Great website!

Check out igloo.org. There are all kinds of ways students and educators can be part of the igloo community of knowledge sharing.

Global Stews Receive Award from First Call

Hali and Siobhan are featured accepting an award from First Call on behalf of the Global Stewardship Program and its commitment to the Make Poverty History Campaign. In the words of First Call: "Congratulations! You stand out as a community leader who has shown a commitment to Stand Up and Stand Out for children, youth and their families in BC..."

Support the BC Children's Hospital

Each time this card is viewed, BC 'Power Pioneer' Hydro will make a donation to BC Children's Hospital. It is a cool card and it is a great fundraising idea. Read it at wwe5.bchydro.com.

An Inspiring Letter from Doris Lessing

The following letter was written by Doris Lessing to the Nobel Peace Prize Organization, whom they describe simply as: "that epicist of the female experience, who with scepticism, fire and visionary power has subjected a divided civilisation to scrutiny". To see what she has to say visit nobelprize.org.

How Some Alums Keep Busy!

From Drew and Sophie:


Hey Stewies,

Sophie and I are thrilled to announce the birth of our beautiful daughter, Eleanor Elise Stewart-Lowbeer, who is currently going by Ella. She was born in the midst of a rare and magical Vancouver snowstorm at 8:52 am on Sunday December 2nd at St Paul's Hospital. Labour began at 2:30 in the afternoon on Dec 1st and she came out pink, kicking and screaming at 6lbs 8 ounces a mere 18.5 hours later. Now we are at home and I am trying to get the last of my school work done and Sophie's trying to keep up with Ella's enthusiastic feeding demands. Here is a picture of the first precious hours.

Happy Holidays, Ella's proud parents,

- Sophie and Drew

Front page News!

Our friends at Design for Development (DFD) have made the front page of the UK based treehugger website. Read what they have to say about DFD's bicycle ambulances (bambulances)at treehugger.com. There are lots of other interesting topics to browse as well.

Like reading?

A new club is forming at CapCollege for booklovers. It aims to create a space that readers can drop off and pick up books for free - no charge and no loan period - you can even keep the book if you want. A book exchange if you will.

However, for this to happen the club needs members. Commitment takes no more than a signature and one 10-minute meeting a month.

If you're interested please contact Trevor at:
.

Volunteers Needed at CISV

Are you looking to volunteer this summer? Do you enjoy working with children? Are you interested in participating in multi nation children’s summer camp? Then CISV is for you!

CISV Vancouver is holding an information session for people interested in volunteering this coming summer. There will be a fun night to introduce CISV to new and interested people. Following that the leadership alumniwill be invited to to join the group to kick back, relax and join in on the holiday fun.

On Monday December 10th (THAT’S NEXT WEEK) at 18h30 at the Shark Club in Burnaby. The role of the leader will be explained, as well as the commitment it entails, the preparation involved, and how much fun it can be as well as answer all your questions.

Please feel more than welcome to bring a friend or two or three. CISV is open to anyone of any age. CISV is looking for people with a positive attitude and an energetic personality.

On a final note, CISV Calgary is looking for staff for their seminar camp this summer.

For more information or if you can't make the Monday meeting but still want to be involved email or phone Craig Shirra at 604.780.6977

Changemakers Update

The Global Youth Fund has lots of interesting stuff happening with the Changemakers program. Check out their newsletter by visiting globalyouthfund.com.

Call Out for Amnesty International Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to staff tables at the following events. The main task will be to encourage the public to sign postcards and petitions.

Saturday, December 8
Shifts: 11h00 - 13h30, 13h30 - 16h00
Writing for Rights table at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Street (outdoors)

Saturday, December 8
Shifts: 10h00 - 13h00, 13h00 - 16h00
Conference on freedom and justice at SFU Harbourside (indoors)

If interested call 604.313.4069, and indicate which event and shift you are interested in.

Cheers!

- Don Wright
Regional Development Coordinator, BC/Yukon
Amnesty International Canada - Pacific Regional Office
#430 - 319 West Pender Street
Vancouver, B.C., V6B 1T4

Write for Rights - register today - amnesty.ca.

Yell Fire Theatre Productions

The BC wing of the Sierra Youth Coalition (SYC) is now accepting submissions for the first ever "Yell Fire" theatre production.

Yell Fire...

• ...expresses the urgency of the problems we face in the world today.
  
• ...suggests the ineffectiveness of communicating fear and panic rather than taking action.
  
• ...calls for more attention to root causes and long-term solutions, not just the immediately visible symptoms of a problem.
  
• ...is a grassroots theatre production exploring climate change through a creative lens - using drama, art and film.

Submissions may include short monologues, films, or any medium you want to express yourself in. Pieces should be based on your perceptions and experiences around climate change.

Some suggestions for topics include:

• seeing the impacts of climate change
  
• what type of world do you want your children to live in?
  
• exploring root causes of climate change
  
• climate change in the media and political arena
  
• positive actions real people are taking
  
• the sky is the limit really!

You can be sad, you can be funny, you can be hopeful, you can be frustrated. It's art so you can say anything you want to say.

If you are interested, send a brief description of your topic to aclimateforlove@gmail.com by December 9th. Pieces will be reviewed for suitability and short listed by an SYC-appointed panel. Final submissions are due on January 6, and rehearsals will start soon after. Production will take place in Kamloops and Vancouver, starting in February 2008.

The Vietnam Project: a letter from Kim

Thanks a lot to all of the Global Stewardship students for the donation that helped Hands Off the Kids Project. ...I can now cook for the kids again. With the donations you sent I'll be able to buy canteen equipment, tables, and chairs and also have a huge Christmas Party for 250 -300 kids. Thanks again and good luck with your studies.

- Crazy Kim

Check out this video!

First Call just released the BC Child Poverty Report Card today, and it shows that BC has the highest child poverty in Canada for the 4th year in a row.

Check out the YouTube video at youtube.com. Please feel free to send the video to your networks and ask people to write to Gordon Campbell, BC Premier, and ask the BC government to commit to poverty reduction strategies.

Email your thoughts to the Premier: Gordeon Campebell.

The report card is available at firstcallbc.org.

Thanks for your help in spreading the word!

- Rebecca Siggner

Smudge Ceremony

Currently WAVAW, in collaboration with the Squamish Nation, as well as many Aboriginal community organizations, multicultural organizations, women’s anti-violence organizations and other community participants, request support for a smudge ceremony of the DTES.

The smudging of the territory which is meant to be a very large event will be guided by elders and medicine people from all over Canada that live in the area. This is a gathering of people from all nations to pray together for all women from the four sacred races and to smudge the DTES.

It is very important that people from all four corners of the earth come to share in this ceremony. The assistance of the Asian community, the black community and the white community is requested; this is the traditional way of honouring the medicine wheel. The teachings of the medicine wheel say that when everyone prays and ceremony together real healing begins.

This ceremony is meant to rid any negative energy from the territory. It will be an honour to have Aboriginal brothers and sisters lead this event for the people of Turtle Island with the support of all other nations. The event is to honour women and to pray for the people that they might take their rightful place on Turtle Island and that the clan mothers and women might be honoured as leaders and sacred life givers.

When: Thursday, Dec 6th @ 11h00 - 13h00
Where: The Four Corners of Main and Hastings
Cost: Free!

North Shore Youth Mentoring Program

Are you a responsible, caring, adult? If so, the Elizabeth Fry Society is looking for you.

Children between the ages of 6 and 18 are referred to the Society's Youth Mentoring Program by a social worker and are in need of a positive adult role model to provide them with guidance, support, encouragement and most importantly friendship.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Meet with the child/youth once a week for two hours for a year (flexible)
  
• Ensure the safety of the child/youth while on outings
  
• Communicate all plans to the parent/guardian
  
• Maintain regular communication with the Program Coordinator
  
• Participate in fun friendship-based activities in the community with the child such as playing sports/games, sight seeing, attending special/community events, visiting museums/art galleries, talking, working on homework together, etc. (free tickets to a variety of different events provided)

Requirements:

• Must be 19 years of age or older
  
• Provide 3 personal references
  
• Successfully participate in an interview and orientation
  
• Undergo a satisfactory criminal record check
  
• Strong communication skills
  
• Reliable, responsible and caring
  
• Mature and non judgmental

Benefits:

• 1-1 Experience working with a child/youth
  
• Exposure to the Ministry of Children and Family Development
  
• Access to internal and community job postings
  
• Access to ongoing Society training/education
  
• Letter of reference or verbal reference upon request
  
• Opportunity to network
  
• After 25 volunteer hours – membership to the Society

For more information please contact the Society's Volunteer Mentoring Coordinator: Sarah DeBodt or call her at 604.520.1166.

Visit Québec!

A great opportunity for G Stews to work together and take ideas to the world stage: The World Youth Congress, designed to promote and celebrate youth-led development, in its 4th year, will bring together 600 of the world's most dynamic young people, from over 100 countries, to Québec City in August 2008.

For more information visit wyc2008.qc.ca.

Free Flowing Rivers

Are you interested in doing environmental advocacy work and capacity building, both locally and internationally? Are you interested in learning more about the ecological and social roles water systems (rivers) play in our lives?

Free Flowing Rivers is looking for individuals with a variety of skills to get involved in capacity building in the form of skills training and education for eco-tourism projects in developing regions.

For more information visit freeflowingrivers.com.
To get involved contact Helen Beynon.

Re-imagining Africa: Symposium & Dialogue

This symposium and dialogue take a critical and retrospective look at the representations of Africa in various spheres and forums including government, the mass media, business, NGOs, the arts, and academia. The goal is to counter negative stereotypical images and representations of Africa showing the distortions of reality, the harms produced, and the impediments to better understanding of and responses to African issues.

The symposium and dialogue bring together scholars, practitioners and activists invited from Africa, African/Africanist university faculty in North America and Europe, graduate students, Canadian government officials, and representatives of the mass media, local community groups, and NGOs. The presentations and discussions contribute to better understanding of issues pertaining to governance and education in Africa, and about the continent's role in the evolving global political economy in the context of the emphasis on 'African solutions for African problems', African 'ownership' of development programs and projects and incorporating 'local knowledge' and cultural practices into these programs.

The presentations challenge conventional wisdoms, show alternative realities of Africa and the application of African knowledge and practices in various development activities, and highlight the continent's achievements and contributions to the world both historically and in the contemporary period.

Sponsored by the Department of Political Science, Office of International Development and Community Education Advisory Committee, Continuing Studies, Simon Fraser University.

We are grateful for generous financial support from the Canadian International Development Agency, the Office of the Vice-President, Academic at Simon Fraser University, and the Kenny Family Foundation.

When: Thursday, November 29th, 2007 @ 18h00 - 21h30
              Friday, November 30th, 2007 @ 09h00 - 12h00
Where: SFU Vancouver Campus
               515 West Hastings Street
               Room HC1400
               Segal Centre
Cost: Free, Registration required.

Light refreshments will be served.

For information and registration contact: 778.782.5100

BCCIC AGM

Join the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation for their Annual General Meeting.

The program includes a business meeting: greet existing and new member organizations, meet new staff, and sharing visions of what BCCIC can do for you as they prepare a 3-year council proposal.

Learn about potential funding opportunities and how to participate in new international policy initiatives. The speakers include:

• Evelyn Lee, International Development Program Manager, Voluntary Sector Programs Directorate, Canadian Partnership Branch, Canadian International Development Agency;
  
• Vera Radyo, Program Director, Kenoli Foundation, one of BC's newest foundations;
  
• and Reilly Yeo, Online Community Facilitator and Editor with Canada's World, a three-year citizens? dialogue focused on advancing a new vision for Canadian international policy.

When: Thursday November 29th, 2007 @ 12h30
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre
                480 Broughton Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Lunch will be provided.

For more information visit bccic.ca.

Please R.S.V.P. to Jasel at 604.899.4475 or info@bccic.ca by Tuesday, November 27th @ 16h00.

Special Evening against Gender Based Violence

Oxfam Canada is hosting a special evening to join together members, community activists, and friends in support of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.

When: Friday, December 7th, 2007
Where: Rhizome Café (317 East Broadway, Vancouver)
Cost: Free

For information visit rhizomecafe.ca.

Bavubuka All Starz

One Planet, One People, One Generation to Change it all.

The Bavubuka Foundation is a nonprofit organization that believes that connecting youth with music and the arts can transform lives and unify diverse communities. Bavubuka is dedicated to creating spaces and educational programs that will nurture and empower a new generation of young leaders in Uganda and all of Africa, who will use their voices to communicate positive messages and affect positive change in their communities and the world.

Join Bavubuka for another elevating night taking you into the world of conscious hip hop and show you the lifestyles of some of Africa's most potential musical revolutionaries. This is a special one time screening of: "Diamond in the Rough" as narrated by Michael Franti.

When: Thursday, November 22nd, 2007 @ 21h30
Where: The Ridge Theater (3131 Arbutus St.)
Cost: By donation

For more information visit bavubuka.com.

Do you know a Super Volunteer?

In anticipation for International Volunteer Day on December 5th, Volunteer BC is seeking your help in profiling volunteer super stars in your communities. They would like to profile at least one volunteer from each region in BC in celebration of IVD. Is there someone that makes a contribution to your organization or that you know through your volunteer centre who deserves recognition? Tell us about that person!

Please send submissions of 100 to 300 words per volunteer, as well as their photo, the name of the organization where they volunteer, and your name and organization by this Friday (5:00PM November 23, 2007). The first five entries received will be awarded a small prize each.

Volunteer BC is looking forward to hearing about those special people making a difference in your community.

Submissions may be sent to volbc@vcn.bc.ca and for more information visit volunteerbc.bc.ca.

A Night of Music, Resistance and Art

The Anti-Poverty Committee is hosting a second - Picture the Struggle - Silent Art Auction Fundraiser.

When: Thursday, November 22 @ 8:00pm
Where: The Anza Club (3 W. 8th Ave at Ontario)
Cost: By donation

Beer and Wine will be sold.

For more information visit slihc.resist.ca.

Disarm: a film about the journey to a mine free world

To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Mine Ban Treaty, the Red Cross will be hosting a screening of prize winning documentary "Disarm" with guest speaker Song Kosal, a landmine survivor and Youth Ambassador from Cambodia.

When: Wednesday, November 28th, 2007 @ 19h00
Where: SFU Harbour Center (Room: 1700)
Cost: Free?

For more information visit redcross.ca.

Rice Donations

Hey! I hope everyone is doing well. I found this website that donates 10 grains of rice to the UN World Food Program for every question you answer right on a vocabulary quiz. It's fairly easy and pretty chill. Start answering questions and begin donating grains! The website is located at freerice.com.

- Sean

Night of a Thousand Dinners

The UBC International Relations Students Association will host Night of a Thousand Dinners, an event held to raise funds and awareness for the campaign against landmines. Net proceeds from the evening go to Adopt-a-Minefield, which finances mine clearance and victim assistance programs.

The evening is a chance for students, diplomats and members of the business community to come together and enjoy an exceptional meal while discussing and learning about the global landmine crisis. With over 400 people in attendance two years ago, the dinner has the prestige of being one of the larger student-organized Night of a Thousand Dinners in the world.

When: Tuesday, November 27th, 2007 @ 18h00
Where: Marriot Pinnacle in downtown Vancouver
Cost: $55.00 for Students (current student ID required) or $100.00 for Adults

If you require any additional information about the event or ticket sales, please e-mail Night of a Thousand Dinners or visit irsa.ca.

Make Poverty History

For more information visit makepvoertyhistory.org.

Marina Nemat: "Prisoner of Tehran"

The next speaker at the Capilano Theatre for the Performing Arts is one that some of you might find interesting: Marina Nemat is speaking about her experiences being imprisoned in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. She will be telling her story and talking about her new book, "Prisoner of Tehran".

When: Monday, November 26th, 2007 @ 20h00
Where: Capilano College Performing Arts Theatre
Cost: Student tickets are $10.00

Tour Cuba's Healthcare System

The 2008 Health Care Professionals Cuba Tour starts on April 26 for eight days. This is a chance to see in detail what Michael Moore's film SiCKO only gave us a glimpse of.

For more information on different programs visit cubafriends.ca.

Seminar on Education: Bangladesh

The Agha Khan foundation is sponsoring a seminar on education in the global south. It will consist of three parts beginning two short presentations concerning the role of quality education at all levels and both its challenges and successes. The speakers will be followed small group discussions of case studies which will be summarised for the group at large to end the seminar.

Where: UBC
When: Thursday, November 15th, 2007 @ 5:30pm
Cost: Free, lunch or supper provided.

Registration will be limited. For more information visit akfc.ca.

Red Cross Youth Symposium

Where: Port Moody, B.C.
Stews: Erin, Jordan, Hali, and Emily

Our brave GStews attended the Red Cross Global Youth Symposium on Monday to promote Global Stewardship. After driving through major storm warnings they got to Camp Howdy in Port Moody where the event was taking place. They set up a booth at the "Take Action Fair" and did their thing. They also got many of the high school students interested in the Global Voices Event taking place in January, so we will hopefully get some of those young achievers to attend!

Great job Erin in helping organize the symposium and getting GStews out to the event!

For more information visit redcross.ca.

Making Poverty History

The Global Stewardship Program is a long time supporter of the Make Poverty History March. Year long meetings and an army of volunteers make the march happen each year in October. The most recent army of global stew recruits included: (above) Meagan; (below) Jon, Rachel, Sophia, ?, Angela; and (not present) Melanie, Haley, Brooklyn, and Almira.

Call Out for Ideas

This is a really interesting opportunity to get involved in recommending a design for something to make a difference in the developing world. Niki, the Director is a friend of the program.

Design For Development is actively looking for project suggestions from those who have experience in development work or other "in the field" experience. There may be an issue in a community that you've worked in that hasn't been addressed successfully.

For more information visit designfordevelopment.org.

Social Innovation

For those of you serious about social innovation, visit the great resource at cprn.com

Barrio Kennedy Project

Where: Uruguay
Stew: Amanda
For more information visit illumina.pacificaphotography.com.

Amnesty International Film Festival

Where: Vancouver, B.C
Stew: Meagan
For more information visit amnesty.ca.

Grant Writing Workshop

Stew in the Senate

Here is a letter from one of our alumni: "Dear friends and family,"


"On Monday, I was sworn-in officially as a Senate Page. Unfortunately, the CPAC video doesn't have any planned air dates in the rest of Canada like it did here in Ottawa. That being said, if you would like to view the entire ceremony as it was broadcasted, then you can see it online at the CPAC website as a video on demand."


"There are quite a few big (5-7min) serious speeches, but things pick up after the half-way mark and are really fun in the last quarter of the video. I also couldn't resist adding three of my personal favourite official photographs from the ceremony. Enjoy!"

- Bronwyn

World Federalist Global Citizens

Their mission: As global citizens we commit ourselves to learn about and critically analyze peace, justice, and sustainability issues, and to promote affirmative national and transnational actions that make global and local improvements.

For more information visit vcn.bc.ca.

Scholarship Available for B.C. Residents

Irving K. Barber British Columbia International Scholarships will be given to British Columbia students who are chosen, on a competitive basis, from a pool of eligible applicants pursuing part of their post-secondary studies, co-op experiences, internship, and other approved experiential learning activities overseas. Successful applicants must clearly demonstrate academic merit as well as links between their study/work abroad experience and their educational and personal goals.

For more information visit www.aved.gov.bc.ca.

An Inconvenient Truth at CapCollege

G Stews in partnership with the City of North Vancouver hosted Jim Stephenson's presentation of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth". The presentation was well received and the College's Theatre for the Performing Arts was filled to capacity.

City of North Vancouver Mayor, Darrell Mussatto, was on hand to introduce Jim Stephenson and to talk about the City's Green Initiatives on the North Shore (top). Shawn can be seen thanking Dr. Stephenson on behalf of the Global Stewardship program (above).

Some G Stews 'setting up':

And promoting the program to visitors: