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Spring 2009 Newsletter

Greetings and welcome to C2D2’s spring 2009 newsletter. We’re delighted to bring you Dialogue and Deliberation news, job opportunities, research, resources, events and trainings across Canada this spring and early summer.

As our community grows, so too does the newsletter –we’ve grown from less than 1500 words last spring to over 4000 words in this, our first anniversary issue. This is a great indicator of the vibrancy of our community, and of the growth we expect to see in the future. A big thank you to everyone who has submitted their events, trainings and news items over the past year!

Newsletter Policy: We welcome stories about good dialogue and deliberation (D&D) practices, research or articles discussing D&D, profiles of interesting D&D projects, profiles of D&D organizations or leaders, non-partisan or multi-partisan public events related to D&D, and D&D training opportunities or job opportunities.

If you would like to submit a short 1-2 paragraph item, or a longer feature story for our Summer 2009 newsletter, send us your submissions by June 15, 2008. Please include a 1-2 sentence summary statement along with a brief text with contact information and a web link.  Send your submission to Amy Lang at: c2d2newsletteratgmail [dot] com.

C2D2 NEWS


SAVE THE DATE: C2D2 Conference in Toronto

Coming up October 22 to 25, 2009: C2D2 will be partnering with Toronto Community Housing, one of Canada’s leading innovators in collaborative governance, to produce our third bi-annual conference. The conference will be held in diverse locations, including Wychwood Barns, University of Toronto Conference Centre and community locations throughout Toronto. Watch for more news about the program and call for workshops and other volunteer opportunities.

C2D2 Board Nominations

We are looking to increase the membership of our Board to ensure that we have a broad diversity of experience and perspective to support – and to model - our vision. Each board member has a term of 2 years and can serve up to 3 terms. We are looking for people who will be actively involved in building the organization and the Canadian community. The minimum requirement for participation is a monthly board conference call, with the expectation that Board members will draw on their interests and experience to also take an active role in shaping C2D2’s future agenda. For more details download the C2D2 Board call 2009.doc

 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

AmericaSpeaks Seeks Director of Citizen Engagement and Communications Director

AmericaSpeaks is a world leader in the field of citizen engagement and public deliberation. The organization is currently recruiting for a Director of Citizen Engagement who will play a critical leadership role for the organization and in its major citizen engagement initiatives. The Director will be responsible for representing AmericaSpeaks with its clients and directing large project teams to develop, plan and carry out initiatives to engage the public in the policy making process. The Director will also attract new projects and design new citizen engagement initiatives for the organization, while exhibiting leadership in the field of democracy reform and public deliberation through public speaking, networking, writing, presentations, and other efforts.

AmericaSpeaks is also looking for an Online Communications Director to lead and manage its online and mobile communications efforts. You can find the full job descriptions for both positions at www.americaspeaks.org/jobs.

PROJECTS & PRACTICES

Think City Expands Vancouver’s Budget Consultations

Think City, a non-profit organization that aims to increase citizen involvement in municipal issues in Vancouver, has just released the results of its third annual budget survey. The organization started the survey to supplement the low level of engagement in the City of Vancouver’s official consultations around the municipal budget. With their expanded survey and outreach program, Think City has brought thousands more voices into the process.  Read about their process and results here: http://www.thinkcity.ca/node/149.

UK Local Government bans jargon terms to improve communication

A UK local government has recently banned a list of jargon words that they argue prohibit effective communication. A BBC News story explained, “Council leaders have compiled a banned list of the 200 worst uses of jargon, with "predictors of beaconicity" and "taxonomy" among the worst horrors. The Local Government Association says such words and phrases must be avoided for staff to "communicate effectively". Clichés such as "level playing field" and inscrutable terms like "re-baselining" have been prohibited. LGA chairman Margaret Eaton said: "The public sector must not hide behind impenetrable jargon and phrases." Read the full story and see the full list of banned words here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7949077.stm, and the alternatives here: http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=1716341. Examples of word substitutions include: Dialogue - talk/discuss; Engagement - working with people; Stakeholder - other organisations.


News from Simon Fraser University's Dialogue Programs

What creates resilience? SFU's Imagine BC and CBC Radio's BC Almanac recent public dialogue engaged the community on this and many other questions Hear what happened at this public dialogue at the Wosk Centre, with special guests: scientist Rob Butler, economist Jock Finlayson, Chief Gordon Planes of the Sooke First Nation and Okanagan farmer/entrepreneur Thomas Tumbach. We talked green power, new economies, the arts, farming and experiential community learning.  To listen to the podcast go to http://www.imaginebc.ca and follow the links.

RESEARCH AND ARTICLES


New Article on Citizen-Expert Relations in Deliberative Settings

Heather Walmsley from the University of British Columbia’s W. Maurice Young Centre for Applied Ethics just published a paper in the Journal of Public Deliberation. Titled "Mad scientists bend the frame of biobank governance in British Columbia," Heather’s article chronicles how citizens are able to challenge and question experts in deliberative forums. It’s a great read:  http://services.bepress.com/jpd/vol5/iss1/art6.


Insiders’ Reports on the Australian Citizens’ Parliament

The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (www.thataway.org) recently featured posts by Jeannette Hartz-Karp and Lyn Carson, two researcher/practitioners who led the recent Australian Citizens’ Parliament. Read their thoughts and stories from the event at: http://www.thataway.org/?p=1411 and http://www.thataway.org/?p=1410.

Evaluating Stakeholder Engagement

Ann Svendson and Tara Addis of the Centre for Sustainable Community Development at Simon Fraser University have recently published a short article on metrics and the evaluation of multi-stakeholder projects. (Read it here: http://www.sfu.ca/cscd/cli/documents/MetricsandEngagement.pdfwebsite also has many articles with useful information in this regard. Visit: www.sfu.ca/cscd/cli/resources for more.


New Book on Conflict Resolution

Re-Centering Culture and Knowledge in Conflict Resolution Practice is a new book edited by Mary Adams Trujillo, S. Y. Bowland, Linda James Myers, Phillip M. Richards, and Beth Roy. The authors explore the role of culture, race, and oppression in resolving disputes. Drawing on firsthand experience and sound research, the authors address such issues as culturally sensitive mediation practices, the diversity of perspectives in conflict resolution literature, and power dynamics. The first anthology of its kind, this book combines personal narratives with formal scholarship. By melding these varied approaches, the authors seek to inspire activism for social justice in today’s multicultural society. Visit the Syracuse University Press website to order the book: http://www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/spring-2008/re-centering-culture-knowledge-conflict-resolution.html or Order by phone: 315-443-2597 or toll-free 1-800-365-8929.

Shane Ralston Publishes Article on How Dewey & Cognitive Science Can Shape Deliberation Forums

In an article recently published in the Review of Policy Research (vol. 25, no. 6 December 2008, pp. 619-630), Shane J. Ralston proposes that deliberative policy making forums for setting health care priorities should be modeled after the natural flow of human experience, as revealed in American philosopher John Dewey's metaphysics of experience and recent findings in cognitive science research.  In the paper, he cites actual deliberative experiments in the United States, Canada and Brazil.  Shane Ralston is a graduate of the University of Ottawa's Ph.D. programme in Philosophy and will be a new faculty at Pennsylvania State University-Hazleton this fall.

New White Paper on Democratic Engagement in Higher Education

The New England Resource Center for Higher Education has just published a White Paper on Democratic Engagement in Higher Education by J. Saltmarsh, M. Hartley, and P.H. Clayton. The paper is one of the outcomes of a February 26-27, 2008, meeting of 30 academics and academic leaders at the Kettering Foundation in Dayton, Ohio for the purpose of critically examining the state of civic engagement in higher education; a primary goal of which was to determine how best to strategically promote the concept of fostering democratic citizenship as a key institutional priority for American colleges and universities.  More information about the project and the complete White Paper can be found at www.futureofengagement.wordpress.com.

E-democracy.org Launches Newsletter

Check out the inaugural issue, including word from their founder, current issues, advice on becoming a community reporter and more, at: http://e-democracy.org/


ICAR Newsletter Focuses on Dialogue

The newsletter for the Institute For Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University is out, and includes several stories on dialogue. The articles on page 2, "ICAR, ELI Partner for Dialogue" and page 4, "Point of View Hosts Georgia, South Ossetia Peacebuilders" may be of particular interest. To read more, visit http://icar.gmu.edu/Newsletters/v3_1_ICARNewsletterMar09.pdf

D&D CONNECTIONS


ERACE seeking volunteers

ERACE, founded in 1993, is an all volunteer organization looking to expand globally. They are committed to erasing racism through discussion meetings, which provide a forum for people of all colors to talk and get to know each other in an informal setting.  ERACE meetings are not just rap sessions: they are focused conversations that encourage an open, critical exchange of ideas.  The objective is to provide common ground and understanding of other people's ideas and feelings as we move towards the goal of “Eracism.”  If you would like to volunteer, start a chapter in your area, or make a donation visit www.eracismneworleans.org, email erace_nolaatyahoo [dot] com, call (504) 866-1163 or view a video online: http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=eracism&hl=en&emb=0&aq=f#.         

UPCOMING EVENTS

Heart of a Citizen, a public dialogue series launches on April 8 with citizen engagement specialist and author Paul Loeb

Dialogue Programs, at Simon Fraser University's Wosk Centre for Dialogue is proud to offer this series of public dialogues involving some of Metro Vancouver's most provocative, catalytic and inspiring citizens. Their stories of personal and social transformation will be springboards for engaging citizens in Metro Vancouver about what matters to them.  To find out more about the series and listen to Paul Loeb's podcast go to: http://www.sfu.ca/dialogue/study+practice/workshop.html

 

HRSDC Speakers’ Series Events in April and May

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) has launched a Collaborative Community Initiatives Speaker Series.  This series was created to promote dialogue and knowledge exchange on current issues related to communities and place-based policies.  The series will provide an opportunity to deepen understanding and to reflect on effective community development approaches. The next talk is: “Turning Outward in Tough Times”

In challenging economic times such as these, there is an incredible pressure to fill our time with activity rather than action.  By authentically engaging the public, federal departments and other organizations can better understand the context of the communities in which they work and make decisions that reflect people's genuine concerns and aspirations. Richard Harwood, President and Founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation in the United States, will address the critical need for government and others to turn outward in order to engage communities in addressing key specific issues and challenges.  To illustrate this, Mr. Harwood will walk the participants through the "3A's of Public Life" - authority, authenticity, and accountability - designed to ensure that words and actions are aligned with the change aspired. The event will be held Thursday, April 23, 2009 from 9:00 am - 11:30 am at Holiday Inn Plaza la Chaudière, Salle des Nations, 2 rue Montcalm, Gatineau (QC). This event is free of charge.

Mark your calendars for May’s speaking engagement as well: On May 28th 2009 in Ottawa, the series will welcome Atanase Périfan, founder of Neighbour's Day (la Fête des voisins) and president of the Fédération européenne des Solidarités de Proximité (Paris, France) to speak to us about the origins and the spread of Neighbour's Day in 29 countries, 20 in the European Union. The event will also be a chance to discover the Quebec experience with Neighbour's Day through presentations by Nadine Maltais, the coordinator of Neighbours Day in Quebec for le Réseau québécois de Villes et Villages en santé, and Georges Letarte, a researcher specializing in regional development, who will share with us the results of his study on the impacts of such initiatives upon social fabric and community life. Furthermore, the Federal Family hopes to profit from learning along with participants if this concept could be a fit for other Canadian communities. For more information, contact Marie-Eve Filteau at <marieeve [dot] filteauathrsdc-rhdsc [dot] gc [dot] ca>.

Elizabeth May Launches Book “Losing Confidence”, May 8 2009-04-03

The Sustainability Network is sponsoring the launch of Elizabeth May’s new book on Friday, May 8, 2009, 5:30–7:00 PM at the Centre for Social Innovation, 215 Spadina Ave., 1st Floor, Toronto. Cost is $20. An insider's view of the ills that beset our federal politics and the changes wrought over the past three decades. "...Canadians are waking up from a long political slumber to realize that there will not be change unless we insist upon it. We have a presidential-style prime minister without the checks and balances of either the US or the Canadian systems. Attack ads run constantly, backbenchers and cabinet ministers alike are muzzled, committees are deadlocked, and civility has disappeared from the House of Commons..." Visit http://sustainabilitynetwork.ca for details or to register.


Network for Peace through Dialogue Conference June 12-13, 2009

Network for Peace through Dialogue is holding its 2009 Conference, "Dialogue In/As Action," in New York City on June 12 and 13, 2009. The conference will focus on the rich intersections of the methods, processes, and actions of dialogue that lead to change, and is open to community groups, researchers, teachers, youth, and others. Information about the conference can be found at: www.networkforpeace.com.  Registration is now open.


Deliberative Democracy and Education Conference July 8-11, 2009

The Deliberative Democracy Consortium is teaming up with The Democracy Imperative to put on a conference “No Better Time: Promising Opportunities for Deliberative Democracy for Educators and Practitioners.” This is the latest development in the DDC’s work to bring researchers and practitioners together and is open to everyone. Learn more about the conference program and rates at: http://www.unh.edu/democracy/conference2009/.

Creative Places + Spaces: The Collaborative City Coming Oct. 28-30 in Toronto

Creative Places + Spaces is a forum to engage global perspectives on collaboration and connect them with local change-makers. The conference will encompass both in-person and virtual exchanges of ideas. It will provide delegates with new insight and approaches on how to effectively collaborate and contribute to the creation of the 'Toronto Roadmap for Creative Collaboration". Come meet some of the world's most creative thinkers in Toronto's laboratory to advance the art and science of collaboration. Visit http://www.creativeplacesandspaces.ca/ for more details.

“Engaging the Other” Conference Set for November 2009

The 4th Annual “Engaging the Other” Conference is now set for November 12-15 in San Francisco, California. C2D2’s sister organization, the US National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) is co-sponsoring the conference along with the Common Bond Institute and International Humanistic Psychology Association. The conference is international, multidisciplinary, and multicultural, examining concepts of "The OTHER" from a universal, cross-cultural perspective to promote wider public dialogue about images of "Us and Them." For more information, visit the conference website: http://www.cbiworld.org/Pages/Conferences_ETO.htm


2009 Parliament of the World's Religions Coming up in Australia

December 3-9, 2009 Melbourne, Australia.  The Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions invites all people of faith, spirit and goodwill to encounter the vast and rich diversity of the world's religious and spiritual traditions, and to take part in over 500 events including keynote addresses, seminars, conferences, dialogues, performances, concerts and exhibitions. The 2009 Parliament will bring together more than 8,000 people from across the world, including renowned spiritual, religious and political leaders. For more information, visit: http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=8.


Call for Proposals: International Conference on Citizenship Learning in Argentina

Building on U-Toronto/OISE’s very successful “Learning Democracy by Doing” Conference last fall, the organizers have launched a call for proposals for the next conference, to be held in Rosario, Argentina May 13-16, 2010.  The conference will be on the theme of “Deepening Democracy as a Way of Life: Challenges for Participatory Democracy and Citizenship Learning in the 21st Century.”  The deadline for proposals is October 12, 2009. Visit http://www.congresorosario2010.com.ar/modulos/mdle.asp?id=5&mod=English for information about the conference themes, rates and how to submit a proposal.

 

WORKSHOPS/TRAINING


Stakeholder Engagement Training Workshops Coming Up in Vancouver & Toronto

Ann Svendson and Tara Addis will be leading several two-day workshops on Stakeholder Engagement & Dialogue this Spring and Fall. The workshops will explore how to effectively identify, segment and engage stakeholders to generate mutual value, mitigate risk and co-create innovative solutions. Workshop dates in Vancouver are: April 20-21 and October 1-2, 2009; Workshop dates in Toronto are: May 5-6 and October 15-16, 2009.  For more information, visit http://www.sfu.ca/cscd/cli/programs.htm.

IAP2  & Dialogue Partners Training Opportunity

The Canadian Trainers Collective (CTC) in collaboration with Dialogue Partners (DP) is pleased to offer both the IAP2 Certificate Training and the Dialogue Partners courses in various locations across Canada in 2009.  Some up-coming training courses include:

Calgary, AB: Group Facilitation Skills for Public Involvement (April 20th & 21st, 2009) Calming Controversy & Conflict in Public Involvement (April 22nd, 2009); IAP2 - Planning for Effective Public Participation (June 8th & 9th, 2009); IAP2 - Effective Communication for Public Participation (June 10th, 2009) and IAP2 - Techniques for Effective Public Participation  (June 11th & 12th, 2009)

Halifax, NS:  IAP2 - Planning for Effective Public Participation (May 4th & 5th, 2009), IAP2 - Effective Communication for Public Participation (May 6th, 2009) and IAP2 - Techniques for Effective Public Participation (May 7th & 8th, 2009)

For more information please either visit www.dialoguepartners.ca  www.iap2.org and follow the links, OR, contact the Canadian Trainers Collective at cdntrainerscollectiveatshaw [dot] ca.
 

“Healthy Organizations - It's a Question of Balance” Workshop Coming Up in Quebec

Learn to look holistically at the current state of balance of your organization and initiate strategies to create a healthy environment, strategies that are critical to success and viability in this challenging time. May 5-7, 2009 in Val David, QC. In a powerful and highly effective 3-day workshop, you and leaders like you will gain invaluable insights into how to clarify purpose, access leadership, inspire vision, and engage and motivate others to achieve results collectively. With a focus on action based on a deeper understanding of organizations as living systems you’ll return to work with powerful skills, tools and fresh thinking. C2D2 members can enjoy a 25% discount off of the regular registration rate.  Simply note your membership on the registration form and the discount will be applied to your invoice.  Visit http://www.emergentfutures.ca/ohb_workshop.htm for more information and registration details. This workshop is available in both English and French.
 

Dialogue Education Course in Seattle: May 19-22, 2009

Dialogue Education closes the gap between what is heard and what changes after participants leave learning events. This course is most appropriate for people who want to increase observable results of what their learners learn while building community. To learn more about Global Learning Partners, Inc. or Dialogue Education visit their website: www.globalearning.com.

Masterful Facilitation Institute Workshops Coming Up in Ottawa & Vancouver

Great meetings are the key to achieving good business results. Now more than ever, effective group facilitation is needed to tap collective experience and knowledge for breakthroughs and innovative solutions.  Workshop participants will enhance meeting performance and group interactions through these impactful programs coming up this spring in Ottawa and Vancouver

* The Confident Facilitator: Essential Skills for Guiding Groups (Ottawa, May 27-29, 2009)
* Engaging for Collaboration and Wise Action: Facilitating Meaningful Conversations Around Complex Issues (Ottawa, June 1-3, 2009)
* The Visual Facilitator: Bringing Meeting Results to Life (Vancouver, June 17, 2009)
* The Inspired Facilitator: Achieving Mastery in Engaging Organizations and Communities (Vancouver, June 18-20, 2009)

To learn more about how to create great meetings, great outcomes, and great interactions, visit the Masterful Facilitation Institute website at: http://masterfulfacilitation.blogspot.com/, or contact Myriam Laberge: 604-943-9133 - infoatbreakthroughsunlimited [dot] com or Brenda Chaddock: 604-929-4290 - brendaatfollowtheleader [dot] ca.

Tamarack Organizing Leadership Workshop in Ontario this June

Be part of a gathering of Ontario’s poverty reduction leaders. Join Minister Deb Matthews, Sherri Torjman, Tim Brodhead, Robin Cardozo, Frances Lankin, Liz Weaver, Mark Chamberlain, Paul Born and the Tamarack team at Reducing Poverty in Ontario: A Place-Based Approach. The meeting will be held June 10 – 12, 2009 in Kitchener, Ontario. For more information, visit: http://tamarackcommunity.ca/g1_events.html     


Authentic Voice and Dialogue workshop coming up in Toronto

Hugh Smiley will present “Authentic Voice and Dialogue .... from vocal to dialogic soundness “ in Toronto, June 14th, 2009, 10:00 - 5:00. Smiley writes, “The human voice is both an intimate part of our body and powerful creator of our worlds. When conversations (within ourselves and with others) miscarry, working mindfully with the “uttering organ” can enhance both personal and social cohesion. Moreover, finding and using one’s true and natural voice is an important building block towards genuine communication and relationship.” This workshop will explore, in a highly experiential way, a method to facilitate the emergence of the authentic voice that will, in turn, enhance a deeper and more integrative dialogue, whether in a psychotherapeutic environment, interpersonal relationship, negotiation or group consultation.

Contact: ph.: 416-924-4941; email: hughathughsmiley [dot] com; web: www.hughsmiley.com.


Authentic Leadership in Action (ALIA) Programs

The Shambhala Summer Institute, held June 21-27 in Halifax, is a five-day program featuring 15-hour modules led by internationally recognized and respected leaders working at the edge of emerging new fields. Choose one of ten modules that best addresses your current leadership challenge and focus. Module presenters include Margaret Wheatley, Bill Torbert, Glenda Eoyang, and James Flaherty. Each morning begins with a 45-minute session of mindfulness meditation, which clears the way for fresh insight and authentic communication. Creative process workshops engage the intelligence of the body and the senses, while freeing up creativity. The arts are also woven throughout the five-day schedule. Plenary dialogues and keynotes inject big-picture thinking and tap into the collective experience and intelligence of the program community. For more information go to http://www.aliainstitute.org/programs/2009summer/home.html

ALIA West, held May 19-22 on the beautiful campus of Royal Roads University in Victoria, is a three-day program following the same design as the acclaimed Shambhala Summer Institute. At the centre of this intensive are five 12-hour parallel modules. Keynote and module presenters include Peter Block, Wendy Palmer, Bill Torbert, Tom Hurley, and Sarita Chawla. For more information, visit http://www.aliainstitute.org/programs/2009west/home.html.


Sustainability Network Training on Facilitation for Environmental Organizations

From engaging your board of directors, to working with potential sponsors and funders, to creating worthwhile programs – facilitated process help your organization run smoother. This workshop will explore the uses and benefits of facilitated approaches to inspire and challenge groups to be effective and engaged. You will learn about meeting management using facilitated approaches, effective training and the fundamentals of facilitation.

The workshop will be taught by David Berger on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. At the Centre for Social Innovation, 215 Spadina Ave., 1st Floor, Toronto. Cost is $90/$120.  Visit http://sustainabilitynetwork.ca for details or to register.


Concordia University (Montreal) Institute in Community Development Programs this Summer

June 16-18: Summer Program in Citizen Engagement: This year’s Summer Program in Citizen Engagement focuses on Neighbourhood Citizen Schools, providing opportunities to: learn from those who are already engaged in this work, sharing what they would do differently: unpack key questions around issues of inclusiveness and sustainability: explore ways of reaching out beyond 'like-minded' people; share knowledge and practices: and learn practical skills in grassroots fundraising and mobilizing support for this kind of work.

Participants need to register for the full three days. Cost: $150 for individuals and community groups and $300 for institutions, foundations, etc. Deadline for registration is June 1, 2009.  Registration forms will be posted on the Institute’s website after April 22.

June 14-15: All Weather Fundraising: How Good Causes Raise Money in Bad Times : The economic meltdown of the last few months needs to be understood as the ‘new normal’.  Fundraising programs must be flexible and able to take advantage of rapid and unexpected changes. In this workshop, you will learn what needs to be in place to weather almost all circumstances, how to create and maintain a disciplined and systematic fundraising program, how to ask for money in person and how to find new donors.  This two-day format will be intensive and loaded with information, including how to find major gifts, how to use on-line fundraising strategies to your advantage, how to make sure your infrastructure works, and to build a fundraising team to help you.  Based on Kim Klein’s forthcoming book, Reliable Fundraising in Unreliable Times, this session is designed for organizations with budgets under $3 million engaged in community organizing, social service, advocacy and social change. Kim will be joined by local trainers for a session that promises to be practical, inspiring, fun and hands-on!

Kim Klein is an internationally known fundraising trainer and consultant.  She is the author of four books, including the classic Fundraising for Social Change, now in its fifth edition; Her new book, Reliable Fundraising in Unreliable Times will be out in September 2009.

Deadline for registration is June 1st, 2009.  Cost:  $300. for the two days. Registration forms will be posted on the Institute’s website after April 22nd. http://omstdev.concordia.ca/


Summer Leadership Institute, Vancouver Island, BC. 5-10 July 2009

NOW more than ever, leading the way to the future is not doing more of what we’ve always done. This is an innovative, leadership learning community to develop personal resilience in alignment with others to change systems. Are you in situations where you need and want:
* Increased personal insight for the transformation we are living
* The courage to challenge current ways of being, thinking and doing
* Greater capacity to be adaptable and innovative in complex environments
* Deepened understanding of resilience in personal, natural and social systems
* An established commitment to ongoing learning
* Practical strategies for leading forward in your life, workplaces and communities.

Information and registration is available at:  www.summerleadershipinstitute.com.

Graduate Program in Economic Development

Concordia University’s School of Community and Public Affairs will be offering its Graduate Program in Community Economic Development in French in Fall 2009, and in English in Fall 2010. This program enables participants to step back and critically explore their practice or community experience with other practitioners.  
An innovative combination of academic and practical training exposes students to a wide range of issues.  In small classes encouraging participation, students develop and refine their abilities and skills to do research, to communicate and analyze issues critical to community economic development. The program also includes a practical project/ internship directly related to the participant’s work or volunteer activity.
 
For more information on the Graduate Diploma in Community Economic Development visit the School of Community and Public Affairs’ website at: http://scpa-eapc.concordia.ca