[van-announce] Community Events Digest

[SFPIRG]

COMMUNITY EVENTS DIGEST 

== Social justice events happening on and off campus == 








*** Events at SFU Burnaby *** 



1) Sustainable SFU Volunteer Information (Aug 26) 






*** Events Off Campus *** 



2) LGBTQ Workshops (Aug 19) 

3) NuYu Express (Youth Theatre) Art Show (Aug 20) 

4) Canada: Stop Jailing And Deporting Refugees: Support The Tamil Migrants! (Aug 21) 

5) Ancient Forest Summer Potluck (Aug 24) 

6) Pull Focus Films Fall Open House (Aug 24) 

7) Justice For Refugees: Stop The Deportation Of Jose Figueroa And His Family (Aug 26) 



*** Job Postings *** 



8) High School Climate Challenge (HSCC) Call for Mentors in BC 

9) Communications Coordinator 




**compiled by SFPIRG, SFU's student-based social justice resource centre.http://www.sfpirg.ca. To have your event included in the next digest, send a text-based email announcement to sfpirg (at) sfu.ca. ** 









*** Events at SFU Burnaby *** 




1) 



SUSTAINABLE SFU VOLUNTEER INFORMATION 



Thursday, August 26th, 2010, 7pm 
CSCD meeting room on the 2nd floor of the West Mall complex 

Email: sustainablesfu at gmail.com 

Website: www.sustainablesfu.org 


We will be meeting on Burnaby Mountain campus in the CSCD meeting room on the 2nd floor of the West Mall complex. The CSCD meeting room is near the far west entrance by the French department in the Centre for Sustainable Community Development. Just a few doors over from WMC 2621, the Sustainable SFU office. 

We will be discussing new opportunities to help make SFU a more sustainable university for students now and in the future. There are a variety of exciting upcoming projects that require assistance and we hope to see as many that can make it there! 

If you cannot make it at that time do not worry, we will be holding more sessions coming up once the semester starts up again. In addition if you would like to get involved before attending a session kindly email us at sustainablesfu at gmail.com and state your interests. You can also visit our website at www.sustainablesfu.org as we will be putting up information on upcoming projects. 

Thank you and I hope to see as many of you that can make it there! 

Sustainable SFU Board of Directors 












2) 



LGBTQ WORKSHOPS 



Thursday, August 19th - 6:00 to 9:00pm and/ or Friday, 20th - 6:00 to 9:00pm 
Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House, West Hall, 800 E. Broadway. (Prince Albert & Broadway) 
Email: lolaschambach at gmail.com or i_hurly_i at yahoo.com 

About the facilitator: 

My name is Hurly and for over a month, I have been hitch hiking across Canada to raise awareness on racism and homophobia. I am now in Vancouver where I will be doing 2 free workshops talking about the realities of racism and homophobia. It is free and everybody is welcome to come and participate for as long as you want. Here are the details: 

1) “An introduction to understanding LGBTQ newcomers” 
The first half of the workshop focuses on definitions, different oppressions, challenges, tips and tools on how to create a safer and more welcoming space for LGBTQ newcomers . It also talks about the realities of racism and homophobia in multicultural Canada.(led by Hurly Meraveles) 

2) Opening Dialogue through visual art processes 
The second half of the workshop invites you to participate in a visual art process that encourages reflection, expression, collage, and dialogue (led by Alejandra Lopez and Melanie Schambach). 

Thursday, August 19th - 6:00 to 9:00pm and/ or Friday, 20th - 6:00 to 9:00pm 

@ Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House, West Hall 
800 E. Broadway. (Prince Albert & Broadway) 
spots are limited, please RSVP @ 

lolaschambach at gmail.com or i_hurly_i at yahoo.com (specify if you are attending thursday or friday, thanks) 

The workshops again are FREE. It is talking about the dynamics and realities of racism and homophobia. If you know of anybody who might benefit these workshops, invite them. Also check out the blog: thumbsupcanada.com 



RSVP please so we know how many people are going :) 









3) 



NUYU EXPRESS (YOUTH THEATRE) ART SHOW! 

Friday August 20 th 2010, 5pm-7pm 
Britannia Canucks Family Room , 1655 William Street 


(2nd floor above Eastside Family Place off of Commercial Drive, East Vancouver) 




Join past Newcomer Youth (NuYu) Theatre Project participants to see the art they've made! 

This is a Free Youth Art Show 





Refreshments will be served 




http://www.mosaicbc.com/family-programs/family-programs/newcomer-youth-nuyu-theatre-project 











4) 




CANADA: STOP JAILING AND DEPORTING REFUGEES, LET THEM STAY! 
SUPPORT THE TAMIL MIGRANTS! SAY NO TO RACISM! 



Saturday August 21 @ 3:30 pm 
Vancouver, Unceded Coast Salish Territories, Gather at Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Side 

We b site: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=app_2309869772# ! 

Join No One is Illegal to call for the immediate release of detained Tamil asylum seekers, and an end to racist and restrictive refugee policies. Justice, Freedom, and Status for All! 

Surviving a dangerous journey, 500 Tamil refugees, including women and children, arrived in BC after fleeing war and persecution in Sri Lanka. When the ship first neared Esquimault, territories of the Songhees First Nation, it was immediately boarded by the Armed Forces, Border Services, and RCMP. Families are now being separated, with many children being taken by the Ministry of Child and Family Development. The refugees now face the threat of incarceration and eventual deportation. 

Canadian government officials and media outlets are perpetuating false and dehumanizing stereotypes of 'illegals', 'terrorists', and so-called queue-jumpers. The earlier arrival of 76 Tamil migrants on Ocean Lady was similarly sensationalized. This deliberately created hysteria appeals to prejudices of refugees as undesirable. Well-known neo-Nazis, like Paul Fromm and the Aryan Guard, also known as the Canada First Immigration Reform Committee, are openly organizing rallies for the ship to be sent back. 

This fear-mongering is just another tactic used to disguise the racist policies that define Canada’s immigration and refugee system. The Canadian government was recently forced to apologize for its “keep Canada white” measures, such as the Komagata Maru incident. Yet Minister of Censorship and Deportation Jason Kenney continues to increase detentions and deportation of refugees and undocumented migrants, while bringing in more temporary exploitable migrant labour. Public Safety Minister Vic Toews recently declared that Cabinet is drafting new policies to clamp down on migrants and “make this country less welcoming for future shipments of human cargo.” 

No One is Illegal-Vancouver asserts the basic human right to safety, mobility, and protection. It is well known that Tamils in Sri Lanka are fleeing military atrocities and mass displacement. The only crime the migrants have committed is transgressing this imposed settler-colonial border. We encourage you to join us in rejecting repressive, racist, and exclusionary ideologies and policies, and instead encourage compassion, solidarity, respect for life, and justice for all refugees. Release Detained Asylum-Seekers! Let the Boat Stay! Status for All! 



*** HOW ELSE CAN I SUPPORT? *** 
THERE ARE 10 THINGS YOU COULD DO! 

1) Join other cities and communities for nation-wide actions. Wherever you maybe, whatever you can organize (delegation to a Minister’s office, street theatre, leafleting, community speak-out), will help build this movement. 

Please email noii-van at resist.ca and let us know how you can participate. 

2) Sign the online petition here: 

http://www.petitiononline.com/16082010/petition.html 

3) Engage in dialogue and widely circulate the factsheet on the 6 most popular myths about the 490 Tamil Refugees, available here: http://noii-van.resist.ca/?p=2167 

4) Put up posters in your neighbourhood, workplace, and campus, and as your social media profile. We have ‘Let them Stay’ and ‘Anti Neo Nazi, Fight Racism’ posters available here: 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nooneisillegal/ . 

PDF’s: http://bit.ly/9HBtGa and http://bit.ly/cgM3gK 

5) Participate in the Call/Email/Fax Campaign to the Government and your MP. State your support for the refugees to stay in Canada and denounce the government for spreading unsubstantiated racist lies. This is easy to do and you can tell others to do the same! 

Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration 
Phone 613-992-2235 or 403-225-3480. Fax 403-225-3504 or 613-992-1920. 
Email: Minister at cic.gc.ca and kennej at parl.gc.ca 

Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety 
Phone: (204) 326-9889 or (204)345-9762 or (613) 992-3128. 
Fax: (204) 346-9874 or (204) 345-9768 or (613) 995-1049 
Email: toewsv1 at mts.net and Toews.V at parl.gc.ca 

To find out who your MP is and where to write them: 
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseOfCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC 

6) Always take a minute to write letters to the editor and comment on news stories - make a difference in public discourse! Reinforce your support for the migrants and condemn irresponsible reporting including repeating unsubstantiated lies and giving white supremacists like Paul Fromm a platform. All letters must be short (100 words), include name, mailing address and daytime phone number of the writer; state “Letter to the Editor” in subject; and content should be in the body of the email. 

Globe and Mail: letters at globeandmail.com 
Vancouver Sun: sunletters at png.canwest.com 
Vancouver Province: provletters at png.canwest.com 
24 Hours: news at sunmedia.ca 
Metro News: http://www.metronews.ca/Vancouver/comment/lettereditor 
National Post: letters at nationalpost.com 
Toronto Star: lettertoed at thestar.ca 

7) Take your own initiative. This issue is not just the Tamil communities’ or for migrant justice organizers. The growing racist backlash that is taking root should concern all of us. Think of creative ways to disrupt this xenophobic climate (do a banner drop, host a community picnic, take some friends postering, organize a forum or press conference, distribute anti-racist zines, take action at the prison). 

8) Consider inviting a speaker to your next meeting. 

Email: noii-van at resist.ca and we would be happy to attend or suggest speakers, as well as provide educational materials. 

9) Have your organization, traditional council, union, community group, or artist collective write a short public statement of support for the Tamil migrants. Please email us a copy at noii-van at resist.ca . 

10) Join our low-traffic email announcement list to receive news and events. You can subscribe yourself https://lists.resist.ca/mailman/listinfo/noii-l . 

Our Facebook group is: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6252584281&ref=ts . 

Join the Facebook group Uphold the Rights of the MV Sun Sea Migrants here: 
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=106719212717437 

Visit our website regularly for articles: http://noii-van.resist.ca/ 










5) 



ANCIENT FOREST SUMMER POTLUCK 

Tuesday, August 24th, 6pm-8pm 
Trout Lake Park (South-East corner, near concession and covered area) 
Website: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=123988814315375&ref=ts 
Email: hannah at ancientforestalliance.org 

Join us for an evening at the park -- a great chance to relax and have fun, meet others supporters, find out more about the campaign, and take action to save BC's endangered old-growth forests! 

We will have a potluck dinner, so please bring food to share, as well as your own plate/bowl and utensils if possible. 

There will be info, maps and photos, sign-up opportunities for newcomers, petition-signing, letter-writing, and an old-growth species id game. We will give an overview of the campaign and discuss avenues for involvement, such as the regional Ancient Forest Committees. As well, we will have a chance to plan for upcoming events such as the Week of Action in September, and to envision more action ideas for the future. 

Invite your friends and family, everyone is welcome! Feel free to bring an instrument, park games, or anything else to make this a fun evening! 

If you are planning to come, please RSVP to hannah at ancientforestalliance.org (not required but helpful to estimate numbers!). If you are unable to attend but would like to be involved in an Ancient Forest Committee or contribute ideas ahead of time, please also get in touch! 

Facebook event at: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=123988814315375&ref=ts 

We hope to see you there! 

AFA Vancouver team 
Hannah, Michelle & Tara 









6) 



PULL FOCUS FILMS FALL OPEN HOUS E 



Tuesday, Aug 24 19:00 - 23:30 

Pull Focus Film School, 306 Abbott Street, Vancouver, BC 



Pull Focus is a non-profit film school that partners students with non-profit organizations to make media for community development. 


We are holding an Open House on August 24th, 2010 which includes a course info presentation, film screenings, registration specials, snacks & beverage 



http://www.pullfocusfilms.com/ 










7) 



JUSTICE FOR REFUGEES: STOP THE DEPORTATION OF JOSE FIGUEROA AND HIS FAMILY 


Thursday, August 26 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm 

Rhizome Café, 317 East Broadway, Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories 

Admission: Suggested donation $10-$25, low income $5, no one turned away 

Come learn about the campaign to challenge the Immigration and Refugee Board’s (IRB) recent decision to deport [a married B.C. father of three Canadian born children] on the basis of his affiliation to a political organization [while he was a College student, in El Salvador, over twenty years ago.] Jose Figueroa was declared inadmissible to Canada by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Ministry of Public Safety due to his past association with the Farabundo Marti Front for National Liberation (FMLN), a former opposition organization that is now the governing party of El Salvador. 

Join us for a discussion with Jose Figueroa, his lawyer, and others involved in his defence. 

All proceeds to go towards the Figueroa family's legal costs to fight the deportation order. 




*** Job Postings *** 


8 ) 



HIGH SCHOOL CLIMATE CHALLENGE (HSCC) CALL FOR MENTORS IN BC 








HSCC is looking for mentors to provide guidance to high school students who will be performing energy and environmental audits of their schools from September 2010 to June 2011. 

Honararium of $250 per school 



We are looking for mentors in the following regions where we have registered or will be seeking participant high schools: Surrey Program 



Description: 

HSCC, a program of Clean Air Champions (CAC), is being implemented in all 20 Surrey High Schools. Its main purpose is to educate, inspire and engage highschool student leaders (grade 9-12) to conduct audits at their schools with the goal of significantly reducing institutional greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). 



The HSCC program incorporates the following key components: 

-Mentorship of HSCC climate action teams by Clean Air Champions as well as University students trained in GHG audits 

-Educational seminars by Champions linked to the themes of HSCC including air quality, climate change, impacts on the environment and human health 

-An online, automated greenhouse gas (GHG) calculator that produces quantifiable data on GHG measures and reductions 

-Student support towards planning and implementing action projects 



The Online GHG Calculator Tool: 

Students will be gathering data on heating fuels, electricity, paper consumption, landfill waste, and water and land use (greenspace) for as many years as possible dating back to 1990 to create a GHG inventory. The online tool will give students feedback that will be used to plan action projects in their school. 



Mentor Role: 

- Participate in a training session to become familiar with the online GHG calculator tool and User Guide 

- Do 3 school visits to provide guidance on gathering information, team coordination, and troubleshooting through the audit process 

- Be available to the team leader for questions and support via email 

- Help students prepare a final report/presentation on findings (in some cases). 



Note: Champions will introduce the program and calculator tool to student teams and walk through the calculator inputs in advance of the first mentor visit. 



Mentor Qualities: 

- Experience with youth 

- Environmental science background 

- Currently attending university or college or recently graduated 



Timeline: 

Dates will be determined once the program launch date has been confirmed with registered schools. 



Commitment: 

We are looking for mentors to participate in a training session and perform up to 3 school visits per school. It will be critical to the selection process that we have 100% commitment to the school from start to finish. 



Training sessions will be offered via evening webinars. 

Honararium approximately $250 per school. 



Police record checks will be required. 



For more info, check out www.climatechallenge.ca To sign up as a mentor, email Karen at karen at climatechallenge.ca with your name, campus, region(s) of availability, and brief background experience. 









9) 



COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR 



Tuesday August 24th, 2010 

Email: info at thecompassionclub.org 



The BC Compassion Club is a consensus run, not-for-profit organization that meets the holistic healing needs of a large and growing community. We are looking for a caring and committed individual to join our staff collective as part of our Communications Department. This is a 32-hour a week position. We encourage people with all backgrounds to apply. Familiarity with cannabis and/or holistic health care is an asset. Experience in social work, consensus, anti-oppression or activism is preferred. Candidates will be expected to be comfortable interacting with a diverse population, working within our consensus decision making model, and using current technology. 



We offer a starting wage of $16 per hour with generous in-house benefits. Extended health benefits apply to staff working 20 hours or more per week (after a probationary period). Apply by e-mail with cover letter and resume to info at thecompassionclub.org by Tuesday August 24th, 2010. 

No phone calls please. We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. For more information about our organization please visit our webpage: www.thecompassionclub.org 



MAIN DUTIES: 

Media relations and spokesperson duties (write press releases, do interviews) 

Community outreach, support, and follow through 

Website administration 

Media tracking (keep track of and archive current material relevant to the Club) 

Write articles for external and internal publications 

Marketing 

Give presentations 

Respond and give input to Health Canada 

Bring updates to Circle, Board, and Members meetings 

Respond to communications/inquiries 

Fund-raising 

Producing/facilitating production of documents on current relevant issues 

Work as a team with the rest of the Communications Department staff 

Work collectively with the Club 



CRITERIA: 

Communication skills: verbal, writing, listening, and diplomacy 

Commitment and ability to follow through on outreach and communications 

Experience and facility in dealing with media 

Well-organized 

Marketing and fund-raising skills 

Professional work ethic 

Willing and able to work as part of a team 

Ability to respond intelligently in the moment (think on your feet) 

Knowledge of current issues and legislation in Canada surrounding harm reduction, HIV/Aids, drug policy, and access to cannabis and other natural health care products and services 

Self-motivated while happy to embrace direction from the collective 

Flexible – available to take calls outside of regular working hours 




www.climatechallenge.ca