Monday 28 September 2009
Tinto Events: Visual Voices for a Better Toronto & About the Olympics
Two events worth checking out at Tinto Coffee House:
Libra Information Services and TorontoTheBetter presents Visual Voices for a Better Toronto: An exhibit of photographs that represent a better Toronto until October 7.
Plus, Vancouver 2010 means Olympic Games. But what does that mean?...
Come to Tinto on Wednesday, September 30th at 7 pm to share some of the wealth of valuable information and insight into the many implications of the games for Vancouver and beyond.
Hear it all from John Richmond. John lives in Toronto but he grew up in Vancouver. He is now back to Toronto from an extended stay in the region. He'll tell us about the people and places that are going to be impacted by the long-lasting but already palpable effects of the games.
John says that the people know what the games means for them, and so does the government. And they are both taking steps, because the effects of the Olympics, which would normally only become apparent after the event, are already leaving their mark.
Join us, for free, to hear it from John Richmond and engage in a dialogue and discussion that is sure to be informing and thought-provoking.
Libra Information Services and TorontoTheBetter presents Visual Voices for a Better Toronto: An exhibit of photographs that represent a better Toronto until October 7.
Plus, Vancouver 2010 means Olympic Games. But what does that mean?...
Come to Tinto on Wednesday, September 30th at 7 pm to share some of the wealth of valuable information and insight into the many implications of the games for Vancouver and beyond.
Hear it all from John Richmond. John lives in Toronto but he grew up in Vancouver. He is now back to Toronto from an extended stay in the region. He'll tell us about the people and places that are going to be impacted by the long-lasting but already palpable effects of the games.
John says that the people know what the games means for them, and so does the government. And they are both taking steps, because the effects of the Olympics, which would normally only become apparent after the event, are already leaving their mark.
Join us, for free, to hear it from John Richmond and engage in a dialogue and discussion that is sure to be informing and thought-provoking.
Labels: 2010 Olympics, Libra Information Services, Tinto Coffee House, TorontoTheBetter.net
Thursday 17 September 2009
To Do Today: Sign up for Whole Foods class and Vote for Green Party
Today is an important day for two reasons. Firstly, today is the last chance to sign-up for Cooking for Health – Diabetes class, happening at Whole Foods Market – Yorkville this Tuesday September 22nd @ 6:30pm. I guarantee you’ll be feed, meet interesting people, and learn something new. Go on now, and call Whole Foods @ 416-944-0500 or better yet, visit them (it’s a lovely store) at 87 Avenue road.
Secondly, if you’re in the St. Paul’s riding, today is by-election day. This blog is usually about wellness and not politics. I’m going to tell you why I’m voting for the Green Party and how that's related to wellness.
Every election I vote for the Green party. Sure it’s always the party that’s a guaranteed loose and those strategic voters call it a wasted vote. I still vote for them. Why? Because wellness issues like the environment, personal health, equality and human rights are issues I care about and so does the Green Party. I’m tired of the three main parties taking over at debates. I’m tired of the bitching and stabbing they do to one another. I know that I’m not the only one that’s tired.
This election is particularly important to me because I actually know the candidate. I’d call him a friend.
Chris Chopik lives the life that the Green Party stands for. He has done more to clean up, bring awareness, create bonds, friendship and connections within this community than any of the other candidates. He’s easy to talk to, non-judgmental, and cares about the future of our city and the impact it has on the earth. I couldn’t think of a better person to take on the job.
If you live in St. Paul’s and haven’t voted already, think about your loyalty and what your party has done for you. Think about change and accepting the new. If we all gave the little guy a chance, we might just make some big gains. On that note, I’m heading out shortly to vote for the Green Party. We will return to our regular wellness blog programming tomorrow...new recipe to be posted!
Secondly, if you’re in the St. Paul’s riding, today is by-election day. This blog is usually about wellness and not politics. I’m going to tell you why I’m voting for the Green Party and how that's related to wellness.
Every election I vote for the Green party. Sure it’s always the party that’s a guaranteed loose and those strategic voters call it a wasted vote. I still vote for them. Why? Because wellness issues like the environment, personal health, equality and human rights are issues I care about and so does the Green Party. I’m tired of the three main parties taking over at debates. I’m tired of the bitching and stabbing they do to one another. I know that I’m not the only one that’s tired.
This election is particularly important to me because I actually know the candidate. I’d call him a friend.
Chris Chopik lives the life that the Green Party stands for. He has done more to clean up, bring awareness, create bonds, friendship and connections within this community than any of the other candidates. He’s easy to talk to, non-judgmental, and cares about the future of our city and the impact it has on the earth. I couldn’t think of a better person to take on the job.
If you live in St. Paul’s and haven’t voted already, think about your loyalty and what your party has done for you. Think about change and accepting the new. If we all gave the little guy a chance, we might just make some big gains. On that note, I’m heading out shortly to vote for the Green Party. We will return to our regular wellness blog programming tomorrow...new recipe to be posted!
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Workers Cooperatives: Possibilities and Limitations; Saturday September 19, 2009
Workers Cooperatives: Possibilities and Limitations
Saturday September 19, 2009; 2pm-4pm
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
252 Bloor Street West, Toronto; Room 8-280
Speakers:
J.J. McMurtry, York University, Editor of Living Economics: Canadian Perspectives on the Social Economy, Co-operatives, and Community Economic Development
Wesley Morgan, McMaster University / Abiwin Housing Co-operative
Simone Schmidt, Punchclock Artists Workers Cooperative
Sponsored by Common Cause, Pan-African Solidarity Network (U of T), Toronto Anarchist Discussion Group
J.J. McMurtry holds a doctorate in Social and Political Thought from York University. His research focuses on linking contemporary social, political and economic theory with the practice of co-operatives and the social economy using a life-theory perspective. He has also been active in a number of movements and organizations for over two decades including co-operative businesses, a research firm, unions at the local and national level, as well as various community and volunteer organizations.
Wesley Morgan is currently on parental leave from a dissertation looking at collectivization and self-management in the Barcelona area during the Spanish Civil War/ Revolution, focusing on the food and textile industries. Wesley is also currently a board member of the Abiwin Housing Co-operative in Ottawa.
Simone Schmidt is a member/owner of Punchclock - Punchclock is a trans-disciplinary democratic organization of cultural workers, political activists and trades people operating out of and around two hives functioning as collective metal and screen printing studios. Our mandates are economic sustainability and artistic direct action.
Saturday September 19, 2009; 2pm-4pm
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
252 Bloor Street West, Toronto; Room 8-280
Speakers:
J.J. McMurtry, York University, Editor of Living Economics: Canadian Perspectives on the Social Economy, Co-operatives, and Community Economic Development
Wesley Morgan, McMaster University / Abiwin Housing Co-operative
Simone Schmidt, Punchclock Artists Workers Cooperative
Sponsored by Common Cause, Pan-African Solidarity Network (U of T), Toronto Anarchist Discussion Group
J.J. McMurtry holds a doctorate in Social and Political Thought from York University. His research focuses on linking contemporary social, political and economic theory with the practice of co-operatives and the social economy using a life-theory perspective. He has also been active in a number of movements and organizations for over two decades including co-operative businesses, a research firm, unions at the local and national level, as well as various community and volunteer organizations.
Wesley Morgan is currently on parental leave from a dissertation looking at collectivization and self-management in the Barcelona area during the Spanish Civil War/ Revolution, focusing on the food and textile industries. Wesley is also currently a board member of the Abiwin Housing Co-operative in Ottawa.
Simone Schmidt is a member/owner of Punchclock - Punchclock is a trans-disciplinary democratic organization of cultural workers, political activists and trades people operating out of and around two hives functioning as collective metal and screen printing studios. Our mandates are economic sustainability and artistic direct action.
Labels: Worker Cooperaties
Thursday 3 September 2009
Left Feet says goodbye to Nassau Street
Steven Fish from Left Feet has the following news:
Left Feet has called Kensington Market home since the December of 2004 and this winter would have marked the shops fifth anniversary on Nassau Street. I am disappointed to announce that we were unable to secure a new lease for this location and Left Feet must find a new home. The last day at 88 Nassau St. will be Friday September 11th, 2009.
While the store is in transition, I will continue to accept special orders for Vegetarian Shoes and mail order footwear anywhere in Canada. All of my contact information will stay the same so please continue to call or email with your questions.
If you are in the area before the 11th, please drop by and say your goodbyes to the shop -
all of our Fall stock will be 25% off and Summer stock will be 50% off.
Opening Left Feet to the public has been a tremendous experience so far and getting the chance to meet so many of you in person has made it all worthwhile. Thank you for your part in making this happen. Despite all the challenges of running a shoe shop with a vegan only/sweatshop free policy, your continued support and words of encouragement have kept me inspired and Left Feet going for the past 5 years.
Left Feet has called Kensington Market home since the December of 2004 and this winter would have marked the shops fifth anniversary on Nassau Street. I am disappointed to announce that we were unable to secure a new lease for this location and Left Feet must find a new home. The last day at 88 Nassau St. will be Friday September 11th, 2009.
While the store is in transition, I will continue to accept special orders for Vegetarian Shoes and mail order footwear anywhere in Canada. All of my contact information will stay the same so please continue to call or email with your questions.
If you are in the area before the 11th, please drop by and say your goodbyes to the shop -
all of our Fall stock will be 25% off and Summer stock will be 50% off.
Opening Left Feet to the public has been a tremendous experience so far and getting the chance to meet so many of you in person has made it all worthwhile. Thank you for your part in making this happen. Despite all the challenges of running a shoe shop with a vegan only/sweatshop free policy, your continued support and words of encouragement have kept me inspired and Left Feet going for the past 5 years.
Labels: Left Feet
Green Enterprise Toronto News & Job Posting, September 2009
Chris Lowry is stepping aside as Executive Director of Green Enterprise Toronto, with the following announcement:
Dear GET Members and Friends,
After four years growing the organization and our remarkable community of 300+ members, the GET Steering Committee has decided to expand the mandate of GET to 'go big' and become a regional green business alliance. With great pride in our accomplishments, I am writing to let you know that I am stepping aside as Founding Executive Director of Green Enterprise Toronto.
GET is poised to become the new voice of business in the GTA and beyond. We intend to move from strength to strength, building on the solid foundation of excellent programming and partnerships, enabled by the substantial trust, respect and brand loyalty that GET has earned to date. The organization needs new leadership to take us to the next level, to expand our membership and the scope of our work. GET will offer common voice and policy influence to the hundreds of medium sized companies in southern Ontario that are working hard to become sustainable, to convert the grey industrial economy to green through eco-smart manufacturing, clean tech, renewable energy, and a triple bottom line appoach to all kinds of business. As the new collective voice of sustainable business in the GTA, we can do what other industry associations can't do; we can influence policy and respond the the challenges ahead with a common commitment to people and planet as well as profit.
GET is committed to continue to serve the entrepreneurs and small, local living economy businessss in our network. Your membership benefits will continue and new benefits will be added. At the same time, more medium-sized companies (19-100 employees) will be joining GET with the expectation of achieving new levels of peer-to-peer cooperatioin and policy influence.
As Founding ED, I will serve on the GET Steering Committee and I will continue to work with GET on programming, special events, and communications. I look forward to continuing work with many of you.
Warm regards,
Chris Lowry
Job Posting: Executive Director, Green Enterprise Toronto—GET
Are you a tree hugger trapped inside a business suit? Are you the visionary who ‘gets’ how green business is great business? Are you looking for a way to reconcile your skills and your values? Got a bit of energy and feel like leading a revolution?
Green Enterprise Toronto is looking for a new Executive Director to become a key player in the greening of North America’s fourth largest urban market. If you love big challenges and got business creds to boot, this is the job for you!
GET believes that Toronto can become a sustainable city by supporting its local, green businesses. Through market research, consumer awareness campaigns and building the capacity of locally-owned businesses, GET is the necessary catalyst to make this vision a reality.
We’ve spent the last four years building up our network of 300+ green businesses and it’s time to take advantage of it! As the new leader of this network, you would become the voice of green business in Ontario. With the right amount of passion, vision, and drive, this job opportunity can become a part of ground-breaking change in the business sector.
We need to be clear. This position won’t be a cakewalk. There are no gianormous pay cheques – you will have to raise your own salary. Small businesses can be a bit like herding cats. And the steering committee is full of wily entrepreneurs with too many ideas. For the right person, this is an amazing opportunity.
If we haven’t scared you yet, tell us all about yourself. Send a resume and letter to:
Application Deadline: September 25
Apply to GET Steering Committee, Tonya Surman @ tonya@socialinovation.ca
Dear GET Members and Friends,
After four years growing the organization and our remarkable community of 300+ members, the GET Steering Committee has decided to expand the mandate of GET to 'go big' and become a regional green business alliance. With great pride in our accomplishments, I am writing to let you know that I am stepping aside as Founding Executive Director of Green Enterprise Toronto.
GET is poised to become the new voice of business in the GTA and beyond. We intend to move from strength to strength, building on the solid foundation of excellent programming and partnerships, enabled by the substantial trust, respect and brand loyalty that GET has earned to date. The organization needs new leadership to take us to the next level, to expand our membership and the scope of our work. GET will offer common voice and policy influence to the hundreds of medium sized companies in southern Ontario that are working hard to become sustainable, to convert the grey industrial economy to green through eco-smart manufacturing, clean tech, renewable energy, and a triple bottom line appoach to all kinds of business. As the new collective voice of sustainable business in the GTA, we can do what other industry associations can't do; we can influence policy and respond the the challenges ahead with a common commitment to people and planet as well as profit.
GET is committed to continue to serve the entrepreneurs and small, local living economy businessss in our network. Your membership benefits will continue and new benefits will be added. At the same time, more medium-sized companies (19-100 employees) will be joining GET with the expectation of achieving new levels of peer-to-peer cooperatioin and policy influence.
As Founding ED, I will serve on the GET Steering Committee and I will continue to work with GET on programming, special events, and communications. I look forward to continuing work with many of you.
Warm regards,
Chris Lowry
Job Posting: Executive Director, Green Enterprise Toronto—GET
Are you a tree hugger trapped inside a business suit? Are you the visionary who ‘gets’ how green business is great business? Are you looking for a way to reconcile your skills and your values? Got a bit of energy and feel like leading a revolution?
Green Enterprise Toronto is looking for a new Executive Director to become a key player in the greening of North America’s fourth largest urban market. If you love big challenges and got business creds to boot, this is the job for you!
GET believes that Toronto can become a sustainable city by supporting its local, green businesses. Through market research, consumer awareness campaigns and building the capacity of locally-owned businesses, GET is the necessary catalyst to make this vision a reality.
We’ve spent the last four years building up our network of 300+ green businesses and it’s time to take advantage of it! As the new leader of this network, you would become the voice of green business in Ontario. With the right amount of passion, vision, and drive, this job opportunity can become a part of ground-breaking change in the business sector.
We need to be clear. This position won’t be a cakewalk. There are no gianormous pay cheques – you will have to raise your own salary. Small businesses can be a bit like herding cats. And the steering committee is full of wily entrepreneurs with too many ideas. For the right person, this is an amazing opportunity.
If we haven’t scared you yet, tell us all about yourself. Send a resume and letter to:
Application Deadline: September 25
Apply to GET Steering Committee, Tonya Surman @ tonya@socialinovation.ca
Labels: GET (Green Enterprise Toronto)
