News
Environmental Film Festival to Be Held in Saskatoon
See the Change, Be the Change is a Saskatoon Environmental Film Festival to be held on the evening of Friday, March 27th at 7 pm and Saturday, March 28th beginning at 10 am in the Timlin Neatby Theatre (Room 241 Arts Building), U. of S. Campus. We will be featuring Blue Gold on Friday night along with the SEN Environmental Activist Awards, and on Saturday we will be showing films and shorts from local filmmakers as well as award-winning films from international environmental film festivals such as Planet in Focus. We will conclude See the Change, Be the Change with a celebration of Earth Hour.
Contact Lynn at 652-1275 for more details or look on our website at http://econet.sk.ca/filmfest09.
Nuclear Power Plant Proposed Along the North Saskatchewan River
Dr. Jim Harding, Retired Environmental and Justice Professor at University of Regina and Author of “Canada’s Deadly Secret: Saskatchewan uranium and the global nuclear system” will be the speaker for a series of presentations next week.
Learn more about nuclear power—economics, greenhouse gas effects, environmental impacts...what the industry neglects to mention! Admission is free, and there will be a question & answer and discussion period to follow.
Events taking place include: Monday, March 9th at 7:30 pm at the Paradise Hill Kinsmen Hall; Tuesday, March 10th at 7:30 pm at the Public Library, North Battleford; Wednesday, March 11th at 7:30 pm at the Shellbrook Legion Hall; and Thursday, March 12th at 1:00 pm at the SIAST Woodland Campus, Prince Albert.
Note: Carpools from Saskatoon (Sandra at 306 373-8078) and North Battleford (Reid at 306 446-4512) are being arranged.
Action Alerts
Urgent Call for Comments: CCME Consultation on Environmental Assessment Processes
The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) is consulting the public on options to streamline environmental assessments subject to both provincial/territorial and federal assessments. CCME is seeking comments on two papers: One Project - One Assessment Approach to Environmental Assessment; and Regional Strategic Environmental Assessment. The desired outcome is that decisions on environmental assessments for projects be made in a certain, predictable, efficient and timely manner, while safeguarding the environment.
The public consultation period will be held until March 20, 2009. For more information, and to read the papers, please refer to the CCME website at http://www.ccme.ca/ourwork/environment.html?category_id=135 or contact Natalie Deschamps at 613-957-0366.
Call for Participation: Survey on Environmental Assessment
The Environmental Planning and Assessment (EPA) Caucus of the RCEN is carrying out a survey of people who have been involved in federal environmental assessment. The information will be helpful in giving a clear picture of the problems participants have been experiencing across the country. Please take 20-30 minutes to improve environmental assessment in Canada. Feel free to forward the survey out to any individuals that have experience in environmental assessment.
The survey and further information is on the RCEN website at http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/consultations/comment_calls/09_02_EAsurvey.html
Save Our Waterways!
The federal government has included drastic and harmful amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA), in Part 7 of the Budget Implementation Act, Bill C-10.
The NWPA establishes that, if someone wants to build something in, on, around, under, over, or through a navigable waterway, such projects are subject to an assessment of the impacts on navigation (ability to canoe, kayak, go rafting, etc) and an environmental assessment before they can be approved. That's reasonable. But the government wants to change the act to leave all that to the discretion of the Minister instead.
These amendments to the NWPA jeopardize both public access to and environmental health of Canadian waterways.
The bill is now going to the Senate. Our only hope now is for Canada’s Senate (the Chamber of Sober Second Thought) to remove Part 7 on the NWPA from Bill C-10, so it can be dealt with in greater depth as a separate piece of legislation with full and adequate public stakeholder consultation.
Take action now by going to the Sierra Club's website: http://www.sierraclub.ca.
Prevent Cancer Now's Anti-Incineration Tool Kit
The PCN tool kit includes several fact sheets, a Sign-on-Statement and links to resource documents as well as a list of groups and individuals identified to date who are working to oppose incineration and/or are promoting alternatives to incineration such as Zero Waste in Canada.
The proliferation of all types of incinerators across Canada is a concern. On the main PCN Incineration page there is a "Sign-on Statement" calling for a phase out of existing incinerators and a ban on future projects, that we are encouraging individuals and groups who oppose incineration to sign onto. http://www.preventcancernow.ca.
Coming Events
Regina
Screening: You, Me and the SPP
March 5th, 7:30 pm, Royal Saskatchewan MuseumPaul Manly, the Nanaimo filmmaker who exposed police "provocateurs" at the SPP Leaders summit in Montebello Quebec will be previewing his feature film about the Security Prosperity Partnership (SPP) entitled You, Me, and the S.P.P: Trading Democracy for Corporate Rule.
Women’s Rights are Human Rights Conference
March 6th, 9 am to 4 pm, University of ReginaInternational Women’s Day conference with partners SCIC, Daughters of Africa, MATCH International, SFL, Prairie Lilies Feminist Society, the Women’s Studies Program University of Regina. For more information visit http://www.earthbeat.sk.ca.
Trevor Herriot: Launch of Sky, Grass, Song
March 6th, 7:30 pm, Royal Saskatchewan Museum TheatreJoin Trevor Herriot for the launch of Grass, Sky, Song in the RSM Theatre. The event is free. Glenn Sutter will also appear to perform songs from his new CD All You Need.
Green Drinks Regina: Hosted by the Sasquatch
March 6th, 5:30 pm, Beer Brothers,1801 Scarth St.At Green Drinks, Sasquatch Editor Jenn Ruddy will discuss the role of independent, non-profit media and how activist journalism, in collaboration with ally organizations, can help social and environmental movements reach their goals. The Sasquatch is also looking for writers who may be interested in reporting on issues related to the environment. Find out at Green Drinks how you can get involved with this exciting independent media project. Copies of the first issue of The Sasquatch will also be available, as well as a special discount offer for new subscribers.
For more information, to be added to our e-mail list or to RSVP to this event (allowing Beer Bros to staff accordingly) e-mail us at: greendrinksregina@gmail.com or join our facebook group.
Sasquatch Launch Party
Friday March 6th, 8 pm, Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative, 301-1822 Scarth St.Join us as we celebrate the launch of The Sasquatch — Saskatchewan’s newest independent newspaper, published by the folks who bring you Briarpatch Magazine. For the past few months, the folks at Briarpatch/Sasquatch headquarters have been working hard to bring the sasquatch of public-interest journalism out from the wilderness and into the towns and cities of this province.
Featuring: live music by Matt Kaip, DJ Eujean, DJ Po-Tree. Cash bar opens at 8 pm. Snacks will be provided free of charge. Special discount offer for new Sasquatch subscribers!
Sisters for Sisters Benefit Concert
March 7th, 7:30 pm, Regina Performing Arts CentreOn the eve of International Women's Day, a benefit concert will be held, with proceeds going to the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign for the fight against HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
Tickets available from the Performing Arts Centre or Sheila Fahlman by call 306-781-2946 or emailing: g4gregina@sasktel.net. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Performance 7:30 pm - Cash Bar.
Sponsored by Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers Regina. Visit: http://www.grandmothers4grandmothersregina.com.
Fundraiser and Banquet to Celebrate International Women’s Day
March 7th, 5:00 pmm German Club, 1727 St. John St.The Prairie Lily Feminist Society, Regina and District Labour Council Women’s Committee, and the U of R Women’s Centre are raising funds to contribute to the ongoing education, policy development and organizing of women’s events throughout the province. As well, a portion of the funds will be donated to the Sisters in Spirit, Saskatchewan. The event will include: dinner, guest speaker - Lynda Haverstock, entertainment, and a silent auction. For tickets call the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (525-0197) or the Canadian Labour Council (525-6137).
Session: Waste and Water
March 10th, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, South Leisure CentreRising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility? The Saskatchewan Environmental Society presents a series of sessions all part of the Building Operator Training.
$100 per session (includes an 80 page manual for use at work and at home); Repeat attendees receive $30 discount.
Generalized program Ideal for any building operator, custodian or facility personnel. Interested? Contact Melissa Strom at 477-2042 or melissas@environmentalsociety.ca. Registration deadline: March 7th. Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost.
Native Plant Workshop
March 16th, 7 pm, First Nations University of Canada, Rm.1012The first native plant workshop of the year! Learn the benefits of native plants, how to start native seeds indoors and how to design, plan, prepare and plant a native garden, what plants to plant and where to obtain them. Also, a new Saskatchewan publication on how to landscape with native plants will be available for workshop participants at the reduced price of $10 (value $25). The workshop is free of charge. For more information contact malin.hansen@uregina.ca.
Can you live in Regina without a car?
March 17th, 7 pm, Beet Root Restaurant, 2936 13th Ave.Can you live in Regina without a car? Public information session on the benefits of car sharing. Please join us for an interesting and stimulating discussion with Tanya Paz from the Co-operative Auto Network in Vancouver and Mark Goldblatt from the Canadian Cooperative Association in Ottawa. They will be talking about the benefit of car sharing and cooperatives. This is also a great opportunity for those of you who are interested in learning more about the Regina Car Share Cooperative. For more information contact Michael Bell (Regina Car Share Cooperative) at pc@reginacarshare.ca or visit: http://www.reginacarshare.ca.
The Great Tar Sands Debate
March 19th, 7 – 9 pm, University of Regina, Education AuditoriumPresenters: Carolyn Preston and Andrew Nikiforuk
National speakers from both sides of the issue will help us learn about this complex and timely topic. Dr. Carolyn Preston will speak in favour of the Tar Sands as an energy source, and Andrew Nikiforuk will speak against expansion of the industry without national targets for renewable energy, oil revenue reform and climate change action. Get the facts and form your own opinion.
Care of the Earth
March 24th, 6:30 pm, Royal Saskatchewan MuseumSpeaker is Rev. Dr. Bill Phipps of Calgary, a founder of Faith and the Common Good. Question and answers to follow. There will be Faith displays, Tour of Human Factor Gallery, DVD and refreshments. There is something for all ages. Call Jean at 522-1514 for information.
Presented by Regina Multifaith Forum and Multifaith Saskatchewan. Admission free. Sponsored by the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and Friends of the Museum.
Seedy Saturday: Seed Saving Seminar & Seed Swap
March 28th, 12 to 2 pm, Regina Public Library Film Theatre (Central Library)Start the 2009 gardening season off right by learning how to grow stronger vegetables and flowers that are better suited to our Canadian climate. Jim Ternier, owner of Prairie Garden Seeds (http://www.prseeds.ca) will be giving an informative session on the art of seed saving, the importance of heritage seeds, and the relationship between local food and food security. Jim is the past president of Seeds of Diversity Canada and has traveled the country sharing his expertise with master gardeners and beginners alike. Jim will also be promoting the Canadian Tomato Project and will have tomato seeds to share. An informal seed swap will follow the program, so those who have gathered seeds are welcome to bring them. Pre-registration is not required.
Saskatoon
The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan AGM and Conference
March 6th, 6:45 pm, March 7th 7:30 am – 1 pm U. of S. Faculty ClubKeynote Address: “Native Aquatic Plants — the heart of our wetland”, Heinjo Lahring, Bearberry Creek Water Gardens. Panel Discussion: “Case Studies in Riparian Area Management” (Luc Delanoy, Meewasin Valley Authority; Bob Wills, Wakamow Valley Authority; additional panel speaker TBA).
Details are on the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan website at http://www.npss.sk.ca/events.php/. For more information contact: Chet Neufeld, NPSS Executive Director via Phone and Fax: (306) 668-3940 or email: info@npss.sk.ca.
International Women’s Day Dinner - Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers
March 6th, 5:30 pm, Western Development MuseumTickets are $25.00 and can be purchased from Lily Krause 652-8209 or Julia Davies 374-4357. Enjoy the beautiful setting of the Museum and support the annual Grandmothers fundraising Campaign dinner. Speakers will include Marlee Ritchie and Julie Coultas. Also featured are musician Micheal Lockerbie, a silent auction, quilt raffle and more.
The Vagina Monologues
March 6th & 7th, 8 pm, Broadway TheatreChange the Story of Women! Join them as they raise funds and awareness to end violence against women and girls. Proceeds go toward: the Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre, Take Back The Night Saskatoon, and the Spotlight Campaign: Stop Raping Our Greatest Resource, Power to the Women and Girls of Democratic Republic of Congo. For further information visit http://www.vday.org.
Tickets: Students/low income: $10 advance/$12 door. General: $12 advance/$14 door. Available at the Broadway Theatre, USSU Information Centre, the USSU Women’s Centre, and in the Tunnel.
Immigration is a Community Issue: Viewing Saskatoon Through the Lens of Immigrant Women
March 7th, 6:30 - 10 pm, Mendel Art GalleryInternational Women of Saskatoon (IWS) is giving women in our community a platform to artistically share their personal immigration experiences. Throughout the month of March a photo exhibition will be on display at the Mendel Art Gallery and on March seventh we will celebrate International Women's Day by hosting an event to support women around the world. This will be a night of self expression, fellowship, sharing, and celebration.
International Women's Day Celebration
March 8th, 1-4 pm, Mendel Art Gallery AuditoriumUnited Nations Association in Canada - Saskatoon Branch Presents: International Women's Day - Celebrating 100 Years "Voicing Our Strengths and Moving Forward Together".
Details at: http://saskatoonpeace.wordpress.com/2009/02/17/international-womens-day-celebration-march-8th/.
Session: Waste and Water
March 9th, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, Saskatoon Field HouseRising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility? The Saskatchewan Environmental Society presents a series of sessions all part of the Building Operator Training.
$100 per session (includes an 80 page manual for use at work and at home); Repeat attendees receive $30 discount.
Generalized program Ideal for any building operator, custodian or facility personnel. Interested? Contact Melissa Strom at 477-2042 or melissas@environmentalsociety.ca. Registration deadline: March 6th. Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost.
Pesticides and Cancer
March 11th, 7 pm, J.S. Wood LibraryExposure to pesticides may increase your risk of developing cancer. Most of the research has focused on occupational, or workplace, exposure, linking it to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, brain cancer and lung cancer. There is also evidence that children may be especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of these chemicals. These chemicals can be used for a variety of reasons in many settings, from controlling pests that impact our health, safety or food supply to improving the appearance of a lawn or garden (ornamental use). Donna Ziegler from the Canadian Cancer Society will talk about this connection between pesticides and cancer. Event co-sponsored by the J.S. Wood Library and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. For more information, contact 665-1915.
Rooted Greenhouse Tour
March 12th, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, University of Saskatchewan GreenhousesThis is a tour of the Ag Greenhouses for members of Rooted with the members of the Horticulture and Biology Club. Deadline to RSVP is Friday, March 6th. Please email: rooted.uofs@gmail.com if you're coming.
10th Annual Seedy Saturday
March 14th, 11:30 - 5, Princess Alexandra School, 210 Ave. H SouthThis year's community seed exchange and eco-fair will be held March 14th from 11:30 until 5:00 pm at Princess Alexandra School.
They are now taking bookings for display tables at this event. Tables rent for $20, or $10 for half a table. If you would like more information or are interested in booking a table, please contact Community Garden Coordinator Dana Barrand at dana@chep.org or 655-5322.
The Great Tar Sands Debate
March 15th, 7- 9 pm, Broadway TheatrePresenters: Carolyn Preston and Andrew Nikiforuk
National speakers from both sides of the issue will help us learn about this complex and timely topic. Dr. Carolyn Preston will speak in favour of the Tar Sands as an energy source, and Andrew Nikiforuk will speak against expansion of the industry without national targets for renewable energy, oil revenue reform and climate change action. Get the facts and form your own opinion.
The Great Tar Sands Debate will also take place on Monday, March 16th at 3:30 – 5:30 pm at the University of Saskatchewan, Rm. 241 Arts with presenters Carolyn Preston and Andrew Nikiforuk, and Monday evening at 7:30 pm at McNally Robinson Bookstore.
Hop on Board
March 19th, 7 pm, Amigos, 632 10th Street E.Information Night: Find out what the Saskatchewan Environmental Society is all about and how you can be involved! For more information, contact 665-1915.
Environmental Film Festival: See the Change, Be the Change
March 27th, 7 pm, March 28th, 10:30 am - 9 pm, Timlin Neatby Theatre, U. of S.The Saskatchewan Eco-Network, in conjunction with a wide group of sponsors, is hosting our 4th Annual Saskatchewan Environmental Film Festival - See the Change, Be the Change on Friday evening, March 27th and all day Saturday, March 28th at the Timlin Neatby Theatre (Arts 241, U. of S.). We are suggesting a donation of $5 for students and low income, $10 for waged.
SEN will be honouring local environmental activists, both individuals and groups on Friday evening through the Environmental Activist Awards. The festival will feature a number of powerful international films on the environment. On Saturday evening, we will be recognizing provincial filmmakers on a Saskatchewan Filmmakers' Panel. We will conclude the festival during Earth Hour, an international event.
Full festival schedule at http://www.econet.sk.ca/filmfest09.
Other
Organic Gardening Class
March 7th, 1 - 4 pm,, Ft. Qu'AppellePlease register through the Parkland College by phoning 306-332-5416.
IWD Luncheon: Human Trafficking: Lives for Sale
March 12th, 11:30 1 pm, Timothy Eaton Gardens, Moose JawInternational Women's Day Luncheon with guest speaker: Savelia Curniski of NASHI: Our Children, a Saskatoon-based organization that works to divert the children of Ukraine from the sex trade and raise global awareness of the problem of human trafficking. Sponsored by Status of Women Saskatchewan.
8 Short Films with Elmer Laird
Mar 14th, 3 pm, Parrish Hall, Davidson, SK8 short films with Elmer Laird and the Back to the Farm Research Foundation. These films were produced for the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate Food Miles Committee by Kelly Reinhardt of boilingfrog.ca. They include Elmer’s induction into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame, and interviews with him at the farm.
Following the screening of 8 short films with Elmer Laird is a short slide show of his organic garden. Following the slide show is the Back to the Farm Research Foundation Board Meeting.
The Great Tar Sands Debate
National speakers from both sides of the issue will help us learn about this complex and timely topic. Dr. Carolyn Preston will speak in favour of the Tar Sands as an energy source, and Andrew Nikiforuk will speak against expansion of the industry without national targets for renewable energy, oil revenue reform and climate change action. Get the facts and form your own opinion. Dr. Carolyn Preston is the Executive Director of the Petroleum Technology Research Centre in Regina. Andrew Nikiforuk is an award-winning journalist who has written about energy, economics, and the environment for the last two decades. He is the author of the recently published book, Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent.Sunday March 15th - Muenster, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, Room 101 in Michael Hall at St. Peter's Abby (on the south side of Hwy 5) - Presenter: Andrew Nikiforuk
Tuesday March 17th - Prince Albert - 7 - 9 pm, John Cuelenaere Public Library 125 - 12 Street East. Presenters: Carolyn Preston and Andrew Nikiforuk
Wednesday March 18th - North Battleford, 7:30 – 9:30 pm Chapel Gallery, 891 99 St. Presenters: Carolyn Preston and Andrew Nikiforuk.
Thursday March 19th - Craik, 10:30 am - Coffee at the Craik Eco Centre.
Friday March 20th - Moose Jaw, 12 - 1 pm, Moose Jaw Public Library. Presenter: Andrew Nikiforuk
Friday March 20 - Swift Current, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, Great Plains College, Rm. 209. Presenters: Carolyn Preston and Andrew Nikiforuk.
See also Regina and Saskatoon for further events. Full details are on line at http://www.canadians.org/energy/issues/tarsandsdebate.html.
RCEN AGA 2009: Cities and Biodiversity
June 12 - 14, Edmonton, ABThis year’s Annual General Assembly will take place from June 12-14 in Edmonton, Alberta. Under the theme of Cities and Biodiversity, speakers at the 2009 AGA will explore the relationship between urban areas and biodiversity: from the impact of their demand for resources, to the possibilities of growing more food locally and the benefits of natural areas within cities. Note that the last day of the Assembly will dovetail with the opening of the ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability World Congress (see below).
Registration for the event and a draft agenda will be available soon. Visit the RCEN's AGA 2009 webpage for regular news updates and information.
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability World Congress
June 14 - 18, Edmonton, ABThe ICLEI World Congress 2009, June 14-18 in Edmonton, Alberta, will showcase ICLEI members’ vast work on advancing sustainability, for and about local governments. The five-day event will be an opportunity to learn about the achievements of the most advanced cities and towns in the world, and to build upon past successes to advance local action for sustainability. Join mayors, local governments, and colleagues, as more than 800 delegates worldwide come together in Edmonton. The program will be enriched by global strategists sharing their vision on the opportunities and challenges for local governments in the coming decade. Visit http://www.iclei.org/worldcongress2009 for registration details.
3rd Annual Solar Fair: Seminars, Workshops & Trade Show
June 20 & 21, 2009, Craik Eco-Centre, Craik, SKJoin engineers, teachers, scientists, home builders, environmentalists and citizens from across the province in a two day Solar Fair. Hosted by the Craik Sustainable Living Project (CSLP) and taking place within the CSLP’S Eco-Centre, renowned for its green design. Early registration is recommended as space is limited. $150 per person (2 days), $75 per person (1 day),or $15 per seminar.
Apply now for a booth at the Trade Show. Email: eade@sasktel.net Registration forms available at: http://www.craikecovillage.ca.
Ignite Change Now! Global Youth Assembly 2009
July 30th - August 2nd, 2009, Edmonton, ABThe John Humphrey Centre is excited to let you know that the second Ignite Change Now! Global Youth Assembly is set. Sol Guy along with other partners such as Rights and Democracy will be joining us once again in Edmonton to keep it real and inspiring.
Delegate registration for the Assembly is available on their website at http://www.youthassembly.ca. Space is limited so be sure to register early!
Opportunities/Call for Delegates/Proposals
Grassroots Activism Fund: Call for Proposals
Member organizations of SEN are invited to submit proposals for the Grassroots Activism Fund.
Consideration will be given to original projects, unique circumstances and the general availability of funding. Assistance will be given to projects that have a general or specific benefit to the Saskatchewan environment or to the environmental knowledge of residents of Saskatchewan. Other projects will be considered depending upon the project's strength of purpose and appropriateness of its goals vis a vis the Saskatchewan Eco-Network. Funding is provided for expenses only. A statement of expenses, including receipts wherever possible, is required for payment.
To apply, send an application or introduction letter including organization and contact information, Project outline (title, purpose of project, expected benefits for the applicant and the Eco-Network, number of people involved, budget (including other sources of revenue, if applicable, total amount of funding support requested, schedule and/or expected completion date.
Deadline for submissions is March 13th, 2009.
CPAWS Northern Alberta: Executive Director
Location: Edmonton, ABExceptional Opportunity to Lead an Alberta Environmental Organization The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Northern Alberta chapter (CPAWS NAB) is seeking a dynamic, creative, results-oriented Executive Director to build on its growth and success. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading an organization through change by maximizing staff and volunteer effectiveness and through innovative campaigns that create an engaged membership and public.
The deadline to apply is March 20, 2009. Full description at http://www.cpawsnab.org/CPAWS-JobOpps.html
Call for Submissions: Briarpatch Magazine
Briarpatch unplugged, or, How I learned to stop destroying the planet and love the global recession.What if the economic recession we're presently experiencing is not just a regrettable temporary setback in the never-ending march of growth-fuelled prosperity, but the beginning of a painful but ecologically necessary process of scaling back our footprint to a more sustainable level?
Queries are due by March 23, 2009. If your query is accepted, first drafts are due by May 1, 2009. Your query should outline what ground your contribution will cover and include an estimated word count and a short writing sample. Details at http://briarpatchmagazine.com/2009/02/17/briarpatch-unplugged/.
Safe Drinking Water Foundation: Assistant Program Coordinator
The Safe Drinking Water Foundation seeks an Assistant Program Coordinator to help the program coordinator by updating databases, phoning schools to place sponsored school materials, sending and receiving e-mails and other tasks as necessary. Opportunities exist for students with different backgrounds to work on communications, media relations, website, and many other aspects of Awareness and Education.
Requirements: Must have basic computer skills (Outlook Express, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word) and pleasant phone manner. Ideal Candidate: University student in journalism, health, engineering or education and most specifically with an interest in science and water related issues. Must be detail oriented, be motivated, enthusiastic and able to work independently or as part of a team.
Hours: Minimum 10 hours per week, schedule will be flexible after training. Send your resume and a reference from a Professor to: Nicole M. Biederbeck, Program Coordinator, Safe Drinking Water Foundation. E-mail: info@safewater.org.
Evergreen Common Grounds Grants
Evergreen Common Grounds is now accepting applications for The Wal-Mart – Evergreen Green Grants Program supporting community environmental restoration projects. The 2009 deadline to apply is: March 27, 2009. For full information on eligibility and how to apply, go to the Common Grounds Funding page at http://www.evergreen.ca/en/cg/cg-funding.html.
Green Grants, a Canadian community greening program sponsored by Wal-Mart Canada and led by Evergreen will provide funds of up to $10,000 to local community groups working on urban naturalization projects focused on the restoration and stewardship of urban habitats such as woodlands, meadows, wetlands and ravines through the use of native plants. This grant also supports community gardening projects that involve native plants and food gardening.
Earth Day Canada’s Hometown Heroes Award Program
The Hometown Heroes Award Program, established by Earth Day Canada in 2004, recognizes and celebrates environmental leaders who foster meaningful, long-term community awareness and action. Become Canada’s 2009 environmental hero and receive a cash–prize of $10,000 - $5,000 to keep and $5,000 to donate to the environmental cause of your choice. Earth Day Canada will consider candidates who: demonstrate outstanding environmental leadership, commitment and achievements in their communities; and carry out not-for-profit environmental efforts, with notable accomplishments in the past two years or a single outstanding environmental initiative in 2008. Nominate yourself, an individual or group from your community by April 22nd (Earth Day 2009). For more information about the program, visit http://www.earthday.ca/hometown/index.php.
Resources
Community Food Security Resources at Your Fingertips
The Building Community Food Security with Bits & Bytes Project, in collaboration with Food Secure Canada, has just launched an online food security resource database http://www.bitsandbytes.ca It will be a living, ever-growing cornucopia of freely-accessible, community food security resources. The submissions and comments of the food security community who use this website will continue to expand its richness and content. It is our intent to provide credible, practical, accessible information that will be of use to community activists, academics, policy makers, farmers and anyone interested in food security.