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

Featuring Al Etmanski & Vickie Cammack

October 28, 2008 | 12 Noon - 1:00 pm ET

Learn the secrets of successful social innovations with two of Canada's leading social innovators!

Al Etmanski has been a leading advocate for people with disabilities and their families in Canada for more than two decades. He is widely recognized as a visionary thinker in areas of social policy, community development and individualizing services for people with disabilities.
Al is an author, advocacy consultant and social inventor who specializes in finding innovative, non-governmental solutions to social problems. He was the Executive Director of the BC Association for the Mentally Retarded (now BCACL - the BC Association for Community Living) for eight years before joining with Jack Collins and Vickie Cammack to found PLAN.

Vickie Cammack is the Executive Director of the PLAN Institute and is also a co-founder of PLAN and co-author of Safe and Secure - Six Steps to Creating a Personal Future Plan for People with Disabilities. She is a recognized Canadian source of inspiration, innovative ideas and demonstrable solutions related to community, citizenship and disability. Her innovative approaches to leadership development, social network facilitation and social accounting are key ingredients in her work of taking social inventions to scale.

Join us at noon on Tuesday, October 28th, for this practical and inspiring conversation as Al and Vickie share the six elements of successful innovation. It's a conversation you won't want to miss!

For more information and to register for this seminar, please visit us
at:
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?Tamarack/fdd3dec8b2/10d5ffab2f/1f2e50a6f7.

Canadian Social Forum 

The Canadian Council on Social Development is creating the space for 750 people from across the country to meet face-to-face and participate in a program that meets poverty head-on.

You'll hear about how poverty reduction is being accomplished in ways that are innovative, inspiring and workable. You'll have the opportunity to create new connections with people from every part of the country, help build momentum for real action, and collaborate for effective social change.

This event will connect the new wave of leaders who know that reducing poverty is the only strategy for real prosperity.

More information about the Canadian Social Forum, including the preliminary program, is available on the Forum website (http://www.ccsd.ca/).