The U.S. Solidarity Economy Network invites you to the first national

Forum on the Solidarity Economy: Building Another World

March 19-22, 2009 w Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst

Co-convened with Universidad de los Andes (Venezuela) & RIPESS-NA (Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Social Solidarity Economy - N. America)

An Historic Opening
The current economic crisis and the possible death throes of neoliberalism (corporate-led globalization), offers us an historic opening to advance a new framework for economic development. We have an opportunity to push for a fundamental transformation in our economic and social system, one that puts people and planet before private profits and power.

This four day conference will include an inspiring range of solidarity economy tours, workshops, plenaries and cultural events. We invite solidarity economy practitioners and resource organizations, social movement activists, workers, academics, students, researchers, cultural workers, journalists and other fellow travelers, to come and be part of the growing global movement to build the solidarity economy.

What is the solidarity economy?
The Solidarity Economy (SE) is an alternative framework for economic development that is grounded in principles of solidarity, equity in all dimensions, participatory democracy, sustainability and pluralism. The solidarity economy framework seeks transformation rather than band-aid solutions, yet rejects one-size-fits-all blueprints. It isn't abstract theory nor pie-in-the-sky utopianism. Rather, it pulls together and builds upon the many elements of the solidarity economy that already exist. Some are new innovations, some are old. Other elements have yet to be realized or even imagined, and the journey of creation is ongoing.

Join us!
The time to advance real solutions, built on real experiences and successes is now. Another world is possible and necessary. Join the movement and together, we can build upon the foundation that already exists to make that ‘other world' a reality!

For more details and background please visit our website: http://www.ussen.org

Or contact: Emily Kawano, Coordinator, U.S. Solidarity Economy Network, 413-545-0743, emily@populareconomics.org

CHRA is excited to announce the second Teleforum of the season: Yes, In My Back Yard: A Cross-Canada Check-up

Everyone is welcome to join in, whether you're a Teleforum veteran or a newcomer.
Teleforums are a great way to connect with others working in the affordable housing sector and hear new ideas on issues relevant to your work. From the comfort and ease of your office or home, you can engage with housing experts and learn new approaches which you may be able to apply in your area.

Joy Connelly, Representative of the HomeComing Community Choice Coalition, will present their initiatives to ensure that affordable and supportive housing developments are protected from Not In My Back Yard opposition.

Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Eastern Time Zone

Click here for the event fees and to register>>

View Event Summary>>

RSVP by Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Join us for two days of training delivered by Sophy Banks and Naresh Giangrande, founders of Transition Training in the UK. The training will give you the knowledge, tools and skills to set up and successfully run a Transition Town in your own community or neighbourhood. An complete outline of the course can be viewed at: http://transitiontowns.org/TransitionNetwork/TransitionTrainingDetail

Course Objectives:

• To understand the context for transition
• To understand the Transition Towns model as it has evolved so far - from inspiration to working groups
• To gain knowledge of the main steps of transition
• To work out a plan of action for your self and your locality
• To understand the inner and outer aspects of transition
• To have the elements of an inspiring talk on Transition Towns.

When: Saturday & Sunday November 29/30, 2008; 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Where: University of Victoria, Cadboro Commons building, Arbutus/Queenswood room

Registration: Please read before completing the attached form>>

• We encourage at least 2 people to attend from each community and for individuals to join with others who are interested, as opposed to attending alone.
• In recognition of travel costs there is a reduced rate for the second or third person coming from communities outside of the Greater Victoria area. This implies that interested individuals will be aware of each other. Individuals NOT convening a group to attend will simply all pay the $200 rate. In other words, joining with others from your area is encouraged and saves you money!
• Registration will be on a first come first served basis for limited seats.
• No more than 3 people/community will be registered, but additional participants can be wait listed for vacant seats. The fourth person pays the $200 rate.
• Registration includes refreshments, lunches and materials but you must bring your own memory stick to copy the materials for your future use.
• $200/first person/community and all residents of Greater Victoria area
• $160/second & third person/community only if you are travelling from outside of the Greater Victoria area, which includes Sooke and Sidney.

Accommodation: Contact Michelle for suggestions and/or see registration form. Participants must book their own accommodation.

Location: Mackenzie entrance, Cadboro Commons Building, Arbutus/Queenswood Room
Parking in lots #1 and #2; $2 for all day Saturday; Sunday is free

Site access map available at: http://www.uvic.ca/maps/3dmap.html