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Showing posts with label calgary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label calgary. Show all posts
Friday, December 21, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Make a difference
“Don’t walk away because you think you can’t make a difference. Pick a cause! Be a citizen! Vote! Tell your governments what you want them to do and what you will not tolerate that they do on your behalf!” Louise Arbour (former Canadian judge and chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda)
I was at an important session last night. The Calgary Foundation celebration was a follow-up on its Vital Signs report card where Calgarians indicated that they are unhappy and embarrassed by situations and issues in this prosperous city. Residents gave barely passing grades to issues as diverse as education, disparity, housing, health and wellness, arts, and environment. The report is meant to spur discussion and hopefully action in improving the 12 areas surveyed.
In the midst of the evening, Eva Friesen- President of the Calgary Foundation, gave a brief history. She concluded that in 2007 TCF had assets of $334 million had collected more than 445 million in 2006 and granted $33 million. I was surprised at the applause that this received because what I heard was that over $300 million dollars was tied up, accomplishing nothing, while the city was crumbling around us. Imagine what half the foundation's assets might be able to 'solve'.
“The most powerful people in a democracy are individuals.” President Jimmy Carter.
I was at an important session last night. The Calgary Foundation celebration was a follow-up on its Vital Signs report card where Calgarians indicated that they are unhappy and embarrassed by situations and issues in this prosperous city. Residents gave barely passing grades to issues as diverse as education, disparity, housing, health and wellness, arts, and environment. The report is meant to spur discussion and hopefully action in improving the 12 areas surveyed.
In the midst of the evening, Eva Friesen- President of the Calgary Foundation, gave a brief history. She concluded that in 2007 TCF had assets of $334 million had collected more than 445 million in 2006 and granted $33 million. I was surprised at the applause that this received because what I heard was that over $300 million dollars was tied up, accomplishing nothing, while the city was crumbling around us. Imagine what half the foundation's assets might be able to 'solve'.
“The most powerful people in a democracy are individuals.” President Jimmy Carter.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Today
After a great trip to Montreal filled with sightseeing, cycling, shopping and self indulgence it was great to find this post on Cool People Care
5 minutes of caring
How May I Help You?
by Sam Davidson (Thursday, August 9, 2007)
This is the magic phrase of all relationships.
Pay careful attention today to see if there are any opportunities to help someone. Chances are, we hustle through our days and don't notice all the people at the office, at home, or around town that could use a hand. See if you can hold the door open for someone. Find out if anyone needs a ride somewhere. Ask around if anyone would like some coffee or a snack. Often times, we don't like to ask for help. Change the conversation by asking if they need it first. Simple, random favors are a great way to show you care.
5 minutes of caring
How May I Help You?
by Sam Davidson (Thursday, August 9, 2007)
This is the magic phrase of all relationships.
Pay careful attention today to see if there are any opportunities to help someone. Chances are, we hustle through our days and don't notice all the people at the office, at home, or around town that could use a hand. See if you can hold the door open for someone. Find out if anyone needs a ride somewhere. Ask around if anyone would like some coffee or a snack. Often times, we don't like to ask for help. Change the conversation by asking if they need it first. Simple, random favors are a great way to show you care.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Do You Need to be Spoon Fed?
I spotted this interactive ad campaign on Stephens Avenue in Calgary. I observed for a few minutes and the lineup was constant with most everyone taking a sample bowl and wandering down the mall taste testing. I wonder if the message will stick.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tuesday Thoughts
The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. ~Winston Churchill
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. ~P.J. O'Rourke
Under capitalism man exploits man; under socialism the reverse is true. ~Polish Proverb
Our political institutions work remarkably well. They are designed to clang against each other. The noise is democracy at work. ~Michael Novak
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. ~P.J. O'Rourke
Under capitalism man exploits man; under socialism the reverse is true. ~Polish Proverb
Our political institutions work remarkably well. They are designed to clang against each other. The noise is democracy at work. ~Michael Novak
Friday, July 13, 2007
Albertans-Help Shape Tomorrow
Dear Stakeholder:
On June 12, 2007 the Community Spirit Program Consultation Process was launched. This email is a reminder for you to complete the online questionnaire before July 31, 2007. The News Release and accompanying questionnaire can be found on the Community Spirit website – www.communityspiritprogram.ca.
Please complete the workbook/questionnaire online or in a printed format. Please share information about this consultative process with others who might be interested in providing their comments regarding a proposed Community Spirit Program.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this important process.
Project Team
Community Spirit Program
On June 12, 2007 the Community Spirit Program Consultation Process was launched. This email is a reminder for you to complete the online questionnaire before July 31, 2007. The News Release and accompanying questionnaire can be found on the Community Spirit website – www.communityspiritprogram.ca.
Please complete the workbook/questionnaire online or in a printed format. Please share information about this consultative process with others who might be interested in providing their comments regarding a proposed Community Spirit Program.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this important process.
Project Team
Community Spirit Program
Thursday, July 12, 2007
One Person Can Make a Difference
Monday, May 7th, 2007
Yesterday, I joined hundreds of other Calgarians in the Annual River Clean Up. Our group, from Friends Church, cleaned bothe sides of the Elbow from Misson Bridge to the 32nd Ave pedway. About 25 bags of garbage was collected in 3 hours. Last year, about 70 groups collected thousands of bags and improved the quality of the river banks and watershed.
The first pathway & river clean-up was instigated by 12 year-old Sandra Crawford. While walking along the Elbow River bank in early spring 1967, she saw an entire mattress lying in the river. She tried to haul the mattress out on her own, but failed. She wrote a letter to the Calgary Herald decrying the mess. Since then thousands of Calgarians have shown their sense of community spirit and pride by volunteering each year in this great cause.
The 41st Annual Pathway & River Clean-up will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2008. Please visit this page in early spring to register your group.
Yesterday, I joined hundreds of other Calgarians in the Annual River Clean Up. Our group, from Friends Church, cleaned bothe sides of the Elbow from Misson Bridge to the 32nd Ave pedway. About 25 bags of garbage was collected in 3 hours. Last year, about 70 groups collected thousands of bags and improved the quality of the river banks and watershed.
The first pathway & river clean-up was instigated by 12 year-old Sandra Crawford. While walking along the Elbow River bank in early spring 1967, she saw an entire mattress lying in the river. She tried to haul the mattress out on her own, but failed. She wrote a letter to the Calgary Herald decrying the mess. Since then thousands of Calgarians have shown their sense of community spirit and pride by volunteering each year in this great cause.
The 41st Annual Pathway & River Clean-up will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2008. Please visit this page in early spring to register your group.
Womb to Tomb
It never ceases to surprise me when I encounter someone in my daily walk or while doing a presentation on child hunger who says something like ” if something is truly important, then government should be doing it and that discharges my duty to privately help others”. I admit that I have embelished the language but this is the sentiment. I can usually explain my position that macro systemic programs don’t solve issues, they at best mitigate and at worst perpetuate the problem. My assumption is that there aren’t a lot of people like this but Arthur C. Brooks “Who Cares: America’s Charity Divide — Who Gives, Who Doesn’t, and Why it Matters” offers a different insight about Canada.
This nanny state mentality has crossed into our philanthropy. In general we are very stingy. Americans give US$900 per person to charitable causes each year, while in Canada, the average is $400. In Quebec, the average is $176, the lowest amount of any province or territory.
I was at a meeting of government and sector leaders last month where many were bemoaning the lack of a private donor culture in our country. I blasphemed when I suggested ” that is our problem, not the donors”. The response was ” the government will/should make up the shortfall”.
In Alberta, the government announced in the throne speech a new initiative called the Community Spirit program where the Alberta charitable tax credit will be increased and a system of matching individual donations will be funded by budgetary surpluses. This type of encouragement will do a lot more build a private donor culture than the entitlement mentality that seems to be pervading society and the sector.
This nanny state mentality has crossed into our philanthropy. In general we are very stingy. Americans give US$900 per person to charitable causes each year, while in Canada, the average is $400. In Quebec, the average is $176, the lowest amount of any province or territory.
I was at a meeting of government and sector leaders last month where many were bemoaning the lack of a private donor culture in our country. I blasphemed when I suggested ” that is our problem, not the donors”. The response was ” the government will/should make up the shortfall”.
In Alberta, the government announced in the throne speech a new initiative called the Community Spirit program where the Alberta charitable tax credit will be increased and a system of matching individual donations will be funded by budgetary surpluses. This type of encouragement will do a lot more build a private donor culture than the entitlement mentality that seems to be pervading society and the sector.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Action is Clear
Friday, January 5th, 2007
This will appear as a ‘bit o’ rant’ regarding the lack of courage being demonstrated by municpal authorities in Calgary.
On January 1, 2007 Calgary finally became a smoke free city (well almost). No smoking in public places including restaraunts and bars and patios (to be defined). An exemption until January 1 2008 was given to Bingo Halls, Casinos, and bars that had installed separate ventalated rooms. Jan 1 comes and goes and a few bar owners are openly contraveening the bylaw and publically suggesting that there is nothing that can/will be done by enforcement officers. Now there has been a lot of nonsense around this issue with lobby groups coralling councillors and aldermen speaking out on the issue. The media has used secret cameras to show bars where smoking is continuing and suggesting that there has been a impact on business for both the complying bars and offending saloons. One bar owner is suggesting that more than 1/2 his revenue comes from VLTs so he should be treated like a casino. If that happened, he would need to share 50% of his revenue with a charity.
The action is clear - before this becomes a laughing stock again, officers need to clamp done as hard and fast as possible on offenders. Whether you agree with the bylaw, we can’t allow flagrant abuse of our rules. Warn them , fine them, close them down!
This will appear as a ‘bit o’ rant’ regarding the lack of courage being demonstrated by municpal authorities in Calgary.
On January 1, 2007 Calgary finally became a smoke free city (well almost). No smoking in public places including restaraunts and bars and patios (to be defined). An exemption until January 1 2008 was given to Bingo Halls, Casinos, and bars that had installed separate ventalated rooms. Jan 1 comes and goes and a few bar owners are openly contraveening the bylaw and publically suggesting that there is nothing that can/will be done by enforcement officers. Now there has been a lot of nonsense around this issue with lobby groups coralling councillors and aldermen speaking out on the issue. The media has used secret cameras to show bars where smoking is continuing and suggesting that there has been a impact on business for both the complying bars and offending saloons. One bar owner is suggesting that more than 1/2 his revenue comes from VLTs so he should be treated like a casino. If that happened, he would need to share 50% of his revenue with a charity.
The action is clear - before this becomes a laughing stock again, officers need to clamp done as hard and fast as possible on offenders. Whether you agree with the bylaw, we can’t allow flagrant abuse of our rules. Warn them , fine them, close them down!
Governor's Council on Children
Monday, December 4th, 2006
I was encouraged on Friday when I attended a session of the GC in Calgary. About 35 people from 20 ish organizations and groups attended a workshop specifically looking at Child Homelessness in Calgary. The thrust of the breakout sessions was very action oriented using the question ” What are we going to do about it?”
As you might expect, I was branded a ‘rabble rouser’ by two attendees, with no offense intended or taken. The encouragement came when I recognized that a paradigm shift had occurred in two of the small group (15) sessions I participated in. There was some very interesting discussion and disclosure that took place and new initiatives were explored. As in most nonprofit sector meetings some participants immeadiate reaction was to jump to the barriers and reasons why the ideas wouldn’t work. ( Here comes some rabble rousing) I suggested that our best intentions, commitments, endeavors and actions combined with our experience, expertise and resources had left us with a persistent and growing problem. We can’t continue to blame others for these shortcomings without examining our own complicity.
This seemed to shift the dynamic of the discussion a bit and I saw the group shift to solutions to overcome barriers rather than naysaying new ideas. There wasn’t a big ‘AHHA’ but a series of small inroads that may lead to some strategic positioning in the future.
Bravo!
I was encouraged on Friday when I attended a session of the GC in Calgary. About 35 people from 20 ish organizations and groups attended a workshop specifically looking at Child Homelessness in Calgary. The thrust of the breakout sessions was very action oriented using the question ” What are we going to do about it?”
As you might expect, I was branded a ‘rabble rouser’ by two attendees, with no offense intended or taken. The encouragement came when I recognized that a paradigm shift had occurred in two of the small group (15) sessions I participated in. There was some very interesting discussion and disclosure that took place and new initiatives were explored. As in most nonprofit sector meetings some participants immeadiate reaction was to jump to the barriers and reasons why the ideas wouldn’t work. ( Here comes some rabble rousing) I suggested that our best intentions, commitments, endeavors and actions combined with our experience, expertise and resources had left us with a persistent and growing problem. We can’t continue to blame others for these shortcomings without examining our own complicity.
This seemed to shift the dynamic of the discussion a bit and I saw the group shift to solutions to overcome barriers rather than naysaying new ideas. There wasn’t a big ‘AHHA’ but a series of small inroads that may lead to some strategic positioning in the future.
Bravo!
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Voluntary or Mandatory?
mandatory, serviceSaturday, August 26th, 2006
I take the position that volunteering should not be voluntary but rather a responsibility of active citizenship. We seem to have connected the two words that according to the OED don’t have the same etimology. Voluntary comes from Latin “voluntas” meaning will and means (1)acting of your own free will (2) work done without payment. While volunteering has an aspect of both (1)and(2), it also contains language in the definition that suggests community commitment. In its earliest sense a volunteer was someone who enlisted for military service out of patriotism, commitment, and service. May people who volunteer have the same passion and commitment for their causes an organizations but the “Highlights from the 2004 Canada Survey of Giving. Volunteering, and Participanting” suggests that 55% of Canadians over 15 years don’t understand the responsibility of active participation in society by volunteering(p31). Also, a disproportionatley small segment of Canadians are responsible for a very large portion of volunteer participation ( Reed and Selbee, 2001).
Volunteer Canada released a study in July,2006 ” Volunteering and Mandatory Community Service: Choice, Incentive, Coersion, Obligation” http://www.volunteer.ca/volunteer/pdf/MCSDP_ENG.pdf that explores how madatory community service may transform how citizens connect and how we build and sustain community. The writers express some concerns regarding compulsion to serve or obligation to community and the impact this may have on the evolving definitions of volunteerism. They quote the Community Service Council of Newfoundland as stating
“Opponents of mandatory volunteering say when you take away the element of choice and make“volunteering” compulsory, you take away the very meaning of volunteering. They propose that when you no longer freely give of yourself, you are not experiencing the same level of passion and commitment that motivates the thousands of volunteers who maintain the [voluntary,community-based] sector. Their concern is that forcing young people to volunteer actually devalues the experience for all involved.”
While it is difficult to deny that coercing or obliging citizens to participate in their communities may change the experience for them, it does not lessen the service being done or the impact on society. In reality, all volunteers are motivated to serve by concern, commitment, connection or obligation. If getting students to serve 100 hours in their senior year of high school is a requirment for graduation, they will get a taste of service and if the experience is managed correctly we have the opportunity to instill a more positive motivation to serve.
If you have read this far (in this blog and the other posts) you likely have commited or are ready to commit to action that works towards a solution. Would it make any difference to you if it was called manditory or voluntary?
I take the position that volunteering should not be voluntary but rather a responsibility of active citizenship. We seem to have connected the two words that according to the OED don’t have the same etimology. Voluntary comes from Latin “voluntas” meaning will and means (1)acting of your own free will (2) work done without payment. While volunteering has an aspect of both (1)and(2), it also contains language in the definition that suggests community commitment. In its earliest sense a volunteer was someone who enlisted for military service out of patriotism, commitment, and service. May people who volunteer have the same passion and commitment for their causes an organizations but the “Highlights from the 2004 Canada Survey of Giving. Volunteering, and Participanting” suggests that 55% of Canadians over 15 years don’t understand the responsibility of active participation in society by volunteering(p31). Also, a disproportionatley small segment of Canadians are responsible for a very large portion of volunteer participation ( Reed and Selbee, 2001).
Volunteer Canada released a study in July,2006 ” Volunteering and Mandatory Community Service: Choice, Incentive, Coersion, Obligation” http://www.volunteer.ca/volunteer/pdf/MCSDP_ENG.pdf that explores how madatory community service may transform how citizens connect and how we build and sustain community. The writers express some concerns regarding compulsion to serve or obligation to community and the impact this may have on the evolving definitions of volunteerism. They quote the Community Service Council of Newfoundland as stating
“Opponents of mandatory volunteering say when you take away the element of choice and make“volunteering” compulsory, you take away the very meaning of volunteering. They propose that when you no longer freely give of yourself, you are not experiencing the same level of passion and commitment that motivates the thousands of volunteers who maintain the [voluntary,community-based] sector. Their concern is that forcing young people to volunteer actually devalues the experience for all involved.”
While it is difficult to deny that coercing or obliging citizens to participate in their communities may change the experience for them, it does not lessen the service being done or the impact on society. In reality, all volunteers are motivated to serve by concern, commitment, connection or obligation. If getting students to serve 100 hours in their senior year of high school is a requirment for graduation, they will get a taste of service and if the experience is managed correctly we have the opportunity to instill a more positive motivation to serve.
If you have read this far (in this blog and the other posts) you likely have commited or are ready to commit to action that works towards a solution. Would it make any difference to you if it was called manditory or voluntary?
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