SYC EZINE

May 10, 2000
Sierra Youth Coalition <sierrayc@web.net>

Hey SYCers,

You may have noticed the national office has been quiet for awhile, HOWEVER, that is to change as of this ezine! We just underwent a change in staff in Ottawa so I am pleased to announce that I am your new National Coordinator. Some of my goals include improving communication with membership through the National Office, Regional Coordinators, and our various groups across the country; increasing our coalition membership so we have a stronger voice in issues; and create more links to social justice issues through strong effective campaigns.

We have also been gearing up for our current national campaign preparing materials and organizing for the alternative forum to the world petroleum congress June 9-10th. A positive way to plan for a new society that would phase out fossil fuel consumption. This will be an amazing lifechanging event to attend since we are following on a momentum set by protests in Seattle and Washington D.C. I encourage all members to attend!

I won't say to much more since there is so much more interesting info in this ezine. You'll hear more from us soon…look forward to receiving our first issue of the SYC National Zine in your mail!!

Karen Gorecki
National Coordinator

Table of Contents
  • SYC SUMMER JOB POSTING - FUNDRAISER WANTED
  • CALL FOR REGIONAL COORDINATORS AND EXCOMM
  • UPCOMING EVENTS AND SYC CALENDAR OF EVENTS
  • NATIONAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE - OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH
  • SUSTAINABLE CAMPUSES UPDATE
  • IDEAS FOR THE NEXT CAMPAIGN
  • WEB-SITE UPDATE
  • YOUTH ROUND TABLE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
  • SIERRA CLUB JOB POSTING - CANVASS COORDINATOR AND CANVASSERS NEEDED
  • APPLICATION FOR YOUTH ROUND TABLE

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1. SYC SUMMER JOB POSTING - FUNDRAISER WANTED

EXPERIENCED FUNDRAISER NEEDED

Sierra Youth Coalition is looking for a fundraiser. The contract will be 75 hours per month at $750.00 per month for three months

Responsibilites include :

  • researching sponsorship and Foundations
  • writing proposals
  • approacing sponsors and marketing SYC
  • researching and securing Inkind donations (eg. computer, office supplies and equipment)
  • research viable fundraising events

Required qualifications :

  • experience in fundraising and proposal writing
  • good understanding of ethics in fundraising
  • good marketing and communication skills
  • independent worker
  • good time management skills
  • creativity and willingness to try new ideas

Prefered qualities :

  • knowledge of the SYC and the enviromental movement
  • knowledge of foundations/sponsors that have preference for funding youth and/or environment
  • computer and internet access

Deadline for applications is May 15th, 2000. Contract begins June 1st, 2000. There is flexibility exhibited regarding the location of work.

Please send resumes to :

Sierra Youth Coalition
1200-1 Nicholas St
Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7
sierrayc@web.net  
(613) 241-1615

2. CALL FOR REGIONAL COORDINATORS AND EXCOMM

Interested in meeting other youth concerned about the environment and social issues? Building/developing communication, organizational skills? Linking to other youth in Canada to create a national youth voice? Have we got the job for you!! Become a SYC Regional Coordinator!! Or if that doesn’t do it for you how about a member of the SYC Executive Committee?

In order to create a strong national youth voice we need your diversity and strength within our coalition! We need to ensure that our networks are healthy and active locally, provicially and nationally. To do this we need :

6 (1 year) Regional Coodinators to :

  • be SYC contact person for your region
  • network/outreach to youth in your area
  • play a role in the production of the SYC zones
  • meet youth from across Canada
  • learn about local and national issues
  • participate in a national leadership shin-dig in some fun locale in August in North America!!

Opportunities for recognition of your efforts in the form of school credit from you school/university may exist so why not kill-two-birds-with-one-stone (figuratively of course)…

If you want to be part of building an active and social youth coalition in Canada as the role of Regional Co-ordinator, or if you wish for more information regarding the positions available for the Ex Comm please do not hesitate to contact us at sierrayc@web.net.

 

3. UPCOMING EVENTS

ALTERNATIVE CONFERENCE TO THE WORLD PETROLEUM CONGRESS

This is a conference in Calgary called "Widening People’s Choices: For a Just and Sustainable Future" June 9th and 10th, 2000. This conference is in conjunction with the other actions and events exposing and countering the oil industry which is meeting at the World Petroleum Congress (a gathering of Oil executives and others) in Calgary, AB from June 11-15, 2000.

See National Campaign Update Below for more info

CANADA`S PLACE IN THE WORLD: International Trade after Seattle

A series of Monday-morning discussions have been established to discuss the state of international trade, beginning on April 17th, 2000. The efforts made are focused on bringing together from stakeholder departments who may share their outlooks before launching an exchange with a limited audience. The trade discussion program is:

APRIL 17TH - Seattle, Myth and Reality: assessments by public and provate sector participants

MAY 1ST - The Emerging Agenda: development, environment, agriculture and services

MAY 23RD - The Stakes for Domestic Regulation: the view from a provincial agency, the heath and cultural sectors

JUNE 9TH -Governance: bringing together the state, the private sector and civil society

To facilitate exchanges, the number of participants will be limited. For more information please contact your learning coordinator or Michel de Salaberry, Senior Visiting Fellow, International Affairs at 943-5807.

 

WOLRD MARCH OF WOMEN

Between International Women`s Day (March 8th) and the International Day for the Elimination of Poverty (October 17th), events are being organized all over the world to bring attention to and end violence and poverty in womens lives. This is a massive mobilization - imagine women all around the world organizing events, activities, demonstrations, etc - its just too great to think of. To get involved in stuff already happening in your community or to organize your own event, call 1-800-668-9138 or email to 
womenmarch@ofl-fto.on.ca. 

REMINDER FOR THOSE PARTICIPATING IN YOUTH ACTION VILLAGE

Youth Action Village 2000 in Orangevile from May 4th - May 8th will be a great opportunity to get together with youth from all over Canada - to live in an ecovillage, talk about issues of interest to youth, plan actions, and learn skills in media, leadership, greening homes etc.

HARMONY FOUNDATION OF CANADA

The Ontario Environment Network is assisting the Harmony Foundation in organizing a one-day workshop to be held on June 3rd, 2000 in Toronto. The workshop will focus on climate change. Participants will be trained to lead community-based workshops on how local communities can address the issue of climate change. Subsidies are available for this workshop. Please contact Phillip Oenna, Office Coordinator for OEN at (703) 840-2888 or email at oen@web.net , or contact the Harmony Foundation directly at (250) 380-3001 
or email at harmony@islandnet.com. 

 

34TH WORLD VEGETARIAN CONGRESS

For the first time in its 90 year history, the World Vegetarian Congress will take place in Canada from July 10th -16th . The event is being hosted by the Toronto Colony Hotel where you are invited to `Share the Vision´ of a healthier, kinder, and greener world, brought about by more and more people across the planet becoming vegetarian. You will have a choice of participating in hands-on workshop, cooking demonstrations, group discussions and formal lectures on topics such as health, being vegetarian, global issues, vegetarian activism, ethics, ecology and food planning and preparation. For more information regarding the costs of the event, as well as other related info, please contact the Toronto Vegetarian Association at (416) 544-8891 or email at wvc2000@veg.on.ca .

PEOPLE`S GLOBAL ACTION CONFERENCE

To be held in Windsor, June 1-3, Ontario prior to Organization of American States (OAS) meeting in Windsor June 4-6th. Challenge exploitation of the South for corporate profit by shutting down the OAS. For more information call (416) 956-8334 or email stopftaa@tao.ca. 

STUDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION COALITION (SEAC) - SUMMER TRAINING INSTITUTE 2000

Calling all Students and Youth:

You don't want to miss the...

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STUDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION COALITION'S

SUMMER TRAINING INSTITUTE 2000!

University of Louisiana, Baton Rouge

August 5-8th

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REGISTER NOW!

This will be SEAC's 4th annual Summer Training Institute (STI)! It's going to be incredible; students from Hawaii and Africa have already registered! The STI is four days of FUN and education that you can't get in any school. It's a time and place for both novice and experienced student activists to come together, meet, learn, and have fun. You will leave the STI with the sense, knowledge, and courage that YOU are truly a part of a national movement of high school and college activists struggling for environmental and social justice!

The STI has two main components:

ISSUES EDUCATION - To provide an understanding of the political context in which we organize for environmental justice in Y2K

SKILLS TRAINING - To obtain the basic tools and skills necessary to build a mass-based, multi-racial, multi-issue movement for environmental justice, starting with our local campus groups

Skills Workshops Will Include:

* strategic planning * leadership development

* regional organizing * fundraising

* grant writing * running for a political office

* field organizing * non-violence training

* working with the media * direct action training

* diversity outreach * writing zines and newsletters

* facilitation * coalition building

* anti-oppression * holding good meetings

* member recruitment * etc.

Issues Workshops Will Include:

* Dioxin OUT of tampons * Globalization (WTO, World Bank, IMF)

* Free Burma Campaign * Zero-cut on National Forests

* Revoking corporate charters * Socially responsible investing

* Universities and sweatshops * Corporate take-over of academia

* Ecological economics * Greening your campus/high school

* Animal rights/veganism * etc.

Other Details:

* There will also be fun events like hiking, partying, dancing etc!!!

* Housing and awesome food will be provided.

* Cost = CHEAP, between $25 and $50 (no one turned away for lack of $)

* We will probably have money for travel scholarships (for people without

the means to get to Louisiana or who are coming from further away)

To Register:
* visit www.seac.org/sti 
* visit www.seac.org/ncmapp  so that we can help co-ordinate carpools

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NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING!

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If YOU want to become a part of SEAC on a national level the STI will be immediately followed by the all important National Council Meeting. This is where all the major decisions about SEAC are made and the people who make those decisions are YOU and me. Without the National Council there would be no SEAC so come out and be a part of the future. "SEAC is what YOU make it!" Let's make it strong! Hope to see you all in August! Register at www.seac.org/ncmapp . Hope to see you all in August!

Any questions? Please contact:
Jayson Taylor OR SEAC National Office
(540) 552-2782 (215) 222-4711
jayson@vt.edu  sti@seac.org

THE CANADIAN WOMEN’S HEALTH NETWORK

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is a newly created body that will ultimately be responsible for co-ordinating and overseeing all publicly-funded health research in Canada and will soon replace te Medical Research Council of Canada and oter national funding bodies. There is growing concern regarding the allocation of funds to the 10 to 15 health reseach institutes that will come under the umbrella of CIHR and that those chosen will be among the more powerful lobby groups.

The field of women’s health reseach in Canada is growing as it is more prevelent that women are affected differently by certain diseases and conditions then men. It is feared that the focus on disease groups and body parts will come at the expense of a more comprehensive and holistic vision of health, such as women’s health issues. A group of researchers, health care providers, and poilcy makers from across Canada have joined together to prepare and submit a proposal for a Women’s Health Research Institute within the CIHR. The Working Group hopes to rally support from many quarters to pressure the federal government to ensure that women’s health figures prominently on the agenda of the CIHR.

For further information on how you can make a $1 million dollor effort or a copy of the Working Groups’s proposal, contact :

The Canadian Women’s Health Network
Suite 203-419 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3C 0M3
Tel: (204) 942-5500
Fax: (204) 989-2355
email: cwhn@cwhn.ca 
Toll free: 1-888-819-9172
http://www.cwhn.ca  

4. NATIONAL CAMPAIGN - OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH

The Canadian North is experiencing pressures from both changing climate and from the petroleum industry. The Sierra Youth Coalition campaign on Oil and Gas Development in the North is educating youth about the consequences of oil development and consumption - particularly to the culture, health and environment of Northerners. Focusing on how local action can impact the North, we are campaigning to: reduce consumption, encourage political action (stop government subsidy of fossil fuel exploration and development, demand enforcement of existing environmental regulations and call for stronger, more cohesive environmental and conservation policies), and to support transition to low-impact energy sources.

The SYC is also helping organize a conference in Calgary called "Widening People’s Choices: For a Just and Sustainable Future" June 9th and 10th, 2000. This conference is in conjunction with the other actions and events exposing and countering the oil industry which is meeting at the World Petroleum Congress (a gathering of Oil executives and others) in Calgary, AB from June 11-15, 2000.

Check www.tao.ca/~no_oil/  for more info on the events and actions

The main objective of the conference is to use the opportunity of the World Petroleum Congress to discuss the potential for alternatives to the Oil Paradigm. The Conference will be a venue for people to learn about and discuss the reasons for abandoning the Oil Paradigm, ways in which we can do so, and what a Just and Sustainable future would/could look like. It will also be an opportunity to organize and build community in Alberta (and beyond). The title is "Widening People's Choices: For a Just and Sustainable Future".

At this point the conference is being organized by a few individuals. We are trying to find a Calgary group/organization to take on the logistics, ticket sales, bookings and so forth, as it quite difficult to do this as individuals (especially for us in Edmonton). Organizations working on the conference include:

Some AB enviro groups

Tentatively confirmed speakers are:

  • Either Owens Wiwa or Oranto Douglas (Brother and Lawyer of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa)
  • Environmental Justice - Discussing the current struggle in Nigeria of the indigenous groups in regards to environmental and human rights atrocities.

Also - organizing and opposing the oil industry

  • Danny Kennedy (From Project Underground - who work with Oil Watch)

Discussing campaigns to end oil exploration.

  • Colin Soskolne - Health and Environment - an Epidemiologist who worked for the World Health Organization. He is working on a study on the issue of human activity surpassing the Earth's carrying capacity. Might do a presentation based on William Reese's work on Ecological Footprint and carrying capacity.
  • Bernard Ominiyak (or a representative) from the Lubicon Band - Indigenous issues,
  • Brian Dominic (Z magazine and South End Press) - Participatory Economics

People who have been invited :

We are currently looking at either the U of C or the Downtown Library as venues. The University will probably be free. There will be a keynote on Friday June 9th in the evening, and 3 2hr. panels on Saturday the 10th from 10am to 5pm with a 1hr lunch. From 5-6:30pm there will be three concurrent discussion groups to discuss and move on from the days’ presentations. The tentative titles for the 3 panels are "The Oil Paradigm", "The End of Oil", and "Creating a Just and Sustainable Future"

5. SUSTAINABLE CAMPUSES UPDATE

REMINDER TO PROJECT PARTICIPANTS:

Please confirm that you received the April Questionnaire which serves as an information and evaluation tool following the first workshop. Your comments will be very useful in setting the agenda for the next conference and preparing the next resource package to be distributed in the Fall.

Sustainable Campuses II: Next Conference in Victoria, B.C!!

University of Victoria and Royal Roads University will be the hosts for the next Conference in the Fall. We’re really excited about this and hope that project members from all regions will be able to participate. We are currently planning the itinerary for the weekend and defining the topics for the agenda. If you have any input as to potential youth speakers, workshops your school may be able to lead, ideas for submissions to the resource package or comments in general, please let me know.

We encourage school reps to start looking into any means of securing funding for participation and travel to and from the Conference. Ideas include having alumni or faculty from Environmental Studies or Science sponsor your travel, or even donate air miles for your ticket (I’m looking into logistics for this); requesting funds from your Student Union for conference participation; approaching the Canadian Federation of Students rep for support; planning an event such as a concert or auction to raise money; selling the ECO Savers Coupon Booklet which is advertised in the Zine.

We’ll help in any way we can.

The Canadian Consortium for Sustainable Development Research (CSDR) and the Association for Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) have committed to jointly planning a Conference with SYC for the Sustainable Campuses project for 2001. This conference would involve a multi level discussion with student representatives as well as administration, staff, faculty and heads of physical operations.

We are currently in dialogue with representatives from Maclean’s Magazine about our interest in incorporating environmental responsibility and sustainability criteria into their University rating system for the annual guide to Universities. They are looking at our proposal and will hopefully give us feedback on how we might work together in the future. A letter writing campaign from students and future University students would complement this effort and add some pressure. We need to emphasize that interest does exist. You can write a letter as an individual, or on behalf of a Green group or with the support of your student council, or have the President sign it. Please forward it to me and I’ll give you the contact info to send it. The following blurb might help to shape your thoughts:

Success on the Maclean’s Universities’ rating is viewed across Canada as a tremendous competitive advantage. Universities are leaders in education, innovation and research; it makes sense that they should also be leaders in sustainable development and environmental responsibility. In today’s world, in which we are faced with an ecological imperative, it makes sense that success in these areas be considered a competitive advantage. Post-secondary students, faculty, staff and administrators across Canada would like to see ratings of sustainable development and environmental responsibility on Canadian campuses integrated into the Maclean’s rating. In addition to the current evaluations based on the student body, classes, faculty, finances, library, and reputation, a seventh category may be included pertaining too sustainability or the environment.

Quantifiable measurements may include the following:

We also included a list of key sources to find more information on rating sustainability.

The "EcoWaves" online newsletter continues to serve as a communication tool for members to highlight their experience and share best practices. Topics have included Exploring Corporatization on Campus and Procurement Polices. If you would like copies sent to you via email, let me know.

Updates from individual schools reps across the country are available as are Resource Package ($10), Workshop Report, copies of the online newsletter, a bibliography of useful sources for promoting sustainability on campus, and details about any aspect of the project. Contact: Regina Flores 1888 790 7393, syc_campus_cjs@yahoo.com

 

6. IDEAS FOR NEXT CAMPAIGN

We need your help in determining the focus for our next national campaign. Currently we are investigating issues such as the Great Bear Rainforest, Climate Change, Consumption, Bulk water exports, Endangered Species and the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas. Please let us know what you think of these possibilities or any other topics you think would make a worthwhile and effective campaign. Email your ideas to sierrayc@web.net.

7. WEBSITE UPDATE

Hey SYCer’s!! We just wanted to let you know that our website is almost up and running and being revamped as we write! Please stay tuned for future updates. We are making gigantic strides to create a site that we all can be proud of! You can find us at http://www.sierrayouthcoalition.org/ - keep on checking in on us to see how we are progressing. Please, if you have any suggestions about our WebPages or what you think is important to have on it let us know! Email us at sierrayc@web.net.

 

8. YOUTH ROUND TABLE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Environment Canada is now recruiting members for the Youth Round Table on the Environment for the September 2000 to September 2001 term.

In the past SYCers have been involved in the YRTE including Regina Flores and Ilona Dougherty. It was a great experience and we highly recommend applying!

Hello!

The Youth Round Table on the Environment (YRTE) is a forum that represents diverse bio-regional, cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The group’s primary responsibilities are to advise Environment Canada on a variety of issues and raise environmental issues that are important to Canadian youth. The YRTE is made up of people between 15 and 25 years of age (although that is flexible). Each member volunteers their time and energy for a one year commitment that starts in September. This group works in a challenging and dynamic environment, bridging issues that touch on environmental, social, economic and health-related areas. Each member brings his/her unique perspectives, approach and ideas to the table. The time commitment made by each member is roughly 10 hours per month for committee work and monthly conference calls, and attendance at two to four face-to-face meetings per year. The amount of work to be done depends on the group’s work plan, which is developed by consensus each year.

Recent work of the 1999-2000 YRTE includes:

· providing accurate, timely advice to the Minister of the Environment (climate change, well being measures, contaminated sites, biosafety protocol, environmental education)

· researching current events/issues in the environmental sector · providing input to EC’s programs and activities (Climate Change, Pollution Prevention, Sustainable Development Planning 2000)

· outreach activities to politicians, groups, media and others on environmental issues (articles in the news, meetings with members of parliament, members of legislative assemblies)

Environment Canada is now recruiting members for the Youth Round Table on the Environment for the September 2000 to September 2001 term. The selection process is based on availability, perspective, diversity (bioregional, linguistic, cultural), ability to function in groups and contact with other youth. The application is available online at Error! Bookmark not defined.. We can also send applications by fax or e-mail. Applicants are not obliged to use the application form, but should answer all questions. Written reference letters are preferred. If you are not interested in being a part of the YRTE, but would want to participate in the selection process, please contact Trudy Samuel (contact information below). The deadline is May 30th, 2000. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Trudy Samuel
Outreach Programs, Environment Canada
10 rue Wellington Street, 4th Floor, Hull, Quebec, K1A 0H3
tel (819) 953-0084 or 1-800-668-6767
fax/télécopieur: (819) 994-1412
youth.jeunesse@ec.gc.ca

PLEASE SEE THE END OF THIS EMAIL-OUT FOR THE APPLICATION FORM!!

 

9. SIERRA CLUB JOB POSTING - CANVASS COORDINATOR AND CANVASSERS NEEDED??

The Sierra Club of Canada (SCC) is presently seeking a dynamic individual to fill the newly created position of National Office Canvass Director. The position will run full-time on contract-basis (with potential to become a permanent position) throughout the summer. Active in Canada since the late 1960’s, the SCC is a non-profit environmental organization. Our goal is to develop a diverse, well-trained

grassroots network working to protect the integrity of global ecosystems. With campaigns focusing on climate change, genetic engineering, pesticides, endangered species and ecosystems, forestry and nuclear phase-out, the national office has been established in Ottawa since 1989. This will be the Sierra Club’s first local canvas operation. Some of the specific tasks s/he will undertake include:

* hiring and training of canvas crew

* maintenance of records

* direction of daily canvass operations

* distribution of information regarding SC campaigns and initiatives

* financial responsibilities

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated self-starter with the following characteristics:

* have a high degree of organization, mobilization and time management skills

* previous canvas experience

* strong communication, conflict resolution and teambuilding skills

* familiarity with the SCC and its campaigns

* bilingualism would be considered a strong asset

Applications deadline: May 12, 1999

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV to:

Leslie Dickout
Sierra Club of Canada
412-1 Nicholas St. Ottawa
Ontario K1N 7B7
Phone: 613-241-4611
Fax: 613-241-2292
Email: d-leslie@comnet.ca

We thank all who apply. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

10. APPLICATION FOR YOUTH ROUND TABLE

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Once completed this application form will be confidential.

Application Deadline: May 30th 2000, at 17:00 (Ottawa time).

First Name:

Last Name:

Mailing Address:

Street:

City:

Province:

Postal Code:

Telephone Number(s):

Permanent Address

Street:

City:

Province:

Postal Code:

Telephone Number(s):

Fax number (if available):

Email Address:

Date of Birth:

Gender: Male __ Female __

1. Why do you want to be on the Round Table?

2. How do you feel you can contribute?

3. As a youth, briefly describe what expectations you have of Environment Canada?

4. Where do you live? Please check all that apply:

· Urban area __

· Rural area __

· Eastern Canada __

· Western Canada __

· Central Canada __

· Northern Canada __

5. Which of the following best describes the work you currently do or have done in the past:

a) Input on government policy/legislation/programming

b) Community service and grassroots programming

c) Science and technology, research, applied sciences.

d) Outreach activities, public relations, communications and Arts

e) Entrepreneur

f) Other______

6. In a sentence or two, briefly outline your relationship to the environment/natural world.

7. Briefly describe how your previous experience/activities benefited your community.

8. Are you willing to work with Environment Canada up to four weekends per year and through email, telephone, and fax on an as-needed basis?

Yes / No

9. Please list the organizations or networks you are involved in. And, describe the role you will play in the organization/network in 2000-2001.

10. What are your personal interests and hobbies?

11. Please provide three references that we can contact (minimum of 2 written references)

Feel free to include any material that you think best describes yourself!!!

For more information on the Youth Round Table on the Environment, contact
Environment Canada by telephone at 1-800-668-6767 or by email at youth.jeunesse@ec.gc.ca

Note !!

  • · Please be aware, that if you’re selected, Environment Canada may also use the information on this application form to describe your activities and achievements.
  • · Environment Canada will be responsible for the cost of participating in the Youth Round Table on the Environment.



THANKS FOR READING AND KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR OUR FIRST NATIONAL ZINE!!!