[van-announce] Community Events Digest

Fri May 21 17:59:30 PDT 2010

COMMUNITY EVENTS DIGEST 

== Social justice events happening around town == 

*** Events at SFU Burnaby *** 

1) Coming Out Discussion Group (May 25) 

2) Bike up the Hill for Bike Month (Jun 1) 

*** Events Off Campus *** 

3) Ismaili Muslim Art Exhibition: The Beginning (May 18-May 28) 

4) Save The Health Contact Center (May 22) 

5) Girls rock camp movie night (May 22) 

6) Victoria Day Garden Party and Paint-In (May 24) 

7) Stop The Welfare Cuts ((May 25) 

8) Pedal for peace (May 23) 

9) Hope in Shadows supporter night (May 27) 

10) Fighting For Lakes, Water & Rights (May 27) 

11) Screening of the documentary Awakening the Skeena (May 28) 

12) Stand Up, Sing Out! Expressions of resistance and freedom (May 28) 

13) Fraser River Park Interpretive Kiosk Unveiling (May 29) 

14) Coalition of Child Care Advocates Of BC AGM And Advocacy Update (Jun 3) 

15) Ottawa Trek 75th Anniversary Celebration (Jun 5) 

16) Daylighting Mount Pleasant’s Streams: A Conversation (Jun 6) 

17) Vancouver Report Back From People's Climate Summit (Jun 10) 

18) Join the 2010 Canadian Youth Delegation! (Due Jun 11) 
19) Maria Luisa Regalado’ s Speech (Jun 14) 

*** Other Announcements *** 

20) Register For The People’s Health Series (Summer 2010) 

21) A LEAP Workshop Series (July 3-August 28) 

22) SFU Pocket Market Launch (Every Wednesday, Summer 2010) 

**To have your event included in the next digest, send a text-based email announcement to sfpirg(at)sfu.ca. SFPIRG is SFU's student-based social and environmental justice resource centre** 

1) 

COMING OUT DICUSSION GROUP 

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 6:00pm - 9:00pm 
MBC 2290, SFU Burnaby 

8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC 

Website: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121081861259862&ref=mf 

A discussion about coming out, hosted by Out on Campus. 

Come join us for a discussion about the experience of coming out (or not coming out) as: rich, poor, conservative, liberal, religious, atheist, agnostic, happy, sad, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, political, apolitical, concerned, apathetic, homophobic, homophilic, vegetarian, vegan, carnivore or anything that is who you are - that you don’t normally tell people about. 

2) 

BIKE UP THE SFU HILL 

Jun 1, 17:30am-11: 30am 

Town and Gown Square on the Burnaby campus 

Sign up at: http://www.biketoworkmetrovan.ca/ 

More information at: 

http://www.sfu.ca/sustainability/resources/greenpages/transportation/cycling.html 

May 31-June 6 

(Bike up on June 1st and get free pancakes and coffee from 7:30am-11:30am at the Town and Gown Square on the Burnaby campus). If you are interested in helping us host one at the Vancouver or Surrey campus in the future email sustainability at sfu.ca to volunteer. 

Think it's crazy? Do you find yourself laughing out loud at this idea? 
We don't blame you! But we challenge you to try it out anyway because who doesn't like a challenge! 

Try skipping the gym once a week and biking one way (to or from work) 

Try biking part of your commute and putting your bike on the bus the rest of the way 

or got a bike rack? Try driving part of the way and biking the rest 

Sign up today http://www.biketoworkmetrovan.ca/ to join the thousands of others across the Metro Vancouver area to track your route, join a team and pick up some tips! 

Find more tips and resources on the SFU Sustainability website here http://www.sfu.ca/sustainability/resources/greenpages/transportation/cycling.html 

Do you already cycle commute to work? Let us know so we can share your route, tips and story with others! 

3) 

ISMAILI MUSLIM ART EXHIBITION: THE BEGINNING 

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 6:30 PM to Friday, May 28, 2010 at 5:00 PM 

Roundhouse Community Centre, 

181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver British Columbia Canada 

Website at: http://ismailimuslimexhibition2010.eventbrite.com/ 

4) 

SAVE THE HEALTH CONTACT CENTRE, THE CONTACT CENTRE SAVES LIVES 

Saturday, May 22 nd , 4:30 pm 

Outside DEWC (302 Columbia, corner Cordova) 

Email: project at dewc.ca 

Phone: 604-681-8480 x 234 

Sign petition at: http://www.petitiononline.com/dtesctre/petition.html 

On facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126546530693493&ref=mf 

Over the past week, hundreds have rallied in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to protest the closure of the Health Contact Centre. Stopping rush hour traffic for several hours, DTES residents and concerned supporters have been demanding that the Contact Centre be re-opened as many have recounted how the Centre saved their lives. 

It may take some time and energy, but we will continue to rally to get the Health Contact Centre re-opened! We demand that VCHA re-open Health Contact Centre, stop cutting funding to essential public health services (there are two more rumoured cuts forthcoming), and take leadership from DTES residents about our own health care needs. 

5) 

GIRLS ROCK CAMP MOVIE NIGHT 

Saturday, May 22, 7:00PM 

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

Girls Rock Camp Vancouver is a non-profit society that builds self esteem in female youth through music creation and performance, mentorship and leadership development opportunities. Come for a screening of the documentary film Girls Rock! Hang out, have a snack and learn more about GRCV at this all-ages get-together. Volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions and sell you a button! 

$2-10 suggested donation, but no one turned away 

6) 

VICTORIA DAY GARDEN PARTY AND PAINT-IN 

Monday May 24, 1:00-3:00 PM 

10300 block River Road, Delta, near River Road & Centre Street. (Take the 640 bus: 10 minutes from Scott Road Skytrain or 15 from Ladner Exchange). 

Email: info at sunburyneighbourhood.ca 

Phone: 604-585-1142 

WHAT: Historic homes are being demolished on the Fraser River bank, to make room for the proposed South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) freeway project. Join us for a Victoria Day garden party and refreshments while you paint your displeasure with the SFPR on large banners! 

WHO: The Sunbury Neighbourhood Association and friends 

WHY: To express our royal displeasure with Gordon Campbell's petulant scheme to pave over this historic landscape instead of preserving it as a Historic Waterfront Park 

BRING: Friends, family, painting clothes, freeway-busting ideas, slogans, cartoons, or whatever you fancy! Painting supplies and banners provided or bring your own plus a re-useable cup for this earth friendly event. Groups opposed to the SFPR are welcome to bring a display table. 

OPTIONAL: Cucumber sandwiches, croquet and fine bone china. 

7) 

STOP THE WELFARE CUTS! 

March for Dignity, Human Rights and Social Justice for People on Welfare. 

Tuesday, May 25, 2:00PM 

At Main and Hastings, Vancouver 

Organized by VANDU – Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users 

The latest Provincial Budget made major cuts to welfare including cuts to dietary allowance for people with chronic illness, dental care and the $75 ‘comfort allowance’ (in lieu of rent) for homeless people. Changes also include legislation to deny welfare and disability to an undetermined number of people who have warrants for indictable offenses. Indictable offenses include minor theft (theft under), drug possession and charges related to immigration and refugee status. Under this legislation people who have been accused (but not convicted!) of criminal offenses anywhere in Canada will be kicked off welfare. 

People on welfare in BC are already living in extreme poverty because welfare rates are so low. These changes make us poorer, place strain on already struggling families and communities, and further undermine our ability to participate as full and equal members of society. 

Let’s join together to stop the cruel and punitive cuts to welfare and to demand dignity, social justice and human rights for people on welfare! 

8) 

PEDAL FOR PEACE 
Sunday, May 23, 5:30pm 

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

Shanti Uganda Society presents a bike-themed evening in support of the organization's work to empower and uplift women, children and communities. Join your cycling community for an evening of entertainment and prizes, bike trivia, and more. Learn about the organization's latest projects. 
Suggested donation $5-100. 

9) 

HOPE IN SHADOWS SUPPORTER NIGHT 
Thursday, May 27, 6:00pm 

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

Come join Pivot Legal Society for a celebration and discussion of Hope in Shadows , a project to empower residents of the Downtown Eastside to use photography to promote their community. 
Donations welcome, but no one turned away for lack of funds 

10) 

FIGHTING FOR LAKES, WATER & RIGHTS 

Thursday , May 27 th , 2010 Doors @ 6:30 pm, Panel @ 7:00 pm 
The Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Ave, Vancouver 

Phone: 604-688-8846 

Email: cathwi at telus.net or karinjohnson_ at hotmail.com 

By donation, sliding scale from $5 to $20 

The panel: 

- Chief Marilyn Baptiste , of the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation, on the struggle to defend Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) and the rights of Tsilhqot'in Nation and communities. 

- Rex Weyler , cofounder of Greenpeace International and editor of the Greenpeace Chronicles, on challenging the fundamentalist logic of economic growth and consumerism. 

- Maude Barlow , the National Chair of the Council of Canadians, on the fight to defend lakes across the country, the broader struggle for water justice around the world and the impact of new trade proposals on the rights of communities. 

Vancouver-based Taseko Mines Ltd is proposing to drain Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) in order to stockpile ROCK waste and use Fish Creek and Little Fish Lake as tailings impoundment areas for a gold-copper mining project called Prosperity Mine. Teztan Biny is home to an estimated 85,000 rainbow trout. The Tsilhqot’in have lived in the area for thousands of years. They oppose the environmental destruction being proposed by Taseko Mines and were not consulted by the Province of British Columbia when it approved the project. 

The Tsilhqot’in Nation filed a writ in B.C. Supreme Court claiming an Aboriginal right to fish in the area that they have never ceded to the Province. The claim, if successful, will prevent Taseko Mines Ltd. from developing its proposed Prosperity Project, 125 km southwest of Williams Lake. Additionally, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's federal review panel that has traveled to communities throughout the territories was given a clear message that the Tsilhqot'in and their supporters in Williams Lake are saying no to the project. However, given that the voices of communities are often ignored in favor of business interests of the applicant we need your support to save Teztan Biny. The decision from the panel is expected before July 2nd. 

Trade agreements and government policies continue to promote the rights of corporations over the rights of people and communites. The logic of allowing "economic growth" to cause ecological destruction needs to be challenged and the destruction of pristine fresh water lakes is simply another reason why. Water is a common resource. The rights of communities to protect water that they depend upon for their very basic needs and cultural traditions must be prioritized over the profits of a mining company. 

Join us on May 27 th and join the fight for lakes, water and community rights! 

This event is being organized by the Surrey-White Rock, Vancouver-Burnaby and Delta-Richmond Chapters of the Council of Canadians. 

11) 

SCREENIG OF THE DOCUMENTARY AWAKENING THE SKEENA 

Friday, May 28, 2010, 7:00 PM 

SFU Harbour Centre, Fletcher Challenge Theatre, Vancouver 

Awakening the Skeena is a documentary about northern BC resident Ali Howard’s epic month-long swim down the entire 610 kilometres of the Skeena River in northern British Columbia, from its source at the Sacred Headwaters, through treacherous whitewater canyons, and ending at the Pacific Ocean. Her journey celebrates the Skeena’s vibrant communities and ecosystems and raises awareness about the threats the river faces from oil and gas development. 

12) 

STAND UP, SING OUT! EXPRESSIONS OF RESISTANCE AND FREEDOM 
Friday, May 28, 7:00pm 

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

Streams of Justice presents an evening for sharing songs and spoken word pieces that give expression to our personal and collective stance against injustice, and our longing for human solidarity and dignity. An array of artists will open up these themes through poetry, story and music, energizing our spirits to continue the struggle for justice. 
Free, donations welcome. 

13) 

FRASER RIVER PARK INTERPRETIVE KIOSK UNVEILING 

Saturday May 29, 1:00-2:30PM 
Fraser River Park, Angus at West 75th 

Please join the Vancouver Park Board at the unveiling of the new interpretive kiosk describing the nature, ecology, industry and history of this area. 

Refreshments, cake 

14) 

COALITION OF CHILD CARE ADVOCATES OF BC AGM AND ADVOCACY UPDATE 
Thursday, June 3, AGM at 5:30, program at 6:00 

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

Come hear an update of local, provincial and federal childcare advocacy issues. Hear about the Integrated Care and Early Learning Project, and learn why "child care is a right!" 
Free 

15) 

OTTAWA TREK 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 
Saturday , June 5, 7:00pm 

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

In 1935, hundreds of unemployed men joined together to protest the horrendous conditions in federal work camps, walked out of the camps on strike, and travelled to Ottawa to issue their demands for change to the federal government. Join us for the 75th anniversary of their On-to-Ottawa Trek. Sing along to music from the Trek and the 1930's labour movement. Hear a reading from Pubs, Pulpits & Prairie Fires by author Elroy Deimert; and celebrate the Trekkers and how they changed our history and our nation. 
Free, donations welcome 

16) 

DAYLIGHTING MOUNT PLEASANT’S STREAMS: A CONVERSATION 

Sunday, June 6, 1:00-4:00 PM 

Native Education College, 285 East 5th Ave, Vancouver 

Email: rwong at ecuad.ca to RSVP 

We invite you to join Bruce Macdonald and Bryn Davidson for a conversation about daylighting neighbourhood streams. We will begin with an opening song led by Russell Wallace, in honour of the neighbourhood streams. The conversation will be facilitated by writer and Mount Pleasant resident, Rita Wong. 

Bruce Macdonald is the author of Vancouver: A Visual History and worked closely with the Brewery Creek Historical Society. 

Bryn Davidson is a Mount Pleasant resident, and a designer and sustainability consultant who has proposed a plan to daylight St. George Creek. 

Russell Wallace is a composer and musician who sings with the groups Tzo’kam and Tiqilap (whose first CD will be launched at the NEC on June 18). 

This event is free. It is organized by Mount Pleasant residents. Anyone who cares about Mount Pleasant and its streams is invited to participate. 

All are welcome. Please email rwong at ecuad.ca to RSVP so we have a sense of how many people to bring snacks for. 

We would like to acknowledge the support of the Neighbourhood Small Grants Project. 

17) 

VANCOUVER REPORT BACK FROM PEOPLE'S CLIMATE SUMMIT 

Thursday, June 10, 2010, 7:00PM 

Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings, Room 1900 
Featured speaker: Robert Lovelace, Algonquin First Nation 

Email: eutrapelia_delsur at yahoo.ca 

"Bolivia’s World People’s Summit on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth was radical, inspiring, uncompromising and exactly what was needed. Up to 30,000 people from six continents took part in the summit, which was held in the Bolivian city of Cochabamba from April 19 to 22... The call from Cochabamba is unmistakable. Global warming is not just an ‘environmental’ concern. To save the planet from dangerous climate change the climate movement must also stand for radical social change and grassroots democracy.” - Green Left Weekly 

You are invited to join us in hearing about this historic gathering, and in discussing and planning future activities for climate justice. 

Suggested donation $5-10, no one turned away for lack of funds. 

Organized by Canada-Bolivia Solidarity Committee. For more information, or to add your organization’s endorsement email eutrapelia_delsur at yahoo.ca 

18) 

JOIN THE 2010 CANADIAN YOUTH DELEGATION! 

Due on Friday Jun 11th, 2010, 6:00 PM 

Applications are now open for the Canadian Youth Delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Meetings in Cancun, Mexico, taking place at the end of 2010 and for the leaders of the Canadian Youth Delegation Home Team. If you want to make a difference, learn about international climate policy, have a great time, build your capacity, work with a diverse group of youth from every province and territory in Canada, and support the international youth climate movement, then this opportunity is for you. Check out the applications below (available in French or English) for more information. Applications are due on 6:00 pm PDT, Friday June 11th, 2010 . 

19) 

MARIA LUISA REGALADO’ S SPEECH 

Monday, June 14th, 6:30pm 

El Barrio (2270 East Hastings St, Vancouver) 

Phone: 604.708.1495 x113 
Email: cwood at codev.org 

Please join us at a public event to hear from CoDev's partner Maria Luisa Regalado of the Honduran Women's Collective (CODEMUH) and an active member of the National Resistance Front. 

20) 

REGISTER FOR THE PEOPLE’S HEALTH SERIES 

Starts May 30th 

Organized by Alliance For People's Health 

Phone: 604-215-2775 

Website: http://aphvan.wordpress.com/peoples-health-series/ 

The People’s Health Series is: 

- Popular education 

- Preventative health information 

- Shared analysis of health issues 

- Connecting health to social justice 

- Community action for change 

The People’s Health Series is intended for: 

- Anyone interested in making positive changes in their own health, as well as the health of their families and communities; 

- Those interested in becoming volunteers or Community Health Advocates with the Alliance for People’s Health; 

- Students from health sciences, social sciences, and related community studies who are interested in expanding their understanding and practices related to community health; 

What’s Involved in the People’s Health Series? 

The People’s Health Series has four core components: 

-Popular Education where we collective our experiences on the particular topics, analyze those experiences, and strategize changes to improve individual as well as community health in a participatory fashion; 

-Group Activities to build hands-on practical skills during the People’s Health Series; 

-Personal Change and Reflection incorporated into each session to encourage each group members to take action to improve our own health; 

-Community Health Project Planning to support the development of new community health projects, and expand current community health projects such as the Food Action Collective for Sustainability and Transformation (FACTS). 

Schedule of Activities: 

May 30: Does Capitalism Make You Sick? Biomedical vs. Preventative Healt h 

Learn about and discuss the different ways societies approach meeting the health needs of their communities and how this ultimately impacts our health as individuals, families, and communities. Share our own experiences of health/ill-health and how we can make changes as individuals, but more importantly, how communities can take action for health. 

June 6: Smile with Dignity! Dental Care is a Human Right 

Share our experiences with dental care and analyze the connections between poverty and poor dental health. Discuss the connection between dental health and overall health. Learn about and participate in the APH campaign to include dental care under the current Medical Services Plan in BC. 

June 13: What’s on the Table? Food Justice and Community Health 

Consider who has access to healthy food in our society. Examine what foods are available in our communities and discuss the production and distribution of food. Obesity and malnutrition are two sides of the same coin; ask ourselves, what is really making people sick? Is it really about choice? Take action! What can communities do to improve food justice? 

June 20: Food Justice Survey & Community Mapping 

Divide into teams and survey the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood to examine what is the community’s access to food. Return to the Organizing Centre, pool our data, and discuss the implications for health of our findings. What role does the market play in determining our right to nutritious foods? What kinds of actions have communities taken to improve food justice? 

June 27: Free Our Minds: Stress, Anxiety, and the State of Society 

Share our experiences of stress and anxiety with a focus on the sources of our stress. What do we share in common? Step back and examine the contradiction between our personal values and aspirations versus the expectations we face under capitalism. Share tips on how to manage stress and anxiety, and go deeper to strategize collective actions for change. 

July 4: Written On Our Bodies: Back Pain, Neck Pain, and Physical Activity 

Are you or someone you know living with chronic pain? As a group examine our experiences of pain and injury. Why are people in pain? What is the source of this pain? Discuss what we can do to treat, as well as prevent injury and pain. Examine the relationship between physical wellness, employment, income, and community design. What can we do as individuals and a society to improve our physical well being? 

July 11: Community Kitchen for Social Justice! 

Collectively plan and prepare a meal to share with the People’s Health Series participants. Build skills in the kitchen while having a dinner to celebrate the People’s Health Series 2010! 

Date TBA: ‘Smile with Dignity’ Dental Campaign Action 

Take action as a part of the APH campaign to include dental care under MSP. This action will include a participatory ‘speak out’ component – details to be announced in the People’s Health Series. 

Logistics: 

Registration and Participation: pre-registration is required for participation; full participation in all sessions and activities is required. Please complete the registration form and either send it to us by e-mail, mail, or drop it off at the Organizing Centre for Social and Economic Justice. 

Session Times: with the exception of the Smile with Dignity campaign action, all activities will take place Sundays from 11:00 am sharp to 2:00 pm. 

Food and Childcare: will be available at each session. If you require childcare, you must let us know in advance. We will provide childcare on site with prior notice. 

Materials: all materials will be provided free of charge. 

Register early as the People’s Health Series 2010 has spaces for a maximum of 16 participants and spaces will fill! 

21) 

A LEAP Workshop SERIES 
July 3 to August 28 

Cost: A refundable deposit of $50.00 
Organized by the Vancouver Status of Women 

>From July 3 to August 28 , twelve selected participants will develop skills to analyze issues, facilitate discussions and take leadership in their communities through the lens of anti-colonial and anti-racist feminism. The training will culminate in a participant-led community dialogue session. 

We are looking for low-income indigenous mothers and mothers of colour who are passionate about developing leadership skills to participate more fully in movements for social change. 

Applications due JUNE 18, 2010 
E-mail to leapcoordinator at vsw.ca or fax to 604-255-7508 

Benefits of participation include... 

1. Growing self-awareness and confidence as leaders 
2. Gaining skills to describe how systems of power work starting from lived experiences 
3. Experiencing and imagining possibilities for liberation in the context of community 
4. Developing facilitation skills in collective learning, consensus decision-making and transforming conflict 
5. Developing healing relationships with self and others 

Upon successful completion of the training and community dialogue session, each participant will receive a certificate, letter of recommendation and honorarium. 

Requirements of participation include... 

1. Becoming a member of Vancouver Status of Women ($1-50 sliding scale membership fee) 
2. A refundable deposit of $50.00 
3. Commitment to attend and participate in all eight workshops and the community dialogue session 

Participants are supported with lunches, return bus tickets and on-site childcare by the LEAP Childcare Committee. 

Workshops take place on Saturdays at Kiwassa Neighbourhood House from 10:00am to 4:00pm with a 45 minute lunch break and two 15-minute breaks. Before applying, please make sure you can commit to this schedule. 

22) 

SFU POCKET MARKET LAUNCH 

Every Wednesday, Summer 2010, 12 - 6pm 

Cornerstone Town Square, Burnaby Campus 

Website: www.sfulocalfood.ca 

Email: pocketmarket at sfulocalfood.ca 

SFU Pocket Farmers Market Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SFU-Pocket-Farmers-Market/116695021702169 
SFU Local Food Project Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=74610329340&ref=ts 

Get Fresh! Get Local! 

The SFU Pocket Farmers Market runs every Wednesday from May 19th to October 27th in Cornerstone Town Square, near the upper bus loop. Come join us for the third market season with local and organic produce, freshly baked bread and preserves and live music! 

For more information visit www.sfulocalfood.ca . Want to join the pocket market team? Email pocketmarket at sfulocalfood.ca . 

The SFU Pocket Farmers Market is brought to you by the Coquitlam Farmers Market Society and the SFU Local Food Project. It is proudly supported by the SFU Community Trust and Vancity. 