receipts or governance
To register for these sessions please visit www.capacitybuilders.ca
Capacity Builders is a charitable organization that provides a wide-range of training and development resources for not-for-profit and charitable organizations. The Charity Law Information Program (CLIP) is a project of Capacity Builders, funded by the Canada Revenue Agency. Mark Blumberg is a partner of the law firm Blumberg Segal LLP in Toronto and works primarily in the areas of non-profit and charity law. He is the editor of www.canadiancharitylaw.ca – a Canadian charity law website and www.globalphilanthropy.ca – a Canadian website dedicated to legal and ethical issues for Canadian charities operating abroad.
Santa Maria Goretti Community Centre
11050 - 90 Street
Edmonton, AB T5H 1S5
01 Sep, 2010 - Stand Up Against Poverty- Edmonton, September 17th
Stand Up Take Action for the Millennium Development Goals!!
The idea behind Stand Up Against Poverty is to add to the political will to eradicate poverty and to showcase, re-commit to and increase efforts to eradicate extreme poverty locally and globally.
Millions of people across the world will be standing up at various times across a 3-day period as an expression of their belief that extreme poverty can be eradicated and the Millennium Development Goals can be achieved. Last year, across the globe 173,045,325 people stood up breaking a Guinness Record for the most number of people standing up for a single cause.
Join the University of Alberta Make Poverty History campaign (on campus) on Friday, September 17, 2010 from 11am - 1pm to Stand Up Against Poverty!
24 Aug, 2010 - Guidance on Activities Outside of Canada for Canadian Registered Charities- Edmonton, October 1
Join us on Friday October 1, 2010 for a workshop on Foreign Activities by Canadian charities in Edmonton!
Millwoods Recreation Centre
7207 - 28th Street
2nd Floor, Green Room
Edmonton, Alberta
This workshop will provide an overview of CRA requirements for foreign activities by Canadian registered charities and what is "new" with CRA’s guidance. The workshop will be conducted by Canadian charity lawyer Mark Blumberg- partner at Blumberg Segal LLP, lead trainer for Capacity Builders and editor of www.globalphilanthropy.ca, a website dedicated to assisting Canadian charities with foreign activities.
Some of the topics will include:
- how to maintain “direction and control”;
- what is required in agreements;
- reporting and monitoring;
- receipts;
- local laws, transfers of capital property in development situations;
- sample contractor agreement for foreign activities;
- capacity building;
- recent cases on foreign activities;
- intermediary arrangements; ongoing instruction;
- effect of CIDA funding;
- books and records requirements and important ethical issues for foreign activities.
The presentation will be followed by a discussion of the guidance with an opportunity for participants to ask questions. If you plan on attending, it is recommended that you review the New Guidance.
The same “foreign activity” rules apply to Canadian charities working in Canada with groups that are not registered charities or “qualified donees”.
There are a limited number of spaces so please register. To reserve a space please register online.
17 Aug, 2010 - Change for Childern Annual Development Dinner Fundraiser
Friday, September 24, 2010
This year Change for Children's development dinner we will celebrate record fundraising to support families of AIDS orphans in Uganda by providing innovative health, agriculture and micro-finance programs. Anticipate an evening of great company, delicious food, wonderful silent auction items, passion for social justice, and an exciting live auction that gives you the opportunity to invest in real change-making work.
To reserve tickets or to find out more information please call 780-448-1505 or email at shelaine@changeforchildren.org.
Change for Children works with international partners at the fore of social change in their country. The Kigezi Healthcare Foundation in south-western Uganda, headed by Dr Geoffrey Anguyo, is certainly no exception. Change for Children feels fortunate to have Dr. Geoffrey here in June to discuss in person how he and his organization are addressing the challenges of poverty and AIDS with a wholistic and grassroots approach.
For more information visit www.changeforchildren.org
17 Aug, 2010 - Next Up: A Leadership Program for Young People Committed to Social and Environmental Justice
Next Up was created by a group of people who wanted to help emerging leaders develop new and better skills, smarts and ideas. The program is intense. Over 6 months, they dive into a number of topics and disciplines, combining theory, practice, deep thinking, and hard skills. Next Up looks at some of the most pressing Canadian foreign and domestic policy issues, and where “progressive” thinking is at on how to solve them. They look at how change is made in society.
By joining Next Up you’re committing yourself to an extraordinarily rigorous and exciting program. The program runs from October 2010 to April 2011, and during that time you will:
- Attend one evening session per week
- Attend one day-long weekend session per month
- Connect with community leaders during mutually convenient times
- Explore and take action on an issue or topic of social change that you’re passionate about
The cost of the program for the 13 participants will be covered entirely by the program. You have to commit, time, energy, curiosity and a desire to change the world.
The application deadline is Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at Midnight.
For more information please contact:
Aliya Jamal
Program Coordinator, Next Up - Alberta
780.248.5846
alberta@nextup.ca
www.nextup.ca
17 Aug, 2010 - Fundraisers for the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life
HIV Edmonton announces the BIG GAY BAR CHALLENGE. Edmonton LGBT bars will work together to raise funds for 2010 AIDS Walk for Life Edmonton.
Dates of the Big Gay Bar Challenge:
- Friday, September 3 - The Junction Bar & Eatery (10242-106 Street)
- Saturday, September 4 - Flash Nightclub (10018-105 Street)
- Sunday, September 5 - Woody’s Video Bar (11725 Jasper Ave.)
For more information please contact:
Joyce LaBriola
HIV Edmonton, Development and Communications
joyce.l@hivedmonton.com
780-488-5742 x230
www.hivedmonton.com
17 Aug, 2010 - War Child Film Night- Calgary, September 14
Left home at the age of seven, one year later I’m carryin’ an Ak-47.” For hip hop artist Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan’s brutal civil war, these lyrics are hardly empty posturing. Today, Emmanuel Jal fights a new battle: bringing peace to his beloved Sudan and building schools in Africa. This time, his weapon is a microphone.
Audiences from New York to Berlin to London rave about the award-winning film, War Child, and have embraced the hip-hop artist with a terrifying past and a gentle soul. Interspersing original interviews, live concerts, and rare footage of Emmanuel Jal as a seven year-old boy, War Child will make viewers cry, laugh, dance, and celebrate the power of hope. 2008, 94 min. www.warchildmovie.com
War Child Director and Producer: C. Karim Chrobog
Tuesday, Sept 14 at 7:00 pm
River Park Church Auditorium
3818 - 14A Street SW FREE
Conversation Leader: James Nguen
James Nguen is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan who is living in Calgary and attending the University of Calgary. He is the founder of the Biluany Literacy and Water Project, cofounder of the "Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan Association of Calgary" and a subject of the Award Winning documentary "The Long Journey Home of James Nguen." James came to Canada as a refugee on September, 2001, fifteen years after he was forced to leave Sudan at the age of seven. James was orphaned by war and lived alone for twenty years without knowing whether any of his family was alive. In 2005, he learned that his mother was alive and reconnected with her. James works tirelessly helping others by advocating for the Sudanese refugee population in Calgary, and at home.
For an update on the politics of South Sudan consider reading this article www.nytimes.com.
17 Aug, 2010 - Take Back the Night Edmonton - Demand an End to Violence Against Women!- September 24
As a symbol of hope and healing, candles will be lit on Friday, September 24. The candle-lighting ceremony begins at 8:00pm and will mark the culmination of the campaign.
If you are unable to attend the march, you are encouraged to participate by lighting a candle at home that night in support of child and adult survivors of sexual violence. This year's march will be for women and girls only, while men will be invited to participate in an anti-violence discussion group. The campaign will begin at the Alberta Avenue Community Centre (9210 118 Avenue).
For more information visit March Into the Light
Please contact Monika with questions and concerns at 780.423.4102 or monikap@sace.ab.ca
21 Jul, 2010 - "Be Idle Free" - youth video contest- Edmonton
The City of Edmonton's Carbon Dioxide Reduction Edmonton (CO2RE) program focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Edmonton. What better and easier way to do so than by reducing vehicle idling!
The City and the Alberta Capital Airshed Alliance are calling on aspiring young actors and directors to produce creative, three-minute videos about why idling is so lousy for the environment.
They are calling on contestants in three age categories, 7-11 years old, 12-14 years old and 15-18 years old to enter the "Be Idle Free Video Contest" in an attempt to help inform the public about the negative effects of idling vehicles in our city.
Contest winners will get some amazing prizes, including:
- private snowshoe lessons for up to 10 people combined with a $500 gift card from Mountain Equipment Co-op
- 14 box seat tickets to an Edmonton Oil Kings game and $200 in food and drinks from Northlands Coliseum
- an iPod
- an Olympus digital camera
- movie tickets
- a Flip digital camcorder
Contest entries will be received from July 15 to September 30, 2010.
Members of the public can vote on their favourite entry from July 15 to October 11, 2010. Winners will be announced mid-October.
For more information about the Be Idle Free Video Contest, visit www.beidlefree.strutta.com.
For more information please contact Carbon Dioxide Reduction Edmonton (CO2RE)
Email: co2renews@edmonton.ca
Website: www.edmonton.ca/co2re
16 Jul, 2010 - Activist Academy: Free Online Resources for Student Groups
There is a free resource called Activist Academy, which is a free student activism website to assist with your group’s 2010-2011 goals.
The website was created with the input of several student organizations at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and believe it is the best service online at helping student organizations to utilize the Internet to meet their goals. Some of the many benefits of our free service are…
Social networking tools designed specifically for student organizations. Some of these tools include…
* The ability to receive and give donations through PayPal
* Our dynamic Projects feature enhances collaboration by enabling important file, picture, and video uploads that are viewable to all members of the project
* You can award projects with grassroots badges of honor to increase creditability
* Collaborate with other student organizations quickly and easily
* Watch free activism training videos with accompanying downloadable printouts to assist with your group’s work
* Study academic papers related to activism
13 Jul, 2010 - Call for Submissions – Women’s Worlds 2011 – Deadline September 11
Below is a 'Call for Participation' for Women's Worlds 2011, a global feminist conference being held in Ottawa-Gatineau in July of 2011. They are looking for everything from music/theatre to academic presentations.
For the application form see www.womensworlds.ca.
WW 2011 is shaping up to be a unique celebration of voices.
THE CONVERSATION INCLUDES YOU.
This is a deliberate Call for Participation, more than a call for papers. Why? Because WW 2011 is as much about grassroots activism as it is about academic achievement. We know that important insights come from various communities – that’s why we are striving to make WW 2011 a space for all kinds of conversations and connections between diverse people. Proposals for presentations can come from individuals, groups, coalitions, networks, teams – everything will be considered.
YOU ARE committed to women’s rights and equality. YOU ARE academics, activists, researchers, policy-makers, advocates, artists. You are from all corners of the world. You are elders and youth and anywhere in between. You are people with (dis)abilities. You are Inuit and Indigenous, Mestizo and Métis, Aboriginal and Aborigine. You are part of ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and poor communities. You are LGBT and two-spirited. You are beautifully uncategorizable. You want to share your ideas, findings, and stories at WW 2011. You have in mind a presentation that follows a classic format or you want to present through multimedia, performance art, exhibits, cultural events … When it comes to your submission: be creative. Be as traditional or non-traditional as you want to be. Be daring, even.
What will WW 2011 address?
Where women and globalization are concerned, there are critical questions to be asked. There are learnings to share and ideas to celebrate. The main theme of this congress (Inclusions, Exclusions, Seclusions: Living in a Globalized World) invites us to explore how women are reacting and adapting to the increasing interconnectedness of our world.
In communities everywhere, women are courageously taking on the injustices brought about by globalization, as well as seizing the benefits. In doing so, paths are being paved for next generations to enjoy true and sustainable equality.
The content and conversations of WW 2011 will name and celebrate this action in all its forms while showcasing the best of innovative research, critical learning, and women’s leadership.
Each of the four days of the congress will be guided by an overarching theme: Breaking Cycles, Breaking Ceilings, Breaking Barriers, and Breaking Ground. Presenters representing academia, activism, policy development, research, arts, culture, and beyond will promote ideas-sharing, knowledge-transfer, and solutions. Along with the congress as a whole, they will ask:
In the face of globalization and all that it means, how can we combine our collective strengths in order to …
1. mount effective challenges to the dominant attitudes that perpetuate inequality
2. highlight and share our successes and strategies
3. amplify women’s voices and ideas within the discourse on globalization
WW 2011 will also be a chance to move beyond discussion – to connect and reconnect around common strategies and political agendas so that women’s equality and human rights may truly advance.
This event invites a diversity of minds and experiences to delve into some of the most pressing issues of our time.
To be considered as a presenter at WW 2011, please complete the submission form online www.womensworld.ca/form by September 15, 2010.
Selected presentations will be organized within the aforementioned four daily themes of the congress, further described here.
13 Jul, 2010 - MDG Campaign- The Leprosy Mission Canada
There are 4.4 million people in Canada living with a disability. Globally, of the 75 million children of primary school age who are out of school, one third are children with disabilities. For every child killed in warfare, three are injured and acquire a permanent form of disability. While the literacy rate for adults with disabilities is as low as 3%, in some countries it is as low as 1% for women with disabilities. Without including persons with disabilities in the Millennium Development Goals, they will never be achieved.
The Leprosy Mission Canada (TLMC) is working to change this. National governments currently have the opportunity to provide feedback on the MDGs to the United Nations (UN). TLMC recently launched equALL, a national campaign urging the Canadian public to put pressure on their Members of Parliament, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister to provide equality for all. The Campaign’s ultimate goal is to ensure Canada takes the lead in securing the needs of persons with disabilities within the MDGs.
TLMC invites your organization to join together and take a stance for the inclusion of persons with disabilities to be recognized in the MDGs by getting your members and supporters to take action!
For additional information on the equALL Campaign please read below and visit www.leprosy.ca.
equALL – Equality For All in the Millennium Development Goals!
In 2000, the United Nations established the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The eight MDGs - with a target completion date of 2015 - form a clear set of objectives to meet the needs of the worlds poorest. Except that they don't. There are 650 million people with disabilities in the world and the MDGs do not include any of them. People with disabilities are disproportionately represented among those living in poverty, without including them, the MDGs cannot be achieved.
The Millennium Development Goals include:
- Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
- Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education
- Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
- Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality
- Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health
- Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
- Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability
- Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development
The Leprosy Mission Canada supports and strives to ensure that these goals are realized. Unfortunately, people with disabilities – and certainly people affected by leprosy – were not taken into consideration when these goals were established.
The 2010 MDG Global Report, which has recently been issued, comes five years before the target date for the MDGs, and leaders from around the world will be gathering at the United Nations headquarters this September to review progress and plan between now and 2015. The upcoming MDG Summit provides an ideal opportunity to ensure that disability is addressed when working towards the achievement of the MDGs. The Leprosy Mission Canada therefore requests your assistance in order to make this a reality!
They ask that you voice your concerns on behalf of all those affected by disability, and particularly those affected by leprosy and resulting disabilities by July 15, 2010.
Please help The Leprosy Mission Canada take a strong stance to ensure disabled people are included in plans for attaining the MDGs.
Take Action Now:
1) Write directly to Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon
Here is a sample letter.
2) Call or write your MP and explain the need for disability inclusive MDGs Here is a sample letter.
3) Write to party leaders, Stephen Harper, Jack Layton, Gilles Duceppe, and Michael Ignatieff Here is a sample letter.
Send your letter postage-free to the above at: House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
4) Write a letter to the editor to your local newspaper: Use the MDGs and Disability statistics sheet (link below) as a hook to highlight the importance of the disability focused MDGs.
For organizations participating in this campaign, here is a sample letter.
For more information and to let us know what you are doing, please contact us at equALL@leprosy.ca.
29 Jun, 2010 - CIDA Funding to CCIC Cut: Canada's Foreign Aid Community Risks Losing Strong Voice for World's Poor
Read CCIC's News Release
29 Jun, 2010 - CIDA Funding to CCIC Cut: Take Action
Write to the Minister for International Co-operation Bev Oda
Write a Letter to the Editor
Post a statement of support on CCIC’s facebook page
Find Out More
Read News Release and Backgrounder for key messages and more information.
Read Karen Takacs’, CCIC Chair of the Board, AGM speech
Read Gerry Barr’, President/CEO, Excerpts AGM speech
15 Jun, 2010 - Community Development Training in India
SOPAR is an international development organization working in India for the past 30 years. Based upon our success and with the encouragement of CIDA and other partners they are offering a unique training in community development. What’s so special about this training? It’s based on the reality of our work in the field.
SOPAR has evolved in the rural areas of Andhra Pradesh in South India where socio-economic barriers are numerous and entrenched in the local culture. The programs offer a wide experimentation ground whereby theoretical concepts can come face to face with reality in the field. The internship consists in giving participants the tools in terms of theory, technique and development approaches and then exposing them to field visits to better understand how these concepts are applied in reality by our agents of change.
This one month training includes theoretical and practical courses, lectures, workshops, field visits and it is open to international participants from Asia, Africa and Europe, so opportunities for cultural exchanges are limitless. Experienced trainers will guide you through the themes of appreciative investigation, Asset Based Community Development (ABCD), participatory approaches, development-oriented human rights, neurolinguistics programming, conflict resolution, women's development, results based management and more.
For more information regarding this training, please visit the SOPAR website or call 1-866-443-3616.
09 Jun, 2010 - 2010 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life- Edmonton, September 12
HIV Edmonton's 19th annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2010!
Edmontonians are invited to gather at Sir Winston Churchill Square for the 19th annual walk to raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS programs and services. The 2010 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life is the largest annual fundraiser for HIV Edmonton and is a keystone event in HIV Edmonton’s 25th anniversary celebration, the Legacy Project.
The Walk for Life depends on the partnership and participation of our community. The funds from the Walk for Life go straight to your local AIDS Service Organization. HIV Edmonton uses the funds for client services, harm reduction, and education programs.
On Walk Day, registration will begin at 10:00 am at Sir Winston Churchill Square. Festivities will feature a special concert by Souljah Fyah, a pancake breakfast for participants, and entertainment for all. The 5 km walk through downtown Edmonton to the Legislature Building starts at 1:00 pm.
EVENT DETAILS:
DATE: September 12, 2010
WHEN: 10:00 am Registration starts, Pancake Breakfast
11:00 am Pre-Walk Concert by Souljah Fyah
12:30 pm Opening Ceremonies
1:00 pm Walk for Life
2:30 - 4 pm Post Walk Party
WHERE: The 5 km event begins at Churchill Square, winds through Edmonton’s downtown core to the legislature building, and returns to the start.
For online registration and general info please visit www.hivedmonton.com
For more information the 2010 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life and HIV Edmonton’s Legacy Project, contact:
Joyce LaBriola
HIV Edmonton, Development and Communications
Email: joyce.l@hivedmonton.com
780-488-5742 x230
The AIDS virus was first discovered in 1981. Although 25 years have passed, infection rates continue to rise among all populations including seniors, youth, women and aboriginal communities. At the same time, provincial and federal funding for HIV/AIDS services is shrinking.
* Almost 28% of new adult diagnoses in Canada are women.
* Estimates indicate that 27% of people in Canada with HIV don’t know they are infected and may continue to spread the disease.
* An estimated 4,000 Albertans are currently infected with HIV/AIDS, including an estimated 2,000 within the Edmonton area.
* With education and proper resources, HIV is 100% preventable.
For 19 years, the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life has been changing lives. Through the Walk, HIV Edmonton raises funds that stay in our community, allowing us to provide support to those living with HIV/AIDS, prevent the transmission of HIV, and end the discrimination and stigma surrounding this incurable illness. The Walk for Life is HIV Edmonton’s biggest fundraiser, allowing the organization to continue providing valuable support, outreach, education and prevention in the Edmonton region.
09 Jun, 2010 - HIV Edmonton’s Distinguished Speaker Series- Edmonton, April 2010-January 2011
HIV Edmonton announces Distinguished Speaker Series, sponsored by CBC Edmonton. The Distinguished Speaker Series is part of the Legacy Project and will be comprised of five speakers, all leaders, historians and innovators in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
All events will be held at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, with one exception noted below. Admission at the Jubilee is free for these events, with a suggested donation of $10. Refreshments will be provided by HIV Edmonton at a post-event reception with each speaker.
October 4, 2010
HIV and Criminal Law with Richard Elliott, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
Richard Elliott and AIDS Activists will discuss HIV and Criminal Law, moderated by former HIV Edmonton Executive Director Sherry McKibben.
November 22, 2010
Val Gervais, former AIDS worker, social worker, activist
January 17, 2011
Dr. Ameeta Singh, University of Alberta Infectious Disease Doctor
For information on the Legacy Project, go to www.hivedmonton.com.
For more information, contact:
Joyce LaBriola
HIV Edmonton, Development and Communications
Email: joyce.l@hivedmonton.com
780-488-5742 x230
07 Jun, 2010 - Waves of Change Exhibit
Stories of international development and how water education is essential in the journey.
Waves of Change is a photo-documentary project to create awareness about the world water situation and demonstrate the impact of water education on quality of life in developing countries.
Cate Cameron's striking images and Melanie Jones' poignant narratives chronicle stories of people from Zambia and India taking visitors on their journey from survival to independence.
CAWST, the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology, invites you to book the travelling exhibit or visit this site to explore the future online exhibit.
26 May, 2010 - Anti-Racism Workshop Series- Edmonton
What are the consequences of ignoring race in our organizations and communities?
Join the Centre for Race and Culture for their new Fall Anti-Racism Workshop Series dates!
October 27, 2010
Roots of racism and our contemporary realities
November 10, 2010
Understanding how racism affects our personal lives
November 24, 2010
Breaking down racism at the systemic level
December 8, 2010
Moving towards an inclusive society free of racism
Who should attend?
Community leaders, educators, HR professionals, employers, social service providers
Where: Centre for Race and Culture, Training Room
10871 - 96 Street, Edmonton, Alberta
Workshops take place from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM on the scheduled day. Lunch is provided.
Participants must attend all four sessions (subject to Terms of Registration)
Cost of CRC members: $550 for the series
Cost for non-members: $600 for the series
For more information and to register, visit www.cfrac.com or contact Ricardo Carlos at 780.425.4644 or rcarlos@cfrac.com
20 May, 2010 - Lewis Perinbam Award Call for Nominees 2010
CALL FOR NOMINEES FOR YEAR 2010- Lewis Perinbam Award in International Development: Honouring Canadians dedicated to improving life in communities across the globe.
The Board of Trustees of the Lewis Perinbam Award in International Development and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) are pleased to announce the 2010 competition for the Award.
Nominations will be accepted until Friday, September 17, 2010. The winner will be announced at the beginning of November and presented at the WUSC Annual Assembly in Ottawa on November 5, 2010.
The Award recognizes grassroots achievements in improving life in developing countries and expanding awareness of those countries among the Canadian public. The monetary value of the Award is $2,500. Its true value lies in bringing international development home to Canadians by highlighting the dedication and accomplishments of ordinary citizens. The Award seeks to commend individuals who make volunteer contributions to international development rather than those who work in a paid professional capacity in this arena. However someone who works in the field but undertakes voluntary commitments over and above his or her employment would also be considered for the Award.
For further information visit www.wusc.ca or contact Holly Batten, Executive Assistant at Holly@wusc.ca.
18 May, 2010 - Think Positive Test Negative
HIV Edmonton is pleased to be working with the Students' International Health Association from the University of Alberta to provide an HIV education workshop led BY youth FOR youth in your community.
This workshop covers the basics and answers questions about HIV, Hepatitis C, Sexually Transmitted Infections, risk education and prevention. Each workshop examines the realities of living with HIV today through a talk from an HIV Edmonton volunteer that has been personally impacted by HIV/AIDS.
HIV Edmonton is currently booking workshops for May-August, 2010. Book a workshop today!
For more information contact Lynn Sutankayo:
300 11456 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta
780.488.5742 ext. 241
lynn.s@hivedmonton.com
www.hivedmonton.com
13 May, 2010 - Human Rights Facilitators Sessions Now Available- Edmonton
As part of the ongoing Human Rights City Edmonton Project, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights has created a program of Human Rights education based on the 24 Participatory Exercises created by the Human Rights Education Association.
The Human Rights Facilitator Training Program is an intensive 10 week exploration of these exercises as well as facilitation techniques. Upon completion of their training, each facilitator is asked to complete a certain number of sessions on human rights to various community groups in the city of Edmonton.
The intent of these sessions is to engage participants in interactive discussion and provoke thought about human rights not only around the world, but right here in Edmonton.
To book a session for your group or organization, please fill out the form found on this page and send it back to Carrie Malloy at carrie@jhcentre.org.
03 Mar, 2010 - Calling for Youth to Participate in the new Fight-Violence Campaign!
The YOUCAN team in Edmonton is looking to put together a group of young people aged 14-16 to participate in the face-lift of the current Fight Violence campaign.
This is an exciting opportunity for Edmonton youth, as they will be trained in a variety of skills including conflict resolution, peace building, how to use a variety of multi-media tools and public speaking. Furthermore, they get to be a part of a youth-driven campaign to re-vamp the Fight Violence project; thus, they will gain a great deal of experience in social media, with the goal of spreading the message of how conflict, when handled appropriately, can be a constructive opportunity for change.
If you have a youth you'd like to refer, please contact:
Mandy Halabi, Project Manager
YOUCAN Edmonton Team
TEL: (780) 444-3348 ext 26
EMAIL: mandy.halabi@youcan.ca
22 Dec, 2009 - Open Letter from CCIC to Minister Oda regarding KAIROS
This open letter was sent today by the Canadian Council for International Co-operation(CCIC) to Bev Oda, Minister for International Cooperation, expressing “shock and dismay” at the recent events concerning a CCIC member, KAIROS.
16 Oct, 2009 - Human Rights Education in the School Systems of Europe, Central Asia and North America: A Compendium of Good Practice
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE/ODIHR), the Council of Europe, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are pleased to announce the publication of Human Rights Education in the School Systems of Europe, Central Asia and North America: A Compendium of Good Practice. HREA was retained to develop the Compendium under the guidance of these partners.
Designed for primary and secondary schools, teacher training institutions and other learning settings, the new tool, which collects 101 exemplary practices from Central Asia, Europe and North America, is a valuable resource for teachers and education policymakers.
It provides resource materials relevant to key elements for successful human rights education, including 1) laws, guidelines and standards; 2) learning environment; 3) teaching and learning tools; 4) professional development for educators, and 5) evaluation.
The collection demonstrates creative approaches to human rights education and aims to facilitate networking and exchange of experience among education professionals. The practices can be adapted to local conditions anywhere in the world.
Launched today, 2 October 2009, at the annual OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw (Poland), the collection contributes to the national implementation of the World Programme for Human Rights Education, a global initiative of the United Nations General Assembly.
A PDF version of the main part of the Compendium is available on the websites of the partner organizations, in addition to HREA’s www.hrea.org/compendium. This document does not yet include the Annex containing samples of the resources. We anticipate that the Compendium will be fully available online as of December 2009.
10 Mar, 2009 - TODAY! Global Poverty Study Launch!
The Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC), in partnership with the Wild Rose Foundation and Angus Reid Strategies has conducted a province-wide survey on Global Poverty. We asked Albertans about global poverty and how important it was to them. The results might surprise you!
Check out the present resources!
Webcast
Check out the the Media Advisory or click one of the following links to see the webcast!
10 Mar, 2009 - Press Kit - Global Poverty Study
Please see the press kit for information regarding the Global Poverty Study conducted by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation, Wildrose Foundation and Angus Reid Strategies.
