THE LIF'E AND LEGACY OF DON TOPPIN

Paul Bertrand

A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Department of Adult Education, Community Development and Counselling Psychology Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto

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Canada THELIE AND LEGACYOF DONTOPPIN PAULCHARLES BERTRAND MASTEROF ARTS 2000 DEPARTMENTOF ADULTEDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY ONTARIOINSTITUTE FOR STUDIESIN EDUCATIONOF THE

ABSTRACT

This thesis provides a selected swey and anecdotai account of the life of Don Toppin from childhood to present. Given the difficulty in documenting the early events of Mr.

Toppin's life, oral history rnethods were employed. The fist and second chapters are based on interviews with Mr. Toppin. The latter haif of the thesis is based on primary sources including Mr. Toppin's writings and correspondence.

Mr. Toppin's work is assessed in the context of the development of adult education in

Canada. His comection with the popular traditions of adult education, community development and citizenship participation are explored in some detail. His contributions to future studies in Canada in the new millennium are also discussed. 1 would like to thank Mr. Don Toppin for his extraordinary patience and valued fnendship over the years. 1would also like to thank James A. Draper, my thesis supervisor, for his assistance, clear direction and concemed support. His abiding faith in the power of adult leamers to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals has supported me through this work. 1wodd also likè to thank Budd Hail, who served on die thesis comrnittee, for his valuable input. Professor Harold Troper of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education provided important practical information and rerninded me that the stories of the iesser known members of our society are as worthy of telling as the stones of the famous. Speciai thanks as well to Mr. Toppin's colleagues who have generously taken time to speak with me. Finally, 1 would like to thank my wife Carol whose steadfast support has sustained me through this work. Table of Contents

... Acknowledgments...... III Table of Contents ...... iv

Chapter 1. Introduction ...... 1 MF~HODOLOGY...... -7 Oral History ...... -7 Historical Validiry ...... 5 Narrative and Genre...... 8 Personal Reliability ...... 9 OBJEC~VES...... 9

Chapter 2. The Early Years: 1917-1939 ...... 14 Yom WORK...... 14 Young Canada S Corner...... 28 Young Canada Radio Hour ...... , ...... 29 Older Boys ' Parliament ...... 20 The Canodian Insîitute of Public .4flairs Radio Program ...... 22 Canadian Federation of Youth ...... 26 EMERGMGTHEMES ...... 28 Common Future ...... 29 Elimination of War ...... 30 Citken Pariicipation and Cornmunity Dwe fopment ...... 30 The Speciai Role of Canada ...... 31 Smmary ...... 32 UNIVERSITYYEARS AND CHANGMGGOALS ...... 32

Chapter 3. The Corporate Years 1939-1967 ...... 38 CORP~RATEEXPER~CE ...... 38 Insurance Executive ...... 38 Incarne Securiw Concept ...... JO Camto Coasl Advertising Corporation...... ,...... 41 CORPORATETWING CONSULTANT...... 42 Educational Technology and Programmed Imtruction ...... 42 Productivity Project A TLL '67 ...... 17 This Cybernetic Age ...... 53 NOTES...... ,., .. ,...... 58 Chapter 4. Social Innovator: The Muskoka Years 1967-1978 ...... 60 THEFIN PILOTPROJECT ON LEISURELWG ...... 60 Centennial Acres ...... 61 Career Assessm endSeIf-Directed L earning...... 64 Corpurate Programs ...... 64 MUSKOKAINSTITUE FOR THE R~RE...... 66 Purpose ...... 66

Appendix 4: Great Millennium Songs ...... O...... 144 Chapter 1. Introduction

James Draper, professor, Ontario htitute for Studies in Education, first suggested the topic of this thesis to me in 1994. He felt that Don Toppin had made Unportant contributions to aduit education, and that they should be recorded. An initial meeting was scheduled; Mr. Toppin and I spent a few hours in conversation to determine our ability to mrk together on the project.

Mr. Toppin has a strong sense of his own identity and his role as a futurist/educator. He has spent years promoting public causes and has become well known in some circles. The name Don Toppin opens doon to people of international renown because of their deep respect for him. He is a consummate networker who promotes global and local causes for the benefit of hurnanity. He seldom misses an oppomuiity to promote his colleagues as well as bright young individuals in order to bnng together great ideas and great people to do great things. Many individuals feel they owe their careers to introductions orchestrated by Mr. Toppin.

Our initial meeting was successful; there was a positive feeling that we could work productively together, although 1 was concemed about the lack of corroborating evidence, especially for the period 1929-1 950.

Next, I reviewed some of James Draper's records, from which 1 developed a tentative chronology of Mr. Toppin's life. A series of recorded interviews took place between May and September 1995.1 began each interview by asking a senes of questions Oased on the chronology. Mr. Toppin often took the interview in his own direction. providing wondemil anecdotal information dong the way. Unfominately, he found the inte~ews exhausting and 1became concemed for his health. We agreed to conduct telephone interviews. which 1taped with Mr. Toppin's permission. Fuially, 1 reviewed a large number of documents James Draper had saved, in addition to print and photographie records Mr. Toppin provided. Mr. Toppin enjoys processing ideas through pesonal dialogue. Sometirnes these "dialogues" are redy "monologues" in which Mr. Toppin works through ideas, making connections and linkages that may be obscure to the listener. He often repeats an idea in different ways or describes a historical event from difTerent perspectives, identiwng "obvious linkages" between events that took place 30 years apart. Mr. Toppin is always open to creative suggestions that advance his thinking. Although he has left behind an enormous amount of material. most of his tmly significant work was done throug!! personal networking.

Mr. Toppin is now 86. Despite his poor health, he has a keen intellect and a singular ability to find meaning in events most would find mundane. To Mr. Toppin, simple events in daily life have powemil effects that resonate globally. He believes that the simplest action of one individual can affect the entire world. A powerful orator, he acquired his skills through public speaking contests, honed them on public radio and perfected them through speaking engagements. He has an incredibly detailed memory of people, places and dates. He remembers individuals he met at conferences yean ago, the significant outcornes of those conferences and follow-up activities that were not part of the public record. For this reason, much of the hinorical information in the first and second chapters is based on recordings of our conversations. Wherever possible, 1 have attempted to provide extemal venfication of the facts.

Methodology The purpose of this section is to review some of the considerations related to oral history as a legitimate research tool.

Oral History Mr. Toppin was bom in 19 14 in mai Ontario. Some of the most interesting and formative events of his life took place between his binh and 1934. Through archival work, I have been able to secure considerable objective evidence of Mr. Toppin's work in his early life, but many records simply no longer exist. Therefore, I have chosen to approach this paper as oral history and have provided a descriptive histoncal narrative using audiocassettes of our interviews to reconstmct events. Later chapters of this paper rely more heavily on Mr. Toppin's persona1 and public papen as well as interviews with colleagues.

At the outset of this project, 1 made a variety of rnistakes as a result of my own lack of experience with oral interviews. However, 1have made a considerable effort to correct these dificulties based on procedural information drawn fiom Harold Troper's historical research course, which I took at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in the fa11 semester, 1997.

1 conducted the research according to the methods outlined in "Sounding Boards: Oral History and the Local ~istorian".' The following outline of activities does not entail al1 of Matcombe's recommendations but reflects the process I followed.

Preliminary Intentiew (without tape recorder) The initial meeting between Mr. Toppin and myself took approximately one hour. The purpose of the meeting was as follows:

Establish contact so that a relaxed and Eendly excbange takes place. * Decide whether the subject's voice and memory seem reasonably unimpaired. * Decide whether the subject has the starnina for the interviews. Ask for photopphs, clippings or other useful materids. '

Assessrnent and research Mer the preliminary interview, I developed the initial chronology and examined the paper records to decide which areas of Mr. Toppin's experience wodd have to be docurnented through oral history methods. This process is outlined by Marcombe: * Decide whether or not to go ahead. Ident* gaps in chronology and prepare questions and issues to be discussed as well as areas in need of clarification. Prepare an interview schedule. Equipment: a Sony Tape recorder. .' Interviews The initial interviews took place in Dr. Draper's office between May and June 1995. The following guidelines were respected during the interviews:

Do not project ideas ont0 the subject; simply encourage the respondent to speak. Never argue with subject: this is the subject's forum. Assume attitude of Uiformed naiveté. Do not answer questions yourself. Coax and encourage; avoid intrusive intejections. Watch for signs of fatigue. - Sign a consent form if the intention is to publish the interviews. Avoid replaying the cornpleted interview in the presence of the interviewee."

Storage, Anatysis and Transcription A detailed index should be drawn up highlighting names, places. occupations and other relevant de:ails.'

Although Marcornbe suggests transcribing the tapes, 1 found the process quite difficuit and unnecessary. Instead, I followed the suggestion of Harold Troper to use the tapes to clarify written notes made during the interviews. 1 used the notes as the bais for my writing and referred to the tapes for quotations or clarification. Since Mr. Toppin is available to me, 1often phoned him to discuss points in need of clarification.

1 have had hundreds of phone conversations with Mr. Toppin since 1995. With his permission, I have taped the most important conversations using a standard telephone microphone. This has proven to be an excellent way of leaming about Mr. Toppin, since he feels in his element on the phone. In addition, conversations could be terminated quickly when he felt the need for rest. 1have recorded multiple discussions on the same topic in order to cross-check his recollection of events and to compare factual information.

Mr. Toppin has a profound sense of the dignity of the individuai. His words and deeds reflect the depth of his understanding of and compassion for the human condition. His is the voice of a humanist, a reflective practitioner of adult education?who thinks not in tems of his own fînancial gain or personal success but in terms of the greater good for socieîy. Oral history has had a significant impact upon historical practice in the second half of the twentieth century. It has democratized the study of the past by recording the experience of people who have been 'hidden fiom history'.

Mr. Toppin speaks of involvernent with such a large number of well-known public figures that it is easy to become skeptical about the veracity of his testimony. He wouid be the fust to Say rhat his contributions to the overall scheme of things are not great. Mr. Toppin is not a vain man. On the other hand, he would point out that he has given expression to many ideas that have corne to hition in the work of othen. It can be quite a challenge to veriQ Mr. Toppin's contributions to adult education, since he has been "hidden From history", working as a consultant without the backing of a large institution.

Mr. Toppin was an infonned practitioner; he kept up to date on research and aaended major conferences in a variety of fields. He cultivated close relationships with some of the greatest thinken in Canadian politics, business and adult education. He maintained ongoing relationships with international figures and United Nations oRcials involved in global activities, supporting their work and promoting local linkages. As a result of his networking, people who would not otherwise have met have worked together on significant projects. But throughout the years, Mr. Toppin has avoided creating a public image through self-promotion:

And then the other thing 1 think 1 learned at an early age was to allow myself to be catalytic and to feed in ideas in a lateral manner not linear and to let the idea evolve. The best way to do that is to step back and let it evolve rather than being too forceful with your images and perceptions. 1 found at a very early age that it was best not to promote yourself too heavily. 1saw what was happening to some of the people who did over-promote themselves. So 1am not as well known as 1 probably wodd have been if 1 had promoted myself heavily .... I had promoters and people and some ideas but I have never called on people and ideas to promote me.'

Given that the public record of Mr. Toppin's early activity is incornplete, oral evidence is very useful in completing the picture. Oral historian Trevor Lummis points out that the validation of historical evidence acquired through oral means can be divided into two main issues: the extent to which an individual interview reveals reliable information on the historical expenence and the degree to which the related expenence is typical of the time and place. Lummis draws an interesting distinction between memory and recall on pragmatic grounds. By rnemory, he means the entire fund of information about the pst, which the interviewee will relate as stories. These stones or anecdotes have been polished through repeated tellings and have been integrated with the individual's values and subsequent experience. Factual information is well preserved as elements of the story. Recall refers to responses to specific or detailed inteniew questions bat prompt dormaat memories containing extensive circumstantial information. memories not integrated with the individual's later experience.

Memory is not a static or passive receptacle for information. The colorationsTomissions and modifications of events reveai the interviewee's subjective consciousness:

But what is redly important is that the memory is not a passive depository of acts but an active process of the creation of meanings. Thus the specific utility of oral sources for the histonan lies, not so much in their ability to preserve the past, as in the very changes wrought by memory. These changes reveai the narrator's effort to makr sense of the past and to give form to their lives, and set the intewiew and the narrative in their historical context.

Oral history "ells us less about events than about their rneaning "'O in the life of the narrator, shedding new light on those events. From this perspective the subjective nature of oral history is a positive rather than a negative factor:

But the unique and precious element which oral sources force upon the historian and which no other source possesses in equal measure is the speaker's subjectivity. ... Oral sources tell us not just what people did, but what they wanted to do, what they believed they were doing, and what they now think they did. "

Oral sources are not objective. The document produced 6om oral history is, unlike written sources, cdled into being by the researcher through an artificial situation. Still, oml sources are credible in a unique way:

Oral sources are credible but with a different credibili~.The importance of oral iestirnony may lie not in its adherence to fact but rather its departue fiom it, as imagination, symbolism and desire emerge. Therefore there are no 'false' oral sources. Once we have checked their factual credibility with al1 the established critena of phiiologicd criticism and factuai verification which are required by di types of sources anyway, the diversity of oral history consists in the fact that 'wrong' statements are still psychologicaliy 'tme' and that this truth may be as equally important as factually reliable accounts. "

First and foremost, Mr. Toppin is an orator. He has spent his life hding meaning in events, recounting stones and anecdotes for his audiences. Through repeated tellings, these stories have become highly polished. Some of his stories have become traditions at social gatherings. A comical example is the story of the gavel he uses at Toronto/2000 meetings. Whenever Mr. Toppin is well enough to attend. he opens the meeting with the retelling of the story of how Frank Underhill, economics professor at the University of Toronto, gave him his gavel -and at each of those meetings the attendees listen to the story with the same enjoyment. in a larger sense, Mr. Toppin's anecdotes preserve the subjective record of what he felt he was accomplishing as a leader in the practical application of adult education principles and in the early implementation of educational technology in a community setting. His highly polished anecdotes preserve his understanding of the principles of adult education and how he attempted to implement them. They demonstrate his understanding of and participation in the critical movements in adult education and future-oriented thinking. Many of the anecdotes preserve memories of his conversations with leaders in education, scientific and political circles. They are interesting on their own merits for the light they shed on the times.

1 discussed the issue of Mr. Toppin's testimony in the broader context of historical validity with professor Harold Troper. He suggested that if some of Mr. Toppin's assertions could be venfied, his overall reliability on other events would be supported. He also suggested that Mr. Toppin's words should be treated as text -no more or less reliable than any other source.

1 decided to verify several claims made by Mr. Toppin about his early years: fist, that he had written a column called "Young Canada's Corner" for the Prescott JournuI; second. that he had had a radio show called "Young Canada Hoin"; and third, that he had initiated and at times moderated a radio show entitled "The Canadian hstitute of Public AfEiks", which aired corn coast to coast on the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Corporation (before the creation of the CBC). 1 thought it would be interesthg to look for objective evidence of these shows.

I contacted the former owner of the Prescott Journal, who indicated that al1 of the issues of the Journal had been sent to the Archives of Ontario in Toronto for microfilming. I made several visits to the Archives and, using M..Toppin's dates, 1 was able to locate ail of the articles he wrote under the title "Young Canada Corner", some of which referred to the radio show "Young Canada Hour". The dates proved to be accurate. I dso found a 1935 article that reported a speech delivered by Mr. Toppin on "The Canadian Institute of Public Mairs", which verified that the show existed. It remained to research the records of the CBC to verify that the show aired across Canada as Mr. Toppin claimed.

1 contacted the CBC to investigate this information in the summer of 1997. The archivist confirmed that very few records had been kept Bom the CRBC but found a reference to the show in the daily playbills hm1934. While the show is clearly referred to as "The Canadian institute of Public Affairs", M. Toppin's name does not appear on the playbill. This is understandabie, since he was not an employee of the CRBC.This information, taken together with the reprint of his speech in the Prescott Journal, serves as a powerful verification of the accuracy of Mr. Toppin's testimony.

Narrative and Genre Recent studies in oral history have focused on the application of narrative and literary analysis of oral history testimony.

Any life story, whether a dtten autobiography or an oral testimony, is shaped not oniy by the reworking of expenences through memory and re-evaluation but also by art. Any communication has to use shared conventions not oniy of language itself but also the more cornplex expectations of 'genre': of the forms expected within a given context and type of co~nmunication.~~

Ln other words, through the use of shared storytelling conventions, the narrator creates a biography with enduring themes that describe the individual's relationship to society. "Whether standing up to authority, overcomllig impossible odds, or sucviving a war, the patterns of narrative, built up over a lifetirne of daily discourse, utilize diverse patterns drawn hmurban, folk, literate, and commercial sources and exist as a shared reso~ce.'"~

The weaving together of anecdotes conveys the wider meaning of the individual's life. The type of narrative used by the speaker, the organization of the narrative, and the vocalization reveal much about the speaker's relationship to their history and the relative importance attached to those events.

Genre, then, depends to a large extent on the shifüng balance between the pesonal and the social, between biography and histo~y.Life and times is a cliché definition of biography and auto biography in general (L ife und Times of Frederich Douglass for one); according to where the scales tip between the Z@ and the tirnes, oral history shifts between performance-oriented narrative and content-oriented document, between subject-oriented life story and theme-onented testimony. In practice, oral history stays mostly in-between: its role is precisely to connect life to times, uniqueness to representativeiiess, as well as orality to writing. The keyword in life and times is the one in the middle. 15

Mr. Toppin has written a great deai about his life and times. He interprets his own expenence in the context of the important social issues of the time and in relation to other Canadians. These insights are valuable as a way of understanding the past, specifically, important events in the history of adult education in Canada.

Personai Reiiability The reliability of testimony can be affected by age, attitudes, dishonesty and prejudice. Unreliability does not need to be malicious. For instance, embarrassrnent about a bankruptcy may lead to skirting around the truth. It became obvious that Mr. Toppin was avoiding the events that led to the failure of his New York-based business and Centennial Acres. He did not see any reason for me to discuss his farnily matten in any detail. Rather than push my questions about this, 1decided to accept his explmation of events and focus this work on the history and development of his ideas without reference to his family life.

Objectives The objective of this thesis is to document selectively the life and ideas of Mr. Toppin, as well as to identi& and highlight the contributions he has made to adult education in Canada. Mr. Toppin is a gifted thinker, futunst, adult educator and composer -a visionaiy whose life has spanned the building of our nation and whose contributions to adult education, Canadian politics, fiiturist ideas and global thought have not been documented in academic hting. Mr. Toppin is a great believer in the public &airs format of adult education, traditionally associated with the Couchiching Conferences. He is best understood as a catalyst for others -b~ging people together to do great things - fostering personal cornmitment and zction to ad&ess significmt intrvorld issues, dwqs with the long-term goal of building a comrnon future for humankind.

Don Toppin has had a huge impact on the lives of many of those who have had the good fortune to count him among their &ends. He has a positive vision of the future with a great belief in the power of humanity to change the world for the better. Mr. Toppin firmly believes that with the cooperation of a few leaders, the third millenniurn can become a golden age in which every single human being can receive a minimum level of food, clothing, shelter and education. He believes it is cntically important that we act without delay to transform society for a better future. He has acted in those interests al1 his life and constantly encourages othen to do so. In that sense, he is and always has been a social innovator. For Mr. Toppin, the key to building that future is adult educatiomot necessarily through formal education, but through the building of leaming communities that take charge of the futw by acting on their learning.

Mr. Toppin has had a number of careers but the abiding theme is his deep concem and compassion for al1 Canadians (and more broadly ail people of the world) regardless of social status or class. Although he was wealthy for a time, money didn't motivate him. He made it his life's work to tackie the big issues affecting al1 hurnanity, sometimes at great personal cost. At present, rMr. Toppin is living well below the poverty level, in a retirement home for Canadians associated with the Performing Arts.

James Draper highlighted the many sides of Mr. Toppin's personality in a tribute given on the occasion of Mr. Toppin's seventieth birthday. He described him as

.. . a person of the highest principles, with faith in the accomplishments of continuhg education, a builder of bridges of understanding; adult educator, writer, fiiturist, researcher, organizational consultant, social inventor, editor, crusader, prophet, dear finend, cireamer, poet and much more; a human being characterized by compassion, tolerance and love who believes that ou.thought and actions can have repercussions around the world.16

Ron Ritchie, founder of the htitute for Research on Public Policy, went on to compare Mr. Toppin to Aurelio Peccei:

Don Toppin has a feeling for the needs of the society in which we live and the people who coins afkr us. Hz has cxpressed that bzkr than anyone I know, excxcept Aureiio Peccei, and continues to stimulate othen to express it."

Mr. Toppin was an educator fiom an early age. He has always considered lifelong leaniing the best means to a positive future. To build a better fiiture, an educated citizenry is needed. Mr. Toppin could be called an animateur sociale as described by J.R. Kidd:

1. He stimulates people to think about, and develop the will to take part in. their own personal development and cornmunity improvement. 2. He supplies information about methods and helps develop skills of community education and comrnunity action. 3. He assists people to discover and develop qualities of leadership in themselves and in each other. 4. He helps people assess and develop standards of value and judgment about their own growth and community change. 18

Al1 of these characteristics apply to Mr. Toppin, who has spent years reaching out to educate and infonn othen through radio, television, cornmunity groups, books, articles and music. Personal responsibility plays an important role in Mr. ToppinTsthought. He believes firmiy that the best road to a healthy democracy and a better hture is citizen participation in community-based groups:

To be a participant in cornmunity life and action was the boast of every Athenian citizen. It was his privilege, and his honour compelled him to exercise it. Participation enlarged him, made him more of a man, added to bis dignity. The man who refused this opportunity mîssed what was precious in his life.19 In an age when technology tends to isolate individuals from one another, Mr. Toppin calls for an engagement in society and community that hearkens back to the earliest days of adult education in Canada. The roots of Mr. Toppin's beliefs are found in the 1920s and 1930s when citizen participation was at a hi@ point. Writing in 1971, Roby Kidd noted: Most of us have forgotten the variety and extent of cornrnunity organization and action during the depression and war years. During two brief decades, senlement houses where middle-class social workers had moved in to oKer help to the poor were changing into comrnunity centen based on substantid citizen participation; urban block plans were being devised to give crowded, yet isolated, alienated people some face-to-face association with which to identiQ; the notion of animateur was being developed; vast recreation programs were being operated by comrnunity people without a single professional in view; hundreds of thousands of people began to leam to participate in unions; politics in Alberta and Saskatchewan were based on active social units; and there were scores of neiphbourhood self-help movements of which the Sad Alinsky program in Chicago was the best publicized.20

Without a doubt, MI. Toppin's expenence in community and social action groups of the depression and war years had a profound influence on his activities over the years. He has founded and led numerous cornmunity-based organizations for educational purposes with no thought to his own profit. He has worked as a consultant in the fields of educational technology, hurnan relations and fùturism. Even as an insurance executive in the 1940s. Mr. Toppin expended additional persona1 effort to develop empioyee training programs and to work actively in community educational activities. Mr. Toppin rnaintained personal contact with political and educational leaders via telephone, mail and conferencing. He kept himself informed about international issues from the environment to education and then organized conferences and discussion groups to focus attention and interest on local responses to those issues. Unlike most well-documented adult educators, he did al1 of this without institutional backing. Through Mr. Toppin, one cm comect with the earliest traditions in Canadian adult education. [ David Marcombe, Orcil Testimony and the Local Hktorian (Oxford: Depanment of AduIt Education. University of Nottingham, 1995) 14-32. 'Ibid., 16-32. lbid., 20-22. ' Ibid., 23-28. ' Ibid, 28-32. Ibid. 7 Don Toppin. htenterviewed by nuthor, May 1995. 8 Trevor LuMNs, "Structure and Validity in Oral Evidence", The Oral History Reader. eds. R. Perks and T. Alistair (New York: Routledge, 1998) 273. Allessandro Ponelli, What Makes Oral History Different", The Orol Hirtoty Reader, eds. R. Perks and T. Alistair (New York: Routledge, 1998) 69. 'O Ibid., 67. " Ibid., 67 " Ibid., 68. l3 Mary Chamberlain and Paul Thompson, eds.. Narrative and Genre (London. England: Routledge. 1998) 1, '' T.G. Ashplant, "Anecdote as Narrative in Working Class Stories", Narrative and Genre 1 10. " Ibid., Portelli. " p26 l6 bbF~flVistDon Toppin Honoured", Ciiy Dweller (Toronto) 1984. " Ibid. '' J.R. Kidd, "Adult Education. the Community and the Animateur", Citizen Participation: Canada, ed. James Draper (Toronto: new press, 1971 ) 13 8. '9 Ibid. 'O Ibid., 145. Chapter 2. The Early Years: 1917-1 939

Mr. Toppin was bom in 19 14 in Prescott, Ontario, son of Frederick Toppin and Carry Esther (Goodin) Toppin. His father was a successful fmeras weli as a real estate and insurance broker. His mother wrote for the Prescott Journal. His grandfather was one of the founders of a local insurance Company. He remembers vigorous household discussions about major social issues when Premier G. H. Ferguson visiteci. The eariy 1920s was an exciting time to be young. The Great Depression had not yet hit. radio was just beginning and there was a sense of security and progress. The pages of the Prescott Journal for those years are filled with local news items. farmen' advice and information, large advertisernents for local food and clothing stores as well as automobile sales. A sense of success and hope for the future was apparent in the paper until, of course, 1929.

It was also a period of rapid growth in the number of social groups that sought to change Canadian society. Dick Davis, former National Secretary of the YMCA, captured the atmosphere:

1 suppose the turning point in my life and 1 think in Canadian life to some extent was the First World War. Before that we seemed to go dong rather easily. We had oufeet on what we thought was firm ground. It was after the First World War, I think, that young Canadians began to wake up. A great many new organizations started. This democracy thing began to flourish after the war. This is loosely stated but you see during the war young people were exposed in England to a lot of so-called radical ideas. They had heard of Webb and the Fabians and Bernard Shaw, mild radicais if you like. So the young people brought back new ideas and they went into the univenities' veterans' courses -some of the religious ones broke away from the YMCA which they thought was too conventional, too orthodox - the Student Christian Movement was started. It was a stimulating incentive for young people to move off in al1 directions. '

Youth Work The Ontario Work Board was an interfaith group compnsed of representatives of the Catholic, Anglican and United Churches as well as the YMCA. The Work Board sponsored a series of volunteer programs for youth, including the Trail Rangers (boys under 16), Tuxis Rangers (boys 16 and over), Standard Efficiency Training (young people aged 18-20) and Older Boys' Parliament. The clubs were similar to the Boy Scouts, which some felt was too military in focus. In 1929, Mr. Toppin joined the Trail Rangers and went to Broder Island Boys' Camp. As Mr. Toppin progressed through the groups, he became known as an excellent speaker and group leader. In 1934, he ran three or four small human relations meetings at the Central YMCA in Ottawa. He also participated in public education seminars, entitled "The Canadian hstitute on Economics and Policy", at the tirging of Charles Bishop (former Nationa! Secretary of the YMCA). Mr. Toppin encouraged others to reflect on social problems and the political process through the Work Board programs, especially Older Boys' Parliament.

These experiences had a strong effect on Mr. Toppin - especially the srna11 discussion groups, which he describes as "little meetings that could help solve problems by bringing great ideas and people together." Breakout groups or "linle dyads and triads" were used to discuss social issues and propose action. He recreated the mode1 again and again in his own educational projects and often points out how different this was fiom what he calls linear learning (SCho01 learning).

Don Toppin was a talented child. He excelled in school, loved music, and developed an interest in public policy issues at an early age. He had a strong interest in Canada3 role in the funue. Mr. Toppin attributes the beginnings of his futurist thought to his grandmother, a great visionary with a powerful feel for the future:

It actudly started with my grandmother in 1927 when with great foresight she suggested that we should go to Parliament Hill and help celebrate Canada's Diamond Jubilee. Lord Baldwin wouid be there. He had been a Prime Minster somewhere. 1 didn't know who he was. The Prince of Wales was there; I was very curious about the Prince of Wales. As a bit of a sideshow to the whole thing they had the World Poultry Congress which I had entered. My grandmother thought it would be nice to bring my pigeon Molly dong and we did and she won second prize at the pouitry show and she flew home which was a fi@-two mile trip. She was waiting for us when we got home about 9:OO that night. But that was my first exposure to thinkuig globally. The world had been very linear up till then. 1 went to school each moming just as ail the other boys and girls did. But fiom that moment on 1 was a little bit different, 1 somehow or other got a feeling that we had to think in tems of the world. 1guess I got that right from birth because I was bom a few hours before the world war began. And it was a giorious tirne in which 1 was bom, too. The Ziegfeld follies were on in New York and George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion had opened at the Old Vic and you woddn't think that in an environment like that anyone would be so insane as to start a war. And yet they di&?

The young Don Toppin reflected deeply on his discussions with his grandmother. She provided food for thought for his young, active mind. Discussions about the League of Nations impired hirn to write a school essay. It triggered a series of events that led to his fmt radio appearance at age fifteen.

And so when my teacher suggested that we should write an essay - she gave us two topics, Canada's Future or the League of Nations - 1 asked her if 1 could combine the two . She said "What do you mean?" "Well it would seern to me that the League of Nations has a role to play in the hure of Canada". Ynteresting idea". she said. "Well of course you may". I wrote and memorized the essay. i'd never made a speech before. But she said it was so good that, 'you know 1 would like you to read it to the class", which I did and 1 was norninated to go to another school to compete for Eastern Ontario - 1won that too. 1came to Toronto and I won that too and six of us lived in the Royal York hotel at $2.00 each per night. 1 think it was 1929 - the Royal York had just opened?

The stories of the Diarnond Jubilee, Molly the pigeon and the essay on Canada's Future in the League of Nations contain defining moments. The stories have been polished through repeated telling and demonstrate how Mr. Toppin saw that he was somehow destined to become a futurist thinker. The Diamond Jubilee introduced him to the world, and he now interprets the experience as his first exposure to global thought. Mr. Toppin often mentions that Molly the pigeon showed him that miracles could happen. The essay foreshadowed his interest in the United Nations.

Mr. Toppin's grandmother had a huge impact on his early development. His interest in the future, his belief in the centrality of the family in education and his concern for the well-being of al1 hurnanity and the dignity of the individual were instilled in him through conversations with his grandniother. She stimulated his thinking about what makes a just and good society, which led to his nirining for Boys' Parliament:

My grandmother is very important. You see the whole process of education -the roIe of the parents and grandparents and al1 the implications for the new families, the non-nuclear families -and 1 think it is awfully important that we go back a ways so that we cm get our econornic system organized in such a way that families can be families again. That's gone way out of kilter. And that's one of the thiogs which my grandmother did .. . she was a very farsighted lady and she was absolutely petrified that there should be a war over vimially nothing and that kids should be starving ... That was the benevolence of the caring society ... where the cornmunisr takes a responsibility for helphg to look after caring for the members of that community with the assumption that the members of that community would also assist in caring for others. The whole Beveridge concept from Cradle to rave.^ Now it was that thinking that took me ... well, first of al1 1 ran for Boys' parliament.'

Mr. Toppin's lifelong concem for social planning and persona1 well-being is demonstrated in this discussion of the "caring society". It would eventually be reflected in the tile of his proposed Ph.D. thesis, "Security and Freedom", as well as the book From CradZe tu Grave on the issue of income security. At this time he was certainly attracted to the goals of the CCF and to the Social Gospel pnnciples as well.

Many of the ideas that inspired Mr. Toppin cm be traced to the social movements of the tirne. For instance, the book his grandmother gave him, The League of Mations, inspired his essay "Canada's Future in the League of Nations". The book was a publication of the League of Nations Society that had developed radio programs in the 1920s and had initiated a series of projects under the direction of its most active proponent, Professor H.

Mercer, in October 1927 6.

With the creation of the Canadian Radio and Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC)in 1933. a National Cornmittee developed a radio series entitled "Canada's berest in the Collective System". The cornmittee, chaired by Bill Claxton, was composed of N.A.M. Mackenzie of the University of Toronto and Norman Rogers of Queen's University, who later becarne one of Mr. Toppin's most beloved professors.7 Faris notes in The Passionate Educators that "during the series T.W.L. MacDermot, secretary for the society, caused an incident by stating that in any hture war, issues such as the conscription of wealth and of men wouîd Iead either to revolution or di~inte~ration"~.Similar contentions appeared in Mr. Toppin's own speeches and writings. From 1929-1935, Mr. Toppin (age 15-20) was busy giving speeches both in person and on radio on die topic of Canada's future. He wasn't just influenced by the thinken of the the, he was one of them -an active member of the youth movement.

By 1934, while W.J. Dunlop was forming the Canadian Association of Adult Education, Mr. Toppin was akeady a popular speaker and radio personality. He had initiated and appeared on the first Canada-wide public &airs show, 'The Canadian Institute of Public Anain", exhorùng youth to join his organization, the "Canadian Federation of Youth", and form local study groups. This was long before FmRadio (1939) and Citizen's Forum (1943).

Young Canada's Corner In 1933, Mr. Toppin was offered the opportunity to write a regular colurnn in the Prescott Journal. He had written the Trail Ranger column (1932) which simply reported hockey scores and schedules, but his interests were broadening quickly as a result of the impact of the Diarnond Jubilee and his expenence with the Y". The column was renamed "Young Canada's Corner" and, in addition to providing general information. it offered reflections on the Older Boys' Parliament and the fbture of youth. The tone of the Social Gospel is evident in his cal1 for youth kom ail religious groups, including the Catholic Church, to work together to resolve social problems. According to Mr. Toppin, the ecumenicai nature of the column was highly unusual for the time:

Beginning with this issue, we are commencing a special boys' column as a successor to the Tuxis and Trail Ranger column of 1st year. Instead of this colurnn containing news of the Tu'tis and Trail Ranger organizations alone, we want this column to contain news of al1 boys' organizations at work in our country such as the Burning Bush, Boy Scouts and any organization which might be connected with the Catholic Church. We realize that the grave problems which are confronting youth can be solved only by the railying together of our forces so that we may be educated as to the necessity of strength and CO-operationin world &airs. We, no matter what our religion or social standing may be, are facing one common problem, that is, the problem of lifting our country kom the present compt state of social and economic chaos into the bright and ever prosperous land which God intended it to be. Men the Older Boys' Parliament met in Hamilton at McMaster University Iast month, the challenge was thrown out to us to give our best toward the making of a better Canada by getting the youth of our cocstituencies to cooperate and 1, as a member of that august body for Grenville County am appealing to dlboys to unite in this common cause. 9 The column featured useful information to help coordinate youth group activities. This is significant because it illustrates Mr. Toppin's intuitive grasp of the use of media to coordinate collective social action and cooperation not just locally, but as he says above, in world flairs. This was tdyvisionary for a youth of his age.

Young Canada Radio Hour

ACter winning the provincial essay cornpetition, W. Toppin came to the attention of a radio announcer who invited him to read his essay on the local radio station, CFLC Prescott. hpressed with Mr. Toppin's speech and his oratory skills, the radio manager decided to offer Mr. Toppin a regular spot.

When 1came back, the local radio station manager had heard 1 won the prize. He had read it in the local paper, the Prescott Journal. He said he'd like to have me read it on the air some day. He said, "corne Ui next week and we'll taik about things." It was a linle 100-watt station and we started talking and in about 20 minutes we had created the Young Canada Radio Hour and it was very simple to me. It was something like the Chase and Sanbom program except it was for youth -it was for children. We'd encourage anyone with talent. They'd have to be recommended by their school and we'd allow people to read essays of not more than five minutes, sing songs and do little plays of 12 minutes. It was quite exciting! And we had a theme and 1 wrote the thing. It went on for a number of years.'O

The "Young Canada Hou? combined news, essays and entertainment - a magazine of the air for youth. The narne of the show was ambitious for a station with only a 100 watt capacity but it looked toward a future in which a broader audience would be accessible. This becarne Mr. Toppin's est regular broadcast, airing once a rnonth on CFLC Prescott.

1 am also glad to announce that we are trying to complete arrangements with the Prescott radio station CFLC for a special boys' program once a rnonth called the "Young Canada Hour" to begin about February 4th. On these programs we shdl feature musical numbers of a high calibre and addresses by prominent leaders from Boys' Parliament and by those holding offices in their respective organizations. If every boys' organization CO-operatesand if every leader takes an interest, these programs shodd be some of the most interesting on the air. Further particdan shall be given later. " By February 2 the arrangements were complete. The original lineup for the show demonstrated the public affairs emphasis: The first broadcast shdl consist of addresses by A.C. Casselman, MP Bert Powell, member of the Cabinet of the Ontario Older Boys' Parliament, Jack Johnston, Trail Ranger representative for Eastern Ontario; and Don Toppin, member for Grenville, Twelfth Ontario Older Boys' Parliarnent. Besides these addresses several musical selections of a high calibre shall be presented in which several talented people will participate. '' The radio show was a great success and a pioneering use of radio to present public affairs conceming youth. It became well known in the area. Mr. Toppin felt free to deliver comrnentary on news items in order to stir the thoughts of his listeners. This was unusual for the time:

Again, that was a new thing. You weren't supposed to comment. As a matter of fact, you didn't have commentators. You didn't have Canadian Press either. You read news off the telegraph lines. I would pick up my little telegraph printout tape before my broadcast and then 1 was Free to comment - Say anythhg I'd like. There was no censorship at ail. Nobody ever told me 1 couldn't Say anything and that was a good thing.I3

Mr. Toppin became a local celebrity as a result of this show. He became a "radio penonality" in addition to being an important speaker on the topic of youth and Canada's role in the future.

Ofder Boys' Parfiament In 1933, Mr. Toppin was elected Prime Minister of the 13" Older Boys' Parliament. He was known both for his youth work, his radio show and public speeches. R. B. Bennett, Prime Minister of Canada, was present for one of Mr. Toppin's speeches in an Ottawa Baptist Church. He was intrigued by both Mr. Toppin's speech and his radio show, "Young Canada Hour". He told Mr. Toppin that he felt sornething should be done for youth at a national level and invited Mr. Toppin to visit his office the next day. Mr. Toppin also met Hector Charlesworth, chairman of the newly formed CRBC. Together, they conceived a coast-to-coast public affairs show called "The Canadian Institute of Public Affairs". The Canadion Institule of Public Amrs Radio ~rogtarn'~

The meetings with Hector Charlesworth (Chainnan of the CRBC)... I still remernber on Valenthe's Day, Febniary 14, 1934. My appointment was at 10:OO and at 20 minutes after 10 we had created the Canadian Institute of Public -4ffkh-s.That's dl it took. I mean, this is a big idea. As a matter of fact, it had offshoots. 1suppose 1 could clah it was the father of al1 the public affairs shows. Things like Front Page Challenge even, Citizen's Forum, Farm Radio Forum. FmRadio came right out of it. There was a comection with Dick Davis right there -Citizenship Forum with the Canadian Association for Adult education as the main catalyst. In al1 these cases there was a convergence of concepts, which is a fairly rare thing.15

The radio show was a pioneenng effort to use radio to raise public and citizenship issues. The intention was to create a Canada-wide public flairs radio show, a magazine of the ainvaves, which would inform, educate, entertain. The show appears in the CRBC daily program guide for the week of October 7, 1934:

The Commission's senes of Sunday evening talks presented under the title Canadian Institute of Public Affain -a title adopted hy the program department -opens at 6:00 o'clock, October 7. For this opening the Young Men's Canadian Club of Montreal sponsors Mayor Carniîlien Houde of that city. l6

Mr. Toppin has retold diis story on numerous occasions. The accounts differ in some of the details but the main thrust is aiways the same. The most interesting memory of what took place February 14 cornes hman unpublished work Breakdown or ~reakthrou~h." The passage illustrates how Mr. Toppin weaves his own experience into the historical events of his thewhile providing an interesting account of the various organizations and individuals involved:

We are products of our genetic and social conditionings, but there is interplay between a human being and society. One incident can change a life! One idea can change the future! Many great happenings started with a single step by one human being. Ruth Evanson was a wondefi high school English teacher and a great human being. She suggested that I write an essay about "The Futuref'. Then she urged me to represent the school in a public speaking contest, which 1 did. Many things started to happen: a Canadian National Exhibition Shield; Young Canada Radio Hour; The Premiership of the 13th Ontario Older Boys' Parliament; the National Chairmanship of the Canadian Federation of Youth, which led to the Canadian Youth Commission followed by the Pwis Commission, which introduced the idea of Federai Governrnent Training programs. 1actually did not have very much to do with the process; once started it grew in many directions and Ruth remained an English teacher until retirement. 1 sometimes wonder how much of this might have happened if an idea had not been planted by Ruth Evanson.

My appointments for the week read as follows: Feb. 12 10 am. Rt, Hon. R.B. Bennett, Prime Minister of Canada 2 p.m. Hon. H.A. Stevens, Minister of Trade & Commerce 3 p.m. Hon. J.S. Woodsworth, CCF, Leader in the House of Commons Feb. 14 20 a.m. Hector Charlesworth, Chairman of the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission. 2 p.m. Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King, Leader of the Opposition 3 p.m. LW. Cockbum, Ottawa Journal Feb. 15 10 a.m, T.D.Finn, Managing Editor, Ottawa Citizen 1 1:30 a.m. His Excellency, Govemor General Lord Bessborough. Rideau Hall 3 p.m. Rev. Dr. W.F. Kelloway, Minister, Dominion United Church

Lord Bessborough talked to me about the importance of the English language. When he was finished, he had removed the fear of titles and positions. Never since have I bren fidto talk with the great or the near great. Hany Stevens was especidly wann and became a lifelong fiiend. R.B. Bennett talked with me about the importance of tirne and leadership - he offered to put me through law school. I politely refused because my staunch conservative grandfather had just had a $20,000 mortgage reduced to $4,000 under a Creditors Act which Mr. Bennett had introduced as a depression band-aid and 1 was unwilling to be tied, even indirectly, to any political party. J.S. Woodsworth got down to business immediately -urged that I shouid meet Graham Spry, Editor of the New Commonwealth, and told me about the League for Social Reconstruction which was comprised mostly of university professors who were preparing a book on "Social Planning for Canada". Mr. King came out of his washroom with his fly part open and told me how backward the conservatives were. But the most important interview was with Hector CharIesworth who had just been appointed as the Chahan of the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission. He was a pleasant, scholarly, bearded gentleman who, as former editor of Stzturday Night, encouraged my ideas as to how to use radio "iike a magazine", to create understanding of public issues. Together, at that first meeting, we created a program called the "Canadian Institute of Public Affairs", which was carried by the new coast-to-coast network of over 30 stations on Sunday evening-just before the Jack Bemy show, usually otiginating from studios on the seventh floor of the Chateau Laurier Hotel. This, I understand, was the fust national public &airs show on Canadian radio. My fist program brought 297 letters including one from Prime Minister Bennett, who 1 leamed to admire greatly in spite of my grandfather, and one fiom a young clergyman in Winnipeg by the name of Staaley Knowles who 1Iiked irnmediately. Only one letter was cntical and from this we leamed more than from the 296 letten of pmise. George Taggart, as tr&c manager, was coordinator. Speakers were recomrnended by the YMCA, the Young Men's Cmadian Club, and the Canadian Federation of Youth. Farm Radio Forum soon came on the air followed by Citizens Forum. In 1933, a sumrner Forum on Politics and Econornics had been started by the YMCA in Geneva Park and, in 1936, the Canadian Institute on Public AfTairs was organized to sponsor the Couchiching Conference in CO-operationwith the CBC. '* Mr. Toppin and Hector Charlesworth were the originators of the show the "Canadian Institute of Public Affairs". Mr. Toppin. as chairman of the Canadian Federation of Youth (which will be discussed at a Iater point), and Graham Spry of the Young Men's Canadian Club recomrnended guest speakers for the show. Mr. Toppin broadcast at least two of his own speeches on the show, introduced speakers and provided commentaries. Mr. Toppin's program, the "Canadian Institute of Public Aflàirs", should not be confused with the "Canadian Institute on Public mairs", the educational arm of the YMCA, which sponsored the Couchiching Conferences. Sorne of the same people were involved with both. In a letter to the Globe and Mail published Friday, July 3 1, 198 1. Mr. Toppin recalls the events under discussion:

The Vianney Caniere article about the 50" Anniversary of the Couchiching Conferences (Couchiching Originally Loomed as Egghead Plot-July 22) gave just credit to Dick Davis. To chri@ the record, some important, littie-known details might also be shared. Although the Couchiching Conferences may have started in 193 1, the Canadian Institute of Public Main was born at 1020 a.m. on Valenthe's Day, Feb. 14, 1934 (not in 1931) in the National Research Building, Ottawa, as a CO-creationof Hector Charlesworth, chaUman of the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission, and myself, the chairman of the Canadian Federation of Youth (foremer of the Canadian Youth Commission, etc.). We decided to invite the YMCA and the Canadian Club to coilaborate by recommending speakers for the first public affk radio program (CIPA) on a coast-to-coast network of over 30 stations every Sunday evening at 6 p.m. Mr. Charlemorth, who had been editor of Saturday Night and had been told about my Young Canada Radio Hour by Prime Minister R.B. Bennett, stroked his beard as he creatively chuckled, "Together, we'll start the first magazine of the air with Canadian speakers on critical issues." He introduced his general manager, Emie Bushnell, as "a promising young man who plays the banjo" and his traffic manager, George Taggart, as "a very helpful person who will handle ail the details." CIPA becarne the forenumer of ail national public &airs shows on radio and TV and has been generally ignored by the historians of the CBC, which was not created until 1936. In the summer of 1934, with Dr. Charles Bishop. who had been national secretary of the YMCA, I briefly attended an event at the Couchiching "Y" camp which, if recollections are correct, was called National Fo~mon Economics and Politics. Later in the Thirties, the names merged into the Canadian Institute on Public Affairs, with CBC participation, which reached its height with Christine McDougal, Art Stinson and others. In 1979, the name was changed to the Couchiching Institute on Public -airs, with some CBC-TV coverage.lg

As Mr. Toppin points out, the historicai significance of the radio show has been ignored. Objectively, this was clearly a public affairs radio program. While the show was not sponsored by the YMCA, according to Mr. Toppin (who was a member of the YMCA) sorne members of the YMCA were involved in recommending speakers for the show. On August 20, 1993, Gordon McIvor responded to a letter fiom W. Toppin, recogniring him as one of the founding members of Couchiching. Of course, this recognition is ~~rnbolic.~~It is clear to this author that Mr. Toppin played an important role in bringing the public affairs format to radio and specifically in creating the radio show the "Canadian Institute of Public Anairs". The YMCA was invited to participate as were other groups. My research indicates that this is an accurate statement. Gordon McIvor, then President of the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs, sent a letter to Mr. Toppin honouring him as a founding member:2'

On behalf of the Couchiching uistitute on Public Affairs, 1 would like to Say how excited we were to have been contacted by a founding member of the Institute. Over the past few decades we have tried to faithfully preserve the spirit, integrity and vision of this uniquely Cauadian forum, which you helped to establish. We hope that after you have read the Jubilee book and seen our recent historical video you will agree that the essence of what Couchiching was, still lives on and is reflected in our continuing endeavors. We are also pleased to Somyou that we wish to make you a Life Member of the Couchiching Institute. Your original involvement and continued interest in the institute indeed merits such recognition. " The narne "Canadian Institute on Public AEairs", connected with Couchiching, did not come into informal use until the 1940s and did not come into official use until 1952.~In 1952, the "Canadian Institute on Public Affairs" became the official name of the independent body that oversees conference funding in exchange for broadcasting rights negotiated with CBC Public Affan.

Mr. Toppin feels that his program was a natural extension of the "Young Canada Radio Hour" and that, as a logicai step in public afFain thinking, it extended the public affairs format of national radio. The show reflected the rising tide of interest in public flairs. This explains why Mr. Toppin replied to Gordon McIvor:

It occun to me that the unnecessary confusion conceming the "roots" has happened because the Sunday evening network radio program which was organized and named by Hector Charlesworth and myself as the Canadian Institute of Public Main was cancelled when the Consemative govenunent was defeated in the Fa11 of 1935. Although the "Y" never sponsored this original radio show, most of us were influenced by fiends at the "Y", and took the next step by inviting participation by "people fiom al1 walks." Dick Davis understood this. But he seems to have been the oniy one! The conceptual foundation was created in the early 1930s and 1 was actually involved since the fail of 1929.''

The CRBC, created in 1932, only lasted four years. Chairman Hector Charlesworth was seen as being a ~onservative."~E.A. Corbett questioned the work of the Commission, stating that "so far as educationd broadcasting goes there has been linle done in a national way"? Overall, education leaders felt that the CRBC shouid be replaced. Between 1932 and 1935 (when Mr. Toppin's show aired), the Radio League (Spry. Plaunt, Corbett, Hume and Blake) were inactive:' The Liberals defeated the Conservatives and on June 19, 1936, the Canadian Broadcasting Act replaced the CRBC with the CBC. Mr. Toppin recalls a dramatic end to the show in 1936, after the defeat of the Conservatives:

My short radio career ended abruptly when 1 took issue with Lord Halifax and Wimston Churchill who had applauded National Socialism in the British House of Commons. I signed off by predicting that National Sociaiism would lead to war within five years. The new Generai Manager of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which had been created by Mackenzie King derhe became Prime Minister in 1935, wrote a short memo to al1 stations stating that in the future al1 commentaries mut be submitted one week in advance. This, to me, was censorship! But7 in much less than five years it was obvious that "meaningful percepts" cm often corne from unconventionai sources. The prediction also reinforced a feeling that somehow, for some unidentifiable reason, 1 should continue to think about the future of people long before the term "Future Studies" had been coined. "

It is well documented that the new Liberai govemment issued a directive that al1 commentaries had to be reviewed by the programming director before being aired. However, with the dissolution of the CRBC Mr. Toppin's show would have ended anyway. His account of events, written in 1975, cornes fiom a refiection on his role as a fùture-oriented thinker.

Based on his own testirnony and information from CRBC records, 1 am confident that Don Toppin's show was a forerunner of the public affairs format. The show aired at a very early penod in broadcasting, certainly before Citizen's Forum and Farm Radio attempted to bMg Public Affairs programming to the whole country. It is evidence that Mr. Toppin, at a very young age, was part of pioneering efforts in educationai radio programming.

Canadian Federation of Youth In 1933, Mr. Toppin founded "The Canadiai! Federation of Youth", as a grassroots youth organization to realize social change through education and action:

The Canadian Federation of Youth is now formdly inaugurated. We urge you to gather together the young people in your community into smdl groups and become part of the Federation. A thousand such groups codd transform Canada. Will you join us? Will you awake? Will you think? Will you study? Will you act? Will you give your best to secure a better fiiture--to bequeath a worthy heritage? 1 am confident that just beyond this hazy horizon of doubt lies the golden dawn of triurnph. May this golden dawn be even brighter because you and 1 have lived this new day and are prepared to die for it.2'

Mr. Toppin created this organization while he was Premier of the Ontario Older Boys' Parliament. He remembers that a young woman complained to him that since women would play an important role in the govemment of the fûture, the name "Older Boys' Parliament was inappropriate. Mr. Toppin remembers that he '%ook this very seriously" and that it did seem "tembly unfair". So he called a meeting of his "Cabinety' and, The Canadian Federation of Youth was created. ML Toppin became Nationai Chair of that group as well as the Leader of the Older Boys' Parliament.

Mr. Toppin describes the organization as a grassroots foremer of the Canada Youth Commission, the fht initiative of this kind taken by the federal government. With great foresight, he saw the need for a youth-based, ail-inclusive, grassroots organization to inform, educate and cal1 to action Canadian youth. It was an act of citizenship-visioning focused on economic improvement and job creation:

We had a meeting of my cabinet on Easter weekend to organize the Canadian Federation of Youth. Bennett wanted to meet me about the radio show and men and women would be listening. When the show went off the air - lots of youth groups had been involved-Mackenzie King grasped the idea of a youth organization. That was the founding of the Youth Commission, leading almost directly to welfare and Manpower training for unemployed yo~th.30

Mr. Toppin recalls a direct link between his Canadian Federation of Youth and the Canada Youth Commission. Through his spealring engagements, Mr. Toppin had met Lloyd Graham, whose father was manager of the Stoodleigh Hotel in Toronto. Ralph Graham agreed to provide space for a youth conference involving a number of the Youth Groups that existed at the tirne. Present were representatives of the Young Canada Movement, the New Canada Movernent and Mr. Toppin as chairman of the Canadian Federation of Youth. Mr. Toppin feels that this meeting foreshadowed the creation of the Canada Youth Commission.

At this thethere is no way to veriQ the causal links between the events, but the account provides an interesting illustration of the connections between the various youth organizations in a climate of social ferment. Certainly, Mr. Tooppin was an active participant in the ground swell of cornmitment to the youth movement, which sought to enlighten youth and influence social and political change:

This is what the Canadian Federation of Youth had tried to do in 1935 and 1936 but of course we had no money so after struggling for two years ... But we actually did have forums in which there were Catholic French Canadians, there were Baptists, Tim Buckham came himself for the Communist Party. There were representatives of the Conservative party, the Liberai party, Graham Spry was involved the New Democrats. And so on that basis we were gettuig very heterogeneous but we didn't have the money to follow through. We only lasted two years. We had two conferences, but a number of the people involved of course just moved on. nien the Youth Commission seemed to pick up the thing, which was necessary?'

Youth organizations, including Mr. Toppin's, took an active role in building citizen participation -building a better future through education. Mr. Toppin recalls these years with particula. reference to those involved in the NCM (New Canada Movernent) of the early 30s:

Theoreticaily we were kind of a compound of al1 Youth organizations. There are quite a number of us, names who have been mentioned dready-Ralph Staples, Alex Sims, and Neil Momson and so on-who were almost petitioning in the 1930s people like Mackenzie King, especially through Norman Rogers, who was very closely related to us at Queens, for the governrnent to take a greater interest in the whole youth thing. Mer dl, the leadership planning for the future wasn't something which should be left too much to

Certainly, he was among those creative young men who, with vision and foresight, shared the cornmon experience of growing up as young fmea with a common ideology, out of which grew the fmmovement described by Alex ~irn.'~Mr. Toppin shared the belief in a study group approach to adult education, a cntical feanire of the Antigonish movement. He saw immediately that radio offered the opportunity to reach study groups al1 over Ontario and across the country. He is properly viewed as a member of the populin movement of the time and a pioneer of the use of radio for education. He can be counted among the better known leaders fiom this time, such as Aiex Sim, Ralph Staples and Dick Davis.

Emerging Themes There is Little doubt that Mr. Toppin should be remembered as a significant contributor to the early history of public affairs radio programming and the youth movement in Canada. Mr. Toppin is confident that the Canadian institute of Public Mairs was a prototype for public aff" programming in Canada His hope was to reach out to Canadians to encourage them to lem, think, study and act to build a better Canada. Fortunately a mapshot of Mr. Toppin's thinking has been preserved in a written transcnpt of one of his 1934 broadcasts, printed in the Preston Journal. It reveals a forward-looking, future- oriented youth. The transcript was prefaced with an editorial comment:

The following is an address delivered by Don Toppin Chairman of the National Council of the Canadian Federation of Youth In the CRBC's coast to coast broadcast "Canadian lnstitute of Public Affairs" on Jan i 3 last. Hundreds of letters were received as a result of this broadcast. Due to the fact that Don Toppin is a native of Spencerville and is well known in these districts because of his former associations in boys' and young people's work, we feel certain our readers will be interested in reading this address.

Common Future I would like you to feel today that 1 am speaking not only to you, but as one of you. 1 would like to feel that the views that I shall express are not only my own, but a symposium of the views held by a great number of thoughtfil youth. 1 would like to think that my remarks are as fiee fiom bias and as unprejudiced as is possible in an age which has retained, much to its despair, many of the nineteenth century dogmas and narrow philosophies. As I try to visuaiize my audience, I see it made up of people in varied walks of Lie, of many diverse views, al1 of whom are concemed about a common future. 1 picture many of my fellows, some of whom are college graduates out of employment. walking in the streets, sleeping in barns, jails or living on relief; 1 see others, however, enjoying a great deal more than their rightful share of the good things of life. Many of us are vitally concemed to see a society some day in the future. in which al1 shall have equality of privileges.'J

The "Cornmon Future" theme recurs fiequently in Mr. Toppin's writings: To build a comrnon future humanity must overcome selfishness and commit to educating themselves and acting for the good of society at large. Each individual is penonally responsible to act for the bettement of the world at large. in 1987, he wote a well-known Song called "Common Future",

The azinscript continues:

Our fathers, in their search for happiness, unconsciously, forgot about their fbture and their fellow man, lived solely for themselves. They toiled for wealth, they worked for fame; they sought for gold in a desirous fienzy. But 1929 brought the climax. Awaking fiom drearns of more and ever more weaith, they found the golden dog shattered at their feet. To the youth they handed a sparkling goblet, but before we could even sip, it was smashed at our feet. Then came the monster of the depression upon us, to destroy the faith and the initiative of so many of our generation. Our outlook on He has been warped. My £iiends, the fundamental problem we have inherited and must face is that mountain of selfishness and greed in the hearts of men which prompt so many to dvefor wealth and farne, even at the expense and destruction of their fellow creatures, -- and 1 doubt if we cm hardly exclude from this class those who place the major emphasis of their religious and social life on the ultimate salvation of individual souls or on personal achievements. Such a fimdamentally personal emphasis, in my rnind, is contraxy to, and the very antithesis of the social ethic of Christianity, which so many of them profess. 35

The speech resonates with the language of the social gospel, a philosophy that was beginning to take hold al1 over North America.

Eiiminntion of War Today Mr. Toppin cdls for nothing less than the abolition of war as a social institution. The theme recurs frequentiy in his writings. At a young age, he called on youth to reject war at dl coswven to the point of civil disobedience:

We mut face frankly the possibility of war. There is bound to be war again tomorrow-there are two alternatives. Either we, as youth, must unite in a mortal banle against this insidious selfishness and individuality with the zeal and devotion which rnarked Canadians in Flanders, or we will discover too Iate, that our weak convictions will be an easy prey to the impenalists and the warlords when they decide next to stage an orgy of butchery; perhaps to the complete niin of civilization. Let us awake! The appeal is to the youth of Canada to unite today in refusing to fight in any war for any reason; we are not cowards, but only sincerely desire to be true patriots rather than sham patriots. The apped is to enlist in the alternative battle against exploitation, unemployment, starvation and al1 forms of social injustice which are the underlying causes; to enlist in the battle for a better world and a greater Canada in which the motive of life will be service and not profit?6 Today, Mr. Toppin is quick to point out that at the time of this speech he was ody twenty years old, so it contains contradictions and inconsistencies. Moreover, in 1934, as Mr. Toppin notes, "no one was thinking in terms of another war. We were concemed about eating". But at an early age, Mr. Toppin demonstrated a cornmitment to the elhination of war by building a world fiee of unemployment, poverty and ignorance. However naive these ideals may seem, he believes that they are reaiizable through understanding. These are seminal ideas to wbich he has devoted his life.

Cirizen Participation and Communiq Development Mr. Toppin rem& a strong proponent of popula. participation in education and community development. He grew up during the height of the agrarian social movements of the late 1920s and 1930s in the populist traditions that were the subject of regular debate in rural communities of the tirne.

The populist theory of politicai organization has never beeo accepted in officia1 circles, yet it represents a strong undercurrent in Canadian history particularly in western Canada. Political scientists often do not take populist ideas seriously because of a tendency (on the right and on the left) to assume there is no practical alternative to continuous centraiization and concentration of power. 37

Mi. Toppin's speeches included sentiments of distrust of big business, unwiilingness to rely on politicai parties and belief in the ability of people to solve their own problems - ideas reflected in the agrarian revolt of the late 1920s and 1930s. Today, Mr. Toppin still believes in the importance of citizen participation through study groups and collective action, as a solution to the ever-increasing dienation of the individual from power. In fact, it was his quick grasp of the potentiai for decentralization and an alternative to increasing centraiization, through what he perceived as the liberating power of technologicai advancement, that caused him to focus on the hurnanizing power of technology as opposed to its dehumanizing power.

The Special Role of Canada The role of Canada as a peacekeeping nation has been a major theme throughout Mr. Toppin's life. He believes that the fùture of Canada is intimately tied to the hture of the United Nations:

Canada is different. She is in a position to be an example to the rest of the world, to prove to them that it is no longer necessary to settle disputes by war. Her position is unique. For one thing, she has no enemies-probably the only great country in the world today of which this may be said. She can hardly then be suspected of having ulterior aims in her international activities. Consider as well her geographical position, the mixed character of her population and fnendly reiationships with both Great Britain and the United States. 1s it not more desirable that such a nation should lead in the redm of constnictive activity for peace rather than gamble her destiny by remaining a party to the settiing of disputes by recourse to warfare?

This statement reflects Mr. Toppin's youth and naiveté but it represents the beginning of his belief in peace initiatives. This is a key idea in his public speeches on the future of Canada as a world peace-keeping nation. Summary The principles that emerged du~gM.. Toppin's early years guided his efforts throughout his life. in fact, it is difficult to understand Mr. Toppin's activities in later years without grasping how deeply he was uifluenced by the events of his early years and his interpretation of them. His principles can be summed up as follows: The future is too important to leave to chance and the tirne to act is now. Our actions today are critical: each individual bears a responsibility to contribute their best to building a positive future. People fiorn al1 walks of life will have to be brought together in order to build a common future free of ignorance, poverty, unernployment and war. Lnvolvement in public affairs is crucial to understanding and dealing with social issues. Communications technology can enable the hure by revolutionizing the present. Small ideas today blossom in unexpected ways: one penon cmhave a huge impact on tomorrow by planting seeds in the minds of others today. Every single human being deserves to have an opportunity to receive hislher fair share of food, clothing, shelter and education-in short, some form of security fiom cradle to grave. The League of Nations (the United Nations) is critical to the hiture of Canada and the world.

University Years and Changing Goals Mr. Toppin attended Albert College. Belleville, Ontario in 1934, winning the Kerr Award for public speaking. He went on to Queen's University where he studied political science. psychology and social sciences fiom 1935 to 1937, but never completed his degree at Queen's. He was already a popular speaker, writer and radio penonality, consequently he had more work available to him than he could handle. He was elected as Queen's University's delegate to the World Youth Conference in Geneva but was unable to attend for financial reasons.

Mr. Toppin continued to pursue his studies thmgh extension programs and considered complethg his undergraduate degree and pursuine doctoral studies. However, he had recently married and was unable to study fidi tirne. Neil Jacoby offered him an opportunity to earn a Ph.D. through a flexible entry program at the University of Chicago. However, his own account of events demonstrates that his expanding interests were distracting him fiom his educational goals: 1 attended Queens and continued to do my broadcasts. Lorne [Greene] was at Queen's and we did things fiom Kingston but I wasn't satisfied. Norman Rogers was my professor at Queen's. He became Minister of Labor then Minister of National Defense. We were very close. 1 dedicated From Cradle to Grave to him. But he admitted that what 1was looking for wasn't available £kom Queen's and my wife Cecile and I went to New York and met with Neil Jacoby who had become a pal by mail. He had the Chicago Round Table Sunday afternoons, a wonderfil discussion - the first of its kind in the world - something similar to Washington Week in Review except it was radio. 1 listened to him regularly. i phoned him and we went and he lined up a program which wouîd lead to a doctorate and which would enable me to do al1 kinds of things. And that set me fiee. 1 did some writing. I did a major project for the Syracuse Herald for the opening of the international bridge -that somehow or other had a meaning to me. 1 somehow see social meanings to things which are quite ordinary to others. It's kind of a nice gift; it goes with the Song riti in^?^ Mr. Toppin hoped to produce a Ph.D. work entitled "Security and Freedom". He remembers being particularly interested in how to address the distribution of wealth in a caring society. He had spoken often on the topic of the cornmon future and the good society so it was natural for hirn to take an interest in the income security concept in the context of social planning:

But security with geedom. How do you have it? If you provided food, shelter and clothing to everyone? It could be done al1 right in a totalitarian society which was open. It was just a matter of organizing but there would be a curtailment of individual Freedoms. You know well we had a touch of it during the wars with the pnce controls. And we'd had a taste of totalitaianisrn under both fascism and comrnunism and we didn't like either one and there was a new synthesis emerging that was based on the idea that if the individual could assume more responsibility, he could have more security and that was what Cradle to Grave was al1 about - it brought forward the income security concept and, well, everybody uses income security today."O Mr. Toppin's radio career continued at the local Ievel du~ghis university years with a program entitled Highlights: Your reekend Parade of News, Previews and Interviews - based at CKWS Kingston. He was known as a radio penonality in Ontario and enjoyed a certain fame. He felt a strong identification with the performing arts community of the theas illustrated by this description of his participation in the Queen's Drama Guild: Robertson (Robertson Davies) and I were members of the Queen's drarna guild at Queen's University. 1am the last survivor of that - Lorne Greene, Art Sullivan, Elder Stewart, Margaret Hendry were al1 founding members of the Queen's Drarna guild. And Robertson Davies had just corne back fiom studying at the Old Vic in London, so he's a bit of an inspiration to me. Now they're al1 gone -I'm the only one lefi.'"

Mr. Toppin developed a lifelong fiiendship with Lome Greene and while Greene's star had not yet risen, Mr. Toppin had his own show:

As a matter of fact the first time Lome spoke on the air, my prograrn was going. 1 had a program which was entitled Highlghîs: Your Weekend Parade of NWS, Previews and Interviews which 1 did from wherever 1 happened to be. It was on Friday and if 1 was in Ottawa for a weekend broadcast I wouid do it fiom there, if I was in Toronto for something, 1would do it from there and if I was in Kingston 1 wodd do it fiom there since it was connected by the network. 1 was short a speaker one weekend . Hy [Lome] Greene was waiking up the hall. He was "Hy" then. t said, "Corne in Hy, you're going on the air". And he said %bat are we doing?" Tmgoing to ask you about Oedipus Rex last night and what your plans are as the new president of the Queen's Drama Guild." And he said, "that'll be fine." and he recited a little bit of Oedipus Rex and we had a nice Little chat. And that was the first time Lome Greene spoke on the air. ''

Ineligible for military service for health reasons, Mr. Toppin contributed to the war effort by accepting a voluntary position as entertainment director for Military District #3 in 1939. He produced a nurnber of shows in which Lorne Greene served as Master of Ceremonies. One of the most notable was 'Thurnbs Up", which toured Canada.

M. Toppin has always loved music and wrote songs at Broder Island Boys' Camp in the 1930s. While producing shows for the military, he was able to indulge his interest in Song writing. The following comment illustrates how important Song writing has been to hirn over the years:

1 had gone to Boys' Camp and I wrote some songs with Stewart Hall. We wrote some songs and we sent them - they got lost. Well anyway Broder Island and the songs disappeared. Broder Island was taken over when the St. Lawrence River was expanded to make room for the seaway. The water just covered the island -that was the end of the island. And the songs got muddled in with al1 the others which went in from amateur composen fiom al1 over the world to the Brill Building at 1600 Broadway in New York City and people like Irving Berlin and Leo Robbins wouid drop in a couple of times a week and play around with them and see if anything good wodd corne kom it. I was quite complimented because some of my music was used but it disiUusioned me because I didn't feel 1was qualified to do this. 1was only a kid -but it made me feel like 1did have a gifi here. When the war broke out a long time later, my fnend Lome Greene was involved with "Carry on Canada" and so on. Lome and 1 did a series of shows across Canada and we wanted some songs for it so 1 wrote a whole bunch of songs. 1 wrote five or six songs for "Thumbs Up" which went across Canada to raise rn~ne~."~

His desire to perform was expressed through his work as a radio persooality and producer of these shows. While this was not to be his life's work, it has been an important and substantial part of his life.

In the late summer of 1939, Mr. Toppin was invited to join Crown Life insurance. Even though he loved radio, the pay was supenor and Mr. Toppin had a young family to think about. It was Lome Greene who encouraged Mr. Toppin to accept the position:

Lorne and 1 were very close. We were close at Queen's and we continued our closeness. As a matter of fact we were working together in the Radio Centre here (in Toronto) in the Victory Building in 1939 and 1 got a cd1 From the secretary of the President of Crown Life offering me a job as manager of the Crown Life Insurance Company in Kingston. 1 was pretty well known, largely because of the radio shows, I guess that's what they had in mind. I asked Lome, "What should I do?" He said, '-How much are they paying you?" "Weil there's a base salary of $5000 a year plus commissions plus overriding and so on; so there's an opportunity of making maybe 10 or 12,000 dollars." He said, "For God's sake take it. I'm only making $1 5 a week at CHML in Hamilton." Which was tme. As a matter of fact we were discussing a show with Buckminster Fuller when he died. We were very close, we meant a lot to each other over the years. We didn't see each other too often. He became Mr. Bonanza of course. It was a substantial relationship and he would have done a remarkably fuie job with Fuller -and Bucky was fascinated with the idea of working with him." So Mr. Toppin made the decision to embark on a career in insurance sales and management. The next chapter explores Mr. Toppin's corporate activities. ' Undated audio recording made by Mr. Toppin at OISE. Don Toppin, interview by author, May 1995. Ibid, 4 Mr. Toppin is referring to the Beveridge report, presented in 1942, which became the basis of the British welfare state. 1 have only reviewed an executive surnmw since the report itself is over 300 pages. But it used the expression "From Cradle to Grave". Don Toppin. interview by author, May 1995. 6 Ron Fan's, The Passionare Educators (Toronto: Peter Martin Associates Lirnited. 1975) 78. ' Ibid., 79. Ibid. 9 Don Toppin, "Young Canada's Corner", Prescort Journal 12 January 1933. 'O Ibid. " Don Toppin "Young Canada's Corner", Prescott Journal 2 February 1 933. " Don Toppin. *'Young Canada's Corner". Prescott Journal 26 Januaiy 1 93 3. l3 Toppin, May 1995. " Not to be confked with the Canadian Institue on Public Affain. which was not officially narned until 1942. l5 Toppin, May 1995. 16 Program Schedulefor the CVeek of October 7, 1934, Canadian Radio Brortdcasting Crimmission, CBC Archives, Ottawa, 17 Don Toppin with Robert Theobold, Breukdown or Breakthrough: .J Conclusionfor Canada's First Conjérences on the Future (unpublished book, 1975). l8 fbid, 45. l9 Don Toppin, "Couchiching Conferences", Letter to the Editor, The Ghbe and Mail 3 1 July 198 1. " Gordon Mclvor, phone conversation with author, September 23. 1999. Dr. McIvor stated that he had no information that MI. Toppin was an original founding member of Couchiching and that the letter was written as a favour to Mr. Toppin. " Gordon McIvor, telephone interview by author, July 1998. 77 " Gordon McIvor, then President of the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs, letter to Don Toppin, August 30, 1993.1 spoke recently with Dr. McIvor regarding the meaning of this. A founding member is recognized as having attended the original meeting that estabfished the Institute. There are very few memben still living. Patricia Pearson, Couchiching: The First 60 Years, ed. B.C. Eastman (The Canadian institute on Public Affairs, 1991) 15-16. " Don Toppin Iener to Gordon McIvor, September 9, 1993. Faris, 70. " Ibid., 80. ~7 jbid. " Toppin with Theobold, 45. L9 Don Topph, "A Youth Looks at the Future", Prescotr Journal 28 February 1935. " Topph. May 1995. 3' tbid. '' Don Toppin, undated audio recording made with Dick Davis. 33 Sh, 67. Y Don Toppin, "A Youth Lwks at the Future", Prescott Journal 28 February 1935. 35 ibid, 36 Ibid, " Sim, 63. 38 Don Topph, "A Youth Looks at the Future", Prescott Journal 28 February 1935. " Toppin, May 1995. U] Mr. Toppin's Ph.D. proposal "Security and Freedom" eventuaIly published under the title From Cradle ro Grave, 1944,

" Toppin, May 1995. f '"bid, J3 Ibid, Ibid. Chapter 3. The Corporate Years 1939-1967

Corporate Experience

M. Toppin's years with Crown Life (1 939-1941) and Prudentid Assurance of England (1941-1950) wcre the mst financially rewarding yçars ofhis Me. in a very short the, he became one of the youngest and highest paid insurance executives in Canada. When asked about his contributions to the insurance industry, Ah. Toppin points to his development of insurance packages tailored to the specific needs of individuals, his development of cost effective training and his pioneenng implementation of an income security program.

The wuhad boosted the economy and created employment opportunities for those young men who were ineligible for military service. Mr. Toppin attributes his hinng to his popularity as a radio personaiity and his reputation as an excellent promotions' manager for the U.S.-based Liberv Magazine, a position he held from 1937 to 1938. The editor of Liberty Magazine hired Mr. Toppin as a local promotionsomanager while he was attending Queen's University. He was so successful that he was awarded the Fulton Ousler Prize by the company in 1938. It was an important honour, since the company made only one such award in the United States and Canada. Mr. Toppin also demonstrated his talent as a journaiist, writing a series of articles for various magazines including Liberty Magazine. From 1938 to 1939 he CO-publisheda tabloid, The Kingston Reviao, with Jack Garland, who later became Minister of National Revenue.

Crown Life Mr. Toppin's outstanding work led to the an interview for a position with Crown Life:

Art Williams knew I was concemed about the income security because I was writing a paper for the University of Chicago, which 1 had told him about one day. 1 had a good record as far as management, sales promotion, and so he wanted me to be manager of Crown Life and 1 did awfully weU. He knew that 1understood the insurance p~ciple and that 1 was successful in selling. That's why 1 was appointed manager of Crown Life in Kingston.'

Mr. Toppin won the Manager's Shield alrnost immediately. He boosted sales by making certain that the promotion for each product sent a relevant message to the particular consumer, identifjmg needs and associating the pmduct with a socially relevant, desirable outcome. Educating the consumer became an important part of the package. Mr. Toppin points out that this \vas a r,ew way of thinkir.g in the insmce industr). at ite tirne.

Mr. Toppin attended to team-building in the same way. Rather than assigning jobs, Mr. Toppin built srnall teams to lead projects within the organization, assessed employee training needs and then met them. He motivated staff by involving them in creative sessions to identify needs and develop products to meet those needs rather than designing a product and creating a need for it. This was very innovative. In 1969. Eric Fromm would write:

This alienated bureaucratic procedure can be characterized in several ways. First of ail, it is a one-way system; orden, suggestions. planning emanate from the top and are directed to the bottom of the pyramid ... Our bureaucratic method is irresponsible, in the sense that it does not respond to the needs, views, and requirements of an individuai. This irresponsibility is closely related to the "case" character of the person who becomes an "object". One cannot respond to a case but one can respond to a person.'

Prudeotial Assurance of England At Crown Life Mr. Toppin demonstrated unusual managerial skills and built a very successful, tightly knit, motivated, project-driven tearn. Prudentid Assurance hvited him to join its team as Toronto and Central Ontario Manager. Mr. Toppin started there on September 1, 1941, at twenty-seven, the youngest manager ever appointed to a major company? Commenting on the move to Prudentid, Mr. Toppin placed the accent on his work and ongoing education:

It was an important part of rny life [his research on "Security and Freedom"]. The fact that I was working on it had an enormous influence on the people who hued me at Prudentid. Here 1 was, the youngest insurance manager in the world and 1 was doing Ph.D. level work at the University of Chicago on the relationship between Security and Freedom. It's a wondemil thing to get someone like that." Mr. Toppin won the Pnidential Management Shield in three out of five years and Mer developed his needs-dnven approach to insurance sales. While Mr. Toppin developed packages for bankers and medicai students, he also worked on packages such as the Child Starter Package, a popular savings program intended to help parents of al1 Uicome brackets guarantee a child's education.

Income Security Concept W. Toppin published a book in i943, From Crade to rave.' in which, according to Mr. Toppin, he rnay have coined the term "income security". In the book he recognized the desirability of a new source of income to provide basic necessities in the event of unemployrnent, disability, old age and spousal death. He spoke of 'The New Synthesis" between pikte and public enterprise and warned against totalitarianism and d~gmatisrn.~ Mr. Toppin tested the income secuity concept in Leaside, Toronto while at Prudentid:

This is an area where I did pioneer. 1 developed and did use 1think for the first time the term income security. I had used it in my project which I had staried for the University of Chicago, Serurity and Freedom. From CradZe to Grave: Incorne Security Plan so 1 designed an actuai incorne security plan which was designed to pay out an income in the event of death, disability or old age and to some extent unemployment. It wasn't that important but now that 1 look back it is important historicaily because these are major steps and when 1 see income securiv on an envelope fiom Ottawa each month, 1 redize that we indeed were pioneers. And what were we pioneen of? Well it wasn't just the idea; it was the art of packaging, the art of meeting people's needs. I'm not sure if 1 can claim to be the creator of the terxn income security. I did use it in my paper for the University of Chicago dl right but 1don't paaicularly like these arguments about who did what.'

Mr. Toppin designed income security packages within the insurance industry to meet the needs of individuals at dl income brackets. The programs met with great success, mer enhancing Mr. Toppin's reputation. Soon other insurance cornpanies O ffered income security plans as people realized that the Govemment Old Age Pension of $30.00 per month would be inadequate to guamtee food, clothing and shelter? "Later the federai govemment introduced the Unemployment Innirance Plan and adopted Income Security Prograrns (without royalties) as a hodgepodge of modules which together constitute one of the most compassionate social benefits systems in the world"? Despite his success, Mr. Toppin was restiess. He retained a strong interest in entertainment and new media dong with considerable skills in promotions. Mr. Toppin decided to leave Prudentid and commit his savings to a new start-up in television.

Well, television was on the way! I had pioneered in radio and now 1 wanted to pioneer in television. 1 mean, why not! l0

Coast to Coast Advertising Corporation Mr. Toppin wanted to produce educational prograrnrning financed through a cooperative marketing scheme. He first developed this idea in 1945, when he set up a company called New Dam Productions with Lome Greene. The company focused on promotional projects. For example, the company would send baskets to new brides with a variety of household products accompanied by educational information. Companies would pay a fee for having their products included." While this may sound cornmonplace today, it was unusual at the time. The program was highly successful. Mr. Toppin has stated that New Dawn Productions was known for having piloted the concept of cooperative advertising and that he enjoyed considerable notoriety for having successfully implemented this marketing strategy. Mr. Toppin wanted to expand this concept in the United States through the medium of television.

In 195 1 Mr. Toppin established a new company in New York called Coast to Coast Advertising Corporation. an advertising fm aimed at the new medium of television. The objective was to produce educationai programming of high quality paid for through cooperative marketing. He produced a number of pilot shows on topics of interest to newlyweds, new homeownea and new mothes. The programs were educational in nature but featured a variety of products. Today's home building shows often feature a range of madacturers' products. This is comparable to the type of progpmmning Mr. Toppin was pioneering.

Television was very new and Mr. Toppin was trying to carve a niche for himseif in advertising, promotion and education. In essence, he sought to fund educationai projects with the support of advertisea. Unfortunately, in 1953, sponsors withdrew from the project at the last moment and he lost his entire investment -hundreds of thousands of do11ars12. He dereda heart attack shortly after his return to Toronto. Somehow, Mr. Toppin remaineci incredibly positive despite his misfortune. Reflecting on these years in 1975, he wrote:

in many ways, these were great leaming years because they taught me that security is a myth and parameters are real - a lesson which later became invaluable in personnel counselling. 1 had also leamed a great deal more about people problems (and solutions), and by the very nature of my organizational role, supplemented by training in law. fmance. employer-em ployee relations, marketing, mamgment, etc., developed a strange collection of information which has been very helpfùl in guidance and placement. This period ended with a heart attack in our Kingsway home and the rehun to adult education and the social sciences, which perhaps because of my early conditionings, had always been my prime areas of interest. l3

Corporate Training nsukant

Edwational Technology and Programmed Iimtruction Mr. Toppin refbsed to give up his ideas about the educational value of new media. Mer returning to Toronto in 1953 he established himself as a consultant in the field of management training and public relations while pursuing his penonal research into the field of programmed instruction, teaching machines and instructional design: "So 1 came back and caught up with the dream that instnictional technology was going to change the whoie nature of the education system. That's the message I got."'4

Mr. Toppin was quickly aîtracted to the emerging field of educational technology. He decided to Merhis understanding of the principles of instnictional design and prognimnied leaming, which he believed would be the keys to reducing the overall cost of corporate training.

Mt. Toppin established a successful career as a training consultant between 1954 and 1972. He developed extensive expertise in the use of teaching machines to irnplement programmed instruction and was selected for inclusion in the Who 's Who regional edition, Who S Who in the East Vol. Kto XII, where he was iisted as an inmuctional systems consultant fiom 1966 to 1972. He also undertook teacher training in the 1960s: "1 began running weekend workshops especially for teachers. 1 had quite a few [teachers] down at the education centre [Toronto Board of Education] and at OISE." ''

Among Mr. Toppin's personai papers, I found a single photocopied sheet bearing the hand-printed title "Some Biographical Clippings". Five clippings from various sources were arranged to illustrate the phases of Mr. Toppin's career. One of the clippings (unfortunately undated and unreferenced but probably fiom 1966) appears to be an announcernent of Mr. Toppin's inclusion in Who 's Who. The language and tone of the dting suggest to me that it was written by Mr. Toppin and may have appeared in a local newspaper, undoubtedly serving as part of his promotional literature. In my opinion it is interesting as it illustrates his awareness of trends in corporate training:

Don Toppin in "Who's Who"

Don Toppin is one of two Ontario bom men, to be honoured by the editor's of "Who's Who" in Amenca, for inclusion in the 1966-67 regional edition - Who's who in the East. At the present time, he is considered, by sorne, to be one of the world's foremost authorities on instructionai resources, specializing in Prograrnmed Instruction and Teaching Machines, as applied to the problems of manpower development. Dr. Kenneth Galbraith, a Harvard economist, is the other Ontario bom man to be so honoured. l6

Mi. Toppin hired programmers to prepare instructional materials and met with clients to detemine training needs and develop instructional goals. He became well known as a training consultant and developed and delivered programmed learning materials for large clients such as Bell Canada and Bata Shoes. He attended many conferences, met with leaders in the field and became a popuiar speaker himself, offering workshops to corporations and educators.

The workshops were al1 over the place, primarily on programmed instruction but ralking in futuristic ternis, planning for the future -an introduction to the new techniques. Some of the teaching machines came in and then Autotutor came in and that seemed to be different. It was non-Skinnerian and 1 liked it. This is where 1 fell out with ~kinnet" Mr. Toppin took a special interest in recognizing and responding to individual differences as a means of humanizing programmed instruction. Commenting on this in 1975, Mr. Toppin noted:

1discovered that Doctor B.F. Skinner, who had become my idol, was only half right because, although it is possible to "leam hvice as much in half the tirne with half the effort", in real life it rarely happens because the individual differences between humans are much greater than among rats and pigeons. Consequently, in the hope of identivng differences in "entering behavion" and "terminal objectives", 1bepan developing, with the assistance of top professionals the Individually Prescnbed Programs of Instruction (IPPI) Wide Range Assessment SeMces which becarne extremely usefui when 1was asked to direct an "experimental Manpower Training Project" (ATLL767)[Automated Training and Learning Laboratorylwhich reported to the Department of Manpower, Economic Council of Canada -and the federation of Canadian Personnel Association. At an international conference in St. Louis, Dr. Robert Silverman, head of the Department of Psychology at New York University, gave me the positive encouragement I needed to continue this exploration of needs and reso~rces.'~

Mr. Toppin clearly perceived the importance of individual needs assessment for adult midents entering basic training prograrns. He developed his own assessment tool, the IPPI, for assessing entry behavion in the area of English and math. He developed the tests during his course work in measurement and evaluation at the Department of Addt Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Toronto, and then used them to assess needs and assign Autotutor programs during the ATLL'67 project.

Mr. Toppin aiso drew on his yean of business experience by providing career counselling through what he called the IPPI Wide Range Assessment Services. Mr. Toppin used the tests dong with his own career inventories to provide personnel services and career counselling. As he came to understand the profound impact of automation on the work force, he geared this seMce toward anyone who felt the need for career adjustment. By 1964, Mr. Toppin was well known as a practitioner in the field of instmctional technology in Ontario. As a result, he joined Robert Jackson at the fint conference on educational technology.

In 1964, Bob Jackson was Head of the Ontario Education Research Group. It was nimored that he would be the first Director of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education which was still unconceived, unnamed, nothing, just rumbles but it looked like Bob Jackson might head it up. We went to New York to the first conference on educational technology. 1 had heard about Robert Young and the Coderence on Mankind 2000 which he'd organized. Robert Young was a newspaper man in Salzburg, Austria, who spoke a dozen languages or more and who was highly respected among the social scientists on the continent. He wrote a littie book - Mankind 2000.1 was inûigued by what I'd read about that - I think 1read about it in The New York Times. 1 was very much intrigued. Then 1saw Hexman Khan and Tony Wiener were on the program for the conference. So 1 went and Bob Jackson went and they had a nice visual presentation and it was basically introducing and promoting the concept of the Commission for the Year 7000 and proposing that Daniel Bell would be the director for the project. Herman Khan got a big contract from it for the Hudson Lnstitute and 1 didn't realize how industrial that was or how technologicaily oriented it was. Almost non-social science but 1 rather tmsted Bell. Bell is pretty good. We were not very much different in the way we think. That was dl right. 1 kind of accepted it - 1 was one of the few that did. They either hated Khan or loved him. He had a following which was immense. On the flight back we [Jackson and Toppin] pretty well resolved that this was something which shouid be adopted by the new Institute (OISE).Indeed we were very privileged - it was a moment of convergence. We were very fortunate that this had happened at this time and he (Bob Jackson) knew 1 had this background in educational technology. Nobody else in Canada except Ralph Dent had it and he had been hired the year before. 1proposed that 1do a project on Communication and Cybemation which 1 did and you've got the book.I9

M..Toppin was the founder and Managing Director of the "Programmed Leaming Centre of Canada" and Co-ordinator of "International Training Systems", both based in Toronto. He founded and directed the "Canadian Council for Programmed Leaming" under a grant fkom the Ford Foundation and became the f~aPresident of the Canadian Chapter of the ''National Society of Programmed Instruction in the United States". These organizations provided a base for Mt. Toppin in the field of programmed instruction and educational technology.

We did two things. We sold materials and we delivered programs. McGraw Hill were big supplien. 1had billings of 30,000 dollars a month just for Bell Canada, for example. We ran events at the Education Centre at OISE through the Canadian Council for Programmed Leaming. Dr. Beatty, the Assistant Vice-President of the University of Toronto was the chairman of the Canadian Council for Programmed Leaming. Senator Donald Cameron, past president of the Canadian Association for Adult Education, Roby Kidd and Alan Thomas were on the Council. None of us drew any pay from that. 1ran the other as a private business although this cornmittee seemed to suggest 1 shouldn't be educating and selling at the sarne time 'O

Mr. Toppin wrote extensively for several periodicals including the Canadian Personnel Journal as well as editing a cornpanion publication, the Canadian Training Digest. He wrote a number of widely read articles for the Canadian ManufacturersrAssociation in Industrial Canada, including "Increasing Productivi~through Programmed ~nstruction".~~He compiled and edited the International Directory on Training Aids and the International Comprehensive Testsfir Guidance and Placement. He also wrote an important series of articles for the Canadian Personnel und Industrial Relations Journal.

Mr. Toppin was widely recognized for this work and piloted a number of cornmunity- based projects in an effort to irnplement programmed instruction to meet adult learning needs. These included a project carried out in the Fail and Winter of 1964 and 1965 with the Yorkdale Education Association in which Autotutors were made available through the Yorkdale Plaza in Toronto for speed leaming clinics - revealing that the gxeatest demand was for basic skills courses in English and math." Mr. Toppin also led a pioneering project in Guelph with the Department of Reform institutions in which he reported that teaching machines were found to be successful in delivering credit courses to inmates".

As a consultant to the Toronto Library, Mr. Toppin developed a Self-nsttnrcun Centre for Programrned Instruction Muterials at the Queen Street q ranch? This was the first project of its type and was oficially opened by the Muiister of Education. Noah York and East York Libraries f~llowed~~,offering progmmmed instruction and two or three teaching machines. However, Mr. Toppin concluded that "a library of P.I. materials had limited value to the public unless accompanied by very competent and enthusiastic consultation" and most of the Autotutors were removed after six months because the prograrns were too advanced or too elementary?' Produciivity Projeci A TU'67 Mr. Toppin investigated his theones in the Productivity Project ATLL767,conducted at Humber College in Toronto. The project was funded under Bill 278, Adult Occupationai Training Act, as a Manpower Retraining Program under the authority of the Etobicoke Adult Education Centre, with involvement of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education where Mr. Toppin was pursuing graduate studies in adult education (Septembcr, 1967-August, 1969).

The primary objective was the practical application of a total systems approach to the delivery of adult basic education programs. Mr. Toppin7swork helped to defme the staffmg resources that would be needed to implement a leaming laboratory at Humber College. Autotuton were used to teach Grade 10 mathematics and English to new Canadians and others placed below Grade 10. Students were hded through the Adult Occupational Training Program, established under the Adult Occupational Training Bill of Apnl26, 1967. Commenting on the Act for the Canadian Association for Adult Education, Nan Thomas noted:

We are prepared to welcome a national initiative in manpower development, because we believe it is education, and because a national initiative in education is important to al1 of us. The range of sophistication of modem occupations is such that we need not to conclude that only narrow ski11 training is involved. There is an immediate educationai oppomuii~,here that is more important because for the most part the training will be provided by educationai agencies. There are inevitable conflicts here, but also immense opPomuiities?*

Always attentive to broader societal needs, Mr. Toppin was trying to respond to these "immense opportunities" by creating a program that would make more efficient use of public resources to deliver basic skills training. in his report he noted the request fiorn the spokesman of the Econornic Council of Canada (ECC)for "experimentation with new approaches":

It is no longer sunicient to work harder, faster or longer. We must change the method. To increase our output, it is necessary to adopt better methods, better equipment new and better processes and to attain a more effective utilization of the labour employed. The attainment of national goals now cails for a much larger Canadian effort in the use of the latest available techniques. Continuhg education and retraining must play an ever-increasing role in the future. This is an area where programmed instruction could surely make signifiant cont~ibutions.'~

Mr. Toppin had been invited to develop a program through full utilization of programmed instruction with teaching machines and related resources. This appealed to him. He believed that the success of the total concept approach would Save millions of dollars for Canadian taxpayers by training more adults more effectively for less money. He did extensive preliminary research and secured donations of resources and equipment. which he acknowledges in his extensive report:

Dr. Leonard Silvem for his enunciation of systems engineering; Dr. John Theobold who arranged a tour of the projects in New York; Dr. Robert Burns, University of Chicago, who introduced the Mon Project; Robert Silverman, New York University , who encouraged to pursue the relationship between tests and programs as well as Elton Lash, Director of Programmed Instruction for the Welch hstitute who was persuaded to lend a battery of 25 Autotutors which served as the core of the Project. Support and advice was also received fiom D.A. Cavanagh, Duector of the Economic Council of Czîada, James Draper, Department of Adult Education, OISE, Rupert Helmer, Department of Immigration and Manpower, R.H. Hannigan, senior Psychologist, Adult Counselling centre?'

Mr. Toppin was especially interested in defining the resources needed to create a successful program. Some of the questions he hoped to answer about the practical implementation of such a program were:

How would resources, especially teaching machines be introduced? How would the project be administered and resources obtained and serviced? How would equipment and materials be integrated into the classroom system? What problems? Could they be solved? If so how? Wodd machines motivate? Would students like to use them? What about students who disliked them? Are there programs that relate to the present course of study? Are they usable? Do they cover too much or too Me? How does the programming process apply to audio-visual, etc. What resources are essential. How can investment in equipment and materials be rninimized and amortized to extend the productivity of the education dollar? How can tests be used in relationship to programs? Can they be helpful in identifjbg objects and needs? Are there programs which will fil1 these needs after they are identified? But, most of dl, can better education be provided for less money for less the?

Mr. Toppin concluded that the integrated use of tapes and Autotutor programs would ailow the right teacher to use the leaming lab to teach Wceas many students at the same the" as Skinner had predicted. Moreover, students could begin at any time without undue disturbance. M. Toppin's report reflects a language that sounds more appropriate to today's educational discussions. He stated in his report:

Knowing as we do that pupils leam at different rates of speed, in different ways, at different times and in response to different stimuli, the ngid grade-classroom instruction approach will have to be moderated. Pupils should be fmding out for themselves, leaming to discover, to explore, to inquire and to build concepts al1 in relation to the structure of the curriculum. In such a setting. the role of the teacher would change. uistead of telling or instnicting, teachea would be guiding and helping pupils or small groups of pupils in their quest for kn~wled~e.~'

Mr. Toppin used his own needs assessrnent tests, the IPPl (Individually Prescribed Programrned Instruction) Wide Range Assessment to assess language and math proficiency and predict career interests and aptitudes. Mr. Toppin's 1967 report reflects his interest in the social benefits of achieving greater productivity in order to reduce educational costs:

History has shown that the power of taxation can only be extended so far before a counter-revolution will take place. Increases in salaries, unless supported by increases in productivity. simpiy create a spiral which pyramids the living costs and penonal taxes of every citizen. Swly the hour has arrived to objectively investigate whether or not the enormous public investment in education cannot be more productive.33

He voiced a "big picture view' of educational change in the context of Canadian social development. The use of Autonitors in a laboratory for adult basic skills training through the application of a systems approach was unique:

Productivity Project ATLL'67 was to be a major investigation into the "total concept" systerns approach to training, utilizing the capability of the professional teacher in combination with modular testing, contingency management, etc., and whatever forms of instructional technology may be available and relevant. It is dissimilar from most foremer projects insofar as it is teacher and mident oriented."

As a social innovator and educator, Mr. Toppin has always been attentive to societal needs through his close association with intellechlals, social innovators and fonvard- thinking political figures. He networked constantly, building relationships, sharing ideas and reflections on social change. He came to believe My,at a very early age that technologicd change would affect the lives of dl individuais in our society. His detailed report is infused with immense compassion stemming fiom an intuitive grasp of the effects of automation on teachers and students. While the ATL,L'67 project was intended to focus on the need to attain higher productivity in the delivery of basic adult education (primarily mathematics and English at the Grade 10 level), Mr. Toppin's report is imbued with respect for the professional adult educator.

He calls the term "teaching machine" dominate, as its negative connotations fueled the fear felt by those who predicted that it could replace teachen. The debate remains at the forefiont of educational discussion. Mr. Toppin understood clearly that while automated leaming was desirable, feu wodd generate Uisurmountable resistance unless the role of the educator in implementation could be meaningfully defined. He made it very clear that he was not interested in cutting costs by eliminating teaching staff.

At the outset [of the project], 1 emphasized strongly that it was not my wish to be party to another comparative study - hundreds of which have already "proved that "programmed instruction teaches better than conventional methods" - without really convincing anyone or creating anything except fear. It has long been my contention that you can only validy compare comparables; supenonty in part does not necessarily mean superiority in total. Consequently, rnost of the earlier studies, although fIom prestigious sources, have been over-optimistic and meaningless - except that they have hightened multitudes of teachers who were already groping for security.

Mr. Toppin's lengthy report is a remarkable, humanistic reflection on the needs of teachers and -dents, and the improvement of productivity through technological change without creating stress and fear for personal security. Avoiding the negative psychological impact of productivity enhancement can only be achieved by "building bridges of understanding", as Mr. Toppin would Say. He has often stated, "one thing I've leamed is that people will always resist what they do not understand, so creating understanding is the key to successful change". To emphasize the importance of the teacher in the educationai process, Mr. Toppin fiamed his research question as follows:

Can a system be created and managed which will allow for individual daerences and provide motivation toward the achievement of realizable and socially beneficial goals at a price which will adequately train and reward the professional teacher, who might well become the logical key person in the system, without passing on increased costs to the already protesMg taxpayer? 35 His report also highlighted the role of the professionai educator in integrating programmed instruction through Autotutors with traditional classroom teaching.

What is not so well known is that programmed instruction cannot Save tirne, money and effort unless it is wisely selected and applied-and, in many cases, imaginatively integrated and creatively extended. Implemeotation, integration and motivation are enormous problems which have, for the rnost part gone unrecognized. Even the big projects have usually been half projects?

Tne ATLL'67 Project was a pioneenng use of Autotutors to deiiver basic ski11 training as well as English as a Second Language in a publicly fmanced Manpower training program that met the needs of a large nurnber of students:

There were 25 Autotutors in the roorn. This was the first project of its type in the world although there was one which was set up for industry very much like it. I met the chap from Bell, (we were both consultants for Bell Canada) - Alexander Shure fiom the New York Institute of Technology. They had this special campus out in Brookllmd. Bucky (Buckminster Fuller) had one over at the University of Illinois. 1 could be slightly wrong here; they didn't have very many machines though. But Alexander Shure had a hundred machines at one time in New York. 1 had 25 al1 the way through but 1 also had an assistant who had a good background in psychology. We took al1 kinds of referrals, mostly potential nurses' aids. Every one of the students was different from al1 the others. 1 put them through the assessment to find their level of entry behavior and through a series of testing and profile generators tried to identi@ what area they should be rnoving into - whether they should try to be great mathematicians, scientists or just ordinary nurses. It was quite an intensive thing. It could al1 be done with the machine. We used the IPPI for initial assessment because nobody in the world had done anythuig like it?'

Mr. Toppin feels that the combination of the fiont end needs assessment (hs PPI) together with the use of Autotutors was extraordinarily successfûl, pointing the way to a more effective delivery of adult basic training. Today he recails the project in very enthsiastic tenns:

1 did a fantastic job! 1know now in retrospect that 1 fi-ightened the daylights out of them .... 1 didn't know what 1was doing - it was that good. 1 would have rapid readuig classes in the auditorium. 1 would invite the whole school in..... Absolute miracles happened .... 1 got statements fiom 14 or 15 of them. Twice as much in half the the. Twenty-five cents per hour for Although he mentions scaring people with his work, he noted in his report at the time that:

We asked each of the participating teachers if they would like to have the Learning Laboratory continued. The response was manimous in favour of continuation on a permanent and extended bais.... It is only fair to state that dl teachers did not participate.... 1understand also that there has been some opposition. However, in no case have I heard of opposition from anyone who has been seriously involved. As a matter of fact, there has been considerable pressure to augment the facilities as rapidly as possible. Senous professionai teachers see the potentid of extending their productivity through such resources as are available through the Learning ~aborator~?~

Mr. Toppin feels that there was significant social pressure fiom teachers' unions to cease work in programmed instruction (and the use of teaching machines) in public sector education. At least one Arnerican researcher voluntarily ceased work in the field stating in his published research that society was not yet ready for the implications of programmed instruction, citing similar opposition. While public school teachers' unions may have felt threatened by teaching machines, the issue was not central to Mr. Toppin's work:

1 realized the unions were coming in. 1 debated with Albert Shanker. the top teachers union organizer for the world. He becarne farnous. He was a high school Principal in Brooklyn. 1 got to know him quite well in New York in the late 1950s early 1960s. He didn't like the term union. He preferred professionai association, like the doctors. I debated him in a little session at one of the conferences in New York. But my constituency was basically the people who were womed about helping adults mostly with people like paniel] Bell and so on."'

While successful, the Project was sometirnes harnpered by a generd lack of available 'programs". Mr. Toppin prepared one program himself but noted in his report:

1am in favour of the Resource Centre and would strongly recommend that Canadian material be prepared and used in this course as the students find Arnerican idioms, references and spelling conhing.'"

The Project also dered from inadequate hinding. Mr. Toppin has pointed out that Roby Kidd, Chairman of the Department of Addt Education at OISE, atternpted to secure more funding but nothing was forthcoming. The project was terminated.

So what happened to ATLL'67? The lab and everything in it, including me and my littie naffdidn't fit into Humber College- into the scheme. We moved to Humber CoiIege Iower campus. Then they built the new campus and then it became a vocational school. There was a change in policy in the treatment of Manpower. They started developing special schools like the one on the Danforth. This (the AnL'67 Project) didn't fit in because it was too general."

Mr. Toppin's experience with the ATLL967Project and his persona1 insights into the impact of automation on society led him in new directions. He "became concerned about the whole process of human development in a period of rapid technological change".

This Cybernetic Age In 1969, Mr. Toppin conceived, initiated, edited and CO-authoredThis Cybernetic Age, a 450-page pioneering effort that brought together essays by some of the most significant writen in the fields of communication, cybemation, economics and the social sciences, including Arthur Porter, Marshall McLuhan, Barbara Ward, Gordon Thompson, John Kenneth Galbraith, Eric Fromm, Norbert Weiner, Lord Ritchie Calder, John Farina, Gordon Thompson, Zakir Hussain, Norman Cousins and many othen. This was a serious attempt to present the witings of cnticai thinkers in a sourcebook on what is now called futures studies. The book was published by the Hunan Development Corporation and announced with a Ml-page advertisernent in The New York Times. which led to Mr. Toppin7sappearance on national television and radio in the U.S. and ana da."^

What makes the work unique, in my opinion, is that Mr. Toppin did not try to take credit for the ideas expressed in the book. He did not try to be a fùture prophet. He selected and organized the essays around the important thernes of the time, including machines and automation, world govemment (distribution of world resources); communication technology and mass media; work, leisure and basic minimum income; humanization of a technological society; and lifelong leaming. The book was intended for readers who wanted a serious introduction to the issues of Ws cybemetic age". Although Mr. Toppin was not an acadernic, he saw an urgent need for an interdisciplinary approach to what we now cal1 futures studies. He agreed with Arthur Porter (with whom he was well acquainted) that some control of rampaging technology might be obtained through accelerating the degree of interaction between disciplines.w in his essay "Tomorrow is Today!" in This Cybernetic Age, Mr. Toppin provided his unique synthesis of research from a variesr of disciplines. He outlined his belief that, as a result of progress in automation and communication, the capacity existed to create a better fiiture for al1 humanity:

Existing communication technology has the potential of creating 'One World'; there are several alternatives as to fonn but the trend seems for dl nations to become members of the United Nations as a prelude to some mutually-agreeable type of world govemment. A world language is badly needed and because of its present accessibility Global English is proposed as the universal language with control of special satellite network channels by UNESCO for (i) world affairs; (ii) education; (iii) simultaneous translation fiom English to local languages; (iv) continuous teaching of Global English and other U.N.languages. Computerized communication can bring to your home as many as fi@ channels. The knowledge, entertainment and culture of the world can be at your fingertips. Maximized utilization of cybemation can create an unlimited supply of goods and services -enough to feed the world, assuming reasonable population control. The creation of new machines, and bener use of present machines, will continue leading to the displacement of some workers. A guaranteed income is almost a certainty, especially in affluent societies that are heavily cybemated. The amount would probably be suficient to cover food. shelter, clothing and education. ... Al1 that need concem us here is the principle: (1) Receipt by everybody, as a right, of a minimum basic guaranteed income; (2) by those with no incomes, in the form of monthly cheques to cover minimum needs; (3) by those with large incomes in the form of a tax credit; (4) by those in between in the fom of a sliding scale iax-credit adjutment. Those who are able to work will participate in increased prograrns of public works and continuing education. Certainly some form of income stabilization is necessary to replace the present expensive patchwork of welfare and security plans. Foreign aid and cooperation will increase. Cultural growth will accelerate. ... As John Farina points out, "The second corning of Aristotle will bring music, art and literature to the masses." There will be enormous human problems with which people must be trained to cope. ... Counselling becomes vital. 10. Consequently, there appears to be an urgent need for improved guidance and counselling facilities through educational, religious, govemment and independent agencies, and more oppominity for involvement and participation in community activity and development. 11. Changes in educational policies are also Uidicated so that both youth and adults are better prepared to make adjustments to new vocations and to life in the age of leisure. 12. The main tbrust of emphasis, hopefully, will be social organization and humanization as expressed by Eric Fromm. "

Published in 1969, the book is a source of pnde to Mr. Toppin:

The book This Cybernetic Age was an attempt to deal with the social aspects of cybernation and I was by fu are Lst person in rhe worId previewed in The New York Times, even before Alvin Toffler, even before Future Shock (June, 1970). I was the fmt to have a book introduced with a full-page announcement in The New York Times by far. There was nobody at al1 even close. 46

In a recent letter, Allen Tough, Professor Emeritus, Department of Adult Education. OISE called This Cybernetic Age a "valuable book ... an early exploration of a topic which becarne quite quite mainstream" '". The book was an enormous project for Mr. Toppin in conjunction with his other work and stands as a testament to his belief in and cornmitment to a positive future for every human being through social innovation. The organization and content of the book attest to his intuitive grasp of the nature of the man- machine era and the massive social change that would soon be upon the world. The book is much more than a dream of a utopian firture through technoiogical change. It focuses on the humanization of technoiogy, the impact of change and the importance of human development in the face of what Aivin Toffler would later cal1 "Funire Shock".

Mi. Toppin remained deeply committed to the study group format of addt learning. The book was intended to be used to stimulate group discussions on its themes. Appendix IV is comprised of discussion questions based on the materials presented in each part of the book. In addition, Appendix I offen "Basic English Vocabulary for Global Communication"; Appendix 4 a glossary of '%meIy ternis"; Appendix II?, statistics for The Good Earth" (which includes the name of every country, population, politicai system, fiee press, annuai per capita income, literacy rates, current statu (war or peace) and average iife span. The inside cover of the book demands a personal response to the content: MACHINES - ESPECLALLY COMPUTERSyROCKETS AND SATELLITESARE CHANGING YOUR WORLD!!! Every human being on earth - INCLUDING YOU - will be changed by This Cybemetic Age WAR, VIOLENCE AND POVERTY CAN BE ELIMTNATED! SECURJTY AND SELF-FULFILLMENT CAN BE YOURS "The Development of Machines Codd Make Work Obsolete" Distinguished Leaders bring you this Guidebook to the Future

Although the utopian ring of the language somewhat undermines the serious nature of the book, the penonal call for active participation and social innovation in helping people to cope with change is unmistakable. Mr. Toppin States:

Those who do understand must pick up the challenge fiom the McLuhans, Montagues, Diebolds and Fromm, and lend their insights toward the development of a global network of community groups whose ahmight be 'to move toward a penonal transformation fiom an alienated person into one of active participation'. This means dealing, not only with the significant, but the unpleasant. It means facing today's problems squarely, and controlling them before they cm destroy us?

Mr. Toppin's goal was to present these ideas in a way that wouid help others to undentand the profound nature of the societal shifi so that they could then begin, through their community groups, to take an active role in dealing with social problems, defùsing the stresses that can lead to individual, societal and social breakdom in an era of rapid change. Mr. Toppin hoped to bridge the communication gap between thinken, corporate leaders and the average citizen who inevitably &ers the consequences of change. By creating a sourcebook of readings, Mr. Toppin hoped to facilitate discussion in small groups. The profouud message was not that a utopia was on the horizon but that there was (and still is) a critical need for aduit leaming and social innovation. The publication of This Cybernetic Age was a critical point in Mr. Toppin's life. He had created a synthesis of his experience in basic skills training, corporate consulting and years of networking with members of the business and educational communities. He now wanted to apply that synthesis to the creation of action groups to influence the direction of events to corne. It is significant that the last article in his book is "Checklist of Enemies" by Norman Cousins:

Tnt: enemy is a man who not oniy beiieves in his own helpiessness but actually worships it. His main article of faith is that there are mammoth forces at work which the individual cannot comprehend, much less alter or direct. And so he expends vast energies in attempting to convince other people that there is nothhg they can do. He is an enemy because of the proximity of hopelessness. The enemy is a man who has a total willingness to delegate his womes about the world to officialdom. He assumes that only people in authority are in a position to know and act."'

Mr. Toppin had felt from his early days that the key to a "bright future of hope" was in communal and collective action - that people shodd work to solve their own problems because those who Iived in a community have the best sense of the needs of that community. Mr. Toppin believed that each individual could play a role in tipping the balance in favour of a positive future and he had no intention of sitting on the sidelines:

You have your area of influence. You do not have to be known as a non-confomist; you cm adopt a minimal change attitude within your groups ... providing you understand.'*

In 1967 Mr. Topph purchased a fm,which he named Centennial Acres, in Muskoka, a resort area north of Toronto. He decided to convert it into a project in social innovation. a 'W tank for everyone". The project is covered in the following chapter. Notes

' Toppin, interview with author, May 1995. Eric Fromm, "The Humanizttion of Technological Society", This Cybernetic Age. ed. and CO-authorDon Toppin (New York: Human Development Corporation, 1969) 354. ' Mr. Toppin. May 1995. 4 Mr. Toppin, May 1995. 5 Don Toppin, From Cradle ro Grove, Copyright March, 1943. Senal Number 59774 1 - no mer information available. From Cradle to Grme. quoted in Don Toppin. "Response to the Royal Commission on Canada's FWX~ Perceptions on A Guaranteed Job Plan for Canadians", 1984. 1 7 Don Toppin, interview with author, June 1995. Don Toppin. "Response to the Royal Commission on Canada's Future Perceptions on A Guaranteed Job Plan for Canadians", 1. bon Toppin. "Response to the Royal Commission on Canada's Future Perceptions on A Guaranteed lob Plan for Canadians", 2. 'O Ibid, " Don Toppin, phone convenation with author. August, 1998. '' Ibid. 13 Toppin with R. Theobold, Breakdown or Breakrhrough: A Conclusionfrom Canada's First Conference on the Future (unpublished manuscript, 1975) 46. l4 Don Toppin, interview with author, June 1995. ISIbid. l6"Some Biographicai Clippings" from Mr. Toppin's persona1 Papen. " Don Toppin. interview with author. Iune 1995. l8Ibid. l9 Ibid, 'O Ibid. " Appeared in Industriai Canada, The Canadian Manufacturer's Association. April. May, June 1966. rr - Don Toppin, IDEAS infernationai Directory of Educational Ai& and Services, 1 97 1, ') Don Toppin. "Productivity Project ATLL96T*.project report submitted to R. J. Kidd, Director, Department of Adult Education and D.A. Cavanagh, Ontario Regional Officer, Economic Council of Canada, 1967. " Ibid, Don Toppin, phone conversarion with author, April 1997. " Ibid. " Don Toppin, "Productivity Project ATLLT67". 12. " Alan Thomas, cited in Don Toppin "Productivity Project ATLLT67",5. Unamibuted quotation ikom a spokeman for The Economic Council of Canada, cited in Don Toppin, "Productivity Project ATLL967", 10. Ibid., 3. 31 Ibid.. 6-7, '' Don Toppin, "Productivity Project ATLLY6T',67. 33 ibid., 2. ibid., 20. 35 Ibid. 36 Ibid. 37 Toppin, interview with author, June 1995. 38 Ibid. 39 Don Toppin, "Productivity Project ATLL'67", 39. 40 Toppin, phone conversation with author, April 1997. " Don Toppin, "Productivity Project ATTL767", 36. " Don Toppin, phone conversation with author, Apd 1997. J3 Ibid.

JJ Arthur Porter, "Reflections on ihe Man-Machine Society", Thk Cybernetic Age, ed. Don Toppin (New York: Human Development Corporation, 1969) 1 34. '' Don Toppin, bbTomormwis Today!" This Cybernetic Age 19. &iDon Toppin, phone conversation with author, April 1997. 47 Allen Tough, persona1 correspondence to Paul Bertrand, 1999. Don Toppin, "Tomonow is Today!", This Cybernetic Age 23. 49 Norman Cousins, "Checklist of Enemies", This Cybernetic Age 377. " Don Toppin, This Cybernetic Age 395. Chapter 4. Social Innovator: The Muskoka Years 1967-1 978

The First Pilot Project on Leisure Learning In 1969, John Munroe, Minister of Health and Welfare, called for a senes of conferences on leisure. Dr. John Farina of the University of Toronto chaired The Montmorency Conferences on Leisure with the involvement of Roby Kidd, Chairman of the Department of Adult Education at the Ontario institute for Studies in Education. Mr. Toppin recalls that the idea for this conference was onginally discussed in 1967 at a conference of Education and Recreation Directors at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal, during Expo'67. Roby Kidd and John Munroe were present:

Returning from the conference Roby said to John. "You know we should have a real conference some time". John replied, "What do you mean?Roby said, "Well, there's too many here. With 1000 people at a conference you can't expect too much." John Munroe was the Minister of Health and Welfare and he was the centre of it dl. It was really a celebrity thing for John Munroe. 1got to know John quite well at that session. John and Roby and myself were the three principals, John Farina was quite active too. We decided to have a small conference so that's when they said "Well yes and let's give sorne recognition to Quebec and have it at Montmorency. ... It went over so weli that it was leading to policy for the future. That led to the next conference in 1971 and they were going to have another one. which was going to be a real conference on the hure in recognition of increased leisure.12

Mr. Toppin attended these conferences and at the request of Roby Kidd prepared two of the three reports entitled Leisure in Canada (1 969 to 197 1). He also completed an unpublished work entitled Perspectives on Leisure (1973). Following the Montmorency conferences (1969-1971), there was a recognition of the need for future-oriented conferences:

A small group of us met in Ottawa. Senator LaMontagne was the key one and Don Cameron who was my fiiend fiom the Banff School of Fine Arts. They tried to organize a conference on the future but they couidn't decide who to ask. Should they be people who would be voted in or heads of associations? If so, what associations and how many? Seven of us sat on the floor of the CarIton Hotel and kicked it around for 20 minutes or so. The Governor-Gened came in and had a drink with us and wished us good luck but didn't have any advice. Nobody could Say who to invite -who do you start with and Don Cameron said why don't we endorse a little conference. 1 spoke up and said, 'Well, we have a set-up in Muskoka, which is concentrathg on leisure learning and if it's a small thing that may be the answer.' So that's what happened and that was our first conference and that was the foremer to the "First Global Conferences on the ~uture"?

Centennial Acres Mr. Toppin became convinced that the time had corne to create a "haven" from the stresses of the Cybemetic Age. Mr. Toppin purchased a fmin 1967 located in Bracebndge, north of ~oronto'. There he held a number of informal discussion groups on social issues between 1967 and 1971. in 1972, Mr. Toppin founded Centennial Acres Inc. His ideas were influenced by his relationship with Norman Cousins, who at that time was the president of the World Federalists and Alvin ~offler?Mr. Toppin also became well acquainted with Buckrninster Fuller, whom he met during Expo'67 in ~ontreal.6

Centennial Acres is a fine example of Mr. Toppin's unique cornmitment to building understanding among Canadians. It was hcorporated as a non-profit organization, chartered by the Province of Ontario, with Mr. Toppin as Director. The initial focus was on leisure leaming. 1W. Toppin created a peaceful refuge fiom the modern world; an inclusive rather than exclusive institution which would bring together people from al1 countries and wdks of life to discuss ideas - to build a shared vision or cornmonfuture, a term coined by Mr. Toppin back in 1934. Centennial Acres was intended to be the 'W tank for everyone". Conscious of the stress caused by the increasing pace of life, Mr. Toppin felt people needed a place to think through change. As noted in a newspaper article in 1976:

Mr. Toppin said that he fears the trend toward a closed society where ordinary people become less and less willing to participate in decision-making because they feel iotimidated by professionals.' Understanding each other and the nature of changing times would be critical to a healthy fiiture. As Mr. Toppin has written in many places "understanding can prevent breakdowns, understanding can create breakthroughs." John Fisher, Canada's Centennial Commissioner, officially opened Centennial Acres on Jme 4,1972 noting: This is a first! This retreat to make better use of leisure the! .. . 1think we owe a great debt to Don Toppin for this concept -a place to think and philosophize, the first person to corne out publicly to hda practical solution to the creative use of leisure tirne. So, on behaif of the citizens of Canada 1 congratulate you.8

Dr. John Farina, Chair of the Montmorency Conference called Centennial Acres ?he World's Fini Pilot Project in Leisure Learning". In fact, Centennial Acres appeared fiequently in local newspapers including the Toronto Star with commenü such as, &'a quiet, but vibrant hideaway ... an extraordinary meeting place for extraordinary people'..

The facility was registered as a non-profit organization for the following purposes:

These facilities will be available to people in business, governent agencies and educational institutions, arnong others for activities such as "think-tank" sessions, huma.relations and managerial training and counselling, etc. in addition, the present facilities will be used to accelerate the concept of Leisure Learning, which involves training to cope with life's problems, burdens, joys, family and work responsibilities, and increased amounts of leisure tirne, through interaction and sharing with other people and with nature? Mr. Toppin was able to generate impressive interest in what was essentially a private educational project through his considerable networking efforts. He certainly focused senous attention on the concept of Leisure Learning, social innovation and adult leaming at Centennid Acres. At the openhg ceremonies, messages of support were received fiom Gordon Aiken, M.P. for Muskoka; Frank Miller, Minister of Health for Ontario; and Premier William Davis. M.P.P. Robert Boyer "Iikened Centennial Acres to the Canadian Chataqua". Bany Donson, Minider of Tourism and hdustry and Mark Kellow, Past President of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, expressed support. Mr. Toppin wrote: Letters of best wishes were read fiom U Thant, Secretary General of the United Nations; Norman Cousins, long-time editor of Saturday Review and member of the Global Advisory Board for Centennial Acres; former Prime Minister Right Honourable Lester Pearson, Chairman of the international Development and Research Centre; Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau; Honourable Bryce Mackasey, Minister of Manpower and Immigration; Cor Westland. Director of Recreation Canada; Senator J.J. Greene; Hugh Faulkner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State; and opposition leader Robert Stanfield who said Tour concept is far-sighted and far reaching. The future need not be feared, as some would have us believe; the present need not be wasted as some would have us do. 1 am confident that your centre and its programs will make both the present and the future more meaningful for al1 participants." Premier William Davis wired "1 am pleased that one of Ontario's beautifid wildemess areas was selected for your experiment. 1 am sorry 1 could not be with you to participate. 1 would like to send greetings to John Fisher and to congratulate Don Toppin and his fellow organizers for scheduling a stirnulating and thought-provoking program." Messages were also received from Honourable James Auld, Minister of the Environment and Honourable John White, Ministry of hdustry and Tourism. Special music. composed for the occasion. was presented by the Huntsville Hi& School Band, Canadian singer Richard Accetta and the Caribbean who undencored the global nahire of the event by coming fiom Trinidad without a fee. Miss Muskoka 197 1, Kathy Prior, as custodian of the knife used by Queen Elizabeth to cut the Centennial cake in 1967. assisted secretary-treasurer A. Barbara Steven who also serves as group psychotherapist and trainer in relaxation techniques at the centre. The last speaker was Dr. Bruce Robertson, President of Centennial Acres hc., who said, "Now that we have explored outer space, it is time to explore inner space. 1 believe Centennial Acres will serve a significant fùnction in helping people to adjust to the pressures and shocks of the post-industrial age.10

Mr. Toppin established a Global Advisory Board to provide input into the 'Olobal Issues" agenda of Centennial Acres and the soon-to-be-established Muskoka Institute for the Fume. Mr. Toppin was now 58 and had suffered two heart attacks. At Centennial Acres, he was able to pursue his interests in a Iess stressful environment. Nonetheless, Centennial Acres was a unique leisure leaniing experiment in a future-focused leaming environment. Mi. Toppin had deeply-felt convictions about the nature of the future and social change, fiom his reading and personai interaction with some of the greatest academic, business and governent leaders of the time. Centennial Acres was an earnest effort to bridge the gap between those who understood the coming change and the people most affected by the impact of social change.

Mr. Toppin wasnytconcemed with Leisure Learning in an esoteric or academic way. Nor was he simply providing an inexpensive holiday for visitors. He was interested in helping people and organizations deal constructively with the effects of rapid technological change. Mr. Toppin understood clearly that downsizing and adjustment wodd leave a smder, overtaxed workforce. Leisure time would provide a much needed opportunity for reflection and snidy of better ways to manage work and free the. Centennial Acres was also intended for those who had been or were about to be displaced fkom their work. Mt. Toppin's purpose was to mode1 an appropriate social innovation to help those people leam to use increased leisure time for productive self-directed learning through career guidance with the assistance of a professional adult educator. As Mr. Toppin noted in a press inte~ew,technological change "points to a lot of leisure time &er paid emploqment. And a lot of people don? know what to do wiih it, and not knowing how to use it can lead to hstration and self-destruction". Mr. Toppin helped participants explore their interests by applying his experience in business, human relations, career counselling and the ATLL'67 Project.

As part of his career assessrnent counselling service, Mr. Toppin used his IPPI Wide Range Assessrnent to assess needs and develop individual study plans for clients. Mr. Toppin maintained a large selection of audio cassettes and Autotutor prograrns. The facility offered a large library of books and tapes on a wide range of subjects. With these resources, Mr. Toppin encouraged clients to develop a "prescription for one's future" as well as relaxation classes and stress control. In the evening, creative interchanges offered a group experience in planning for a positive future.

Corporate Programs Mr. Toppin continued to conduct workshops for corporate clients in human relations and instructional design. In addition to unstnictured leisure leaming, Centennial Acres offered a variety of stmctured events such as: "Renewal Time" on the first weekend of each month, described as a leisurely, low-cost experiential "get together" in which participants couid do as they wished or form groups by interest. Saturday included the "Barb Steven Relaxer" and the "Creative Interchange". These programs took advantage of Mr. Toppin's professional expenence as well as that of his wife Barbara Steven. Barbara was a graduate of Western University, with a Bachelor of Science in nming. She had extensive training and expenence in leading group therapy and had developed a system of relaxation techniques that were nationally recognized. These programs were of interest to employers. For example, the "Leisure Time" program allowed employees to spend a nine-day period in rest and renewal. Mr. Toppin noted in his promotional literature that the program was ideal for any employee whose efficiency had dropped due to stress or low motivation. Alan Seymour, Secretary Treasurer of ADCOM Research Lirnited, took advantage of the "Leisure Tirne" program. In a letter to staff in 1973, Mr. Seymour noted:

We ... are pieased to announce that each Ml-tirne empioyee will be entitled to nine days of "Leisure Time" at a unique "hideaway" in the heart of Muskoka at our expense. "Leisure Time" begins fnday night at 8:00 on the first full weekend of each month and continues during the following week until Sunday evening at 500. ADCOM will sponsor one employee each rnonth. Personally, 1 have enjoyed two investigative trips to Centennial Acres Inc. and have received exceptional reports fiom the employees who have attended the pilot prograrn. It is a non-profit futuresnented organization, chartered by the Province of Ontario to "provide a retreat in a naturai environment for Rest, Recreation, Research and Leisure Leaming". You will enjoy the environment, the books and cassette tapes, wide-range counselling, group sessions and many other things in which you may participate as you wish. "Leisure Time" can be very valuable to you as a person and as an employee of ADCOM."

The pnces were fiordable - the dl-inclusive weekend fee was $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Specific sessions were offered on new dimensions to human behavior, including Screen for Creative Problem Solving, Intuition, High Speed Reading, and Creative Thinking. Dr. Tom Vemy of York University led Prima1 Therapy sessions. Extended rates were $10 per day for as long as one wanted to stay. Corporate pricing ranged from $155 per employee for the 9-day "Leisure The" retreat to $195 per penon for the Global Think ~anks.'~

Global Think Tanks, Mr. Toppin noted, provided an opportunîty 'Tor leaders and would- be leaders -to think big about the fuhue of you, your organization and your society". The events provided creative problern-solving techniques in "an eciectic small group approach ernbracing synetics?synergistics, autogenics, anasynthesis and more". Corporations were invited to Weover" sessions by registering ten or more people13. To advance the notion of a "Global Think Tank", Mr. Toppin opened the "Global Conference Centre" at Centennial Acres. In addition to technological change, Mr. Toppin wanted to focus attention on global issues such as the environment, world peace and global education, with a view to havhg a significant impact on politicai leaders. He was acquainted with Maurice Strong and was keeping tabs on the results of the Stockholm environmental conference organized by Strong in 1972.

Muskoka Institute for the Future

Purpose Ln 1976. Mr. Toppin created the Muskoka Institufefor the Fume at Centennid Acres. He has stated that this was done in order to continue "The First Canadian Conferences on the FutureT',the name given to the senes of conferences held at the Muskoka facility from 1973 to 1977. The last conference was held at the Muskoka Sands Hotel in 1 978. Mr. Toppin stated that these were the fmt conferences of this type to be held in Canada and set the stage for the First Global Conference on the Future, held in Toronto in 1980.

Canada's first Conferences on the Future have been initiated as a response to the challenge for "a dramatic reassessment of the directions of change - by the people themselves". Human Potential seminars and ongoing research on public attitudes are part of the lifetime leaming program at Centennial Acres hc?

The focus was to be on a grassroots approach to social change. To highlight this, Mr. Toppin prefaces his unpublished book, BreaMown or Breakthrough. with the following quotation fiom Toffler:

The time has corne for a dramatic reassessment of the directions of change, a reassessment made not by the politicians or sociologists or the clergy or the elitist revolutionaries, not by technicians or college presidents but by the people themselves. We need, quite literally to "go to the people" with a question that is almost never asked of them: What kind of world do you want ten, twenty or th* years from now?" We need to initiate, in short, a continuing plebiscite on the future."

By 1976,lO conferences on the future had already been held (a total of 12 took place) to plan for the fùture at the grassroots level. Former Prime Ministers John Defienbaker and Lester Pearson were officiai patrons; Pearson had actually visited Centennial Acres. Mr. Toppin had ananged for conference results to be submitted to Prime Minister Trudeau. Mer each conference, Mr. Toppin produced a report for the Senate. He believed these conferences could serve the common good in a unique way:

Muskoka provides the ideal environment for such an Institute to foster small-group grassroots discussions with penodic wide-range opinion surveys followed by the now- established Reports to Senators, Parliamentarians and other 'leaders'. It seems important that 'people' should be aware of the thinking of people who, in the long run, will support or reject their products, ideas, and actions. We are redly taiking about 'anticipatory democracy' in contrast to the miversal trend toward restriction of human fieedorn by non-humanisric bureaucraties and mon~poiies.!~

The first conference was held as a prelude to the Montmorency Conference on Leisure led by Rix Rogers, General Secretary of the National Council of the YMCA. Mr. Toppin then decided to host a senes of conferences. The following is a list that appeared in Mr. Toppin's promotionai literature. Unfortunately dates were not included. h most cases the conference theme is listed; in two cases the conference outcome is given.

Conference 1 constructive use of leisure Conference 2 desirable trends under way in society Conference 3 the future as present Conference 4 the changing nature of work and income Conference 5 need for attitudinal and behavioral change Conference 6 values and goals Conference 7 energy problem and alternative solutions Conference 8 "The Conserver Society" and "The Plight of Science" Conference 9 concluded democracy may not survive unless people at al1 levels commit time and resources to active participation in the processes of anticipating and creating the fiiture Conference 10 renewal and evaluation Conference 11 concluded democracy might not survive Conference 12 "Dimensions of Sociai Changes in Canada"; present trends, future prospects (held in Canadian Room, Muskoka Sands Hotel) including announcement of the first programs of The institute for Research on Public Policy themes l7

The conferences were not intended to be large. Mr. Toppin believed that smd groups of people in positions to effect change codd have a greater impact on social planning than a large conference. He referred to the conferences as "small group grassroots discussions", noting: "It is hoped that the intermingling at this mtic rural retreat will enhance understanding and generate a vision of hope". At the end of each conference, Mr. Toppin prepared an extensive report which was mailed to al1 participants as well as senators. Senator Donald Cameron, who was then Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science Policy, was very supportive of Mr. Toppin's efforts and noted in a Ietter on September 17, 1973:

I can assure you that I am very sympathetic to what you are doing. f am quite sure that you are on the right track because one of the great gaps in our society today is the gap between what is and what is possible, using modem educational methods and modem technology. Unfortunately, an insufficient number of people are aware of the seriousness of the situation which is evolving as a result of the fear of social change.18 in a letter of support to Hon. Maurice Lamontagne. Hon. Marc Lalonde and Hon. Robert Andras, Dr. Cameron referred to the Muskoka Conferences in these terms:

The whole programme is the kind of one that is of concem to the proposed Committee on Social Innovation and is one on which anyone who has been at al1 concerned with the tremendous gap in Social innovation in Canada must feel compelled to take some action.lg

Unfortunately, by 1976 the Muskoka institute was suffering a senous financial shortfall. The organization needed S 150,000 but as noted in the Daify Packet and Times on December 22, 1976:

Directors have found that most corporate donors would rather commit themselves to older, more-established professional organizations. One such organization is the Montreal-based Institute for Research on Public Policy [IRPP], whose spokesmen Say they foresee no difliculty in raising $10 million by the end of 1977:'

The IRPP received hding from federal and provincial govemments. The Ontario Government had recently announced a 6 1,500,000 gant for the IRPP. in a 1976 letter to Premier Bill Davis, Senator Chelsey W. Carter argued the case for funding the Muskoka Institute, noting :

1 was very pleased to learn that your government has authorized a grant of $1 ,5001000 to the Institute for Research on Public Policy and I hope that your fine example will be followed by other provincial govemments in the near future. However, regardless of what conclusions are reached by the RPP as a federal institution, no matter what recommendations are based on these conclusions, successfid implernentation will not be possible uniess the public at large are prepared to receive them and to support them. This is the role 1foresee for the Muskoka Institute for the Future because they deal with people in small groups at the grassroots level. In other words, the role of the Muskoka Institute for the Future codd be complementary to that of the IRPP rather than an alternative to it. ... In any case. there is no reason why the Muskoka Institute for the Future cannot do for Ontario what the IRPP is supposed to do for canada?'

In 1976, facing a financial shortfall, Mr. Toppin Iaunched a campaign to raise a million dollars for the Institute. In an intenriew, Mr. Toppin outlined the main objective of the Muskoka Institute on the Future

to create a small low-cost residentiai community of "creative thinkers" in the tradition of Aspen and the "Centre for Democratic Institutions". In addition there will be a continuing program of hture-onented events and seMces for individuals and organizations. -77 Fundraising attempts failed. however, and by December 1976 the Institute had Wtually suspended operations, in need of $1 50,300 to pay the interest on the Huntsville property. While Mr. Toppin was able to secure $30,000 in grants fIom Ottawa and $30,000 more fiom the pnvate sector, only a few corporate donors, including Abitibi and Reader's Digest, had come forward to offer support. It was certainly clear that most corporate donors preferred to invest in the older, more established, professional, Montreai-based "Institute for Research in Public Policy" which had no difficulty raising 10 million by the end of 1977. A DaiZy Pucket article captured Mr. Toppin's feelings at the the:

...the institute deserves a better chance because it is a "grassroots, democratic operation." He said that he supports the work of any organization which snidies the firture and trends in society, but he added that the Muskoka hstitute for the Fume is more accessible than other groups. "What is unique about his place", he said, "is that it's open to anybody. It's a place where someone on welfare who is concerned about the future can come and talk to someone with a Ph.D., where union leaders and corporate vice-presidents can get together and discuss common problems affecthg us all.'" Ceaainly, Mr. Toppin was not blind to the fact that more money would go to an organization that served the business community in a more traditional way. His cd1 for citizen participation might seem suspicious to corporate Canada. Mr. Toppin was aware of this and even seemed defensive in the article:

We've pioneered this kind of setting, where people can meet informally and talk things over. We produce papen, just like other groups, and every Member of Parliament receives them. Sooner or later, governments make policy decisions based on some of tk data providecl bÿ institutes likz 0~~s.~'

The twelfth and frnal conference was held at the Muskoka Sands Hotel on June 9, 1978. Fifty people participated, including:

Ron Ritchie, Senior Vice-President. Imperia1 Oil, Founder, Institute for Research on Public Policy Peter Nash, Head of the Department of the Environment, University of Waterloo Sinclair Stevens, Minister of Finance J. Harvey Perry, Canadian Coudon Social Development Alex Jupp, Vice-President, Molson's; Professor, York University John Pengo, Executive Director of the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education

With the cooperation of the Institute for Research on Public Policy, Mr. Toppin had commissioned professional papen on the following topics discussed in srnall groups at the conference:

1. human rights 2. the econornic dilemma 3. the techno-electronic environment 4. tnith in advertising 5. public awareness

The conference was widely reported in Muskoka and Toronto. The CBC prepared an audio cassette of the proceedings, now stored at the National Library. Citizen Participation Mr. Toppin remained a strong advocate of a humanistic approach to citizen participation in social planning. Mr. Toppin's frustration at the time was reflected in the Daily Packet and Times article:

.. .he fears the trend toward a "closed society," where ordinary people become less and less willing to participate in decision-making, because they feel intimidated by professionals. "People are becorning impotent. They start to get interested in something, then they get knocked down. Al1 problems are people problems and everybody has to take some responsibility for solving them. 25

The simple statement that "al1 problems are people problems" is a huge insight. The pnnciples upon which his work was based were those of adult education: the recognition of prior leaming, the emphasis on non-formal and workplace learning and the emphasis on personal and social development. Mr. Toppin was committed to the involvement of each individual in building a better society. There is a remarkable selflessness expressed by Mr. Toppin in 1975 :

Anyone who understands the gap between the impact of technology, the concomitant social problems, and the Iow level of sensitivity must realize that the new social inventions (such as Centennial Acres Inc.), are urgently needed (Read TofTier's three books etc.). This "Centre for Human Understanding and Growth" is indeed a "Pioneenng Project" which is neither easy to comprehend nor to implement. Since the project survives because of contributions, fellowships and very low fees (so low that anyone can dord to participate), it is timely to state that contributions are always needed and that your gifts are tax-deductible because of the Certification as a Charitable Organization by the Govemment of Canada. Because of our own philosophical stance and sense of urgency, we draw no money and rely on volunteers for assistance. But we do so glady because as we perceive someone had to "start". This is our personal response to the challenge of Toffler that: "The the has corne for dramatic rea~sessrnent.'"?~

There is an assurnption in Mr. Toppin's philosophy that the average citizen's contribution cm make a significant contribution to a positive future if helshe is encouraged to do so. He also believed (even in his early youth work) that the organizations he created should be non-bureaucratie and fiee fi-om political affiliation. While Mr. Toppin refers fiequently to Alvin Toffler, he was simply the relevant futurist of the day. Mr. Toppin was much more profoundly influenced by the works of Eric Fromm, especially Fromm's humanistic management principles and his ideas on activation, responsibility and participation. In the following passage, Fromm describes an organization that bears a remarkable resemblance to Mr. Toppin's grassroots organktion:

The conclusion seems unavoidable that the ideas of activation, responsibility, participation - that is, of the humanization of technological society -can find Ml expression only in a movement which is not bureaucratic, not comected with the political machines, and which is the result of active and imaginative efforts by those who share the same aims. Such a movement itself, in its organization and method, would be expressive of the aim to which it is devoted: to educate its members for the new kind of society in the process of striving for it.27

Mr. Toppin felt that personal responsibility toward a positive hiture was cntical for the preservation of a democratic society in a technological environment. He saw Centennial Acres as providing a much needed opportunity for citizens and leaders to build understanding in a non-threatenuig environment, a means to counteract generai apathy. selfishness and ignorance. There is a linkage here between Mr. ToppinYsconcem for "Security and Freedorn" as expressed in From Cradle to Grave and the preservation of citizen participation in the shaping of the future.

In From Cdeto Grave the issue was the mix of social prograrns that would lead to a reasonable arnount of security while avoiding the extremes of fascist society. Here the issue is the preservation of democracy in the face of increasing dienation and technologicd advancement. Apathy is as dangerous as greed when it cornes to building the future:

While it may be tme that "NO ONE" may have the answer, "EVERY ONE" rnay be part of the answer. Perhaps the time has corne to toss away the adversary habit and search together. "Leaders" too are human beings with problems. "Leaders are eager to respond -they are appalled at what they see as general apathy -they welcome relationships with people who are buly involved in seeking answers, especially people who make sacrifices today in the belief that by reversing the trend complete catastrophe may be avoided". The survey revealed that in spite of widespread ignorance and apathy, there is concrete evidence that "more people" are becoming aware. Toffler stated that "the breakdown in the control of society today is directiy linked to ouinadequate image of probable futures". If leaders know the nature of the "probable htures" which the population will support -and these are evident in the "trends underwaf' which were enthusiastically supported by the coderence participants -a preliminary basis has already been established for collaborative policies and action. Of course it might be possible for a government to "do everything" -Hitler and Stalin both seemed successful for a short tune, (remember Lord Halifax). But, as a culture we have so far rejected a "CLOSED SOCIETY". The option of an "OPEN SOCIETY7is the responsibility of "people" at al1 levels -and certainiy people within govemments, business and industry, and organized labour. But sorneone had to start! In comy langage we, for example, are prepared to devote our lives to society -but we are not alone. The issues are much more important than clichés. In the big sense we are really wealthy! Our self-interest lies in the sense of Culfiliment which we get aimost every day by signs of "breakdiroughn."

What is different about Mr. Toppin's thinking was that these conferences did not have to accomplish anything other than expanding the thinking of participants. The reports to senators were important as a means of justieing the conferences but Mr. Toppin felt that understanding spread through society like waves - beginning with a ripple and progressively gathenng strength and force. Through the meeting of minds at small conferences little rippies of change could begin al1 over the country and eventually the world.

CIosure of CenienniafAcres Inc. In 1977. the bank foreciosed on the mortgage on Centennial Acres. The financial failure was in part due to Mr. Toppin's health. He had suffered another heart attack in 1977 and was unable to carry on his bd-raising activities. Mr. Toppin's correspondence indicates a vigorous stmggle to maintain the institute. Dr. Bruce Robertson, head of the Muskoka Health Centre and head of Centennial Acres, wrote:

Centennial Acres is a unique experiment in the field of human relations in need of additional financial support to become self-sustaining. It is so unique in its creative endeavor that it is difficult to describe it in ternis of our cultural categories. It offers a rich melange for self-education through its library, audiovisual resources, staff?and continuhg flow of stirnulating dive people in a relaxed and nanual setting of the country. The creative interchanges are something like French salons or soirees. Self- exploration, growth and human encounter are natural aspects of the on-going process. "Leisure Leaming" is perhaps the closest, though stiU hadequate, descriptive phrase for this creative social experiment. It is imperative that this project receive adequate economic support not oniy for its own deserWlg ment but also because it is the foremer in an area that society mut increasingly explore and assimilate as the arnounts of unstnictured time avaiiable to individuals increase with each passing year. Mr. Toppin and Bab Toppin are highiy qualified professionals in their own fields and together provide the team that makes this experiment possible. Mr. Toppin is well known for his work in Adult Education and Personnel Counselling. Barb is a registered nurse who has pioneered various projects in the fields of human relations and community development. In summary we have a creatively unique and socially crucial project impiemented by two exceptionally gifted persons in need of financial support to become self- sustaining." Despite the efforts of his supportes, Mr. Toppin lost Centennial Acres in Iate 1977. Nonetheless, he continued to organize and promote the t 2h Conference on the Future, which was held at the Muskoka Sands Hotel in 1978.

What were the lasting effects of Centennial Acres and The Muskoka Institute for the Future? The conferences seem to have had significant impact on the lives of participants, encowaging them to think in anticipatory ternis. In 1978, a former participant wrote:

I'm not sure you will remember me - but 1remember you both and will for a long the. Since the Muskoka Conference in 77, I've not been responsive or active in your programs but have sincerely enjoyed receiving newsletten. 1 have rernained very active in futures work within my profession and on a personai Ievel have shared your work with many people. I've just accepted a position with the Alberta Govemment that will ensure me the opportunity to continue my futures work in the Long-Range Planning Section of Alberta Recreation, Parks and Wildlife. Keep up the good work -God knows we need ail the help even more so now - maybe we'll see you in 1980 at that exciting c~nference?~

The Muskoka institute for the Future is remembered as the host of the "First Canadian Conferences on the Future", which were attended by corporate executives, educators and students. 1 have penonally spoken with three individuals who attended these conferences and found them to have been some of the most unique and relevant conferences of the time on issues nich as automation, environnent and social change?

It was an unusual organktion in that it sought to remain fiee of any specific political ties while creating a fomfor productive input to political leaders on future-onented issues. Mr. Toppin deserves a great deal of credit for his future-oriented approach to social change. In 1972, satellite communication and silicon chips were just beginning to appear so the conferences were tnily gromd breaking. The focus on the importance of behavioral and attitudinal change as the basis of social change dong with the recognition of the importance of innovative career counselling and self-directed learning to help individuals make the transition from the old to the new economy was far ahead of its tirne.

Finally, the recognition of the importance of creating oppominities for meaningful participation in building the fbture as a means of preserving democracy is a cntical feature of the work of the Institute. His recognition of trends undenvay, especially in environment and conservation, brought Mr. Toppin into direct contact with the work of Maurice Strong. Their relationship would prove important in the coming years.

Global Education

Global Engîish As early as 1966, Mr. Toppin perceived a need for Global English, a subset of standard English gramrnar and vocabulary designed for rapid acquisition. Drawing on his expenence in teaching ESL to new Canadians through programmed instruction, he proposed the use of a basic vocabulary for global communication. He began by offenng the program on audio cassette via mail from Centennial Acres.

ML Toppin believed that English as a second or third language would provide a bais for world peace and cooperation. He felt that English would become the global language as a result of international business and telecommunications. He still perceives a need for a well-stnictured program that would allow people to quickly acquire English as a cornmon global language.

Global College Mr. Toppin believed that the delivery of Global English wodd require the creation of a Global College. As a strong supporter of non-institutionai lifelong leaming, Mr. Toppin believed that Global English as weil as other courses could and should be taught via distance to anyone and everyone using new technologies. Picking up a McLuhan theme, he described this as the college that was "everywhere and nowhere".

He spoke directiy with U Thant, Secretary General of the United Nations, about the concept and seemed to have some notion that the idea could be adopted or sponsored by the United Nations. The main idea was that ail types of self-directed leamhg materials could be made available to anyone anywhere fiom basic literacy to technical training. He initiated these efforts by making his cassette programs available by mail and hoped to link this kind of service to the United Nations.

Mr. Toppin feels that the concept of Global College was a complimentary idea to those of Global Village and Global Theatre. In an era of instantaneous communication, an organizing effort would be needed to provide access to high qudity leaming matenais. He was not interested so much in content (with the exception of Global English) as he was in the method. In 1985 (20 years after proposing the original concept), he wrote:

The fresh focus is to emphasize the globalization of leaming through adult education depots, small meeting rooms for Global language classes, TV Satellite programs, video cassette tapes, computers for education and training. Theoreticaiiy the knowledge of the world will become available to every inhabitant of the world. Although the appropriate technology is almost available, special efforts are required to globalize leamhg through appropriate software and qualified Community Leaming ~ounseUors~~

Today, the Intemet can serve much of the function that Mr. Toppin envisioned for the Global College. Certainly, it makes available the resources for everyone everywhere to access fieely available educational resources. (Obviously, this does not imply that dl of these resources are equally vaiid.) But Mr. Toppin continues to promote the ideas of Global English and Global College today. He feels strongly that the need for non- institution-based learning is greater than ever and, moreover, feels that recent developments in high speed transmission and satellite technology will enable the implementation of a sophisticated Global College.

Free access to education via electronic communication is a component of an evoiutionary process. He is not proscriptive about how this should be done or even who should do it. He seems to conceive of Global College as a clearinghouse for hi&-quality dependent leaming materials with a focus on basic skiils training. He feeis it couid likely be established through corporate sponsonhip coordinated through the United Nations. He ha personally written to the Gates Foundation and Ted Turner with regard to Global Coilege. Notes

' Don Topph, telephone interview with author. July 1996. ibid. ibid. Ibid. * fiid. Don Toppin, telephone interview with author, May 1998. '"Muskoka Institute for the Future needs money, slows operation", Duily Packet and Times 22 December 1976. a John Fisher, quoted in Don Toppin wiîh Robert Theobold, Breakdown or Breakthrough: .4 Conclusion fiom Canada's First Conference on rhe Future (unpublished manuscript, 1975) 49. Md. 'O Md., 50. " Alan Seymour, %emo to staff, ADCOM Research Limited", 18 April 1973, Mr. Toppin's penonal papers, " Centennial Acres promotional material, 1974. Mr. Toppin's personal papen. '3 lbid lJIbid. '' Toppin with Theobold, inside cover. l6 "Senior senator applauds Muskoka Institute", The Forester 23 Dec. 1976, included with support materials. '' Muskoka Institute for the Funire. promotional material. l8 senator Donald Carneron, lener to Don Toppin, 17 September 1973. Mr. Toppin's personal papen. l9 Senator Donald Cameron quoted by Mr. Toppin, in materiais for the 1974 Conferences on the Future. undated but written in September or October of 1974. 'O "Muskoka Innitute for the Future needs money, slows operation". Daily Packet und fimimes. 22 December 1976. " "Senator applauds Muskoka Institute", The Foresrer 23 December 1976. " "Muskoka Institute launches million dollar campaign", The Foresrer 29 July 1976. " Don Toppin, quoted in "Muskoka Innitute for the Future needs money, slows operation", Daif' Pocket und Times 22 December 1976. '' Ibid. Ibid. l6Toppin with Theobold. 57. " Enc Fromm 'The Humanization of Technological Society", This Cybernetic Age, ed. Don Toppin (New York: Hman Development Corporation, 1969) 36 1. '' Toppin with Theobold, 58. Undated steno sheet, Mr. Toppin's penonal papen. 'O Amy Thompson, Chrismias card to Don Toppin, Mr. Toppin's penonal papers, 1 I April 1978. Alan Seymour, telephone interview with author, October, 1998. '' Don Toppin, "Pending Projects as Conceptualized by the Chairman", memo to Toronto/2000 members, September, 1985, Mr. Toppin's persona1 papers. Chapter 5. Futurist Activities in Toronto 1978-1 998

The Toronto Futurist Group The Toronto Futurist Group was established in 1978 and met monthly at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)discussion and learning activities in for smail goups.' M. Toppin also worked as a consultant to the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews and played the pivotal role in the initiation and organization of the First Global Conference on the Future (Toronto, 1980) and in the creation of the Codttee on Torontol2000. Al1 members of the Toronto Futunst Group became founding mernben of Torontol2000, which continues to meet monthly at OISE.

First Global Conference on the Future Until 1979, Mr. Toppin served as the first Director-General of the First Global Conference on the Future held in Toronto in 1980. He feels that his First Canadian Conferences on the Future (discussed in the last chapter) had created significant local interest in holding a major global conference on the future in Toronto. Six thousard participants registered. He played a crucial role in securing the participation of Maurice Strong, Rene Dubois and other notable figures.'

Mr. Toppin was insrnimental in shaping and promoting the theme for that conference-?'%inking Locoll' Acting ~lobally?On a visit to New York Mr. Toppin met with Rene Dubois to secure his participation. They discussed the proposed title of his session 2'niink Global, Act Local". Mr. Toppin returned to Toronto and put forward this title as the theme for the conference with the change to "Thinking Globally, Acting Locally". Mr. Toppin suggests that he activated a tenn that then went dl over the world?

In 1979, Mr. Toppin was forced to stop working on the conference for heaith reasons. He fainted while walking down the steps of the United Nations, taking a serious fdl. Tests revealed that he suffered fiom sleep apnea syndrome and he was forced to relinquish his role as Director-General to Frank Feather, who appears in the program guide for the conference. The World Futures Society later recognized Mr. Toppin's contribution by making him an Honorary Life Member. He is the only Canadian to receive this honour.'

The concept of thinking globally and acting locally became the central focus of Mr. Toppin's thinking. He had been thinking globally for a long time-all the way back to the 1WOs, and certainly since the ATLL'67 project. He had sought to enrich the local community through education and exploration of global issues. Despite his illness. Mr. Toppin was very active during the First Global Conference on the Future in 1980. He made several television appearances as a local futurist and also met Aurelio Peccei, President of the Club of Rome at a private dimer in Toronto. As a result of these expenences, Mr. Toppin conceived of two new organizations, Toronto/2000 and the Global Foundation for Understanding, both of which will be discussed at a later point.

Focus on the Future Between 1978 and 1980, Mr. Toppin wrote a syndicated column under the title "Focus on the Future" which appeared in local newspapers. in it, he brought together the insights of researchers from a variety of fields:

The pessimists who have given up are wrong; so are the optirnists who also do nothing because of their wishful belief that "everything will work out." Somewhere beyond the two dangerous extremes is the necessity to create a strong shared vision of a positive fùture of hope which warrants persona1 and collective thought and action. Understanding?in human relations as in science, can stop breakdowns and create breakthroughs. There is reason for hope! We are not

In 1980, Mr. Toppin was 66 years old, but his activity increased despite his poor health. He described the shift to Transindustnal Society (he preferred this term, proposed by Willis Hannon of Stanford Research International, to the term post-indusûial society used by sociologist Daniel Bell) with a particular focus on the psychological hardships of the change and the importance of creating a positive message of hope for the future to counteract the "doomsayers". This is the beginning of the vision he would soon cal1 The Great Miliennium:

A global tramindustrial paradigm is emerging as we shall see. The critical task is to hasten the process before society tears itself apart. This involves rapid changes in attitudes and behavion by alrnost everyone. Many, especially leaders are so busy with the urgent and important that there is no time left for the critical. But everyone, including leaders, are consumers and taxpayers who share common concems and responsibilities, and together we wiil succeed in spite of psychological hardships.... In addition to the growing spirited awareness of women around the world, there are Mersigns of hope. Almost every economy is becoming "mixed" between state and private enterprise. Population control is beginning to work. The green revolution has been complemented by the bean revolution and aquaculture is promising. The United Nations and its agencies have enormous, unrecognized potential for global communication, peacekeeping and govemrnent. The 450 billion now spent annually for maments can be used to support, through the U.N., an era of peaceful progress. Everyone who is able can have the privilege of working at least twenty hours each week and be guaranteed a minimal standard of civilized Iife. Problems whether global, local or personal, are considered intrinsically solvable. The "Me generationy'is rapidly becoming the "We brigade" with transcendent values which may someday, even within my lifetime become operative universally without the need for opiates. The challenge is enormous. A positive reaiizable image of the future is indeed justified - and needed. We can begin to use that power today.'

Looking over the years, Mr. Toppin could see great progress in spite of the problems. His association with Buckrninster Fuller, and especially his book Critical Path. undoubtedly influenced him. Like Fuller, Mr. Toppin believed that in the absence of want people were naturally generous and compassionate. The realization that it is possible to produce enough food, clothing, shelter and education for everyone would be suffi~cientto change the future fimdamentally. To Mr. Toppin, communication and understanding were the keys to a successful fuhue for humanity

Committee in 1980, the Committee on Toronto/2000 was established in association with the Department of Adult Education at OISE and the Planning Commissioner of the City of Toronto. The objectives of the Committee on Toronto/2000, which Mr. Toppin calls a local thidclaction group, are:

1. To build bridges of understanding, locally and globaily. 2. To foster a greater sense of personal and organizational responsibility for the future.' Mr. Toppin feels the inspiration for Toronto/2000 originated in a meeting with Aurelio Peccei during the First Global Conference on the Future:

On July 2 1, 1980 a private dinner with Dr. Aurelio Peccei, President of the Club of Rome, initiated a process, as a tribute to this great fkontier thinking, in the hope of making a significant response to his challenge for Canada to launch a real Global Thinktank to help solve the problems of humanity. ...9

The event was sponsored by McLeod Young Weir Limited through the CO-chairrnanship of Ron Ritchie, Founder of the Institute for Research on Public Policy and Senior Policy Advisor of the investment Dealers Association of Canada, and Don Anderson, Chairman of the Futures Committee of the North American Society of Actuaries. Mr. Toppin, as president of the Toronto Futurist Group, served as chairman.

Subsequent meetings and discussion led to the tentative conclusion that the first thmst would be to help implement The Club of Rome project on "Bridging the Human Gap". Senior associates in the Department of Adult Education, Ontario hstitute for Studies in Education expressed sincere interest. ... This led to an awareness that the telecommunications explosion and the liaison with the major facilitators, could be extremely helpful in hastening enhanced human understanding through the accelerated creation of innovative leaming prograns. ... Then a discussion with the Planning Commissioner for Toronto revived the concept of a cornmittee for Toronto/2000 (originally discussed with Mayor David Crombie and others in 1978 as inspired by Alvin Toffler). "Toronto", said the Commissioner MacLaughlin, "has the potentiai of giving world leadership in the application of microelectronics and telecommunications. ... Indeed, Toronto 2000 could become "a real Global Thinktank to help solve the problems of hurnanity." 'O

Mr. Toppin believed that the Committee on Toronto/2000 wouid serve as the nucleus of a "leaming community" with a focus on local action on issues of global concem:

Moreover, there are vast numbers of solid citizens who are eager to devote talent, time and money to a great legacy for future generations, while enjoying a grati%ng experience in leisure hours today. In association with others, there are many critical questions to be understood and addressed. Although Project Toronto 2000 rnight receive CO-operationand support from ail relevant govemments, as well as maintaining close ties with the United Nations and its agencies, it wouid primarily be a volunteer group in which dl citizens can participate. .. . The relatively short time span of less than 19 years should encourage exciting initiatives which would reach matunty on or about the year 2000. Many of us may stiil be alive to witness the collective fniits of our imaginations, talents, and skills."

OISE was chosen for the meeting place, to emphasize the importance of addt educational leaders:

The executive cornmittee decided that monthly meetings will continue at OISE in recognition of the roles which cm be played by leaders of the leaming comrnunity. We wili continue together to ûy to builci bridges of understanding by bringmg together "great people with great ideas" in a continuing dialogue about expectations, values and goals, realiring that these ingredients will influence the shaping of the future both locally and glo bally. '' The fust meeting was held at the Ontario Lnstitute for Studies in Education on January 19, 198 1. Ml members of the Toronto Futunst Group became founding members of Toronto/2000. The following list of participants illustrates the level of respect Mr. Toppin's vision had earned:

Organizing Personnel for Toronto/2000 and the Global Foundation for Understanding Inc. : Founding Patron Aurelio Peccei, President, Club of Rome Founding Chairman Don Toppin. President Toronto Futurist Group Co Chairman Ron Ritchie, Member Club of Rome, Founder Rl?P Co Chairman Don Anderson, Futures Chaiman, Society of Actuaries Co Chairman Lew Miller, President of the Ontario Educational Association Secretary and Legal Council, Richard Broughton, President UNA Executive-Secretary-Treasurer, Barbara McNab b Membership Secretary Barb Steven Director (Human Resources), Bill Cameron Director (Telecommunications), Lewis Miller Director (Public Education), Alan Thomas Director (Public Relations), Colin Craig Director (International Affairs), Ruby Sarnkasingh Director (Communication Research), Brenda Breedon Director (Funding), Aian Seymour Liaison Co-ordinators James A. Draper, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Stephen McLaughlin, Planning Commissioner for the City of Toronto Advisory Board Catherine Charlton, Business Council on National Issues Honourable David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto T.R. Ide, Founding Chaiman, Ontario Educational Communication Authority Aiex Jupp, Pioneer Lecturer on Futurism, York University Roby Kidd, Founding Director, International Council For Adult Education Ian MacDonald, President, York University Walter Pitman, Chairman, Ontario Arts Council Rix Rogers, National Secretary, YMCA Kurt Swinton, Chairman, Futures Secretariat Canada Edward Waitzer, Vice-President, Toronto Stock Exchange David Walsh, Past President, Downtown Business Council Task Force Coordinators Energy and Resources, Dr. Ken Burkhardt Cornmunity Education, Dr. James Draper Corporate Responsibility, Ed Waitzer Health and WelI Being, Dr. Trevor Hancock international Relations, Ruby Sarnkasingh Jobs and Careers, W.G.R. Carneron Living and Learning, Ted Runions Pensions, Don Anderson Public Education (Media), Dr. Alan Thomas Telecommunications, Dr. Lewis Miller Political Econorny, David Bough United Nations, Richard Broughton Multi-Culturdism, Novica Bojovic Global Education, Dr. Don Musella Shared Responsibility, Davis Walsh Global Govemance, Helen T'uckerl3

The most visible work of the Toronto/2000 Group since January 198 1 has been the sponsoring of "Foresight Seminars", monthly meetings featuring guest speakers on a variety of future-oriented topics. The gmup has also sponsored special events, conclaves and conferences. The meetings will continue through to the end of the Year 2000. The organization has hosted many notable speakers thanks to Mr. ToppinYsnetworking. It is said that this is one of the very few Year 2000 groups formed in the early 1970s and The Global Foundation for Understanding At the same the, Mr. Toppin created the Global Foundation for Understanding (1980), a chartered non-profit corporation whose stated purpose is to build bridges of understanding, locally and global[y. and to fister a greater sense ofpersonal and organizational responsibilityfir ~hefire.The Foundation could receive gifts and donations to be used for projects in accordance with the purposes of building bridges of understanding 3s well as catalyzing communication nerivorks.''

Obviously, the Global Foundation for Understanding has the sarne objectives as Toronto/2000. Mr. Toppin considered the name 'Toronto/2000" too limiting given the nature of the objectives.15 He wanted to create an organization that would be perceived as global rather than Iimited to a specific tirne and place. It was evident to him that personal and organizational responsibility for the friture would have to be fostered on a global scale. He went fabeyond other Year/2000 groups in perceiving the objectives of Toronto/2000 as being set in the context of the entire planet.

David Woolfson, a Toronto lawyer active in the Rotary Club, met Mr. Toppin in 1989. offering his assistance as Executive Director of the Global Foundation for Understanding as well as active leadership of the Great Millemium Campaign, which will be discussed Iater.

Speciul Events In addition to arranging speakers for Foresight Seminars, Mr. Toppin as chair of Toronto/2000 arranged some important local events. He coordinated events for Y 984-A Year of Transition", billed as an intensive "ThinldAction ~onclave.'~The 13-week series was led by visiting professor William irwin Thompson, entitied "Year of Transition: The Transformation of Human Consciousness", and hosted by the Celtic Studies Program at Saint Michael's College, University of Toronto. The introductory conclave held in the Council Chamber of St. Michael's College featured Archbishop Edward Walter Scott, Primate of the Aoglican Church of Canada; Ruben Nelson, of Ottawa, president of the Transformation Research Network; Donald Frederick Toppin, ChaÜman of the Committee of Toronto/2000; Reverend John Michael Kelly, retired President of St. Michael's College; President, Rev. Peter Swan;and the Director of Celtic Studies, Robert O'Driscoll. Registration for the event was handled through Mr. Toppin's wife Barbara

~teven." Mr. Toppin expended considerable personal effort in organizing the activities as noted in an article in The Globe and Mail on February 4, 1984:

We share the hope that enough people will have the ability to embrace the fhre, that the transition will be less than catastrophic. This is why we assisted in organizing the Year of Transition senes at St. Michael's. An objective of Toronto/2000 is to foster a far-sighted posture for Toronto and the world. We believe that these think/action conclaves cm be mind-stretching and healthy. McGrath says Prof. William Thompson "sees Toronto more as a contemplative refuge than a centre for the information culture. Despite perceptual dissonance. Toronto cm be both a contemplative cultural refuge and a centre for the information culture and much more. The funve will be shaped by the thoughts and actions of today. 18

Mr. Toppin was aiso active in planning another lecture senes on the future entitled "Toronto Tomorrow, 1984 Sesquicentennial Series" organized by the Cornmittee on Toronto/2000 in cooperation with the Ryerson Centre for Industrial Development and Intercultural Council as part of the Sesquicentennial Celebrations held in Toronto. Four sessions were held between September and December featuring Dr. Lewis Miller, Director of the Guidance Centre, University of Toronto on the Information economy; Zavis Zearnan, Technology and Jobs; James Draper, Continuous Leaming. A year-end event featured Mr. ~o~~in.'~

As part of the Sesquicentennial Senes, Mr. Toppin was honoured at a special award ceremony at Toronto City Hall, on the occasion of his seventieth birthday, for "A Lifetirne of Distinguished Service". The event was chaired by Maureen Kitts, coordinator of the Toronto Sesquicentennial Committee on behalf of Mayor Art Eggleton and Nole Bojovic, past president of the Intercultural Council of Toronto. The master of Ceremonies was Thom Dean of the Ryeaon Centre for Industrial Development, and a tribute was delivered by Professor James A. ~ra~er?'Don Anderson, Futures Chairman for the Society of Actuaries, who remains a sm>ng supporter of Mr. Toppin today, proposed a Renaissance Resolution to perpetuate a Central Steering Committee for Toronto 2000 until the year 2000 as a tribute to the founder. The resolution was unanimously approved.2'

Countdown to a Great Epoch In 1982, Mr. Toppin gave the keynote address to the International Training and Development Organization. The address, "Countdown to a Great ~~och","contained most of the elements of his writings about the rnillennium:

1 would like to quietly and boldly prophesy that we are approaching the dawn of the greatest of the greatest cultural epoch since the beginning of human life on earth - the first univend age - provided that a fresh transcendent campaign for a positive future, already launched in the consciousness of billions, is as successfid as it must be?

The speech proved to be the highlight of the conference and was reported extensively in the Calgary ~erald."At the request of conference organizers, Mr. Toppin delivered this speech a second time as the Keynote Address at the First International Conference on Computers and Human Development: Software Panorama, May 22-24, 1985.

Guaranteed Iitcorne Plan In 1983, Mr. Toppin presented a brief on the concept of a guaranteed minimum income to the MacDonald Royal Commission on Canada's Future, in his capacity as Chairman of the Cornmittee on Toronto/2000. The main thmst of the brief was:

to recomrnend the immediate wide spread societal acceptance of a minimum twenty hour work week at a compensation rate which provides a minimal standard of civilized life. The private sector and private individuals at al1 levels, cm take the initiative immediately with govemments, as soon as possible, acting as em 10 enof Ps last resort by guaranteeing the minimums to everyone who is able to work. Y

The report presented a detailed plan for the adoption of a 20-hour work week dong with a basic minimum income in exchange for which the increasing nurnben of displaced workers would be matched to productive work or meaningful training based on aptitudes, interests and abilities -not as work for welfare but as a positive approach to work through the coordination with unempIoyment: The Guaranteed Job Plan providing twenty hours of paid activity each week, is a positive response to the Tony Westall challenge and to the many pleas for a Guaranteed Income. Moreover, in contrast to earlier proposais, GJP is hancidly feasible. Weifare already provides guarantees for those in need and some social assistance will yet be required by those who cannot work. But useful activity, physically and mentally. will be equally as important as rnoney! WITH A FOUNDATION OF BASIC NECESSITIES, DOORS OF HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY WILL BECOME MORE WSLBLE.'~

The concept of a basic minimum income was championed in an essay by Robert Theobold and appears in a concise fom in an essay entitled, "Guaranteed Incomes for ~11"~'in This Cybernetic Age. Mr. Toppin believed that automation would greatly reduce the number of positions and that, therefore, the definition of work would have to change. Career counselling was criticai to helping people adjust to the new environment. This very advanced thinking can be traced back to Mr. Toppin's ideas on income security.

Mr. Toppin felt that the psychological impact of the loss of work had to be countered by social innovation. He proposed a much more humanistic concept than the current "work for welfare" programs, which do little to match participants to socially beneficial work. The bnef was quite sophisticated and was accompanied by supporting economic statistics.

The Millennium Man Maurice Strong has called Mr. Toppin "The Millennium an".'^ It is a title he bears proudly. Mr. Toppin feels he worked his whole life for this moment. It is a cntical moment in human history to which he has committed his time and energy. Over the last 15 years he has worked almoa exclusiveIy on activities related to the approaching millennium. He has created a body of writing in prose, verse and Song celebrating the millennium. He has prepared Song sheets, tapes and compact discs of his Millennium Songs for use at millennium celebrations everywhere. He has launched the Great Millenniurn Campaign for hope and understanding toward a stable future of peace and well-being. The following sections examine Mr. Toppin's writings and activities related to the MiIIennium. A Viiion of Hope for a Positive Future It is in the description of the "Great Millennium" that Mr. Toppin has shown his greatest vision of the sweep of human history and the destiny of humankind. By "Great Millennium, Mr. Toppin means the social, cultural, political, scientific and artistic evolution which is now possible (as opposed to the actual date of millennium celebrations). The "Great Millennium" means post-industrial or transnational society, \vithout the focus on business and indu- and uith an emphasis on the positive benefits that can now be realized if far-sighted leadership begins to transfer the world economy to a peaceful state. The "Great Millennium" describes an age in which every human has food, clotbg, shelter and education. It is a message of a positive future of peace and well-being resulting fiom a behavioral and attitudinal change toward the future. Mr. Toppin's millennium vision appears pnmarily in a series of essays entitled Before and Beyond - Toward the Great hfilZennium. This section provides a detailed discussion of the ideas that appear in this series.

In July 1986, the World Future Society held its annual conference, "Future Focus: The Next Fifieen Years", in New York City. The Society published a book in conjunction with the conference, entitled Challenges and ûpportunities: From Now To 200 1 featunng Mr. Toppin's essay, "Toward the Great Millennium" ":

We conclude this volume with Don Toppin's "Toward the Great Millennium" which serves as an epilogue. Toppin offers us a vision of the bright prospects for a great new age for dl humanity if only we have the wisdom and determination to work together for the dawn of such an age. Like Jan Tinbergen and Glen A. Olds, Toppin believes that the United Nations has a vital role to play in the ushering in of a bright new age.'O

His essay has been recognized as the single clearest and most incisive expression of the significance of the millennium. With great eloquence, Mr. Toppin summarized his thought in a sweeping vision of what he called the "Great Millennium". In many places the essay approaches poetry, offering a density and richness of ideas that dernand in-depth study. In the opening paragraphs M.. Toppin notes:

The Third Miliennium A.D. can become the Great Millennium: one thousand years of peace and well-being for ali the inhabitants of the Global Village. Never before has a guiding image of this magnitude been viable. Now the vision is clear, realizable and urgent. The darkness has becorne so deep that we are beginning to see the stars. The challenge is colossal. The dream is the first step to reality. Billions of people are waiting to respond to wise farsighted leadership and a vision of hope and understanding. Hope, like fear, is contagious! The Great Millennium is an idea whose tirne has corne. We now live in one interdependent world with global communication, transportation, travel and trade. The next step is the globalization of understanding which transcends tnbalism while reducing breakdoms and accelerating breakthrouohs. The dream becomes the energizer. The hurnan race has become comected by the machine. The medium has become the message. Myriad impulses originating in every corner of the world cnsscross and interlink the hurnan system ever more tightly. The entire world has become a single comrnunity. Humanity, integrated through the interconnectiveness of global communication is simultaneously aware of one another's needs and while the promise is great the threat of disintegration into tribal nvalries is just as great. The globalization of understanding within this interconnected humanity is the key to building a positive friture of peace and prosperity -each member of the global community must be healthy for the whole to succeed?

Mr. Toppin states that hope, like fear, is contagious, that the dissemination of positive messages can tip the balance toward a positive future. Each member of the hurnan race is important, since positive living breeds positive thinking and no one can predict the impact of any one person's actions on the direction of hurnan destiny. With a focus on benefiting al1 humanity through the provision of food, clothing, shelter, a minimum standard of living and education for dl, the social evolution of mankind rnoves towards a positive outcome. It is a systems approach to world management not for the amassing of wealth but for a positive future. For this reason, he states that "the drearn energizes" in transcending tribal rivalries. Picking up the theme of his 1934 radio speech as well as the work of Buckminster in Critical Path, Mr. Toppin identifies the reason change is needed:

Modem wars are neither affordable nor winnable. Nuclear weapons have no military value, if used, except in the hands of terrorists. Starvation and sickness, as products of short-sightedness and ignorance, are no longer necessary. Many things are possible including peace and well-being, as soon as enough huma.beings realize the fitture of the human race is at stake. It is now reasonable to prophesy that we are approaching the dam of the greatest cultural epoch since the beginning of human life on earth, provided that a fiesh, transcendent campaign for a positive fiiture, already launched in the consciousness of billions, is as successful as it must be. The alternatives are too homble to mention!32

War is a waste of resources that are better put to use for the benefit of humanity; sickness, starvation and ignorance are the products of short-sightedness. Only through a 'Lfresh, transcendent campaign for a positive fùture" can peace and well-being be achieved. Political and social pressures are needed to tip the balance in favour of a thousand years of peace and prosperity.

The hour seems ripe for leaders of vision and good will from ail cultures to join forces in addressing the critical concems of our age. ... But as Orville Freeman, former President of Business International Corporation on Wall Street warns, "At this tirne of strain and major adjustment the danger is that the world will fracture apart in an orgy of nationalist retaliation, protectionism, subsidization and a host of other devices that countries use to look after themselves and beggar their neighbors. A new group partnership of coordination and give-and-take is needed to replace the old hegemonic world structure. The necessary international institutions for survival in an interdependent world can be built or rebuilt and the world can be spared a nuclear war*" "The situation demands leaders who will shifi the world's attention and its resources fiom maintaining EasWest hostility to restoring the naturd systems that ultimately sustains al1 societies", coocludes Lester Brown in State of the World. "Acting in their own interests, these two countries could set the stage for demilitarizing the world economy. Once it starts, dernilitarization like militarization could feed on it~elf."~~

Mr. Toppin goes on to describe the mechanism of the transition, incorporating his own thoughts with those of Buckminster Fuller in laying out what he calls the "critical path to the Great Millennium":

To those who are able to see and understand, the critical path to the Great Millennium becomes clearly visible. Increasing public awareness, as generated by scientists, physicians, educators, clergymen, executives, scholars, artists, fînanciers and others (media specialists, etc.) and fostered by the communication explosion and the culture builders (us) will rapidly spread throughout the world until it becomes politically necessary to divert the annual trillion dollar weapomy loss to an annual trillion dollar "livingry" gain. Transnational institutions to facilitate the transition will corne together. The psychologicd origins of the macrocrises will become widely recognized and conf?onted. Social and economic pressure will lift. Simuitaneously, a scientific design for symbiotic cooperation will converge f'iom the collective intelligence and creative will of a global population who, at long last, has regained hop." Mr. Toppin's critical path to the Great Millennium is public awareness on a global scde -a sociaVeducationa1movement. One might argue that this is a utopian vision. But M.. Toppin would respond that the dream itself, shared by billions, will tip the balance in favour of its realization if farsighted individuals in the public and pnvate sectors choose positive behaviors that build understanding. The United Nations and its agencies play a crucial role in the realizâtion of the Great Millennium:

To heip hciiitate the transition, we have the underrated, undenised United Nations and its far-reaching agencies plus hundreds of forward-looking non-governrnental groups and transnational organizations, who, even now, are trying to create a positive future by addressing a wide range of inter-related problems. Many of these organizations are capable of transformation to the new relevancies. We cm support these groups as well as making our persona1 contribution in our own unique ways. Indeed, each of us can share this gift to posterip. Individually and collectiveIy, because we are in harmony with a vast invisible network of other positive forces, we become CO-creatorsof the miracle of The Great Millennium -a miracle which can be visudized and shaped - begiming nght now. 3 5

The vision is the energizing force that shapes the behavior. tipping the balance in favour of a positive future. Mr. Toppin reinvigorates the role of adult education as a social reform movement rooted in the efforts of far-sighted individuals from al1 walks of life who share the vision:

This is an age of re-awakening, re-searching ,re-thinking, and re-inventing. It is also an age of convergences and trade-offs. In this fragile period of transition, smail incrementd changes in individual thought and action cm tilt the balance toward appropriate social policies, locally and globally. The visions are clear for those who choose to see and consciousness is rapidly increasing at many significant levels.

This goes to the heart of Mr. Toppin's work in systems theory. He understands clearly that the smallest most insignificant components of a system can affect the output of the total system. Moreover, he understands that the properties of a system are emergent. The output can be greater than the sum of the parts. Mr. Toppin believes that small changes in individual behavior can be critical in tipping the balance of society toward worid peace. People great and smd, fkom al1 over the pIa.net, will create the ground upon which the Great Miilennium is built. Mr. Toppin's passion and abiding faith in the power of humanity to transcend its current state were not Iost on readers. They were shared by those interested in the significance of the millennium. On July 28, 1986, in response to this important essay and in recognition of Mr. Toppin's pioneering efforts, Robert Muller, then Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, wrote to Mr. Toppin, expressing his complete agreement with the vision. This began an on-going collaboration that led to a number of important mil!ennium/global LN-onented events:

1 have read with fascination your epilogue to the World Futures Society latest book. Mer having spent 36 years with the United Nations and seen humanity grope for a new kture, I am in complete agreement with you. We are going inexorably toward the Millenniurn you describe and none, except a foolish accident, can stop the evolution. Things are now accelerating and we are near a great take-off. 1spoke recently to the Society and proposed that the celebration of the Bimillennium should be one of the three major objectives of the Society, the other two being global education and proper world management. Also, as I said to the Society, the people are now interested in world rituals and celebrations. This is a manifestation of the new consciousness which should be fully seized. A world Bimillennium Celebration would be a giant historical step towards bringing people together into one sentient, celebrating and concemed family on this beautiful pla.net. With rny best wishes for your work, and renewed congratulations for your splendid epilogue?

Mr. Toppin responded to this letter on September 2 1. 1986 with enthusiasm. He phoned Robert Muller's office in New York, informing him of the Great Mille~ium ~am~aign?'Mr. Toppin conceived of the Great Millennium Campaign as a worldwide effort to encourage local and global celebrations of the Millenniurn as a focus for uniting people in a common vision of a positive future with hope and peace. The essay became so popular that Mr. Toppin developed a series to expand the themes and to create a sense of momentum dong the critical path toward the Millennium. The title of the series was 2000: Before and Beyond-Toward the Great Millennium.

The second essay, entitied, The Geneses, traces a series of cntical events without which the Great Millennium Campaign would not have been possible?8 He deconstnicts the term bbmillennium7'and reflects the influence of Buckminster Fuller's style in Crirical Puth: The place, the date, the name and the details are a mere incidental focal point for an evolving convergence which has been slow in miving because of racism, tribalisrn, dogmatism, cynicism, reductionism, totalitarianism and other dangerous "isms" including "me-now-isrns". The geneses of a really great millennium go back a long way. The long-term trends are strong. We are the beneficiaries of great thoughts and ideas: The Hebrew prophets perceived the future as an "open field of human hope and responsibility" and called on their people to control their attitudes and behaviors (The Ten Commandments). Plato's republic introduces "Utopia" as an ideal state niled by philosophic kings. Plato recognized "the etemd conflict between individual desires and public realities."

Reflecting on the origins of his own thinking, Mr. Toppin reaches into the past, referring to his grandrnother and recalling the vision of those days:

It seems that 1 inherited fiom my unique grandmother a strong sense of social mission and a drive to do something worthwhile. She believed that war and poverty are unnecessary. There must be ways to eliminate both? Since we can produce food without limit, why should anyone starve? There are answers? We need wise leaders of great vision! But most peopie are impnsoned by theu own careers and affairs! Should we not take time individually and collectively to consider the cntical problems and positive possibilities of the future?39

Mr. Toppin goes on to illustrate his comection with the development of Year ZOO0 groups in North America:

On this continent, the COMMISSION ON THE YEAR 2000 was chaired by Daniel Bell and coincided with the publication of "The Year 2000" by Anthony Wiener and Herman Kahn. It was a preview of this book at an international conference with Robert Jackson, founding Director of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, that Ied directly to my project on "Communication and Cybemation" and the book This Cybernetic Age which, almost exactly twenty years ago was intemationally introduced with an exceptional full page announcement in the New York Times, major media interviews and a renewed fiiendship with Senator Donald Cameron and his colleagues who encouraged the First Canadian Conferences on the Future (Muskoka Institute for the Future, 1972). And a variety of spin-offs includhg The Toronto Futurist Group and the First Global Conference on the Future alrnost exactiy twenty years ago. YEAR 2000 GROUPS had begun to spring up dl over the world encouraged by the social futuria section in the very popular paperback called Future Shock. Meetings with Alvin Tofner? Aurelio Peccei, David Crombie, Stephen McLaughlin and many, many othea led to the creation ofToronto/2000 in December 1980 and the subsequent announcement of THE GREAT MILLENNIUM CAMPAIGN which is now, in varied forms, languages and adaptations, proliferating in bits and pieces around the

Aware of his advancing years (75 at this point), Mr. Toppin was consciously tracing the history of futurist thought and his own role in it. This continued in the next essay, entitled "The Preludes", which notes that the power of the concept of the Great Millemiun acquired a specific focus in the mid-sixties in Year 2000 movements:

I am thinking for example of the First Educationai Technoiogy Conference in New York City when Heman Khan and Tony Weiner gave a visual preview of their new Hudson Institute book "The Year 2000". Daniel Bell and the Commission on the Year 2000 prophesied that the psychological impact of the approaching millennium could create universal awareness which could change attitudes and behavion in adjusting to (what he called) The Post Industrial ~ociety.'"

Essay 4, "Joining the Spirit", written in September 1987, is a cal1 to the reader to "join the spint and marshal mind and hand" in a Great Millennium Campaign for a positive future of peace and well-being through understanding and harmony":

The third millennium has the potential of becoming truly great for at lest one good reason: more people are concerned about the future than ever before. If anything is important, this is it! The past is gone! The present is going! Only the future is coming! But the fiinire has already been shaped by the thoughts and actions of both yesterday and today. This is an age of convulsive change. Rethinking is urgently needed by aimost everyone everywhere. We are di involved. Both decisions and indecisions will count! Although there are myriads of problems, more people are seeking solutions. Many seerningly impossible problems have already been solved. Most human problems are now solvable. ... Great thoughts can lead to great actions. Little thoughts, like acoms can grow.42

Mr. Toppin maintains hope for a better funire even in the face of his own failing health and financial difficulties. He maintains a fum belief in the importance of individual involvement in local community action as the foundation of a positive future of peace and well-being .

A great surge of imaginative positive thinking is possible. For many people, hope will be restored. Hope with understanding is spreading throughout the global community. As challenges and opportunities are understood globaliy, action will be inspired tocally -and vice versa Print, radio and television will speed the process and the details. Dyads and triads will enhance the spirit. Little conferences between people can often make a big difference. ... The potential power of the year 2000 in generating a great millennium is beyond description. The magnitude of the power depends on how we harness it. As the present has been shaped by the thoughts and actions of the past, the future is being shaped by the thoudits and actions of the present. The big change is that with information travelling at the speed of light, we shape perceptions very much faster than ever before. nie long history of war and poveny need not be repeated, because the opportunity now exists to eliminate both within the lifetime of our grandchildren. In the words of Northrop Frye, "The effort to awaken from the nightmare of history is responsible for al1 the love and beauty in the wor~d"?~

Essay 5, "The Great Take-Off', appeared in December 1988. In it, Mr. Toppin celebrates the great and positive changes around the world and announces his newly created World Millennium Network.

These are the days and the nights of the "The Great Take-Off'! Around the clock and amund the world. there is growing awareness that indeed it may be possible to shape the Third Millennium A.D. into THE GREAT MILLENNIUM OF PEACE AND WELL-BEJNG FOR THE HUMAN RACE. 'THE TURN-AROUND" has already started! Everyone is already involved potentiaily! Despite vast perceptual dissonance. everyone seems to share a wish for peace and well-being. Foresight is spreading! So is hope! Dreams are becoming re~~onsibilities!~

Instead of dreams becoming reality they become responsibilities. The essay reviews the global objectives of the United Nations with a focus on peace, health, literacy, clean air, water and soi1 for the Year 2000. Again Mr. Toppin outlines an extremely positive vision of the future. describing his observations of the transformationai events emerging simultaneously al1 over the world:

As horizontal linkage, The World Miilennium Network is mostly invisible. Information is exchanged, often by telephone or fax! "Creative Swapping" is encouraged! Joint projects are concepnialized! Seeds are sown! In recognition that ideas are powemil and can spread in sixange and wonderful ways, the new McLuhan book, Laws of Media suggests that dl human artifacts (words, ideas, perceptions, etc.) have the potential of generating spin-oEs .... Also evolving is a GLOBAL COMMUNICATION CURRENCY.The objective is to make available "Basic Training for al1 by the Year 2000" in Mathematics, Science and Life Skills with Global English as the first, second or third language. It is anticipated that UNESCO wiil share a leadership role. Because of the economic and ecological imperatives, peace is breaking out al1 over. Demilitarization is beginning to feed on itself. Defense money can now be diverted to social and environmental needs ... and to pay off debts. Cultures are maturing! The emphasis has changed!"

Mr. Toppin goes on to point out some of the peds of the modem age and the importance of individual behavior and collective action. He expresses tremendous faith in the potential for psychological and social transformation:

As 1 stated to the Economic Development Committee at Toronto City Hall, "every organization, indeed every individual, cm participate in a variety of opportunities to become co-creators in "Shaping the Great Millennium". Some have already discovered direction and meaning." Indeed, al1 human beings on earth whether they know it or not are already involved in the shaping process for better or worse. Clearly "orse" could be fatal! However since this is the first millennium for the electronic global village which transcends boundaries and barriers, a positive vision is justified. Before the advent of 1000 A.D., some forecast the arrivai of the Kingdom of Heaven while othen warned of an apocalypse and the end of the world. THIS TTME IT IS HIGHLY VALID TO FORECAST AN END TO THE WORLD OF MADNESS AND IGNORANCE and the mival of a great mille~iurnof peace and well-being, understanding and harmony. Seeds have already been planted which are beginning to grow. Although "no one" cmdo "everything," "every one" can do "some thing." Individually and collectively we can make our own unique gifts to posterity."6

As his own gift to postenty, Mr. Toppin had begun to form the idea of a global singalong to celebrate the millennium. As he notes often, the idea was inspired by the power of the Live-aid concerts to focus worldwide attention on one event; it seemed logical to hirn that the same type of event could take place for the millennium:

At this moment, we modestly envision earth-circling GLOBAL SINGALONGS on January lst, 2000, TO CELEBRATE PEACEFUL PROMISE.Then, one year later. on January 1st, 200 1, we will welcome the 2 1st Century and the niird Miliennium which aiready enjoys the option of becomuig truly great. These Global Singalongs, featuring the youth of the world are proposed fiom the 24 hour time zones around the worid. Although the magic of the Year 2000 has been recognized for a long time, especially since the Commission of the Year 2000 in the 1960s, recognition of the collective psychological power of foresight, vision, and hope as a cultural force on a global scde is only recent. Even now the social costs of fear (the opposite of hope) are rarely understood, although trillions of dollars are devoured by fear each year. An explosion of understanding is needed and is happening!"

"Foresight", %sion" and "hope" are words that one most associates with Mr. Toppin. His unshakable conviction that the power of a positive vision of the future can transfomi the present is the essence of his message. Since 1987, Mr. Toppin has expended al1 of his tirne and much of his money in an effort to realize Global Singalongs. With the help of David Woolfson and through the assistance of Rotary Clubs international, some form of the singalongs using Mr. Toppin's songs will take place. In Toronto, finances have been approved through the 'Toronto Millennium Grant Program", a funding prograrn of the City of Toronto, which will brhg together students fiom 800 Toronto schools to sing Mr. Toppin's Miilemiurn Songs at the Air Canada Centre this year.

In 1997 and 1998, Mr. Toppin completed his last two articles in the series. Essay 6. "The Countdown Begins", focuses on a countdown to the millemial moment as a means of generating excitement and personal cornmitment to a transcendent future.

There are only 1000 days left! What are we going to do as individuals? What are we going to do as a community and as a nation to mark, recognize, observe and celebrate the turn of the century? We have 1000 days to prepare for the year 2000. Then we receive a gift of 365 days to review and regenerate before the year 200 1. There have been two GREAT MEGA-PROJECTS of Canada-wide significance: The Diamond Jubilee (1927) and the Canadian Centenniai Celebration (1967). The THiRD MEGA-PROJECT is THE GREAT MaLENMüM CAMPAIGN (2000). We specie "great" in anticipation that the vast majority of people will make healthy choices. BUT THE MILLENNIUM WILL COME NO MATTER WHAT WE DO. Let us hope we are able to make it great. A Great Millennium may indeed be "great" AS WE EVOLVE T0WAR.D A NOBLE DESTINY. ... THE THIRD MEGA-PROECT (2000) will be different fiom the first two. It will be Global, Technological, Multicultural and Interfaith. It will change the world! Canada now has the opportunity to serve as a MAJOR COMMUNICATION CENTRE FOR THE MILLENNIUM. The details can be worked out by dyads and triads, cornmittees and conferences. The Millennium Council of Canada is taking the initiative and paving the way? In essay 7, The Universal Spirit of 2000", Mr. Toppin descnbed the Millenniurn in tems of the death and resurrection of human history at the turn of the century.

Two years from tonight, the cosrnic odometer will roll over and al1 the Nines (1999) will change to Zeros (2000) and that thousand-year-old One (1000) will change to a brand new Two (2000). The Third Millennium will begin on January 1,200 1. It sounds simple, but, as The Magazine noted in 1993, the millennium has a gravitational pull that draws in larger meaning. The nürd Millenniurn represents nothhg less than the virtual death and rebirth of history. We are surrounded by influences which are changing us. We in tum are influencing the changes. In fact, we should celebrate and give thankdg

Ln each paper Mr. Toppin repeats his assertion that it is highiy valid to forecast an end to world rnadness and ignorance and that it is important to make our own unique gifts to humanity.

The Great Millennium Carnpaign The "Great Millemium Campaign" refers to a vast educational project to globaiize the understanding of the Great MiIlemium. It is a campaign to raise the consciousness of ail people through study and persona1 cornmitment to realizing the dream in our time. The concept was originally initiated by Mr. Toppin and his collaborators at Toronto/2000 and first announced on January 20, 1986 to the Toronto/2OOO Central Steering Cornmittee. The Global Foundation for Understanding set up a registry for such projects.

The "Great Millennium Campaign" for a positive future of peace and well-being is a far- reaching conceptualization of adult education as a grassroots sociai movement. The Carnpaign retrieves and restores the earliest traditions of adult education. The Canadian social movement of the late twenties and thiaies was energized by a drearn of sociai change through greater economic, social and democratic opportunities for al1 Canadians. The Great Millennium Campaign extends that vision and mission to ail the peoples of the world. It revitalizes a histonc purpose of adult education, calling on individuals to take responsibility for the friture through personal and collective action -gifts to posterity, as Mr. Toppin has stated. The Campaign draws its inspiration directly fiom the pst, fiom the study groups. As Chairman of The Committee on TorontoM000, Mr. Toppin put fonvard a proposal to the Economic Development Committee for the City of Toronto to create a Standing Cornmittee of Council to be called "The Great Millennium Campaign Group". The Group would coordinate consciousness-raising events for the millenniurn under the titie "The Great Millennium Campaign" until the year 20 10. Mr. Toppin's proposal included a number of '%de ranging recomrnendations aimed at developing a package of projects and events to mark the year 2000 in Toronto and the :wrld." These hcluded a world "Design Science Development Project", promotion of Toronto as the major transcultural communication centre of the world, a "Global Monetary Project" and a feasibility study for a "World Fair and Exposition" in Toronto in the year 2000.

On September 26, 1986, the proposal was forwarded to the Economic Developrnent Committee. On May 8,1987, the cornmittee responded that the recommendations of the Toronto/2000 Central Steenng Cornmittee went beyond rnatters the City usually dealt with, stating that it was not considered advisable to establish a Standing Cornmittee of Council at that tirne. However, the letter indicated that the City Council might entertain grant applications for individual projects once the Toronto/2000 group created a detailed plan of action for pnvate and public sector involvement.

Believing that people must take personal responsibility for the future, Mr. Toppin did not wait for the decision of City Council before launching his "Great Millenniurn Campaign". It was launched at an event called "Stepping into the Third Millennium", CO-sponsoredby Centrestage Forum and the Cornmittee on Toronto/2000, held at the St. Lawrence Centre in Toronto. Mr. Toppin played the cntical role in defining the theme and securing the panelists. He prepared the promotional material for the event:

This is an invitation to explore the fiiture and Toronto's role in the global community We now live in one interdependent world with global communication. transportation travel and trade. Toronto is already a prime meeting place for people and ideas: scholars, artists, businessmen and othen. Toronto is potentially a great transcuitural meeting place and major communication centre for the world that could help shape a future of peace and well-being. How can Toronto auence the world as we move into the next Millennium? Cm ou. city play a leadership role? What effect will the changing role of women have on the years to corne? PANELISTS Dons Anderson, past president, National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC), and columnist for The Toronto Star. Stafford Beer, giobally renowned British philosopher and professor of Cybemetics at the University of Manchester. George Ignatieff, author of The iM'king of a Peace Monger, Chancellor of the University of Toronto and former Canadian arnbassador to the United Nations. Moderator - David SchatAy, Host, Radio Noon, CBC."

In addition to launching the Campaign locally, Mr. Toppin seized an opportunity to launch the Great Millennium Carnpaign globally at Future Focus, The World Futures Conference in New York City on July 14, 1986. Mr. Toppin prepared an address for the conference entitled "Key Lessons From Futures Projects". Due to his health, he was unable to attend, but Robert Arnold Russell, author of a popular book, Winning the Future, delivered the address on Mr. Toppin's behalf. In the address, Mr. Toppin delineated how he perceived the ongins of the Great Millennium Carnpaign, emphasizing the importance of citizen action with or without govemment support:

Already more than twenty years have passed since Daniel Bell suggested that the forthcoming dvalof the year 2000 will inspire people to think in anticipatory terms. Indeed it has, as evidenced by this conference - and much more! In Canada Expo'67 picked up the theme in "Man and His Leisure" which led to the First Canadian Conferences on the Future (1972). These begimings coincided with our Prime Minister's appointment of Ron Ritchie as Founding Chairman of the Institute for Research on Public Policy (Canada's first major think tank) and my own project on "Communication and Cybernation" for the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and the publication of This Cybernetic Age. This led to the Muskoka Institute for the Future (1 972), Toronto Futuists Group (1977), Committee on Toronto/2000 (1 98O), Toronto/2000 Central Steering Council (1984) and the launching of the "Great Millennium Campaign" with reports and recommendations of a Special Millennium Task Force. It is noteworthy that this task force consists of H. Ian Macdonald, President Emeritus of York University, John Woods, Treasurer of the Toronto Sesquicentenniai Board, Ron Ritchie and myself with enihusiastic collaboration fiom scholars, artists, financiers and others of various cultures and walks of We. Looking back, it seems clear that this evolution would not have happened if we had waited for grants. Futures groups which relied on gants have mostly disappeared. If Toronto/2000 has suwived (and it hm), it is because of the shedvision and the mutual trust among a group of individuals who have had the f~thto support each other in attempts to Wlla very large mission and to make societal contributions both large and smail. It is impossible to measure the result, but we recognize the ripple effects are sometimes enormous. Moreover, the general absence of grants has encouraged self-fmancing spin-offs. Therefore the main lesson is that a great deal can be accomplished by a very few peopir wih vrry littic: rnoney."

In tnith, Mr. Toppin constantly stretched to do fa.too much using his own finances in the belief that he was contributing to a positive friture for humanity in the new millennium. He highlighted the positive aspects of the council's response in a seven-page letter to Mayor Art Eggleton on September 15, 1987:

In other words, Toronto becomes the first city in the world to officially recognize "The Great Millennium Campaign" celebrating the advent of the year 2000 before and beyond?2

However, Mr. Toppin went on to express his disappointment with city council:

The adopted report does not adequately convey the potential magnitude of the concept which has been described othenvise as "The most far-reaching initiative in hurnan history". The challenge is colossal! Consequently, it is incomprehensible and presumptuous. But the dream is the first step to reality. The irnmediate objective of the task force in the summer of 1986 was to get the item on the agenda of Toronto City Council so that busy elected leaders will begin to sense this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and start to participate positively in developing a symbiotic ambiance supportive of major global conferences, summits, projects, festivals, and events hcluding the 1996 Olympics andfor Expo 2000 and a multitude of superlative creations fiom Slqdome by satellite linking cornmunities throughout the world - who "Discover the Feeling". In my statement to the Economic Developrnent Committee on September 26,I said, "Soon every organization, indeed every individual, cm have a variety of opportunities to become CO-creatonin 'Shaping the Great Millennium."' In fact the time is long overdue for the formation and recognition of a well-fimded "fostering facility" to encourage and promote this '%ariety of opportunhies" fiom a globdly-respected "Centre of centres". Toronto could be ideai -especially with you as mayor. But the report ignores this opportunity! Toronto/2000 has made a smd start with precious personal resources. The city itself has excellent in-house capabilities for local events, especially through the Metro Toronto Convention and Visitors Association, and could become the heart of a grand synthesis. But apparently, at this time, some find it difficult to comprehend the implementation of transcendent ideas. This is a universal problem. Nevertheless, local and global are linked. Therefore, we now feel fiee to continue relationships with co-operative partners around the world in the belief that a "centre" will emerge through the CO-operationof the readers to whom this letter is syndicated.j3

Obviously, Mr. Toppin was feeling hstrated. He felt that with foresight and vision the millemial moment could be transformational, with Toronto at the centre of events: oppominities were being lost. His letter outlines the wide variety of millennium initiatives which were already undenvay in Toronto as well as other jurisdictions, including United Nations Initiatives, Bimillennium Celebrations, Annual Countdown Weeks, Countdown Cornmittees, Millennium Societies, the Tuming 2000 project in the City of London (which encouraged each citizen to undertake 12 hours of cornrnunity service each year), the International Futures Library (led by Professor Robert Jungk) as well as a number of other events. He again emphasizes the need for a "fostering facility" for the sharing of information and ideas (by which he meant a standing cornmittee of Toronto City Council).

In the final section of his letter, Mr. Toppin describes his fnistration with the decision of city coud. It is perhaps the only occasion on which he so clearly expressed his fiutration in writing:

For Barb Steven and myself (Toronto Futunst Group), we are approaching the end of the beginning - and we wouid like the beginning to be real. We are feeling very old, very tired and very fnistrated. Fifteen years have passed since we organized the First Canadian Conferences on the Future with encouragement fkom the Secretary of State and fiiends such as Roby Kidd, John Fisher, Marshall McLuhan, Buckminster Fuller and U Thant who have long since departed. The ripple effects have been enonnous. Hopefblly, we have Ieft a small legacy and may quietly continue to sow seeds and to bring ideas and people together, mostly by telephone and through the media. However, we are not candidates for the high profile, high energy sophisticated world leadership which is so badly needed."

Mr. Toppin was not concemed for his own lack of hancial gain but for what he saw as a shortsightedness and lack of advanced preparation to take real advantage of the miIlennia1 moment for positive transformational action. Mr. Toppin has always believed that far- sighted leaders would see these opportunities and plan for them in order to redize the potential for societai transformation. He pointed out that while Toronto/2000 could be helpful, the members were neither bd-raises nor lobbyists. He suggested a rneanuigfûl response in a follow-up letter:

A Preliminary Planning Prelude for 2 years toward the future Countdown week on December 25, 1989 Setup of an informal Great Millennium Network between ourseIves and other complementary initiatives A UN World Secretariat for Celebrations 2000 to encourage function in liaison and a written invitation to locate in Toronto A 5 12,000 annual grant to the present local secretariat for expenses as seed money so that the City of Toronto will be recognized as the first fostering sponsor in the Great Millennium Campaign. A special trust fund would be set up by Don Anderson known as The Great Millennium Fund. Search for a top-flight leadership team for a refomulated organization incorporating a million-dollar campaign for a ten-year program to work with the network, UN, City Hall and the ~orld."

Mr. Toppin invited the mayor to take the initiative noting that:

Oniy a few months are left to prepare for the First Global Countdown including a Proclamation by His Worship The Mayor as a goodwill beacon to al1 public leaders in the world?

Mr. Toppin's efforts to secure fmancial support for Millennium Celebrations seemed to have met with some success in 1988-1989. Robert Millward, Codssioner of Planning and Development for the City of Toronto, again sent a funding request to the Toronto Economic Development Cornmittee. He noted that while no specific grant application had been received fiom the Toronto/2000 Central Steering Cornmittee, the office had continued to CO-sponsor"Foresight Seminars" at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and that the organkation was in need of hdsto cover expenses:

Mr. Toppin is an intemationally recognized fiiturist and keeps in touch with various national and international projects concerned with marking the year 2000. One such project sponsored by UNESCO is aimed at universai literacy by the year 2000. Your committee might want to consider a gant to Toronto/2000, in the amount of $3000 as a means of initiahg a City program to mark the Millennium date. In addition to covering the various expenses of the organization, these fùnds could be used to compile a statu report on the events that are ongoing and/or planned, in Canada and elsewhere to mark the yea. 2000.~'

Mr. Toppin has stated that at the end of the day no monies were ever received as a result of this, because the Toronto/2000 Central Steering Cornmittee decided not to pursue it. Apparently there was a change of government and according to Mr. Toppin the process would have had to start agad8

World Millennium Network Mr. Toppin understood the political realities. He undestood that politicians would remain more reactive to immediate concems than responsive to future opportunities. So in 1986

he established the "World Millennium Network?' as an organization of 'Tm-sighted mm individuals who saw the Millennium as presenting a great opportmity to raise public awareness of the power which now exists to shape a positive future for humanity". Founding members of the Network included: Don Toppin, Robert Muller, Chancellor of the University of Peace: Maurice Strong, Earth Council; Dr. Eric McLuhan, York University; Peter Aykroyd; Jay Gary, President United Nations Association, Colorado; and Dr. Gerald Bamey, author of Global 2000~~.This was an informal networking organization intended to encourage and suppon learning oppomuiities and distribute information via phone or mail with other mernbers. In a letter to the members of the World Millennium Network dated December 1, 1987, he noted:

We are now an informa1 Great hliviillenniurn Network of autonomous people and organizations who are involved in "THE MOST FAR-REACHING INITIATIVE IN HUMAN HISTORY:- a cultural crusade for hope and under~tandin~.6~

Despite his age, Mr. Toppin remained incredibly active. In 1996, he prepared promotional material for a compact disc of his Great Millennium Songs as well as a kit for those who contributed to the World Millennium Network. The kit included a selection of Mr. Toppin's writings, a cassette of his songs and a Registered Founder Certificate for the contributor, bearing the signatures of three founding CO-chairs.The invitation to join the World Millenniurn Network (a registered non-profit organization) stated: The World Millenniurn Network is intended to link key people and organizations throughout the world in the Great Millennium Campaign for a positive friture of peace and well-being through understanding and harm~n~.~'

People and organizations could join by making a contribution of $20.00 for which they wouid receive a Great Millennium Kit including many of Mr. Toppin's writings and sheet music to his Millennium Songs.

The Great MiffenniumSongs On September 19, 1987 Helen Tucker, a peace worker active in Toronto/2000, organized a cultural event at the Mississauga Civic Centre to recognize world citizenship. She was a member of Toronto/2OOO and used Mr. Toppin's "Trilogy of Hope: Celebrations 2000, Shaping the Great Millennium" comprised of "Morning Break", The Great Millennium Prayer and "Once in a Tnousand Years". Mr. Toppin prepared a "Great Millenniurn Kit", available for a minimal cost of S 10.00, which included sheet music and a cassette tape. He encouraged distribution, translation and repnnting of the songs at no cost, especially to performen, choin and prograrn organizers around the world. Mr. Toppin was master of ceremonies for the event, Celebrations/100. This was billed as a Transcultural gathe~gfeaturïng the SR Lankan tenor Nihai Fonesco.

Mr. Toppin conceived of "global singalongs" as a means of bringing people together across Canada and around the world to celebrate the amval of the millennium through the singing of specially prepared "Great Millennium Songs". Referring to the event at the Mississauga CiMc Centre, he noted that:

The response was wonderful. 1 was embarrassed by compliments. If nothing bener cornes dong, these could become the foundation for global singalongs (Live Aid style). At least they have helped shift the focus to the culture and the arts. Every radio and television station (and network) in the world will be pa.ticipating?

Mr. Toppin produced sheet music for global singdongs, including "Common Future" and the "Trilogy of Hope". In 1992, using his own fun& and with the assistance of Roots Canada and the Rotary Club of Toronto-Forest Hill, he prepared The First Great Millennium Song Album, which was ready for April22,1992, Earth Day. The tape featured "Common Future", a World Environment Song he had written in 1972 in honour of the first conference on the environment in Stockholm, and a new Song '?Joble Destiny", a Canada Day Song Mr. Toppin noted was to a UNA Day Special". Mr. Toppin noted, "simple and profound, these are songs of vision and hope for a Great Millennium of peace and well-being for the human race."63

The Environment Cornmittee of the Rotary Club of Toronto-Forest Hill chaired by David Woolfson selected the Song "Common Future" as a theme and Iaunched a campaign to share the Song with Rotary Clubs around the world. In 1994, Mr. Toppin received a request fiom the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship to use his songs and music as part of the Ontario Governrnent's celebration of the United Nations' 50" anniversary. This was a great honour. His cassettes were used as nui-up music to the opening ceremonies and a school choir performed a number of his songs. Understandabiy proud, Mr. Toppin prepared a song sheet entitled "Folio One, Songs for UN/5OW,"especially for singalongs with service clubs, children's choin and other cornrnunity groups 'round the world".

Never missing a moment to promote his message of global participation, Mr. Toppin forwarded his music to Jay Gary, Vice-President. Public Affairs for the Colorado Springs Chapter of the United Nations Association. Thanking Mr. Toppin for the sheet music. Mr. Gary cornmented:

You indeed have seen the light high in the heavens, and heard the music of the corning jubilee. For us, the star of 2000 has just appeared on the horizon as we in the local United Nations Association have begun preparations for the 50th anniversary of the UN. We join with you and people of goodwiil around the world in preparing for, as you Say, the "MOST FAR-REACHING NTLATNE" in human history. 1 only wish your songs were tmnslated and published as soon as possible in al1 the world's major languages, so that the whole world wouid leam to sing one new Song -together. Surely your work will be remembered for centuries to corne when the history of the human family is told.@

In 1995, the words of the Song "Common Future" appeared in a Washington Post article on the celebration of the millennium. As Mr. Topph loves to point out, he appeared between Robert Muller and Pope John Paul II: Don Toppin, an 80 year-old teacher, author, songwriter and chaimian of Toronto/2000, has composed a Song that he hopes everybody in the world will sing at noon Eastern thne on January 1,2000. it is called "Cornmon Future" and it goes like this: We share a common future! We share onz world to love! Day by day we're sharing The joy of caring Which brings blessings From above... 65

UN/SO Celebrations In June 1995, Robert Muller, Chancellor, University of Peace and Former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, travelled to Toronto and Hamilton at the invitation of Don Toppin. He gave the Keynote Address at Tountdown 2000: Shaping a Global Age", a conference held on June 2 and 3 and arranged by Mt. Toppin as part of the UN/50 celebrations in Toronto. The United Nations Association of Canada (Toronto), The Global Foundation for Understanding and the Rotary Club of Toronto-Forest Hill and Toronto/2000 sponsored the event. A family concert, featuring Mr. Toppin's "Millennium Songs" and billed as the launch of "The Great Millennium Carnpaign", was held at 7:30 p.m. on June 1, 1995 and featured a singalong led by The Travellers and the Children's Chou of the High Park Montessori School. The event featured Mr. Toppin's World Environment Song "Common Future" with extra verses written by the students of High Park School. Robert Muller, Chancellor of the University of Peace was the guest of honour.

On Thursday, June 1 Dr. Muller addressed the Empire Club at the Royal York Hotel. On June 2 he delivered the keynote address "Shaping the Global Age" in the OISE Auditorium. "Foresight Seminars" on June 3 at OISE feanired Dr. Eric McLuhan as Moderator and Master of Ceremonies, and a panel of "Global niinkers", including Dr. Rosalie Bertell, Ron Nielson, Dr. James Higgins, James Potts, Dr. Hanna Newcombe, Professor Ed Sullivan, Tom Lyons, Dr. Stephen Ross and Walter Dom.

On June 21,1995 Maurice Strong, Chairman, Earth Council, wrote to Mr. Toppi.to congratulate him on "the successfid launch of the Great Millennium" 66. The United Nations Association of Canada awarded Mr. Toppin the title "Global Citizen" for his contribution to the United Nations' 50th Anniversary Celebrations in Toronto.

Millennium Council of Canada The MilleMiurn Council of Canada was a not-for-profit urnbrella organization created to represent and link Millennium and Year 2000 prograrns, projects and events in Canada. Its mission was to piornote a national cornmernoration and celebration of the Year 20000.~' It compnsed 20 grassroots organizations across Canada who came together as a national clearinghouse and registry to help link millennium-centered organizations, businesses and govemrnent for the development of innovative projects. The intention was to coordinate millennium activities across the country, advancing national unity, boosting the economy, stimulating community development and increasing Canada's role in building peace. sustainable development, equality and justice in the ~orld.6~

The National Board of Directon was made up of 23 members with a four-member advisory board: Peter Ackroyd, Dr. Eric McLuhan, Don Toppin and Nicholas Goldschmidt. Douglas Roche, O.C., former Canadian Ambassador for Disarmament and Visiting Professor at the University of Alberta, served as National He had successfully chaired the Canadian Committee for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the United ~ations.~'While Mr. Toppin did not actively lead the organization, it definitely took inspiration from him. nie Millennium Council of Canada Information Sheet stated:

The initiai concept for a national cornmernoration of the Year 2000 and the new Millennium evolved out of the long-standing individual efforts of a nurnber of great Canadians, especially Canadian futurist/educator Don Toppin together with Eric McLuhan and Peter Aykroyd. These efforts began as fa,back as 1964. A number of initiatives were instituted which have now placed Canada in a global leadership role in regard to the Year 2000 and the new Millenniurn. These initiatives included the Muskoka Institute for the Future (1972), The World Future Society Assembly in 1980 which attracted 6,000 participants, Toronto/2000 Foresight Seminars (1 980), the Global Foundation for Understanding (198 1), The Great Millennium campaign, ongindly announced in Toronto in 1986 by the Committee on Torontof2000, The World Millemiun Network (1986) and, in June 1995, The "Countdown/2000" concert/conference at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. In January 1996, the concept of creating the Millennium Council of Canada was bom. It came about as a resuit of a meeting in Montreal between David Woolfson, Executive Director of the Global Foundation for Understanding in Toronto and Pierre Patry, President of the "Bienvenue 2000" project in 2000. These two organizations agreed to form the core of a Millennium Council for Canada which would represent Millenniurn projects and events on a national basis."

The Millennium Council of Canada (MCC) Founding Congres was held at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto on October 28, 1996 with representatives fiom over 60 MiIlennium/Year 2000 projects and events in attendan~e.'~The mayor of Toronto and representatives of both the provincial and federal governments attended. The City of Toronto provided considerable support to the Council by providing office space and two support staff. The international accounting hof Arthur Anderson agreed to prepare the federal letters of patent on a 'pro bono" basis as well as services toward the creation of the MCC Project ~1a.n.'~ in 1997, the Federai Government was creating legislation to for a national partnership with community groups for the rnillennium celebrations. The MCC requested that the document specifi that the MCC play an integral role at the leadership and management level of the national partnership. The bnef pointed out that the partnership the Government stmck in forming the Canadian Cornmittee for the Fiftieth Annivenary of the United Nations could serve as a model for millennium ceiebrations. Douglas Roche, O.C. pointed out that W/50was a tnie partnership that could not have operated without the prestige and resources of the Govemment but which the Governrnent did not dominate. This was not a top-down model but a blending of the interests of the United Nations Association of Canada. The MCC could bring to a national partnership their existing Web site, database and the extensive network of grassroots Canadian ~r~anizations.~~

Apparently the MCC halted its activity when the Federai goveniment picked up the initiative and established its own "Milenniurn Bureau" to fund local projects. Mr. Toppin was not pleased with the work of the Milledum Council of Canada and did not want it mentioned in this work. 1 felt, however, that it was important to note that Mr. Toppin provided both the inspiration and a historical foundation for the group. Mr. Toppin recently wrote and released two more songs for "The Great Miliennium Campaigny'entitled "Magic Momentsy'(l998) and "Jubilennium" (1999). The Harris Institute for the Arts, a local private school, donated studio time for the production of "The Great Millenniurn Compact Disc". It was cornpleted in September 1999 and is now available for sale. Mr. Toppin is currently trying to have it c&ed by a large local music store. He dso assists David Woolfson with the "Great Millennium Singalong" ti, be held this year at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The city has provided $5000 for the event, which requires the distribution of Song sheets and compact discs to 800 local schools. Eight thousand students will take part in the event.

At 85, Mr. Toppin is suffering fiom chronic health problems. He is unable to work on a regular bais and must rely on colleagues for assistance. It is unfortunate that he is so il1 when the realization of one of his dreams is so close. Certainly, the singalong at the Air Canada Centre is not the woridwide singalong he hoped for. On the other hand, The Rotary Club and other organizations have been distributhg his songs, so some singalongs will occur. 1 suspect that Mr. Toppin realizes that this year's event will not be as successful as he hoped, because in recent weeks he has begun to talk about worldwide sîngalongs in 200 1. Nonetheless, he remains positive most of the time. He still attends TorontoROOO meetings when his health permits and he keeps up with international conferences. At 85, he is as busy as a person half his age. ' Don Toppin, telephone conversation with author, June 1998. ' ibid. 3 Two individuals have confimed Mr. Toppin's role. Alan Seymour, then Secretary-Treasurer at ADCOM inc., who served on the Board of Governors of Centennial Acres tnc. and became a strong supporter of Mr. Toppin and Allen Tough recently confmed Mr. Toppin's role as Director-General of the Conference. 4 Don Toppin, interview wi?h author, June 1998. 5 Don Toppin, phone conversations with author, September 1999. 6 Don Toppin, "Focus on the Future". syndicated, 1980. ' Ibid. ' Don Toppin, "Project: Toronto12000, fask Force Seminar Report", December 8. 198 1. 9 Don Toppin, "Notes and Proposals, Toronto Futurist Group re Project: Toronto/2000", November 19, 1980. 'O Ibid. " Ibid. " Ibid. l3 Don Toppin, Global Foundation for Undentanding, TorontoROOO Background Kit, sumrner 1981.5-6 l4 Ibid., 1. IJDon Toppin, phone conversation with author, Septernber, 1999. 16 Don Toppin, " 1984 - Year of Transition", promotional flyer, Mr. Toppin's personal papers, 1984. " Zena Cherry. The Globe and Mail 1 1 January 1984. 18 Don Toppin, "Today's thoughts, actions shape tomorrow's world", The Globe und lCIai1.I February 1984 19 Don Toppin, phone conversation with author July 1998. 'O "Funvist Don Toppin Honoured!" City Dweller, May 1984. " Ibid. n - Don Toppin. "Countdown to a Great Epoch", paper presented at the 12th World Congess of the International Federation for Training and Development Organizations, 1982. Ibid, 3 Don Toppin, phone convenation with author March. 1997. Don Topph, "A Guaranteed Job Plan for Canadians", Bnef to the MacDonald Royal Commission on Canada's Future, December, 1983. " Ibid. '7 Roben Theobold, "Guaranteed Incornes for Ali", Thir Cybernetic Age, Don Toppin ed. (New York: Human Development Corporation, 1969) 274. Phone conversation with author, June 1995. " Challenges and Opportuniiier: From rVow to ZOO 1(New York: World Funires Society, 1 986). 'O Howard F. Didsbury, Junior, "A Vision for TomoW, Challenges and Oppornnitia: From Now tu 2001, a clipping in Mr. Toppin's personal papers conceming the "Great Miilennium Carnpaign". Don Toppin, 'Toward the Great Millennium", (reprinted and freely disnibuted by Mr. Toppin, l986), appean in the unpublished binder given to Registered Founders of the World Miliemiun ~kvork. 32 Ibid. 33 Ibid. Y Don Toppin, conversation with author, Iuly 1998. " Don Toppin, "Toward the Great Miiiemium". 36 Robert Muller, Former Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations, Chancellor Emeritus, University of Peace, letter to Don Toppin, 1986. Appears in the unpublished binder given to Registered Founders of the World Millennium Network, " Don Toppin, letter to Roben Muller, 1986. Appears in the unpublished binder given to Registered Founders of the World Miilemium Nebvork, 38 Don Toppin, Essay 2, "The Geneses", 2000-Before and Beyond Toward The Great ikiillennium, t 986. Appears in the unpublished binder given to Registered Founders of the World Miiiemiurn Network. 39 Ibid. 'O Ibid, " Don Toppin, Essay 3, "Preludes", 20 January 1986,2000-Befre and Beyond Toward The Grear Millennium. " Don Toppin, Essay 4, "Joining The Spirit", September 1987,2000-Befoe and Beyond Toward The Great Millennium. '3 Ibid. U Don Toppin, Essay 5, "The Great Take-Off ,December l988,2UUU-Before and Beyond Toward The Great Millennium. " Ibid. j6 Ibid. " Ibid. 4 8 Don Toppin, Essay 6, "The Countdown Begins", 4 April 1997,2000-Lkjbre and Bqond Toward The Great Millennium. 49 Don Toppin, Essay 7, *'The Universal Spirit of the Year 2000". 1 January 1988,2000: Bejbre und Bqond Toward The Great Miilennium. 'O Don Toppin, "Stepping into the Third Millennium", promotional flyer for event at Centrestage Forum. 12 Febmary 1986. 5 1 Don Toppin, Chairman of the Comrnittee on Toronto/2000, initiator of "The Great Millennium Campaign, for Global Launching ar Future Focus", "Key Lessons from Futures Projects", New York, delivered by Arnold Russel, 14 July 1986. Appears in the unpubiished binder given to Registered Founders of the World Millenniurn Network. '' Don Toppin, letter to Mayor An Eggleton re The Great Millennium Campaign. 15 September 1987, Mr. Toppin's personal papers. 53 Ibid. Ibid. 55 Ibid. 56 Ibid. 57 Robert Millward (then Cornmissioner of Planning and Devetopment, City of Toronto) letter to City of Toronto Economic Development Comrnittee, 5 October 1988, Mr. Toppin's personal papers. on Toppin, phone conversation with author, September 1999. 59 Ibid, Don Toppin, letter to members of the Great MiIIenniun Nehvork, 1 December 1987. " Don Toppin, World Millennium Network promotional material, 1997. " Don Toppin, letter to memben of the Great Millennium Network, I December 1987. " Don Toppin, Souvenir Edition, World Environment Song "Cornmon Future" with "Trilog of Hope" and ottier Singalong Songs fiom The Great MiIlennium Album (Toronto: The Global Foundation for Understanding, 1992). a Jay Gary, VP Public Affairs, Colorado Springs Chapter, United Nations Association, Ietter to Don Toppin, 27 April 1994, Mr. Toppin's personal correspondence. " Warhington Past, January 1995. Maurice Strong, Ieiter to Don Toppin, 2 1 Sune 1995. 67 Douglas Roche, O.C., National Chair, Miiie~iumCouncil of Canada, Memorandum "National Milienniurn Partnership", 10 November 1997, Mr. Toppin's personal papers. Ibid. 69 Millennium Council of Canada, National Board of Directon, 1997, Mr. Toppin's persona1 papes. 'O Douglas Roche, O.C., National Chair, Millenniwn Council of Canada, Memorandum "National Millenniurn Partnership", 10 November 1997, Mr. Toppin's persona1 papers. 7' The MilIennium Council of Canada, "Information Sheet", 1997. " ibid. '3 Ibid. 74 Ibid, Chapter 6. Conclusion

This thesis set out to document selectively the life and ideas of Mr. Toppin, as well as to identie and highlight relevant contributions he may have made to adult education in Canada. Much of the research was conducted via oral interview with the subject. 1wish to draw conclusions that highlight the value of the methodological approach and make some recommendations for others who rnight choose to produce this type of work.

Major Conclusions Over the years. Mr. Toppin has worked tirelessly toward the realization of a better future through education and public service. In the thirties, he was a youth-oriented social reformer as well as a radio personality who made an early attempt to bring public afiirs prograrnrning to radio. During his university training, he became interested in the concept of income security and prepared a text that would eventually be published under the title From Crade to Grave. in the forties and fifiies, he worked as an insurance executive, becoming interested in educating consumers through creative marketing strategies. He developed an interest in training and associated himself with the "human relations" movement. He dso implemented an income security program tested in Leaside, Toronto. Retaining his interest in new media, Mr. Toppin established a large promotional fiin New York City to focus on educationai programming and cooperative marketing for television. This business venture met with failure and in the Iate fifties and sixties, he associated himself with the educationai technology and self-directed learning movement, working as a training consultant to industry, specializing in human relations training, programmed instruction and educational technology. He took a leadership role in the practical implementation of programmed instruction and teaching machines as applied to basic skills training in Manpower programs.

In the seventies, he organized a lifelong learning facility cornmitted to me-onented thlliking with these goals: creating structures for participatory democracy, building understanding of the emerging global consciousness, debating and acting locally upon recommendations fiom environmental conferences, building understanding among corporate leaders and the general population of the societal shifi taking place, and setting the stage for a Global Conference on the Future to be held in Toronto. In the eighties and nineties, he has focused on activities that build bridges of understanding and foster a personal sense of responsibility for the future through the formation of community activities and global initiatives.

Significant conclusions can be summarized as follows:

Mr. Toppin made an important contribution to the history of adult education in Canada through the "Canadian hstitute of Public Anairs". This was a substantial contribution and a pioneering use of radio to bring a public affairs format to radio.'

Mr. Toppin was a pioneer in the application of teaching machines and programmed instruction to the dellvery of addt basic education. The best-documented example of this leadership is the "ATLL'67 Productivity Project". He made an important contribution to the income security concept in Canada through his book From Cradle to Grave and by pioneering a program in Leaside, Toronto in his capacity as Toronto and Central Ontario Manager for Prudentid Assurance of England. Mr. Toppin edited and CO-authoredThis Cybernetic Age, a book that was an early contribution to the field of communications and cybemation or future studies, which would become mainstrearn. As a serious attempt to produce a scholarly sourcebook of writings, This Cybernetic Age demonstrated the value of an interdisciplinary approach to fbture studies. Mr. Toppin established a social invention centre cailed Centennial Acres. Here he offered a variety of educational activities and seMces to adult lifelong learners. He founded The Muskoka Institute for the Future, which sponsored a series of 12 First Canadian Conferences on the Future. Mr. Toppin was the kaDirector-General of the First Canadian Conference on the Future held in Toronto and contnbuted substantially to its success. He was critical in shaping the theme of the conference: "Thinking Globally, Acting Locally". In 1980, Mr. Toppin was the prime initiator of Toronto/2000 an important WActioncornmittee that continues to meet today. In the same year he founded the Global Foundation for Understanding.

Mr. Toppin is a Ieading Canadian futurist who has played an international roie in focusing attention on the millennium as a significant oppominity for generating global awareness. He coined the tenn and defined the concept of "The Great Millennium". He cm be distine@hed fxom other fiiturists bp his humanistic focus. He is not interested in technological advances for their own sake. Rather he emphasizes the humanization of technological society as the critical issue of our time. With a vision of hope for a positive future, he focuses attention on the importance of insight, understanding and most importantly the power of vision and hope in overcoming the psychological impact of fear and helplessness. He is the founder of the Great Millennium Campaign for a positive fiiture of peace and well-being. The Great Millennium Campaign is a vast educationai project to raise public awareness. In 1986, Mr. Toppin created the World Millenniurn Network to facilitate information among his colleagues.

10. He has been very active in encouraging comunity-based rnillennium celebrations including his own contribution - Global Singalongs.

1 1. Mr. Toppin promotes the concept of Global English as a second or third language. Since 1969, he has promoted the concept of Global College as an organization for worldwide delivery of standardized basic education. He believes that these concepts can now be implemented via a variety of modern technologies.

Lessons Learned It is appropriate that the inspiration for this section is taken from an essay written by Roby Kidd entitled, "Education for and through ~artici~ation".'Mr. Toppin has great respect for Roby's insight, wisdom and vision. While Mr. Toppin may be unknown in academic circles, he was surely a pioneer and a.important educationist who brought a unique personal charisma and codtment to the field. Aduli Learning Mr. Toppin understands that education is really about adult learning and that adult learning is not limited to institutional settings. Moreover, Iearning through participation involves cntical reflection on the social, cultural, and scientific information available in our tirne. He lemed this through his involvement in the educational movements of the thirties when individual and collective action was the nom. As he has said, "people solved dl kinds of probkms without any Ph.D.s in si& and without looking to the govement to solve their problems". That is not to Say that government poiicy should ignore societal needs. Rather, governments need to hear the voices of the grassroots movements whose members take charge of the funue by actively addressing their problems.

Responsibility Individuals must be encouraged to take charge of their own learning and act responsibly towards the future. As Mr. Toppin puts it. "although no one can do everything, everyone cm do something. Individually and collectively we cmmake our own unique gifts to postenty." This requires a "behavioral and anitudinal breakthr~u~h".~Appropriate social planning can facilitate this by creating an environment that empowea the individual, opening doors of hope and opportunity.

The Importunce of Visioning People need a positive vision of the future in order to make healthy choices. They must have a sense that the fiiture wiil be better if they make positive choices today. Visioning takes place when far-sighted individuals work together to create learning opportunities through self-shidy groups and direct action in cornmunities. This is why Mr. Toppin refers to Toronto/2000 as a ThinUAction group and why he cailed his Bnef to the Royal Commission on Canada's Future a ThidclAction brief. Study mua be followed by actio- action by reflection and reflection by additional action. As Mr. Toppin says. the dream energizes and then drearns become responsibilities. So ledgbrings personai respomibility for the hue. Multi-Disciplinas, Apgroach Mr. Toppin understood a long time ago that most major problems in adult education could not be solved without the insights of other fields of inquiry. He learned this though his work in the insurance industry as well as his work in educational technology. He understood that a fantastic range of insights fiom the physicd sciences, humanistic and behavioral psychology, human relations and the arts would bnng new insights to the facilitation of adult leaning. Education for social change wouid requise a mulu- disciplinary approach to bridge gaps between the various academic disciplines as well as between the education, artistic and business worlds. He brought people together fiom very different professions so that they could see how each their collective wisdom couid generate social change. He places particular importance on holding ThinkIAction meetings to encourage significant local responses to United Nations initiatives. especially in global education, environment and peace.

Mr. Toppin stated purpose is to "bring together great people to do great things". His unique gift is io make important issues undentandable to the non-academic and to make individuals feel they cm do something about the issues in their own way.

Principfes of Adult Educafion As a final reflection, it is valuable to articulate some principles that have emerged in Don Toppin's work and writings:

1. The goals of adult learning go far beyond the acquisition of immediate skills and knowledge. Through small group study and action individuais clarifi common values through meaningful engagement with the present and by taking personai responsibility for creating a positive fùture.

2. The revitaiization of aduit education as a social rnovement with a focus on group study and participation is critically important in comtering the trend toward the isolation and dienation of the individual fiorn political processes, as weli as corporate and social change. The roots of cnsis in modem society are psychological -fear of the unknown, fear of loss of work, fear of change and the resultant loss of meaning must be countered by a message of hope, a positive vision for a future that can be brought about through individuai and collective action.

Thinking and acting are closely connected. This implies the fostering of personal responsibility toward the friture by acting on one's leaniing.

The adult educationist must take full advantage of modem communications technology to build a network for the receipt and dissemination of relevant fmdings from science, social sciences and business that can aid learning and facilitate cooperation and convergence. The educationist energizes and cataiyzes the process "building bridges of understanding". Problems that seem insoluble fiom within education rnay disappear when insights From other disciplines are brought to bear.

Local ThidclAction study groups should take into account global initiatives. "Thinking globally, acting locaily" is one way to express the need for personal and collective responses to major issues. Acting locally to Merthe aims of world peace is important to the realization of the dream. As Mr. Toppin says, "no one can do everything, but everyone can do something". In this way each individual can make "their own unique gifi to posterity".

It is important to look beyond the confines of one's professional boundaries to seek cross-disciplinary insights through personal networking.

Groups must be fiee of political pressure and preferably not dependent on government grants to be successful.

In Retrospect: What I Have Learned Undertaking this Research

There are a number of things that I wodd do differently if I were approaching this project again. A chronology is especiaily valuable as a means of organizing historical events and as a means of identifjhg pattern of activity in the subject's Iife. It is especially useful in the case of an older subject when age may affect memory; the chronology helps to spot gaps in the subject's memory that may need to be filled in fiom extemal sources. If I were starting again, 1 would add a great deal of explanatory information tu the chronology and then submit that to my thesis supervisor before proceeding to the interview stage. I wuld have piwn &Ir. Toppin the ciuonoiogy so thar he could make corrections and provide explanatory information.

I wouid also exercise greater caution in how 1 labeled and dated tapes dereach interview. I would store intewiew notes with the tapes. Transcnpts take too much time to prepare and are not necessary. in my experience, and as Harold Troper suggested to me, it is more usefûl for the researcher to make carefbl notes during the interview. The researcher can then work from the notes referring to the tapes for verification, clarification (by listening to the speaker's tone of voice. for example) and transcription of specific quotations.

In my case, the tapes served as an important source of material but 1 had a diEcult time navigating them to find specific passages. Unfortunately, I did not make detailed notes during the actual interviews. Instead, I made corrections to a chronology I had developed. While this seemed useful at the time, it did not heIp me to access Mr. Toppin's comments on a particular topic. It would have been far more useful to make handwritten notes during the interview.

1realize now that the preservation of primary sources should have been discussed at the outset with my thesis supervisor. The handhg of the subject's personal papen should be discussed durùig the ethical review in order to consider the wishes of the subject. The best way to handle collections depends on the situation. In certain cases, the researcher can reorganize the collections. In other cases, the documents can be examined but not rearranged by the researcher. I would like to discuss some of the issues that arose during my work.

Case I I was initially given a collection of material Dr. Draper had presewed in a three-ring binder. He told me that these papers were not in any particuiar order. At a later point, he gave me another large collection, also in no particular order. Mr. Toppin provided me with a large file of papers. The condition of these papers varied. Some important papers were yeilowed, stained, or in pieces. His personal correspondence was not in any particular order. Some of the newspaper articles were undated. (It was not that Mr. Toppin attached little importance to the contents of the documents. Rather, 1believe that he had long since incorporated what he felt were critical passages into his own writings. 1 found it helpful to see the complete and original versions of the documents. Ln the above situations, 1 felt fiee to reorganize the papen for the purpose of the research. In fact, I mixed Dr. Draper's materials with Mr. Toppin's materials to create a much more complete record. If I were starting again, I would have looked at these documents first and then discussed their disposition with my thesis supervisor.

Case 2 About a year and a half ago, Mr. Toppin gave me a copy of a binder he had prepared to illustrate his work from the 1980s and 1990s. He had reproduced a selection of his writings and personal correspondence on high quality paper, arranged them in a particular order and inserted them into the binder. The binder included letten from colleagues and government officids interspened with his own letters, essays, speeches, songs and promotional materiais.

1did not disturb the order of these materials. uistead I considered the relationship between the documents. Why did Mr. Toppin choose these materiais? Was their order significant? This was very helpful in stmcturing the last chapter of the thesis. The relationship between the papers can prove critical to determining the subject's self- perceptions and motivation.

Referencing Primaty Sources 1 found it difficult to archive the primary source materiais in a way future researchers could follow. This could be important if another researcher decided to challenge my conclusions or if Mr. Toppin or his relatives wished to dispute my interpretations. Some decisions should be made with the thesis committee to ensure oral history research meets academic standards. From the outset, a decision should be made as to how recordings and personal papes will be preserved and referenced. The researcher could examine a personal collection and leave it with the owner. In this case, the author codd refer to the documents as follows: "James Draper, personal papers regarding Don Toppin". A notation could then be made in the htroduction or in an appendix regarding how to locate the papers. However this is done, it is important to know how the various documents can be accessed. Second, if the owners agree, a new collection could be created from their personal collections. The new collection could then be housed at OISE, a local archive or at another interested institution. This is the option 1 took (unfortmately, without having made arrangements for the preservation of the documents.) This option is particularly usehl when the papers have not been kept in any particula. order or there is no other way to ensure they will be properly preserved. Once the thesis cornmittee has agreed to this approach, the researcher cm create a much more precise referencing system. For example, the researcher could choose to reorganize the relevant papers into file folders by decade and within those folders by either subject or document type, numbering each document. The papers could then be referred to as "Don Toppin Collection, 1960- 1970, persona1 correspondence. document 1. If 1 were starting again, this is the approach 1 would take. Audio recordings should either be properly preserved by the researcher or kept with the collection. Either way, the month, date, year and name of the interviewer should be clearly marked. For example, "Oral intewiew with Don Toppin, 1, by Paul Bertrand, May 12, 1995". As noted before, 1 would make notes during the interviews. Such notes should be kept as part of the collection.

Conducring Interviews There is no doubt Ui my mind that the personal interviews 1 conducted with Mr. Toppin at OISE were too demanding. As he was uncornfortable bringing me into his apartment, we couid not work there. The telephone seemed to be the best approach. I realize now, however, that the in-person interviews at OISE lent an official feel to the interviews, which encouraged us to use our thne efficiently. Our telephone conversations were less formal and often veered off topic. Mr. Toppin is a creative individual who fieely associates ideas. For my part, 1 enjoyed the conversations and tended to tak about his ideas as opposed to inte~ewinghim. Although I recorded the conversations, the less formal approach proved to be a thewaster. A better approach would have been to establish a regular tune for a phone interview to take place weekiy. A highly stnictured phone inte~ewwould have been far more efficient.

Conducring Archivai Research This project entailed a great deal of research of primary sources. 1feel it is important to outline my efforts in order to provide some recomrnendations. Each chapter required specific historical research in an effort to veri@ Mr. Toppin's staternents. For Chapter 2. The Early Years, 1 spent a considerable amount of tirne locating Mr. Toppin's writings in the Prescott Jownal. I called the Prescott Library, the local newspaper, Precott Journal, as well as the local radio stations. A great deal of time was wasted waiting for cal1 backs. Eventually, 1discovered that copies of the Prescott Journal fiom those years had been sent to the Toronto Public Archives. There, I was successfil in locating Mr. Toppin's articles as well as references to the radio show "Young Canada Radio Hour". For the chapter on Mr. Toppin's corporate years, I attempted to contact Crown Life and Prudential Assurance to search for records pertaining to Mr. Toppin. While 1 had the ~~o 's Who envies for those years, I was aware of the fact that the entries are prepared by the subject and I wanted another source of information as a cross-check. I also hoped to fmd some record of the type of programs Mr. Toppin says he started at the company, including training programs and incorne security plans. This was a confushg process because another major insurance company had purchased Prudential Assurance of England. 1 was shocked to lemthat Crown Life records had been destroyed in a fire. Essentially I did not acquire any valuable data from these efforts and ended up relying solely on oral information provided by Mr. Toppin. The chapter on Centenniai Acres and the Muskoka htitute on the Future was somewhat easier to document since Mr. Toppin had retained considerable material hmthe tirne. However diEculties still arose. Mr. Toppin told me that the N.F.B had made a film about the opening of Centennial Acres. He dso mentioned that a film had been made featuring his Self-Access Centre at Queen Street Library. Unforttmately, M. Toppin did not have copies of the films nor could he remember their titles or who had made them. He thought that T.V.O. or the N.F.B had been involved, so 1 called both organizations, but they were unable to fînd a record of the films. In another case, a representative of the Toronto Public Library agreed to search the minutes of board meetings for references to Mr. Toppin's project at the Queen Street Branch. Again the effort met with failure. Luckily, Mr. Toppin found photographs of the Centre showing himself, the facility and the Minister of Education. I am certain the projects took place; Merinquiries would have entailed even more theand been of doubthl value to this project. If 1 were going to continue this research, 1 would need more complete access to Mr. Toppin's pesonal papers, correspondence and other records to better document his work. 1 would also investigate Mr. Toppin's corporate clients such as Bell Canada and Bata Shoes to see if they have records of his work. One possible solution to the issues that arose while researching this thesis would have been to restnct the work to one penod of Mr. Toppin's life. However, a survey approach was more desirable at this tirne.

Recommendations There are several general recommendations 1 would like to make.

It would have been very helpful if Mr. Toppin had kept a diary on a regular basis. This would have been especially useful if Mr. Toppin had kept his correspondence. writings, and contacts as part of a permanent record. I realize that he was busy trying to rnake a living, but the number of people he stayed in contact with is really quite extraordinary: academics, political leaders, business leaders and international figures. He tells wondehl anecdotes about his meetings. Given that he believes his work was important, it is surprising that he did not keep better records. 1 think this is a valuable lesson for adult educators who work outside of an institutional base. Even a simple diary would be helpful to a researcher.

It is also important that institutions keep records. 1 realize that Mr. Toppin worked in insurance in the early 1940s but some records shouid have been preserved. The Royal York Hotel, for exarnple, recently established an archive. The CBC archive also proved invaluable.

1 feel it is increasingly important that community-based programs and NGOs keep historical records pertaining to their programs, services, staff and students so that the history of this important area of addt education may be told fiom their perspective. The accomplishments of Toronto/2000 have not been documented with a view to recording the events for posterity. A complete record of the speakers who appeared each year would have been helpful.

4. The use of oral history methodology has proven valuable as a means of exploring the life of Don Toppin. It is particdarly valuable in capturing the feel of the times as well as the linkages between people and organizations that are not part of the historicai record. Other researchers might wish to adopt this approach to exploring the history of adult education. 1 would highly recornrnend it as a humanistic research tool.

5. It would be valuable to support other such projects in the Adult Education Department. I am thinking here of the book Pioneers in Education, a classic that profiles early adult educators in Canada. I feel it is terribly important to document the lives of adult educators. This material would be especiaily valuable in foundation studies at faculties of education. Al1 students of adult education would benefit fiom models of lives lived in adult education.

Recommendations for Further Research If 1were to continue this study, there are number of issues 1 would pursue.

1. I wodd continue to contact Mr. Toppin's colleagues. The more I speak with thern. the more the value of his work is contirmed. For instance, over the last year, 1 spoke with Don Anderson and Allen Tough. Both men had direct knowledge of Mr. Toppin's work at Centennial Acres as well as his work on the First Global Conference on the Future held in Toronto in 1980. Both felt that Mr. Toppin was a pioneer in the field of fûture studies and that without his work the First Global Conference would not have taken place in Toronto. 1recently spoke with Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Chancellor Emerinis, United Nations University of Peace who emphasized the vaiuable contributions Mr. Toppin has made to W50celebrations as weil as his contributions to Global MiIlenniun Celebrations. Two possible areas of research are suggested by these expenences. First, 1 would be interested in contacting others who may have known Mr. Toppin (Ed Comish of the World Futures Society, for instance) to gather more comments about Mr. Toppin. In the absence of "paper" data, more anecdotal information would be useful. At this point? 1 would prepare a summary statement about the project and request w&en anecdotes, recollections and additional information £kom selected colleagues. 1 would include a stamped, return envelope for convenience. !wish I hddone this during the course of the project and would def~telystart there if 1 were continuing. Gathering statements would also be a valuable means of testing the veracity of Mr. Toppin's statements. 1 was discouraged fiom contacting people by Mr. Toppin who asked me not to disturb his colleagues. He unduly influenced me in this matter. It would be usefbl to contact these people to provide more context and reliability to the work I have done.

2. It would be interesting to pursue a project just on Mr. Toppin's futurist work fiom 1970-1980. It would be usefki, for instance to examine Centennial Acres in relation to other social invention centres as a means of assessing its uniqueness. I think that Mr. Toppin's work in prepztring for the First Global Conference deserves a more complete treatment as well. He recently found a collection of materials related to The First Canadian Conferences on the Futur~ewspaperclippings, conference matenais and photographs. I would like to have reviewed these documents to provide more supporting information.

3. The penod from 1980 to the present would also benefit fiom study in greater depth. The role of the Toronto Futurist Group, Toronto/2000 and Mr. ToppinosMillenniurn- related work could aiso be studied in greater detail.

4. A study could be done on Mr. Toppin's work on the Income Securïty Concept. He has

oniy recently found a copy of his book From Cradle ;O Grave, which was unavailable for examination during the writing of this paper. This creates an opportunity to review the work and assess whether or not it made as significant a contribution to the concept as he claims. This wodd entaii a study of the income security concept in Canada. Discovering the Past The oral history approach provides a valuable means of understanding the aspirations, motivations and vision of the grassroots adult educators. Mr. Toppin's stories have helped me to expenence the hope and vision of those who saw adult education as a social movement. He is a role mode1 for young educators, representing the dignity and growth that derive fiom a life of leaming. By listening to these voices fiom our past, we can see clearly the path to the friture.

Mr. Toppin has pointed out that his future-oriented thinking began with his grandmother. He feels that it is tembly important that we arrange society in a way that grandparents can be with their grandchildren again. We know fiom psychology that individuals inhent behaviors From their parents through unconscious Iearning and that the original reasons for these behaviors are often unknown. So grandparents are important conveyors of insight into our heritage. Like a grandfather, Mr. Toppin breathes life into our past and our traditions. He can recall why things happened the way they did, who was involved and the results. He remembers the major concems of the times. He has reflected deepiy on his expenence. Even though he feels old and alone (he is one of the very few left From that time), Mr. Toppin is sustained by his clear apprehension of the critical need for a positive vision and for hope. He feels that humanity is entering a dangerous time in its history and that the earliest traditions of adult education need to be revitalized to counteract the increasing isolation of individuais despite the unprecedented advances in communications technology. Mr. Toppin sees clearly that, more than ever, people need to feel they can solve their own problems and contribute productively to society.

In many ways, adult educators need to hear the voices of their gmndparents in to order to experience again the overwhelming power of adult education as a social movement. There are so few voices left fiom that time that can articulate a sweeping vision of the future founded clearfy on an understanding of our past. This is what Mr. Toppin is doing. He has named the next great aduit educationai movement "The Great Millennium Campaign", a cultural cnisade of hope and understanding begun by far-sighted individuals who see the miliennium as an opportunity to help others understand the potential for a future of peace and well-being. Mr. Toppin calls this the "critical path" of raising public awareness through participatory (anticipatory) learning that encourages individuals to take personal responsibility for the fiiture.

In short, the study of history provides a rich source of wisdom and insight into the present. Our path to the future should be built on the fhn foundation of the past. Research into the life of one penon cm open a window not just on the past but on the values and traditions of our profession. It becomes much more difficult simpiy to dismiss the institutions that have secured our democratic fieedoms to this point when we understand how hard won they were. If we lose sight of the Fast we tread on dangerous ground. I cm only hope that othen will take on similar projects wherever "great voices" of history can still be heard. Notes

James Draper, "Selected Chronology of Adult Education in Canada". The Capladian Journaifir ~heStuc& of Ad& Education November 1998. J.R Kidd, "Education for and Through Participation". Digniy and Growth, eds. Harold R. Baker, James Draper, and Brett T. Fairbah (Calgary: Detselig Enterprises Ltd, 199 1). Conclusion from the Report of the Conference on ihe Future. Mwkoka, 1975. Bibiiography

"Report of Programmed Instruction Workshop". Toronto: Ontario Teacher's Federation, 1964.

Baker, Harold R., James Draper, and Brett T. Fairbah, eds. Dignity and Growth: Citizenship Participalion in Canada. Calgary: Detselig Enterprises Ltd., 199 1.

Cassidy, Frank, and Ron Faris, eds. Choosing Our Future: Adult Education and Public Policy in Canada, Symposium Series. Toronto: OISE Press, 1987.

Chamberlain, Mary, and Paul Thompson, eds. Narrative and Genre, Routledge Studies in Memory and Narrative. London, England: Routledge, 1998.

Corbett, E. A. We Have Wth Us Tonight. Toronto: The Ryerson Press, 1957.

Dunaway, David K., and Willa K. Baum. Oral History: An interdisciplinary Anthology. Edited by Sandra Sageser Clark. 2nd ed, American Association for State und Local Histos, Book Series. Walnut Creek, California: Alta Mira Press, 1996.

Education, Canadian Council for Research in "Four Canadian surveys of the utilization of programmed instruction and attitudes towards its fuhw role." Toronto: Canadian Council for Research in Education, Canadian Education Association, Canadian Teachers Federation, Department of Labour (Technical and Vocational Branch) and Ontario Society for Training and Development, 1965.

Faris, Ron. The Passionate Educators: vo luntary associutions and the struggle for control of adult educotional broadcasting in Canada iPi9-.U: Peter Martin Associates Limited, 1975.

Kay, Harry. Teaching Muchines and Programmed Instruction. Baltimore: Penguin Books, 1968.

Kidd, J.R. Adult Education in Canada. Toronto: Canadian Association of AduIt Education, 1950.

Kidd, J.R. "Adult Education, the Community and the Animateur.'' In Draper, James A., ed. Citim Participation: Canada. Toronto: new press, 1971.

Kidd, J. Roby, and Gordon R Sehan. Coming of Age: Canadian Ad& Educution in the 1960s. Toronto: Canadian Association for Addt Education, 1978. Laidlaw, Alexander F., ed. The Manfrorn Margaree: Writing and Speeches of M. AM. Coady. Toronto: McCelland and Stewart Limited, 1971.

Lummis, Trevor. Listening to History. Aukland: Henry Hutchinson New Zealand Ltd, 198%

Lumsdaine, Arthur. Teaching machines and programmed learning, II; dura and directions. Robert Glaser, ed. Washington : Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 1965.

Lumsdaine, Arthur, and Robert Glaser, eds. Teaching Machines und Programrned Learning: a sourcebook. Washington: Department of Audio-Visual Instmction, National Education Association, 1965.

Marcombe, David. Oral Testirnony and the Local Historian, Centrefor Local Hisios, Record Series #IO. Oxford, England: Department of Adult Education. University of Nottingham, 1995.

Pearson, Panicia. Couchiching: The Firsr 60 Years. Barbara C. Eastman, ed. The Canadian Institute on Public Affairs, 199 1.

Perks, Robert, and Thomson Alistair. eds. The Oral History Reader. New York: Routledge, 1998.

Portelli, Allessandro. "Oral History as Genre." In Narrative and Genre, Mary Chamberlain and Paul Thompson, eds. London. England: Routiedge, 1998.

Portelli, Allessandro. "What Makes Oral History Different." In The Oral History Re4 edited by Robert Perks and Thomson Alistair. New York: Routledge, 1998.

Rouillard, Harriet, ed. Pioneers in Adulî Education in Canada: Thomas Nelson & Sons (Canada) Limited.

Seldon, Anthony, and Soma Pappworth. By Word of Mouth. Cambridge: University Press, 1983.

Sehan, Gordon. Adult Education in Canada: Historieal Essays. Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing, Inc., 1995.

Selman, Gordon, and Paul Dampier. The Foundations of Adult Education in Canada. Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing, Inc., 1991.

Toppin, Don. "lncreasing Productivity through Programmed Instruction." Industrial Canada, April, May, June 1965. Toppin, Don. Programmed Learning in Canada. Toronto: Canadian Council for Programmed Learnhg, 1964.

Toppin, Don, ed. This Cybernetic Age. New York: Human Development Corporation, 196%

Vipond, Mary. Listening In: The First Decade of Canadian Broadcasting. Montreal & Kingston: McGill-Queen's University Press, 1992.

Welton, Michael , R., ed. Knowled'e for the People: ne Stn~ggkfur Ad& Lcurning in English-Speaking Canada 1828-1 9 73. Vol. 1 8, Symposium Series. Toronto: OISE Press, 1987.

Welton, Michael R., ed. In Definse of the LifeworM Critical Perspectives on Adult Learning. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1995. Appendix 1: Selected Chronology

Born son of Frederick Toppin and Carry Esther (Goodin) Canadian Exhibition Shield (Eaton's Department Store-sponsored public speaking award given at the CNE) Recipient of King's Own Award (United Church Award for public speaking) Winner of Eastern Ontario and Provincial essay contest for the essay "Canada's Future in the League of Nations". The final contest at the Royal York Hotel First radio appearance. Mr. Toppin read his essay On Canada's Future on the local Prescott radio station CFLC Participant in Older Boys' Parliament (Ontario Work Board) Author Young Canada's Corner, Prescott Jozirnal Prime Minister of Older Boys' Parliament Founder/National Chair Canadian Federation of Youth Hector Charlesworth and Don Toppin conceptualized the Canadian Inst iflire of Public Affairs Attended Albert's College in Belleville, Ontario Kerr Award (public speaking champion, Albert College) Attended Queen's University, psychology and social sciences Queen's University Representative to the World Youth Conference in Geneva Founding Member of the Queen's University Drama Guild Producer and host of Highlighfs: Weekend Parade ofNews, Previews and Interiews for the Kingston Radio Station CKWS. Fulton Orsler Award (management award, Liberty Mugaine) Special assignments to various magazines including the Syracuse Heraid on the opening of the International Bridge Co-publisher Kingston Review with Jack Garland, a tabloid newspaper Manager of Crown Life Insurance Company, Kingston Office Musical Producer, Military District # 3 Crown Life General Manager's Shield (Award for management excellence) Manager, Toronto and Central Ontario Division of Prudentid Assurance Company Chairman, Joint Campaign Board, Christian Education, fundraising President of Coast to Coast Advertising, New York Commercial Chairman, United Appeal Campaign, Toronto. Chair, Metropolitan Toronto Sports Councii Board of Directors, Canadian Council for Programmed Learning (under a Ford Foundation Grant) Founder and Executive Duector, Programmed Leaming Centre of Canada Board of Directors, Canadian Council for Programmed Leaming (under a Ford Foundation Grant) Director, Manpower Training Project ATLL'67 at Humber College Editor, Programmed Inshiclion Digest Co-editor, Canadian Training Digest Chair, Canadian Citizenship Council President, Automated Training Centres International. consulting to industries (including Bell, Bata and the Toronto Public Library) Editorko-author, This Cybernetic Age Founder/Director, Centennial Acres Leisure Learning Centre Coordinated 12 conferences, known as the fim Canadian Conferences on the Future held at Centenniai Acres Creation of the Muskoka Institute for the Future Chaiman Toronto Futurists Group, Toronto Chapter of the World Futurist Society Co-chairman/DUector Generai, First Global Conference on the Future. Did not serve on the final planning cornmittee due to a severe fa11 but had worked since 1972 on planning the event 1980-present Founder and Chair, Toronto 2000 Cornmittee 1980 Founder and Director, Global Foundation for Understanding Countdown to a Great Epoch, Keynote Address, First International Conference on Cornputers and Human Development 1986 Founder, World Millennium Netwo rk, or ganization for the sharing of information on millennium celebrations World Environment Song, "Common Future" Coordinator, Countdown 2000: Shaping a Global Age. 50th Anniversary of the United Nations and Celebration of World Environment Week, feahuing Doctor Robert Muller Honoured with the title World Citizen by the United Nations Association Selected Memberships over the Years

Life Underwriters Canadian Institute on Public Anairs, Founding Member Canadian Education Association Canadian Citizenship Council National Educdon Association National Society for Programmed Instruction (President, Central Canada Chapter) United Church of Canada (Steward, Humber Valley) Lions Club Royal Canadian Yacht Club Honorary Life Member, Canadian institute on Public Affain Honorary Life Member, World Futures Society Honoured with the title World Citizen, Canadian United Nations Association

Selected Writings From Cradle !O Grme (Income Security Concept, 1944) Programmed Leamhg in Canada (CCPL,1964) Preparation for Automation, 1965 Increasing Productivity Through Programmed Instruction, lndustrial Canada. April, May, June 1965, Canadian Manufacturers Association (1 965) This Cybernetic Age (Human Development Corporation, 1970) IDEAS International Directory of Educational Aids and Services (1 97 1) Leisure in Canada, Outcome of Montmorency Conference Perspectives on Leisure (Health and Wel fare Canada, 1 973) with Robert Theobold Centennial Acres Inc (Muskoka 1972)) Reports to Senators, Fkst Canadian Conferences on the Future (Muskoka 1973-1977) Breakdown or Breakthrough with Robert Theobold, 1975 "Countdown to a Great Epoch" (12th World Congress, iFTDO, 1982) "A Guaranteed Job Plan for Canadians", Bnef to MacDonald Royal Commission on Canada's Future (1983) "IPPI Wide Range Assessment Surveysy'(l954-1 984) "Focus on the Fuhue" Canadian Personne~hmaland other media (19644984) "Toward the Great Millennium", prepared for the World Fuhinst Conference Book (1986 widely reprinted) Six essays followed in a senes entitied 2000: Before und Beyond- Toward the Great Millennium Appendix 2: Toward the Great Millennium

TOWARD THE GREAT MILLJXNKJM

Don Toppin

The Third Millemium A.D. cm become The Great Millennium: one thousand years of peace and well-being for al1 the inhabitants of the globai village. Never before has a guiding image of this magnitude been viable. Now the vision is clear, realizable and urgent. The darkness has become so deep that we are beginning to see the stars. The challenge is colossal. The dream is the first step to reality. Billions of people are waiting to respond to wise farsighted leadership and a vision of hope and understanding. Hope, like fear, is contagious! The Great Millennium is an idea whose time has corne. We now live in one interdependent wrld with global communication, transportation, travel and trade. The next step is the giobalization of undentanding which transcends tribalism while reducing breakdowns and accelerating breakthroughs. The dream becomes the energizer. The human race has become connected by the machine. The medium has become the message. Myriad impulses originating in every corner of the world crisscross and interlink the human system ever more tightly. The entire world has become a single community. Modem wars are neither afTordable nor winnable. Nuclear weapons have no military value, if used, except in the hands of terrorists. Starvation and sickness, as products of shortsightedness and ignorance, are no longer necessary. Many things are possible, including peace and well-being, as soon as enough human beings realize that the fûture of the human race is at stake. It is now reasonable to prophesy that we are approaching the dawn of the greatest culturai epoch since the beginning of human life on earth provided that a fiesh transcendent campaign for a positive future, aiready Iaunched in the consciousness of billions, is as successful as it mut be. The alternatives are too horrible to mention! The options are clear. Theand again, supposedly inexorable forces have been reversed by human acts proceeding out of positive human decisions. Moreover, there seems to be a growhg world-wide consensus in favor of peaceful progress toward a sane, sustainable global society. hdeed, as violence and terrorism threaten, it is increasingly difficult, whether in the East or the West or the North or the South, to hdanyone who is enthusiastic about continuing to live in the shadow of either socioeconornic disaster or thermonuclear holocaust. More and more, it is redized that the money spent on the global arms race could elhinate al1 global socioeconomic problems and, at the same the, accelerate the trend toward global cooperation in human matters. The opportunities are already contained in the problems if so perceived. This is an age of re-awakening, re-searching, re-thinking, and re-inventing. It is also an age of convergences and trade-offs. In this fiagile penod of transition, small incremental changes in individual thought and action can tilt the balance toward appropriate social policies, locally and globally. The visions are clear for those who choose to see and consciousness is rapidly increasing at many significant levels. The late great world visionary Buckminster Fuller speaks of "Six Billion Billionaires" meaning a world population by the year 2000 with each inhabitant enjoying a minimal standard of civilized life with facilities and choices much greater than the real billionaires of only a few years ago. Shortly before his deparnue, Bucky explained: "For the first time in history, hurnanity has the capability to offer every individual a higher standard of living than any single individual has ever known. This can be accomplished through a design-science revolution. Design science is the effective application of the pnnciples of science to the conscious design of our total environment. Neither the great political and financiai power structures of the world nor the population in general realizes that an invisible revolution-metallurgicd, chernical. electronic-now makes it possible to do so much with so littie (in terms of material, energy and time for a given task) that there are enough resources for everyone. Selfishness is unnecessary! Everyone can win! With the finest aeronautical and engineering facilities of the world redirected fiom weaponry to livingry production, dl hurnanity now has the option of becoming enduringly successful. AB previous revolutions have attempted revengefully to pull the top down. If realized, this historically great revolution, the design-science revolution, will joyously elevate ail humanity to unprecedented heights." The Soviet futurist Igor Bestuzhev-Lada, pst president of the International Association of Sociologists, believes "the world of tomorrow will be a world without arms, soldiers and wars. The billions that are dumped each year into the arms race will be more than enough for accomplishing the most da~gprojects. The transfer of the world economy to a peaceful state is perfectly feasible but, without halting the arms race, it is hard to count on the successful settlement of the many global problems including population, energy, minerais, resources, environment and food." As the mutual arms reduction programs become successful, the econornic hardships of al1 hemispheres will begin to disappear. As Chairman of the International Association for Arts in the Future, Takdir Alsijahbana, Rector of the National University of Indonesia, says: "There is no need for people to destroy each other." We are witnessing the greatest cultural explosion since 500 B.C. when transportation, communication, and trade humbly began as man climbed upon the home and rode toward the rnoon. The taming and utilization of the horse, a generally- unrecognized milestone as important as the discovery of the wheel, portable type or electricity, seems to have contributed to a new world view as enunciated by Confucius, Buddha, Plato, Aristotle, Alexander and others and expressed in the Judeo-Christian and Moslem religions. According to this great oriental scholar, cornputers and satellites are now hastening another great leap forward in planetas, consciousness which transcends al1 former boundaries. In the words of Peter Russell in his book Global Brain, we might well be headed toward a threshold point beyond which the momentum of nsing consciousness will outweigh the inertia of the old ego-based model. If so, crossing this threshold would represent a major transition for humanity. When the "social atmosphere" nses sufficiently, enlightenrnent (understanding) will become the nom. The book Seven Tomorrows by three SRI International hturists explodes the myth of a world conspiracy and shows clear alternatives that "cm free people from the rigid lock of predeterminism." They emphasize that no one is in control of the current course of history, certainly neither Washington nor Moscow, contrary to widely-believed myths. Instead, hurnanity stands at a unique point: simultaneously, our problems are so acute and our communications network so widespread that, for the first time in world history, genuinely collective and democratic decisions are both demanded and possible. The hour seems ripe for leaders of vision and good will fiom al1 cultures to joui forces in addressing the critical concems of our age. Indeed, the world is being tied together by modem communication, transportation, travel and trade. But as Orville Freeman, former President of Business International Corporation on Wall Street wams, "At this time of strain and major adjustment, the danger is that the world will fracture apart in an orgy or nationalist retaliation, protectionism, subsidization and a host of other devices that countries use to look derthemselves and beggar their neighbon. A new group partnenhip of coordination and give-and-take is needed to replace the old hegemonic world structure. The necessary international institutions for survival in an interdependent world cm be built or rebuilt and the world can be spared a nuclear war." "The situation demands leaders who will shift the wor1d's attention and its resources from maintainhg East/West hostility to restoring the natural systems that ultimately sustain dl societies," concludes Lester Brown in State of the World. "Acting in their own interests, these two countries codd set the stage for demilitarizing the world economy. Once it starts, demilitarization, like militarization, couid feed on itself." To those who are able to see and undentand, the cntical path to The Great Millennium becomes clearly visible. Increasing public awareness, as generated by scientists, physicians, educators, clergymen, executives, scholars, artists, financiers and othen (media specialists, etc.) and fostered by the communication explosion and the culture builders (us) will rapidly spread throughout the world until it becomes politically necessary to divert the mual trillion dollar weaponry loss to an annual trillion dollar "livingry" gain. Transnational Mitutions to facilitate the transition will corne together. The psychological origins of the macrocrises dlbecome widely recognized and confkonted. Social and economic pressures will la. Simultaneously, a scientific environmental design for symbiotic cooperation will converge from the collective intelligence and creative will of a global population who, at long last, has regained hope. It does not diminish the significance of the convergences to suggest less the arrivai of an era of goodwill than the sentiment that drew the Butcher and the Beaver together in Lewis Carroll's "Hunting of the Snark": The valley grew narrower and narrower still And the evening grew darker and colder Till (merely fiom nervousness, not from goodwill) They marched dong shoulder to shoulder. As the Butchers and the Beavee (EastlWest, labodmanagement, rightistdlefüsts, doves/hawks. etc.) learn that ir is rnutually advantageous to mach shoulder to shodder in the direction of a peaceful sustainable global society, they will also lem to understand each other better-without nervousness-and with growing good will, trust and hope. To help facilitate the transition, we have the underrated, underused United Nations and its far-reaching agencies plus hundreds of forward-looking nongovernmental groups and transnational organizations, who, even now, are trying to create a positive future by addressing a wide range of inter-related problems. Many of these organizations are capable of transformation to the new relevancies. We cm support these groups as well as making our personal contribution in our own unique ways. indeed, each of us can share this gifi to posterity. Individually and collectively, because we are in harmony with a vat invisible network of other positive forces, we become CO-creatorsof the miracle of The Great Millennium-a miracle which can be visualized and shaped beginning right now. Appendix 3: Great Millennium Songs, Promotion SONGS FOR A GREAT MILLENNIUM Folio One

especially for global singalongs which will encircle the planet on January 1, 2000

Words and Music by Don Toppin

These are remarkable songs by a remarkable composer who believes that every human being now has an opportunity, and a responsibility, to help shape a bright future of peace and well- being through understanding and harmony. Therefore EVERYONE EVERYWHERE is invited to sing these songs in vast singalongs, local and global, especially at Great Millenniurn Celebrations at 12:00 noon in your local time zone on JANUARY ONE 2000 - WORLD DAY 2000 - THE DAWN OF THE THIRD MILLENNIUM! These songs have already been acclaimed as "g r e a tuby the former Chancellor of the University of Toronto and others. They have also been called "simple and timely". "profound and far-reaching", "cross-generational and cross-cultural" and "very singable". The original music and lyrics were cornposed to be used primarily by children's choirs, choral groups and service clubs. Composer Don Toppin is one of the outstanding futurists of our time. He is President of the Toronto Futurists Group and longtirne Chainan of Toronto/2000 and the World Millennium Network. He has the rare distinction of having been awarded an Honorary Life Membership by the World Future Society and has recently been recognized as a Global Citizen by the distinguished UN/50 Cornmittee. He is author of "This Cybernetic Age" and Founding Chairman of "The Great Millennium Campaign" which was first conceptualized by Toronto/2000 and announced at Toronto City Hall on January 20, 1986. Don Toppin wrote his fint songs in the summer of 1930 at the Broder Island Boys' Camp. When the St. Lawrence River becarne the St. Lawrence Seaway, the island disappeared but the music niIl lived in memory. Fi@-five yean later, the LNE AID CONCERT inspired the idea of THE FfRST GREAT M1LLENNIü-M SONGS FOR GLOBAL SiNGALONGS. The "Great

Millennium Frayer ?' had been written in 1977 and the "Trilogy of Hope" with "Once in a Thowmd Years" had been recorded at a crosscultural concert in the Mississauga Civic Centre on September 19, 1987. These and other "Great Millennium Songs " have now been performed and applauded around the world. Sparked by the Environment Cornmirtee of the Rotary Club of Toronto-Forest Hill (who launched the World Environment Song - "Common Future") AN INVlTATlON TO PARTICIPATE is extended to al1 Rotary Clubs (over 28,000) and al1 other service clubs and community groups, especially schools, churches, synagogues and mosques as well as UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATIONS, U.N.AGENCES AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGAMZATIONS. The objective is for EVERYONE EVERYWHERE to sing or hum "COMMON FUTURE" and other "Great Millennium Songs " on JANUARY ONE 2000 ... and before and beyond. FOR MORE INFORMATION: keep in touch with your local music store, service club, T.V., Radio and Press; visit the Great Millennium Home Page on the World Wide Web. A Great Millennium Kit will be sent to all registered donors of $20.00 or more to WORLD MlLLENNlUM NETWORK, (Toronto/2000), Suite 2000, 390 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 2Y2 (416) 214-2000 REGISTER TODAY

Great Thoughts x Great Songs + Great Actions = A Great Millennium Appendix 4: Great Millenniurn Songs

Common Future The music to this and othet Great Millenniurn We share a common future! Songs is available with song folio and We share one-world to love! audiocassette to donors of $20.00 or more Day by day we're sharing payable to: World hlillennium Network. C/O The joy of caring Toronto/2000, 390 Bay Street Toronto. Canada WH Which brings blessings 2Y3 Telephone # (4 1 6) 2 l$-2OOO From above. Tt's About Time We'II shape our common future, It's about time We'll shape our world to be. To think about the future! So by thinking globally and acting locally, It's about time We'll shape a noble destiny. to tell the world we care! O Don Toppin. 1989. Additional verses by Sanh G. It7sabout time PhiIIips with help from the children of the High Park For al1 to corne together Montessori School For the sake of humankind!

Cool min, sweet breeze warrn sunshine, It's about time Tall trees. lush forest green, To know and love Our neighbors! Healthy children growing It's about time In wisdom, knowing To celebrate the simple fact of life This can be, it's not just a drawn. And thankfully rejoice! It's about time! Pure rivers, takes and oceans, Q Don Toppin. 1987 Plowed fields and teeming seas: So by thinking globally and acting locally, Once in a Thousand Years Together we will live in hannony. Once in a Thousand Years There comes a celebration Caretaken of our planet, And a time in every nation We can effect this change. To rejoice! With respect for one another Across species without num ber, For the very first time We'l I live interdependently. We face the world together To determine how or whether The vision of our friture Life shalI thrive! Burns bnght within our souk So by thinking globally and acting locaIly, So let us join the spirit We'lI create this new reality. To marshall mind and hand And let us build this spirit This WorId Environment Song, fiom Toronto- To foster foresight grand! Forest Hill 7 Rotary is intended to be shared with radio and TV stations though over 25.000 Rotary Once in a thousand years CIubs in "Round -the-World Global Singalongs" TO WARD THE YEAR 2000 .. .especialfy ai There comes a celebration midnight an New Year's Eve and 12 noon EST And a time for meditation on January 1,2000 With love and joy! ,,O Don Toppin. 1987 The Goodwill Song So strike up the music on UNA Day! A thousand faiths with a common dream. Shaping and sharing as we find a way ! A thousand tongues with a common theme! Vision is precious! Each star sends a ray- A thousand thoughts with a common call! Shaping a noble destiny. Peace on earth :ODon Toppin, 1994 Goodwill to al1 6 Don Toppin and Jan MacLean, 1992 The officia1 üNA Day is Octabet 24. We are recommending that the other 33 international Days. Great MiiIennium Prayer days be recognized as UN Local groups who want to get involved more specifically. Givc us love and give us reason, Think globailact local. Give us faith that every season will bnng understanding more to us-but Give us vision to discover We're AH God's Children what it means to be a lover Brothers and sisters ,we may have none. to the people of the univene. Yet we're al1 related to everyone Christian, Moslem, Buddhist, Jew; Give us joy and give us laughter It doesn't matter what your view. Give us hope that ever after We're al1 God's Children! We will leam that are good for us-but Make our hearts forever willing Yeilow or Red, Black or White; To seek out those things fulfilling Al1 must be able to sleep each night. To the people of the Universe. One earth only on which to live. So we must leam to share and give. Give us strength and give us knowledge Give us wit and moral courage Brothers and Sisters, are we all- As we shape a great millennium-and Harkening to a common call? Give us consciousness expanding Yes! One and all- To extend our understanding We'll harken to a common call. To the people of the universe We're a11 God's Children! 0 Don Toppin. 1977 We're al1 God's Children! 9 Me1 Olsberg and Don Toppin

The UNA Song Strike up the music for UNA Day! Ode to the Year 2000 Proclairn to al1 people that we've found a 1 dream that sometime very near The Year Two Thousand will now appear. WaY To play a great role- in the world of today- 1 drearn that somehow humankind Shaping a noble destiny. WiIl share hearts, hmds and mind.

Blow pipes and bugles on UNA Day! Give us the eyes to see Shout out the message that vision will win! This fiesh humanity! Foresight and reason will flourish again- Give us the ears to bear Shaping a noble destiny. The sounds of hope!

Let's plant some acorns on UNA Day! Give us the faith to hail Look to the future with neighbours and kin Vast serendipity ! Faith in this future grows brighter within- Give us the sou1 to brave Sharïng a noble destiny. A better world! I dream that we shall celebrate The Year Two Thousand and contemplate The Great Millennium wefll shape With Peace, Love and Joy. Socan 8 1995 Don Toppin & Rudy Van Homec

Copies galore! Permission is hereby given to photocopy for singalongs, especially with your "Comrnon Future" music. To get your music, order the Great Millennium Kit.