I have recently joined this group and I just wanted to post a message thanking the participants and speakers in Victoria’s latest gathering. I was so encouraged to see the turn out and the discussions really helped drive home the point that these issues are cross-generational.
I am also looking to get some feedback on a policital/social action I am engaged in and wondering if it would be ‘bad form’ or improper for me to post some information about the event in hope of getting some of the participants to join in it.
What do you think?
Hello Timothy!
Welcome to the blog, and thanks for participating in this and other spaces.
I really enjoyed Monday’s broadcast from here in Alberta. It really hit home to me that some folks are nervous about going against the grain and planting food in the land they care for. Social factors are so important when we are doing something “new”. You are building that space of positive support for one another in your land-human-community relationships!
I think it would be entirely appropriate to post about your actions in this space. This is another community hub and we all benefit from sharing stories of courage to take action toward right relationships.
Hi Timothy
I would look forward to hearing what you are doing. We just launched a civic alliance for social justice last night and sharing ideas among diverse groups is very powerful.
I have just begun to get involved in a national organization called LeadNow (www.leadnow.ca) which is trying to mobilize Canadians into action in the areas of Open Democracy, Fair Economy and Climate Justice.
They are currently raising awareness of the problems with the Fair Elections Act being voted/debated/pushed through by the Conservative Government. They are going to have a national day of action on Climate Change in May among other things and have a fairly attractive strategic plan to make an impact for the 2015 election.
If anyone would be interested in talking more about this event please let me know.
Peace
The following is also for your information
http://moneymorning.com/ext/schiff/articles/schiff-americans-will-lose-everything-in-coming-market-crash.php?iris=182531
With gratitude,
ed
——————————————————————————–
From: connect@theelders.org
To: hellofromed@live.ca
Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 23:39:45 +1100
Subject: We are at a tipping point
Dear friends,
We are at a tipping point. Climate change is not a far-off threat but a daily reality, as people already struggling against drought, floods and extreme weather events know all too well.
To avoid doing irmal; color:#000; line-height:16px; padding:0; } .ExternalClass td.ecxfooter p a { color:#274168; } .ExternalClass span.ecxtiny { font-size:9px; } .ExternalClass .ecxcell { font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:14px; } –>reversible damage to the world we live in, The Elders believe that we must urgently change course and do everything in our power to move towards a carbon-neutral future. That is why we urged European leaders to set ambitious climate targets at this week’s EU summit; these targets will set the terms for further international negotiations over the next two years.
We can tackle climate change – we have the tools. But this requires global leadership and unprecedented international cooperation. As we said in January, “If ever there were a cause to unite us all, old or young, rich or poor, climate change must surely be it.”
International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day, I addressed a UN meeting in Rome about how climate change exacerbates the vulnerability of women already suffering from unequal protection of the law and a lack of access to justice.
As Elders, we have always championed the view that gender equality is not just a ‘women’s issue’. I was proud to see Jimmy Carter and Archbishop Tutu fielding questions in a Twitter Q&A for International Women’s Day. If we want to continue to challenge the use of religion and tradition to perpetuate discrimination against girls and women, it is of vital importance that men are speaking out – particularly male religious leaders and community leaders. Our most popular answer, from Archbishop Tutu, was: “To denigrate women is to spit in the face of God.”
I hope we can hold further dialogues on Twitter and other digital platforms. And I want to hear from you: what topics would you like The Elders to discuss in future Q&As? Tweet us your suggestions using #askElders.
Best wishes,
Mary Robinson
Did you miss?
STATEMENT: The Elders urge the EU to deploy a stabilisation force in the Central African Republic
Highlights of our first ever Twitter Q&A for International Women’s Day
OPINION: Europe should lead on climate change | Mary Robinson & Desmond Tutu
PHOTOS: Stories of hope and resilience in Syria
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http://www.theelders.org/article/european-leadership-climate-change
TUNE IN: Elizabeth May to give 2014 Mallory Lecture at McGill University
Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada, will be giving the 2014 Mallory Lecture at McGill University on Monday, March 24.
The Mallory Lecture is an annual event hosted by the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada (MISC), in honour of the late McGill History Professor J.R. Mallory. Past Mallory speakers include Noah Richler, John Gomery, and Bob Rae.
May’s lecture, entitled The Crisis in Canadian Democracy, will address the decline in youth participation in Canada’s democratic process, and what can be done to prevent a slide into “elected dictatorships.”
“I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to address the McGill community and to be part of this venerable academic tradition,” said May. “The Mallory Lecture series is an important example of the important role that universities must play in fostering debate and engagement with democracy.”
The 2014 Mallory Lecture will take place Monday, March 24 at 5:00 P.M. EDT, at the McGill Faculty Club. The event is free and open to the public, and can also be viewed online:
http://bcooltv.mcgill.ca/Viewer1/?EventID=201403219377
Monday, March 24 @ 3 pm in Alberta
Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that those who do come to the gatherings and those who listen in with intentionally planning to add something new to a weekly experience are benefiting themselves and their communities.
The first week we had a chance to listen to some awesome poetry and music in connections with nature..trees to seas to sky. We also had a fine small group discussion about raising awareness about growing your own food . This week I had a chance to walk near the ocean and observe the various water birds in their habitats. It is a wonderful experience to feel the ocean spray on your face, to watch birds interact and to feel the Spirit move.
During our Lenten practice at church this year we focus on various themes. this week it had to do with eating and drinking and last night at our soup gathering we had a great crowd, followed by a service of music where one person shared her love for cooking and nurturing others by doing that. So go ahead and think about your various experiences.
Timothy I think it is highly appropriate to share information about projects that groups like Leadnow are undertaking. In fact, if we do not involve ourselves in social action, I fail to see the point of this process Spirit of the land is taking us through. Another group you might be interested in, if you are not already involved, is Sumofus. They are protesting the law that was recently passed that gives oil, gas and mining companies the power to open up BC’s provincial parks for industrial activity. You can reach them at Sumofus.org. I noticed that Jamie Biggar Executive Director do Leadnow is on their advisory board.
sandra that is great advice for Tim. I, too have joined those groups and act when I feel deeply moved.
Thanks for all the replies.
I look forward to gathering and sharing with this community of concerned citizens every week.
Peace