October 2011

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CCEDNet Hosts CED Learning Events in Calgary

Canadian CED Network News

Alberta CED News

National CED News

CED Job Postings


CCEDNet Hosts CED Learning Events in Calgary

CCEDNet’s Regional Coordinator, Brendan Reimer recently spent two days in Calgary talking about CED approaches to community renewal and poverty reduction with a diverse range of participants. On September 21st, about 40 Family and Community Support Services staff took part in a session looking at how to engage residents in creating ideal communities, designing holistic strategies that meet all the needs of the local community, and the role of economic initiatives in achieving this vision.

On September 22nd, in an event hosted by Thrive, Brendan spoke to about 80 people about the comprehensive thinking and action that is required to achieve place-based poverty reduction, and talked about the Manitoba model of Neighbourhood Renewal Corporations, including the important role of public policy in supporting this work.

To learn more about CCEDNet learning events, contact Brendan at 204-927-3203 or breimer@ccednet-rcdec.ca

Ideas for an Ideal Community - The result of a brainstorming exercise during one of Brendan's learning events in Calgary


Canadian CED Network News

Presentation by Brendan Reimer on CCEDNet's Research Roles Available Online

A presentation made by Brendan Reimer - CCEDNet's Prairies and Northern Regional Coordintor/YouTube sensation - is now available online. The presentation was made at the 2010 Northern Summit on the Social Economy. Brendan speaks about CCEDNet's approach to collaborative research and policy work, and how these mandates come together to support poverty reduction initiatives and the social economy. The Summit was held in Whitehorse, Yukon from November 2nd - 4th, 2010 as a part of research activities of the Social Economy Research Network of Northern Canada (SERNNoCa).

Click here to view the presentation 


Meet our Members

The Pembina Institute

The Pembina Institute seeks to advance sustainable energy solutions through innovative research, education, consulting and advocacy. They envision a world in which our immediate and future needs are met in a manner that protects the earth's living systems; ensures clean air, land and water; prevents dangerous climate change, and provides for a safe and just global community.

Visit their website

The Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary

The Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary is a community-based organization that facilitates the collective voice of Calgary’s ethno-cultural communities towards full civic participation and
integration through collaborative action.

Visit their website


Alberta CED News

Building Skills and Employment - New Green Building Program

As the demand for environmentally friendly buildings grows, so do the opportunities for skilled labourers. Momentum’s Skills Training Department announces a new training program called Green Building. The program, which is geared specifically for Immigrants and Aboriginals, seeks to enhance the skills needed to provide stable career opportunities. If you are an Immigrant or Aboriginal person who is looking to enter the construction industry, call 403-204-2667.

Read more


Download Presentations from ANSER Conference

A second chance to hear some leading Canadian research is available for those of us who were unable to attend this year’s ANSER conference in Fredericton. Through the use of downloadable mp3 files, listeners can hear Stuart Wulff interview several of his colleagues at BALTA. Celia Lee discusses her award winning research on neighbourhood level social economy mapping. Speaking as a member of the Catholic Archidiocese of Edmonton, Bob Mckeon shares his research on the role of faith based organizations. And finally, Mount Royal University’s Peter Elson sheds light on current research in the social enterprise sector.

Read more


Accessing Local Capital Workshop

The Alberta Community Cooperative Association is hosting its 6th Annual Rise and Shine Forum on November 30. This year's theme is Accessing Local Capital, which will help community leaders understand how the co-op model can be used to access local capital for local businesses and identify current opportunities and future initiatives for attracting local capital. Participants can attend sessions in Calgary and Edmonton, or join by videoconference.

Read more


CED and Calgary's Plan for Resiliency

Calgary’s business leaders are invited to join the discussion hosted as part of the ‘community-commerce’ roundtable. Hosted by Mike Fotheringham of the City of Calgary and Brenna Atnikov of Thrive, this event will appeal to those with business ‘know how’ who are interested in learning how CED principles and practices can accomplish social, economic and environmental goals for the City of Calgary. This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.

Read more


 Enterprising Spirit: Creating Value and Social Good

The Trico Charitable Foundation will be hosting its Enterprising Spirit Conference on November 17 in Calgary. Early bird registration rates will be available until October 6. Participants will be treated to a day of interactive workshops, experimental problem solving, and open exchange among people working on or interested in social enterprise and the non-profit sector. The Social Enterprize Award ceremony will also take place at the Conference.

Read more


First Calgary Among Top Employers for Young People

First Calgary Financial Credit Union is among Canada's top employer for young people, according to the latest Canada's Top Employers competition. First Calgary was recognized for their programs aimed at attracting and retaining younger workers. 

First Calgary Financial was cited for tuition subsidies, as well as for offering employees up to $250 for the special interest course of their choosing. The credit union also partners with SAIT Polytechnic to give employees access to subsidized management and customer service training.

(Source: CCA News Brief, October)


National CED News

New Research on Co-op Survival Rates

The results are in and they reveal strong support for the enduring strength of cooperatives! In partnership with BALTA, researcher Carol Murray shows that between 2000 and 2010, 66.6% of co-operatives in BC were still operation five years after incorporation. In contrast, only 39.5% of conventional business were still operating.

Why is this the case? Key factors include: strong financial planning, engaged members, active board participation, sound consulting practices and clarity of purpose. The research echoes previous results drawn from studies conducted in Quebec. The findings of a related study currently being undertaken in Alberta are highly anticipated.

Download the Report


Apply Now for the Graduate Student Research Award

Calling all graduate students! In collaboration with the Institute for Non-profit Studies of Mount Royal University, ANSER-ARES is offering two Graduate Student Research Awards. Designed as on opportunity to foster and acknowledge research excellence, any student whose academic focus pertains to non-profits and/or the Canadian social economy may apply for the $2,5000 grant with the expectation of furthering applied research. 

Deadline for submission is December 20th, 201. Submit applications electronically, in either English or French, to anseraward@gmail.com

Read more


Register Now for the Canadian Conference on Social Enterprise

Organizers of this year’s Canadian Conference on Social Entreprise have issued a call to social enterprising Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Held November 20-22 in Halifax, Novia Scotia this event is designed to bring together a wide range of stakeholders, from practitioners - both new and experienced - to government actors, supporters and funders. This is a great chance to share ideas and best practices while benefiting from the collective energy.

Register here


David LePage on the Social Enterprise 'Jigsaw Puzzle'

Social entrepreneur guru David LePage has published a thought provoking short essay on the future of social enterprises. Employing the analogy of a jigsaw puzzle, the kind without “a picture on the lid and everything, but with whatever pieces they and their friends bring to the table,” LePage describes the gradual assembly of this diverse sector. Seeing the multitude of existing models as an asset, he stresses the need for inclusion and collaboration. The focus must remain on how best to blend effective business measures with progressive social values.

Read the complete article and other thoughtful piece’s on the Canadian Centre for Community Renewal's ejournal


Vancouver Sun Asks - Are Co-ops the solution to Occupy Wall St. Woes?

Which business model in B.C. controls more than $10 billion in assets, employs 13,000 people and returns all profits to members? The answer is, of course the co-operative model, which a recent Vancouver Sun article touts as a viable option that meets many of the pressing demands of the Occupy Wall Street Movement. Speaking on behalf of the B.C. Co-operative Association, John Restakis argues that co-ops, both big and small, are a mechanism for democratizing the economy. So whether it is by shifting your consumption to a local co-op or by spreading public awareness about the existence of market alternatives, be sure to join the celebration of a movement that is very much a vanguard of new ideas.

Read more


Measuring the Co-operative Difference Webinars

Webinars are an effective, low cost way to connect people and their ideas. The Meauring the Co-operative Difference Research Network is making use of this technology to offer an overview of the current tools and resources available to co-op researchers and practitioners. If you have questions, you are likely to find answers with the help of this thoughtfully assembled panel of co-op researchers and practitioners.

Register here


November 5th is Bank Transfer Day

In another instance when social media is being used as a force for good, a Facebook event entitled “Bank Transfer Day” is encouraging people to opt for credit unions. More than 55,000 people have pledged to make the switch. Creator Kristen Christian cites the Occupy Wall Street ethos as an inspiration. In addition to visiting the Facebook page, those interested may also find information through the U.S. Credit Union National Association (CUNA).

Read more

(Source: CCA News Brief, October 2011)


See the World with an International Aboriginal Youth Internship

Are you - or is someone you know - an Aboriginal youth interested in international development projects? The International Aboriginal Youth Internships offer incredible opportunities to partake in project overseas, including extended stays in Uganda or Jamaica.

Click here for further information on eligibility, registration and projects.


Job Postings

For the latest CED postings visit the National and Regional job pages on CCEDNet's website

National | AB | SK | MB | North

Positions to post? Send them to breimer@ccednet-rcdec.ca

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