184 ADRIENNE CLARKSON “Canada Is A Project” AT THE Y-M-C-A A Highly Social Safety Net THE KWCF Dares Us To Belong ALTERNATIVESJOURNAL.CA THE VOICE OF CANADA’S ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY HIGH TECH HEALTH CARE RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS STORIES MURALS FOR SOCIAL IMPACT

Belonging Waterloo Region’s work to build a stronger $8.95 42:3 | 2016 sense of community holds vital lessons for Canadian environmentalists. PUB # 43106518 Volume 42 Number 3 2016 CONTENTS

THE VOICE OF CANADA’S ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY BELONGING Mary’s Place Park Mural | Pamela Rojas | 2013 painted mural on Kitchener YWCA building 7 Editorial David McConnachie photo courtesy of the artist Foundations of Belonging

18 Dare To Belong The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation We each have a role to play in community-building. 20 For The Common Good Community Foundations of Canada Belonging is a powerful catalyst for healthy communities.

26 Walk With Me Kathryn Storring How the House of Friendship engages at a human level with a compassionate, listening ear.

32 Health Care Meets High Tech Laurie Snell New med-tech hub plugs in high tech solutions to enhance a hospital’s legacy of healing.

36 Community Medicine Bruce Lauckner Collaboration leads to a ‘whole-of-community’ approach to health.

40 Proactive Intervention Teghan Barton The Connectivity Table is a groundbreaking new solution that asks agencies to pool their expertise to provide innovative responses to high-risk situations.

42 State Of Belonging Teghan Barton Canada’s 26th Governor General, the Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, explains the value of belonging.

48 Stronger Together James Glave Four groups get together to collaborate on fostering a vision for a low-carbon future.

51 Psychology Of Green Lexy Halley For Sustainable Waterloo Region, building for the future is more than a motto.

54 Seeds Of Change Veronika Szostak Four leading environmental groups in Waterloo Region share their thoughts on belonging.

56 Our Team David McConnachie The YMCA has evolved to become a highly social safety net for communities.

62 Paying It Forward Semini Pathberiya The lessons learned from past resettlement efforts helped shape the success of Waterloo Region’s work to 20 help today’s Syrian refugees.

68 Power of Art Lauren Judge The Pomegranate Mural Collective helps communities to collaboratively paint a vibrant vision of the future.

72 Creating Belonging A\J Staff How building a sense of belonging is relevant to the Canadian environmental community. 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 1 Volume 42 Number 3 2016 CONTENTS

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ALSO FEATURED

76 Global Citizenship IN REVIEW Jack Parkinson Matt Foster founded Civis Mundi Sum 75 Boundary Layer: Exploring the Genius to empower a movement for positive Between Worlds, Kem Luther, reviewed global activism. by Cheryl Hendrickson 78 Community Vitality: From Adaptations to Transformation, Anne Dale, Rebecca APPETIZERS Foon, Yuill Herbert and Rob Newell, COVER “Typographic Map of the Region 4 A\J Online reviewed by Sally Lerner of Waterloo” by Louise Jessup. Louise is 8 A\J Creators from Kitchener and creates typographic 10 A Letter to the Editor COLUMNS neighbourhood, county and country maps, 10 Footprint in Mouth guaranteed to add a sense of community Japan’s whale “research” 74 #CreateChange to any space. You can see all her maps at Tzeporah Berman etsy.com/shop/AllOverTheMapStudios. 11 In Brief Good campaigning is about driving the . Research Digest; Investors Watch Tesla; PlanetInFocus Film Festival; conversation. The Muralist MORE AT ajmag.ca/423 80 Acceptable Robert Gibson Many approvals of controversial +NEW! Turn the page for A\J online features. undertakings rest on an obsolete standard.

2 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 3 Volume 42 Number 3 2016 A\J CONTENTS ONLINE AlternativesJournal.ca

ISLAM AND ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE A Governor-General’s Journey REFUGEES & BENEFITS OF BELONGING Indigenous housing Shelagh McCartney, Jeffrey Herskovits & Kathryn Trnavsky reconcile community health concerns

DEREK JENSEN with Indigenous housing. ajmag.ca/ indigenoushousing

Climate refugees Semini Pathberiya investigates climate change, the Syrian war, refugees, and considers the 200 million more climate refugees projected for 2050. ajmag.ca/ climaterefugees ITZAFINEDAY

Islam & Environment Tammara Soma explores

WWW.ADRIENNECLARKSON.COM the deep connections The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson (Canada’s 26th Governor General between the Islamic from 1999-2005) has experienced tragedy and triumph in a life’s journey faith & environmental that has seen her travel the country and the world as Canada’s highest awareness and representative. Madam Clarkson shares extended lessons gleaned from her protection – from historic book, Belonging: The Paradox of Citizenship and explains why we can be roots to modern day both part of Canada as a country, and part of every other person who shares innovations. ajmag.ca/ islamenvironment our land, our values and our history. ajmag.ca/clarkson HAMED SABER

PAUL HAMILTON Better Greenbelts Andrew Reeves in a special report argues for Go Digital! the development and Check out your options at ajmag.ca/digital protection of stronger and more vibrant near-urban Any device, any time. “greenbelts” modeled on Ontario’s 10-year old success story. ajmag.ca/ bettergreenbelts

A\J is your environmental facebook.com/AlternativesJ AlternativesJ community. Stay connected. youtube.com/alternativesjournal @AlternativesJ

4 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 5 DAVID MCCONNACHIE EDITORIAL Foundations of ALTERNATIVES JOURNAL.CA ALTERNATIVES Belonging EDITORIAL BOARD Katherine Barrett, David Brooks, Taarini Chopra, Robert Gibson (chair), Kyrke Gaudreau, Andil Gosine, Darcy Higgins, Susan Holtz, Greg WE ARE SO VERY PLEASED to in different ways, in all of their Michalenko, Robert Paehlke, Robert Page, Wayne be sharing this special issue of individual practice areas. You’ll learn Roberts, Nicola Ross, Ray Tomalty, Chris Wood Alternatives Journal RESEARCH ADVISORS Michael Bloomfield, Harmony with you. It was how (and why) a community centre Foundation; Mark Butler, Ecology Action Centre; Michael developed in collaboration with The mindfully repositions itself to become M’Gonigle, POLIS Project; Steven Peck, Peck & Assoc;; Kitchener and Waterloo Community a true centre of community belonging Ralph Torrie, Torrie Smith Assoc; David Waltner-Toews, Foundation (The KWCF), and our by repurposing existing services and University of Guelph shared journey of discovery began pioneering new innovative programs CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Don Alexander, Deborah Barndt, Fikret Berkes, Joe Bevan, Angela Bischoff, Stephen with a goal of exploring the concept of to serve a vital need. Bocking, Daryn Caister, John Cartwright, Jennifer Clapp, “belonging” in its myriad of meanings. There are stories of businesses Kathleen Cooper, Guy Dauncey, Kate Davies, John The KWCF fosters programs and doing good, and of do-gooders doing Ferguson, Pierre Filion, William Glenn, Anežka Gočová, Ella Haley, Maura Hanrahan, Janice Harvey, Melody Hessing, solutions that help individuals and business. There are stories about Eric Higgs, Stephen Hill, Stuart Hill, Ryan D. Kennedy, groups to enhance their sense of newcomers finding their way, and Heather MacAndrew, David McDonald, Kevin McNamee, belonging within Southern Ontario’s about those more established citizens Mark Meisner, Kent Peacock, Mary Pickering, Anicka fast growing Waterloo Region. seeking to pay it forward by helping to Quin, William Rees, Andrew Reeves, John Robinson, Ian Rowlands, Gary Schneider, John Sinclair, Lindsay Staples, As we developed this issue, we smooth that journey to acceptance and Jean-Guy Vaillancourt, Debora VanNijnatten, David Ward, wondered if the community-building inclusion for others. Mark Winfield, Susan Wismer stories about enhancing a sense of While many of the stories are local in PUBLISHER David McConnachie belonging would be transferable to the nature, and in geography, to Waterloo THEME ADVISOR The KWCF THEME EDITOR Kathy Storring Canadian environmental community. Region, the lessons are universal to PUBLISHER EMERITA Marcia Ruby Nearly a half century young, our everyone working to build stronger, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Teghan Barton movement is only beginning to more vibrant and more cohesive and GRAPHICS ASSISTANT Selina Vesely understand the importance of collaborative communities, be they CIRCULATION |/ FINANCE Scott Albrecht DIGITAL Jordan Teichmann collective impacts and unified voices. place-based locales or cause-related INTERNS Jack Parkinson, Veronika Szostak We need to build stronger bonds movements. THANKS to all our volunteers, whose time and energy within and between environmental I hope you enjoy this issue. It has continue to be invaluable. Art Advisor: Charles Dobson; groups across Canada – and we need been a labour of love, developed with Business: Jonas Wera; Editorial: Leah Gerber, Ainsley Munro, Robin Sundstrom, Kassidy Veenstra; Final to build more bridges to average the much-appreciated support and Proofing: Susan Bryant, Ellen Jakubowski; Legal: Osman Canadians. A strong, healthy and encouragement of The Kitchener and Ismaili vibrant environmental community will Waterloo Community Foundation. We acknowledge the financial support of welcome everyone already involved in There is something magical in the air ECHO Foundation; ECO Canada; Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation; Gosling Foundation; the Government of our collective work and seek to help (or water) in Waterloo Region. There’s a the Northwest Territories; The Kitchener and Waterloo those finding their place as newcomers spirit of barn-raising new infrastructure, Community Foundation; The Neptis Foundation; Ontario to our cause. Thankfully, there are a lot bootstrapping new organizational Arts Council; Ontario Media Development Corporation; the Sustainability Network, TD Friends of the Environment. of lessons to be learned and insights developments, and beta-testing new We acknowledge the financial support of the Government to be gleaned from the real-world work ideas to address existing challenges of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the of physical place-setting in Waterloo and to develop future opportunities. Department of Canadian Heritage. Region. We are proud to share with you Publication #43106518 In this issue, you’ll read about these stories and insights from the Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Alternatives Journal, PO Box 26016, long-time nonprofit organizations physical community in which A\J lives Kitchener, ON N2G 1B0 evolving their operational models to (and works). We hope this issue of Email: [email protected] address changing community needs Belonging inspires your community ADVERTISE [email protected] – and, in doing so, finding new and building initiatives. And we invite you alternativesjournal.ca/advertise unexplored opportunities. You’ll read to share your own belonging and SUBSCRIBE [email protected], alternativesjournal.ca/subscribe about the collective efforts by key community building stories with us. Call toll-free 1-866-437-2587 civic stakeholders to foster deeper 1 year (4 issues) individual $35, institutional $75. and more meaningful collaborations Canadian residents add applicable taxes (GST/HST). David McConnachie is the publisher of A\J. Foreign subscriptions add $15. Cheques payable to and cross-disciplinary approaches to Alternatives Inc.,VISA and MasterCard accepted. address social challenges manifesting, [email protected]

6 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 7 alternativesjournal.ca A\J is published by Alternatives Inc., a Canadian registered A\J CREATORS charity, charitable number 89018 4245 RR0001. GST/HST number 89018 4245 RT0001; ISSN 1205-7398 MEET THE TEAM who helped deepen our sense of BELONGING. Intrepid, A\J is an independent, refereed journal. impassioned and committed to making their little corners of this world a better The mandate ­of this journal is: place, our contributors shared their insights and perspectives in helping to answer • to provide critical and informed analysis of the question: how do you build better communities? The Belonging theme section environmental issues; contributors are: • to promote an understanding of “environment” in the broadest ­sense of the word, including social and political The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation is an organization dedicated dimensions of environments; to improving the lives of those within the KW Region. • to reflect a Canadian perspective informed by an understanding ­of global issues; • to stimulate dialogue and exchange of information Bruce Lauckner is the Chief Executive Officer for the Waterloo Wellington Local among environmental activists, academics and Health Integration Network where he works closely with clinicians and community professionals; and partners. His expertise is in public administration and policy and he blends that with • to create a publishing opportunity for Canadian scholars a passion for public health and community development. and professionals. The views and ideas expressed herein are those of the Kathy Storring is an award-winning journalist with over 25 years experience authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Alternatives Inc., its employees, covering breaking news and in-depth stories from the Waterloo Region. She works sponsors or advertisers. as a freelance editor and served as the theme editor for this issue of A\J. A\J is the journal of the Environmental Studies Association of Canada (ESAC) – a learned society formed to bring together James Glave Is the Founder of Glave Communications, a communications academics, professionals and activists interested in sharing strategy firm that specializes in climate and energy. He supports companies and insights about environmental issues. ESAC members receive A\J as part of their membership package. governments that are working to advance the global low-carbon economy. 519-888-4442 (phone); [email protected]; esac.ca This journal has an inclusive language policy. Lexi Halley is the PR Manager for Sustainable Waterloo Region. She has a history All manuscripts, with the exception of poetry, will be of dedicated volunteerism and deep roots within the Region. edited to eliminate sexist terminology. In quotes, sexist language is removed and replaced by alternative terms in square brackets. Lauren Judge is the chief Change Agent and Project Manager at AbstractPM, a No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored creative consulting firm specializing in innovation strategies, design thinking and in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by storytelling. any means, without prior written permission from A\J, or in the case of photocopying or other reprographic Pamela Rojas copying, a licence from Access Copyright (The Canadian is a muralist and visual artist who celebrates the Latin American Copyright Licensing Agency), tradition of collaborative imaginative spontaneity. She is the founder of the One Yonge Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario M5E 1E5 Pomegranate Mural Collective and has over a dozen pieces of art in public spaces tel: (416)868-1620 or (800)893-5777 fax: (416)868-1621, [email protected] in Waterloo Region. accesscopyright.ca Tomasz Adamski is an internationally renowned photographer who has been A\J is a member of the Canadian Magazine Publishers’ honing his craft for almost 30 years. He lives in Waterloo Region. Association. A\J is indexed regularly in A Matter of Fact, Alternative Press Index, Alt-PressWatch, Canadian Laurie Snell is a political science graduate from UBC and a journalism graduate Business & Current Affairs Database, Canadian Periodical Index, Current Awareness in Biological Sciences, Current from Conestoga College. She has extensive experience with multimedia reporting Index to Journals in Education, Ecological Abstracts, and is currently working as a freelance copywriter. Environment Abstracts, ETDEWEB, Geographical Abstracts: Human Geography, Geographical Abstracts: Physical Semini Pathberyia is a graduate of the Environment and Resource Studies Geography, GEOBASE, International Development Abstracts, International Development Research Centre, program at the University of Waterloo and a former A\J Editorial Intern. Oceanic Abstracts, Pollution Abstracts, ProQuest Environmental Science Collection, ProQuest Science Veronika Szostak is a student at the University of Waterloo in the Environment and Journals, ProQuest Research Library and Scopus Resource Studies program. She is the Editorial Intern at A\J and aspires to become a journalist hoping to blend her love of art and passion for the environment. A\J is

Teghan Barton is an editorial assistant at A\J. She has a BA and MA in Canadian A\J is printed in Canada on FSC® certified paper stock. Studies and her expertise is in the way in which Canadian identity is formed and FSC-certified 70-lb Endurance silk inside, and 100-lb told through storytelling. Endurance gloss outside (both 10% post-consumer and 10% pre-consumer recycled fibre), with Rycoline Jack Parkinson is a graduate of Conestoga College's print journalism program and vegetable-based ink. is an editorial intern with A\J.

Selina Vesely is a recent graduate of the University of Waterloo's Global Business and Digital Arts program and works with A\J as a Graphics Assistant. \\

8 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 9 A LETTER TO THE EDITOR IN BRIEF

Faith & Change esearch “These days, there is much M. Franklin, A/J 42:1, p. 80). a tough-minded critique of Publisher’s Note: After every Digest terrible news on climate change. R One may now choose from a That quintessentially circular carbon taxes, renewables, great effort, a pause to reflect wide variety of YouTube videos argument attaches to almost and the much-touted recipe and refresh is often required every voice in the magazine: for vegan panacea, another to sustain progress. As Whale Wanted: Alive that offer reasons why their ALASKA In the summer of 2014, Phillip Atwood “believes,” McKibben to considering how to reduce environmentalists prepare to authors think humans will be Morin didn’t expect a dead whale on a gone by 2030 – 15 years away! “hopes,” the ghosts of Julian population quickly and undertake the significant work Simon and Pollyanna are much humanely, and another to ahead, we crafted this issue to beach in St. George, Alaska, to propel Consequently, it was with in evidence. But do we have vigorously restoring nature. provide our readers with this him on an adventure to describe a mounting disquiet that I read time for them? Instead, can If, after a hiatus of 10,000 emotionally-sustaining respite. new species. But that’s exactly what through the Faith in Earth we move on to approaches years, we re-enter into a happened after a local teacher told him issue of A/J. I haven’t got a about it. that may yet solve the crisis bioremediating partnership with Send your comments to lot of faith in those who say, Morin, a molecular geneticist at the of the biosphere? Why not Nature, we may yet make it.” [email protected] “I have faith in the future National Oceanic and Atmospheric

devote an issue to biological TESLA because I have FAITH” (Ursula – Michael Purves-Smith, All letters are edited for carbon capture, another to Waterloo length and clarity. Administration’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center, initially thought the carcass was a Baird’s beaked whale, Investors Watch Tesla which are fairly common in the area TESLA’S ANNOUNCEMENT that it will seek to acquire SolarCity for THIS ISSUE WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH and sometimes wash in, dead, with the $US2.6- billion coincides with the announcement of its “Master Plan, Part Deux”, tide. a blog post outlining Tesla’s plans to revolutionize the transportation sector in THE SUPPORT OF THE KITCHENER AND But a few details about the carcass, the years ahead. For all investors, this has been a moment of reflection and such as the colouration and position of reconsideration, and for investors motivated by the environmental impacts of their WATERLOOAD COMMUNITY FOUNDATION. the dorsal fin, didn’t match any known investments, an opportunity to look around the bend on Tesla’s ambition. description of a Baird’s beaked whale. For those looking carefully, Tesla’s corporate success to date has relied on the WITH OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE, Morin conducted research around the globe to determine what species value investors place on Elon Musk’s vision and strategy as much as anything else. the whale was, including examining According to the Nasdaq Composite Index, Tesla’s stock price initially opened to the more than 50 DNA samples from public at $19.20 in June 2010, and over the past year, has had a price of between NOAA databanks. He even examined $141 and $272 – an appreciation of between 7 and 14 times on the original stock a skeleton hanging in a high school price. Nonetheless, Tesla has repeatedly missed its earnings and revenue targets, gymnasium and collected bone dust and yet many analysts continue to set growing target prices. Investors, both at the from skeletons at the Smithsonian and retail level like you and me, and institutions such as pensions and endowments, in Los Angeles. are clearly continuing to support the stock, buying into a vision for a very different Months earlier, Japanese research used energy system. whaler sightings of black whales called We see these same motivations at play in our work supporting impact investors karasu (“ravens”) to describe a potential new whale species allegedly seen since to develop and deploy strategies for more of their money to advance their missions. the 1940s – whales which match the Indeed, what distinguishes impact investors is the intention they have for their description of the St. George’s carcass. investments to generate positive impacts alongside a financial return, and clearly In August of this year, Morin and Tesla’s investors aspire to similar positive impacts. This should come as no surprise, his team published a study in Marine as some of the earliest investors in Tesla before it went public were impact investors Mammal Science with the full details such as DBL Partners. It has been empowering to see these motivations persist with of the new species and their work to Tesla as a public company. describe it. So, how to parse the acquisition of SolarCity? The acquisition turns Tesla into a ajlinks.ca/newwhale sustainable energy company, not just a transportation company. Tesla has shown a pattern of vertical integration (where a company controls its supply chain) in the Amish Asthma Test past, pushing the envelope on building a “Gigafactory” to supply batteries for both CHICAGO A study performed by the the Tesla vehicles and their Powerwall, a household energy storage system. This University of Chicago and published in the New England Journal of acquisition fits with the same pattern. By bringing the capacity to design and install Medicine in August has discovered the solar systems of SolarCity within Tesla’s supply chain for energy storage and significantly lower rates of asthma in electric vehicles, those looking to transition to sustainable energy in their home and Amish children (5%) compared to the transportation could have a more seamless experience. national average (10.3%). Intriguingly, If Tesla aims only to be an electric car company, this is an odd move, and seems in Hutterite populations the rate was off mission. If Tesla is a vertically integrated sustainable energy supplier for multiple more than double (21.3%) in spite of applications, such as your home or your car, it starts to look and feel consistent. a similar genetic background and Indeed, many Tesla buyers might be interested in SolarCity’s products, and vice lifestyle between the two groups. versa. The company begins this transition as the leading electric automotive brand, Both Amish and Hutterites lead rural and it must continue to motivate its investors by the impacts this vision could create. lives without many modern “vices” Doing so will be key to Tesla continuing to benefit from their optimism and patience. such as television or cars, but Hutterite farms use modern equipment and Lars Boggild is a consultant at Purpose Capital in Toronto.

10 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 11 machinery – a stark contrast from the single-family dairy farms of many Amish communities. Amish children spend much more time near animals than either urban children or Hutterite children. Since they are in and out of the house all day, this means the air in an Amish house is much richer in microbial activity. The body’s innate immune system was strengthened by this exposure, which means less chance of asthma developing. Of course, neither Amish nor Hutterite homes are dirty, and it’s A scene from The Gardener | Sebastian Chabot | Canada important to keep in mind that a too- clean home can have negative effects on personal health as well. ajlinks.ca/ amishasthma Time for Planet in Focus WITH THE COMING OF FALL comes the time of year for red carpets, celebrities, Auto-Drive Fender Bender fancy parties … it’s movie festival time again! And for Canadian environmentalists, BEIJING Last August, a Tesla Model S there’s no better party than Planet in Focus, the annual environmental film festival crashed into another car parked half celebrating its 17th anniversary in 2016 from October 18 to 23 in Toronto. off the road while the driver was using its advanced driver assistance system Planet in Focus is an environmental media arts organization with year-round (ADAS) and not paying attention to the programming. The organization’s mandate is to produce cultural events that road. The collision sheared a side mirror showcase engaging and artistic films that question, explore, and tell stories about off the parked car and scraped both the world in which we live. Using film as a catalyst for public awareness, discussion cars, but no one was injured. and engagement on a broad range of environmental issues, Planet in Focus is an Tesla has had trouble selling its cars important annual opportunity for film makers to network, to connect and to build in China and achieving large market future collaborations. saturation in the US, partly due to a A\J is a proud media sponsor of Planet in Focus, and will be on-site throughout the legal grey area around the usage of festival, enjoying the films, meeting with the contributors, engaging with the viewing ADASs while driving. Auto makers public and, in general, being inspired and motivated by all that we see, hear and do. emphasize the driver should always We are also working collaboratively with Planet in Focus to develop and hopefully be vigilant and ready to correct the steering, but that message is not always deliver a cross-Canada “best of PiF” for our friends at environmental post-secondary clear in the marketing. programs and campuses for early 2017. Customers in Beijing said sales reps Planet in Focus will be saluting their 2016 ECO-HEROES, including Canadian Eco- pantomimed taking their hands off the Hero, David Suzuki and International Eco-Hero, Alexandra Cousteau (granddaughter wheel and repeatedly used the term of Jacques Cousteau). Both are coming to the festival to receive their awards in zidong jiashi, which translates literally person and speak at their respective events. to “self-driving” but can also mean an In addition to movies, celebrities and all that glitz, there are ample learning airplane’s autopilot function. Natu- opportunities, with forums and panel discussions throughout the festival period to rally, this has led to confusion among get audiences engaged with the issues presented on-screen. potential buyers. ajlinks.ca/tesla Check out the festival and the films by visiting planetinfocus.org. Recapturing CO2 TORONTO There are many ways to reuse or outright reduce carbon emissions, and researchers at the University of Toronto may have found a way to do both. Carbon splitting (using electricity Appetite for Invasives Coal India Nature’s Orchestra to split a carbon dioxide molecule into United States of America Germany United States of America carbon monoxide and oxygen) has traditionally been too expensive for widespread adoption in industry, and is impractical for capturing CO2 out of the atmosphere. If the CO2 is siphoned directly from, for example, a factory’s exhaust pipe, Coast of Death Microworld in a Balcony Nuclear Neighbour it never hits the atmosphere. And after Spain Colombia Sweden

12 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 13 being split, carbon monoxide can then be combined with hydrogen to make synthetic fuel, such as diesel. A metal rod sends electricity through water and splits the water and CO2 molecules into hydrogen, carbon monoxide and oxygen. Since carbon dioxide doesn’t mix well with water (like carbonization in pop), this process can take a long time – the electricity will only split molecules that touch the catalyst rod – but researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a way to speed it up. The Many have experimented with different catalyst materials, but U of T researchers, led by Ted Sargent, Muralist MARCIA ARANEDA used a more malleable metal – gold PAMELA ROJAS IS AN ARTIST, a community organizer and civic mobilizer who – and reshaped the rod into an array of “nanoneedles” each 10,000 times uses murals as a way to build connections between people and places in her home finer than a human hair. This greatly community of Waterloo Region. Believing that ‘a mural is a piece of art for everyone’, increased the surface area of the Rojas has been helping to physically transform urban spaces while empowering array compared to a single rod, and individuals since she first moved to Canada in 2005. Read more of Pamela’s story in accelerated the process. “Power of Art” (page 68) The U of T researchers say the increase in speed would not lead to A\J: What was your inspiration to do together, I heard a lot of that history, widespread industrial use by itself, but murals in the first place? and I became very interested in how are hopeful it could lead to something social work and art can be connected. Pamela Rojas: Murals can have a social in the future, and make CO2 waste I could see a lot of potential. When I impact. It’s not the kind of art that is more reusable or recyclable. ajlinks.ca/ came to Canada, I started working at selective or just for educated people. recapturing Reception House, and I could clearly A mural is a piece of art for everyone. see all the challenges that a social When I first moved to Canada (2005), I Compiled by Jack Parkinson. agency has in the community, trying remember my first winter was so cold to address different problems, so I and grey. I wondered, why does the thought muralism and the arts are tools city have to be so grey? Why don’t they to advocate – friendly, and everyone paint, why don’t they use colour? I saw can participate. You can interact with that when I lived in Switzerland too. Why people you don’t know, and when don’t they use murals to make the city esearch they are painting something together look more vibrant and more welcoming? they are at the same level. They have a Digest We have so much talent that we can R brush in their hand and they just have to cover the whole city in colours. It would follow the instructions. Contribute be like having an outdoor museum. Why do all museums have to be inside? It’s an equalizer. to the Digest You have to pay for a ticket, that makes it selective. I’m more interested in the Exactly. When everyone is at the same education of the masses. level you feel accepted and that you Are you working on belong. I take charge of the design and cutting-edge research, Tell me about your greatest influence. assigning the colour because I know that the product has to be something a ground-breaking discovery, Ximena Ahumada. She is the founder beautiful and with harmony. I want the or a planet-protecting project? of the first mural collective in Seville, volunteers to see the finished mural and Spain. I was her assistant for six years. Send us a 50-100 word summary. say, “Wow! We did it! We did it together!” She approached the murals from a So the ownership of the mural does not social background. When she was just belong to the artist, it belongs to all [email protected] young and in Chile, she belonged to a the people who help. When you do it with very famous mural collective. At that guidance you are not set to fail. Make it time, the people were oppressed and clear and have a result, a nice one, so you they didn’t have access to the press, can say, “Yeah, I made that.” alternativesjournal.ca so how could they communicate? Through the murals on the wall or very The long version of this edited interview is at ajlinks.ca/PamelaRojas. basic print. When we painted murals

14 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 15 Waterloo Region Building Community Waterloo Region is one of Canada’s oldest communities – and one of its fastest-growing regions, too. Exploring the historic Town Halls of the Region ROM THE farmer-settlers of the 18th and F19th centuries through the manufacturing heydays up to the late 1990s to today’s high tech hub that includes Google Canada’s new headquarters, Waterloo Region is a community of communities that are constantly evolving to address tomorrow’s opportunities. Here is a quick “survey” of some of the geography and history of the Region to set the stage for this ‘case study’ in belonging. CAMBRIDGE ARCHIVES CAMBRIDGE KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY KITCHENER Built in 1869 by Jacob Y Shantz at the corner of King and Frederick The Cambridge City Hall is located in what was then streets, the Kitchener City Hall housed the city council chambers as well Galt. It was built in 1858 following the designs of as the telegraph and postal offices. It was torn down in 1924. The clock H.B. Sinclair and was the focus of much controversy. tower remains as a symbol of the City of Kitchener. The second building Many of the Galt residents felt the Italianate design stood until 1973 when it was rebuilt. A third, and current, City Hall was was not grand enough for the emerging importance commissioned through a nation-wide design contest in 1989, with Bruce of Galt as a center of industry. Residents even held an Kuwabara’s design being chosen. The new building would be officially “indignation meeting” to protest, but the city went completed in 1993 and still stands today. ahead with the design. COMMUNITY PLANNING, REGION OF WATERLOO KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY KITCHENER The original Waterloo Town Hall was built in 1874 on the corner Built in 1855, the Wellesley Township Hall was Waterloo Region is situated on Treaty 3 (1792) land of the traditional of Albert and Erb streets. The spacious building was designed to be built when the townsfolk petitioned the council territory of the Neutral, Anishnawbe and Haudenosaunee peoples. multi-purpose, holding the municipal offices, public library, a farmers to move the location from Hawkesville to the Woolwich and North Dumfries townships are located on the Haldimand market, a stage for putting on events, and even the police in the 1950s. more centrally located Village of Crosshill. The Tract, which, on October 25, 1784, after the American Revolutionary War of In 1961 it was decided that a bigger space was needed and the building building still stands today and, after significant Independence, was given to the Six Nations of the Grand River by the British was demolished in 1969. For the next twenty years, different office restoration work in 1973, it remains an active site as compensation for their role in the war and for the loss of their traditional spaces would be leased until construction was finally completed on the for community meetings, church services, as well as lands in Upstate New York. sixnations.ca Waterloo City Centre in 1987 where City Hall still remains today. a council chamber. //

16 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 17 THE KWCF “Every day, the world will drag you by the hand, yelling “This is important! And this is important! And THIS is important! You need to worry about this, and this, and this!” And each day, it’s up to you to yank your hand back, put it on your heart and say, “No. This is what’s important.” – Iain Thomas from I Wrote This For You (2007)

The Vital Signs report is an annual community checkup It is also critical to understand social inclusion and social through which The KWCF measures the vitality of Waterloo capital. In a socially inclusive society, all people are able Region. It identifies significant trends in key areas critical to to secure a job, access services, connect with the local residents’ quality of life. The report informs all levels of The community and have their voices heard, regardless of factors KWCF’s ventures – from the board’s work in setting strategy, such as race, ability, family background, income, age, gender to helping define and focus grant initiatives. It is also an and belief. Social inclusion is an important place to start instrument that the community can use for improving life in designing systems for belonging, but it is not where one Waterloo Region. In 2013, The KWCF began its “belonging” finishes. journey because of what The Vital Signs revealed. The relationship between social capital and belonging is THE CITY OF KITCHENER Statistics Canada has reported that there has been a a close one. In his book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and declining trend among those feeling a “somewhat strong” Revival of American Community, Robert Putnam defines social or “very strong” sense of community since 2003. This is capital as “connections among individuals — social networks especially true for those aged 20 to 34. and norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from This means our current and future leaders are feeling less them.” Putnam’s definition emphasizes social connections, like they belong to this community. Why is this important? which are also an integral part of belonging. Dare to Belong Those who do not feel like they belong are unlikely to step up The effects of social capital and belonging on a community We each have a role to play in our community’s success. with time, talent and treasure when it’s needed most. are similar. Putnam provides evidence that in communities To tackle this challenge, The KWCF commissioned a with high social capital, children are healthier, safer and report with the purpose of understanding the current state of better educated. People live longer, have happier lives – and N A WORLD facing many social challenges, it is hard to sort through all the “need” and find the right belonging and developing an approach for improvements. democracy and the economy work better. Iplace to start inciting change. It is understood that poverty, housing and food insecurity (to name but Key findings revealed that “belonging” benefits individuals A sense of belonging is associated with a better quality of a few) are very real challenges. and communities. People generally agree on what it feels life. Research demonstrates a significant association between like to belong: happy, safe, content, relaxed, supported, a sense of belonging and health. Both belonging and social We see them every day when we go to work, drive to done. The KWCF invests in community for the betterment of valued and accepted. Based on participant input, belonging is capital are expressed through higher civic engagement. hockey practice or take a walk in the park. The question is: community by leveraging their assets (dollars, relationships associated with good outcomes, such as relationship building, In short, a community with high social capital will be how can we tackle complex issues like these if people are and knowledge), and they lead, not from the rooftops or the self-growth, helping others, collaborating, being cared for and a community where most experience a strong sense of disconnected, isolated and indifferent? front of the line, but quietly from the back, connecting and having fun. In addition, the report revealed the three elements belonging, and vice versa. How can we improve the quality of life for individuals in collaborating to make change happen. or building blocks to belonging: authentic interactions, feeling The KWCF used these findings to guide its community need when we do not address the underlying problems that Underlying this work is Waterloo Region’s Vital Signs®. welcome and shared experiences. investments. In turn, this has sparked a shift in the local non- led to them being marginalized in the first place? In other profit community. Organizations are infusing “belonging” into words, you can’t just supply food and housing without working their approach, forming better relationships and having greater with individuals to realize their value and importance to the impact with their work. community. People need to feel like they “belong” before they But the work has just begun. It is a marathon race in which are driven to improve their own quality of life or that of others. we all need to keep working until all the racers are across the But what does “belonging” mean? And where and how does a finish line. We each have a role to play in our community’s community start to improve its residents’ sense of belonging? success. We are responsible for stepping up and making our These complex questions have been at the heart of the community one where everyone feels like they belong and work of The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation can make a difference. (The KWCF) since 2013. As an organization focused on So, when we’re asked how dare we focus on a “first improving the quality of life in the Ontario cities of Kitchener world” issue such as belonging? The answer is simple: how and Waterloo plus surrounding areas, The KWCF’s work is dare we not? often framed as “Building,” “Investing” and “Leading.” The foundation builds not only assets, but also knowledge of the Source: Canadian Index of Wellbeing Community Wellbeing Survey, 2013 For more on Waterloo Region’s Vital Signs®, or The Kitchener and community and relationships that are integral to getting work Waterloo Community Foundation’s Belonging Report, visit kwcf.ca.

18 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 19 SELINA VESELY Grandchildren’s Joy | Pamela Rojas | 2012 Mural on exterior of Kitchener-Waterloo Multicutural Centre ELONGING IS BEING PART OF A COLLECTIVE “WE”. It’s about how much we believe we “fit” in a place or group, but it’s also about how much that place or group welcomes and B includes us. Connections and engagement are two important elements of belonging. Connections are our For the Common Good relationships with others and the strength of those relationships. Engagement, on the other hand, is The most useful tool and noble purpose in any community is to facilitate our commitment to community and the willingness to take action or participate in activities that make a sense of belonging for everyone. our communities better.

20 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 21 “All young people need to know who they are and “Let us find a way to belong from where they come. Aboriginal children and to this time and place together. youth, searching for their own identities and places Our future, and the well-being of all our children, rests of belonging, need to know and take pride in their with the kind of relationships we build today.” Indigenous roots. They need to know the answers to – Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Gwawaenuk Elder some very basic questions. Who are my people? What is our history? How are we unique? Where do I belong?” ● Communities bounce back after emergencies: Who Belongs? Communities in which there are many social connections Who belongs? The past 50 years show a clear path to protect – Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada - Final Report, 2015 are more resilient during emergency events. the well-being and rights of groups of people who have When people feel a strong sense of belonging to their historically been excluded. In each decade, our answer to country: the question of “who belongs” has expanded. In contrast ● Social inclusion improves: Belonging is a common indicator to 1967, newcomers can now settle in Canada regardless of of how well someone has integrated into society, and helps race — more than 250 different ethnic origins make up our 1967 2016 We know that people who feel they belong to a community build social cohesion within a country. population. are more likely to take action with others for the common good. ● Public health improves: When more people feel connected Our communities are home to people with disabilities who So how can we strengthen belonging to each other and our to others in their community, individuals report higher levels are contributing to their full potential. Same-sex couples communities? Well, it’s really a two-way street: of positive mental health and seek out health services they have raised their families secure in knowing they have full Communities need to send signals of acceptance and need when they need them. rights. Nearly one in five people in Canada speak both inclusion; and individuals need to cultivate connection with other ● Participation in society increases: Belonging to a French and English. These are just some of the ways in people and engagement in the community. community, region or country influences identity and the which inclusion and pluralism have evolved unlike any other extent to which citizens participate in society. country in the world. Why Belonging? Belonging is not just a feeling, it’s a powerful catalyst for healthier communities and a more cohesive, inclusive Canada. When we feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to people around us: ● We are healthier: Belonging to social groups and networks is as important to our health as diet and exercise. People with strong support networks tend to have a lower prevalence of mental illness and better overall physical health. ● Sustained employment improves: Extensive support networks provide better opportunities for sustained and secure employment. ● Children learn better: Belonging is a key element in the curriculum for early childhood education across Canada. ● Life has more purpose: When people have a stronger sense of belonging, they perceive life to be more meaningful.

When communities are made up of people who feel they belong and trust each other: ● Neighbourhoods are safer: As connectedness among people in communities increases, so does neighbourhood safety and a sense of community pride. ● Contributions of time and money increase: People who feel they belong are more likely to volunteer, donate to the community, and be involved in community governance. Canada - and Canadians - are evolving. Since 1967, ● Culture and identity flourish: Aboriginal communities that Canada has added 15 million new citizens while seeing have maintained more elements of their culture and a greater changing levels of citizen engagement. Source: Community level of self-governance feel more individual and community Community belonging is increasing across Canada, and is being led by unexpected segments of our society, including youth. Foundations of Canada: 2015 Vital Signs report. continuity and identity. Source: Community Foundations of Canada: 2015 Vital Signs report.

22 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 23 “We are most fully human, “My definition of community is most truly ourselves, knowing and acting like most authentically individual, we have a shared fate.” when we commit to the community. – Zita Cobb, Founder, Shorefast Foundation It is in the mirror of our community – the street, the neighbourhood, the town, the country – townspeople, cottagers and First Nations families alike. Both children and adult residents, as parents and volunteers, have that we find our best selves.” built a new level of trust and understanding that helps make Facts and Figures other community collaborations possible. – Adrienne Clarkson, Co-chair, Institute for Canadian Citizenship Vancouver Foundation Proportion of Canadians with a very strong sense of In 2011, Vancouver Foundation set out to learn what issue belonging to: people in the region were most concerned about. The answer Canada Province was clear: social isolation. The Foundation’s research showed 63% 45% that residents were retreating from community life and lacked connections with their neighbours. One of the Foundation’s At the same time, one-third of Canadians report a weak building communities where we all have a stake, where we all Community most successful initiatives to counter this trend has been sense of community belonging. This experience is due in have a voice– and where we all belong. Neighbourhood Small Grants. The program provides small part to the persistence of discrimination and social isolation, 32% grants for projects created by local residents — such as two factors negatively associated with belonging. For Stories block parties, community meals, greenspace cleanups — example, 45% of lesbian, gay and bisexual teens and 69% of Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta with all grant decisions made by local volunteers. To date, transgender teens in Canada do not feel a real part of their Half of the residents of Grande Prairie, Alberta, are under the 38% of Canadians don’t feel like they have a stake in 82% of participants report a greater sense of belonging in school. People in minority official language communities age of 30 and 15% of them moved in during the last five years, their local community. their community. Based on this success, the Foundation is still have difficulty accessing services in their language of mainly to work in or around high-wage petroleum industries. currently exploring opportunities to expand the program choice, and only 26% of francophones living outside of Local leaders like the Community Foundation of Northwestern Community belonging has been growing slowly but steadily over the last decade. across British Columbia. Quebec mainly use French in daily life. For Canadians with Alberta are working hard to make the sense of belonging intellectual disabilities, many continue to be institutionalized as plentiful as the job opportunities. In a region where it can Community Foundation of Newfoundland & Labrador 66.4% of Canadians aged 12 and older described and almost 30% of youth with intellectual disabilities snow any month of the year, the foundation got people out their sense of belonging to their local community as Even for a remote town of 300 people, social connections go to school in entirely segregated classrooms. A large enjoying winter during the 2013 Frost Moon Festival. The somewhat strong or very strong in 2014. need to be cultivated. In Branch, Newfoundland, isolation number of Canadians of visible minority experience racial community has since taken up the torch, creating many new can be most acute in the winter months and for seniors discrimination when they try to access work opportunities, winter events. The Family Mentorship Program, sponsored by Rural and remote regions face major challenges but whose children and grandchildren have moved away for government services and housing. the municipality, brings together immigrant and local families, have a strong foundation of belonging to build upon. work. The Singing Kitchen, however, is changing all that. building a sense of connectedness for both. And this year Parents, kids and seniors get together every two weeks Toward a Canada where we all belong 15,000 youth registered to take part in the local Random Act Rural residents are more likely to know and trust their to share traditional songs, stories and a community meal. Canada is clearly a pluralism in progress. We may celebrate of Kindness day. This enthusiasm is reverberating throughout neighbours, volunteer for an organization, and attend The Kitchen has built strong connections, not only between where we have come from, but we must also act with humility the community, and more families that had planned to leave at public meetings. neighbours and generations, but also with cultural heritage. and courage about where we as communities and as a their end of their work contracts are deciding to stay. After receiving initial support from the Community Foundation Provinces with large rural populations such as country need to go next. of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Kitchen is now self- Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Looking back, we can see that together we have built the Temagami Community Foundation Saskatchewan as well as the Northern Territories have sustaining and welcomes up to 150 attendees at a time. foundations for inclusion, not only through laws and policies, For the past hundred years, three distinct groups have the highest levels of community belonging. but just as importantly, through interactions with neighbours, made up the population of Temagami region in Ontario: Excerpted from the Community Foundations of Canada’s 2015 co-workers, families and friends. 10,000 summer cottagers, the small town of Temagami, and 61% of Canadians do not currently live in the national Vital Signs report, Belonging: Exploring connection to As we look to 2017 and beyond, we might keep in mind that the First Nation, whose roots in the area date back more community where they grew up. community, which looks back over the past 50 years at our national belonging is a two-way street and that we can take action on than 5,000 years. The interests of each group were vastly sense of belonging, and where we, as communities and a nation, are both sides. As individuals we may ask: “What contributes to different which sometimes caused them to be wary of each headed when Canada celebrates the 2017 sesquicentennial. my sense of belonging? Am I as connected and engaged in other. Temagami Community Foundation set out to help find the community as I would like to be?” As communities we may common ground. One initiative that has had significant impact Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) is the national network Source: Community Foundations of Canada: 2015 ask: “Who belongs, and who does not? Are we as welcoming is an annual summer art camp that gathers children together Vital Signs report. for Canada’s 191 community foundations. Together the CFC and to difference and diversity as we can be?” from the three populations. Art Camp has become a source their members help Canadians invest in making communities While we still have far to go, we’re well on our way toward of community pride and a highlight of the whole year for better places to live, work and play. communityfoundations.ca

24 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 25 KATHRYN STORRING

Walk with Me The first step is engaging at a human level with a compassionate, listening ear.

26 alternativesjournal.caTOMASZ ADAMSKI 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 27 HE WORDS on the back of men. Today, staff and supporters are home was not enough, now the boy trendy Whole Foods market. the business card say so diverse, and its innovative programming carried a crushing secret. He turned “No one should not have food, much: Belong & Thrive. For touches more than 42,000 people each to alcohol – and drank to the point of especially in this community, especially staff at House of Friendship, year. blacking out. in this country,” says Fusco, who Ta social service charity based in Neufeld is passionate – and “I drank because there was nowhere volunteers three partial days a week. Waterloo Region, Ont., these words compassionate – about the work, and else to run,” Gosselin recalls. “It’s immoral for people to be without.” are much more than an inspirational he asks big questions of the rest of us. Over the coming years, however, he The program distributes more motto. They are a reminder that “We all need to look in the mirror and did find another place to run – street than 28,000 hampers a year using helping people in need by providing ask: what is it about the society and drugs, which he abused for 20 years. food from the Food Bank of Waterloo food, shelter, addiction services and community we have built that would Even a positive in his life – a passion Region, community groups, farmers, community centre programming is allow individuals to be on the margins for carpentry – had a dark side. He was businesses and individuals. Hampers just the beginning. Meaningful change and not feel like they belong?” a workaholic. A need for perfection, are customized to fit family size and draws from a much deeper well. He also challenges us to consider for control, haunted him, even particular needs, including Halal meats This is an agency where the 150 our own doubts and insecurities – and when he had his own company. He and specialized choices for diabetics. staff and 1,000 volunteers don’t talk what it means to be shielded by jobs, compensated with drug use. Lying and Fusco, who was dean in the Faculty about fixing problems or delivering material goods or personal support stealing came with it. of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier services. They talk about “walking with” networks. When his family finally convinced him University before retiring in 2006, those seeking help, and about how “The people we serve have been to get help, the first rehab opening was sees his volunteer work through both “everyone has a seat at the table.” Now stripped of everything,” Neufeld points at House of Friendship. Gosselin arrived professional and personal lenses. add the agency’s list of core values – out. “So their brokenness is so raw, it’s in February 2006 with a dufflebag “Anybody could come here compassion, inclusion, justice, dignity right in front of you, it’s in your face. And containing his life’s belongings. He was – including you, including me, and hope. that’s threatening to us. So it’s easier 46, frightened and unsure. “I’d never theoretically, could come here and “When someone walks through our to say, ‘I’m not like that,’ ‘I’m better than done anything sober. I’d never talked to need food,” Fusco points out. “And doors, we do not engage them as a that.’ ‘I would never do that that.’” anyone in my life sober.” so there isn’t a whole lot of difference client, as a number, as an addict, as But what if the unthinkable hits our The weeks ahead were not easy as and space, in fact none, between the a homeless person,” says executive friends or family – job loss or mental he struggled to find his footing. people that come and the people that director John Neufeld. “We engage health issues, for example. How would A breakdown – and a breakthrough are working.” them at a human level with a name and we want them to be treated? – came unexpectedly when he was Such understanding permeates a story.” For Neufeld, the answer is assigned a new roommate, a man who the food hub. For example, Fusco is “Engage” is another key word in the straightforward. We wouldn’t just want reminded him of his father. Gosselin impressed that program co-ordinator House of Friendship belief system. them to survive, we would want them was shocked when the man’s simple Matt Cooper does not turn away With it come “empower” and “equip.” to heal, to thrive, to regain a foothold in “Good night, Steve,” delivered with anyone who arrives just at closing time. Community is the other important the community. kindness and respect, unleashed deep Who knows what pressures have held component. The agency expresses its emotion. He cried like he hadn’t cried the person up? “It’s a huge message vision as “a healthy community where or Steve Gosselin, the seeds of since he was 13. ADAMSKI TOMASZ without being any message,” Fusco F Dat Tran poses with a basket of the garden’s yield at the Sunnydale Community Centre. all can belong and thrive.” healing were deceptively simple – The next day, when a male counsellor says. “It’s an attitude. What we do is Neufeld explains: “The minute you acceptance without judgment; having offered support, Gosselin asked for important.” start walking with people and enabling someone really listen; receiving a something he had never had – a hug. various community initiatives. “I get to see miracles. I get to see He looks for unobtrusive ways to them to be part of a community, supportive hug. “He hugged me and that started “The belonging and the support of somebody inch forward, just like I reach out. Like the time he approached everything changes because then they The seeds of addiction were much the process that has led me to today,” the community are for me like a huge did. Somebody asked me once, ‘Well a person who seemed distraught as belong; then there’s purpose, and then more complex. Gosselin says simply. acknowledgement,” Gosselin says. “I really, Steve, how many miracles do she accepted her hamper. “It’s none of they feel like they matter.” Gosselin is a carpenter, public Looking back, he says everything believe I am the only one who needs to you get to see for all the work you do?’ my business, but I think you’re upset …” He knows from experience that when speaker, respected volunteer – and in about House of Friendship gave him acknowledge myself, but it’s really nice And I say, ‘Well really, how many do Indeed, she was. Fusco listened as she that happens, people find ways to recovery from drug addiction. “There a place to belong. It was there in to have it from the community.” you need to see?’” poured out her financial and personal reach out to others. are people who no way on Earth would the addiction services, which offer On a more personal level, he and problems; he suggested community “Thrive isn’t about making millions of believe I am sober today and doing residential and day programs to both his wife of two years have welcomed Retired professor Luke Fusco guides resources that might help. dollars,” Neufeld says. “Thrive is quite what I am doing,” he says. men and women. But it was also there people in recovery into their home. a visitor around the emergency food “The beautiful thing is that nobody simply finding what your gifts are and He grew up on a military base in an in the way staff treated him when he “I don’t give advice to anybody,” he hampers facility on a quiet Kitchener is going to come out and say to me, finding a meaningful way to connect overtly macho world. Hard drinking was relapsed. There was no judgment when notes. “The reason is that in all my time property not far from the border ‘You’re not doing your job; you’ve got those gifts and contribute to the common in his home; so was physical, he returned to drugs and the street, going through [the addictions program] with Waterloo. We squeeze by other to get back in there – we’ve got three community around you.” emotional and verbal abuse. only expressions of support. not one counsellor gave me advice. volunteers to peer into freezers and people waiting for the food,’ “ Fusco House of Friendship was founded in For a boy, one lesson ran deep: Today, he has put his addictions What they did was they listened. I refrigerators; shelves are loaded with notes. 1939 by a local women’s prayer group “Never, ever do real men ask for help,” behind him. He works for a believe we all know the answers to our everything from canned and packaged He has also noticed that those that wanted to reach out to transient Gosselin notes. Even when things go supportive employer and finds own questions. It’s just that men have to goods to breads and fresh produce. receiving food hampers find ways horribly wrong. numerous ways to give back. He has stop thinking with their heads and start The distribution centre, which House to give back – to be part of a caring On the previous page: Brenda Leis on a And things did go wrong at age 13 been a peer health worker at the thinking with their hearts. Which is very of Friendship plans to renovate, is bare community. Some join the program’s bicycle outting on the Iron Horse Trail when he was sexually assaulted. As if House of Friendship and continues difficult for us men.” bones at best, but Fusco exudes such volunteer roster. with a House of Friendship resident. the emotional uncertainty of an abusive to be a compelling public speaker for What drives him to help others? commitment he could be unveiling a He recalls thanking a man for

28 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 29 people can get career coaching. Fariba for the friendship. He has introduced bedrooms and shared common space. talks about how every volunteer stint Chaghand, a community outreach others to the tastes of his homeland Allison Dunn, supervisor of the makes for a good day. “I come with worker, connects families to outside through friendly cross-cultural cooking supportive housing program, says the no expectations and always go home services, everything from employment to sessions. He reaches out to newcomers residents have various backgrounds. feeling full.” recreation to counselling. The centre also facing familiar struggles. “They don’t Some are still working, some have But she also expresses concerns offers a meeting space for other social know how to live in Canada,” he says. disabilities, and some have dealt with about the stigma attached to mental service agencies with clients in the area. “They don’t know the law in Canada. addictions or mental health issues. health and poverty issues. “Nobody A huge circle of support flows in from Sometimes they make mistakes. If I Staff and volunteers encourage asks for that,” she says. organizations, businesses, churches know anything, I tell it all.” independent living, but also a She describes a man whose career and individuals in the community at Each year Tran also signs up for one sense of belonging through regular plan was sidelined by schizophrenia, and large. Kruger mentions a six-year- of the 23 community garden plots the programming such as games and how important House of Friendship’s old boy who asked for donations to centre oversees in two sections of outings. There is a community garden; support can be. “His one goal in life is to the centre’s “gift cupboard” rather adjacent parkland. Here Tran grows a tenant council works through stay out of the hospital and he’s reaching than birthday presents. Volunteers garlic, squash, peppers and green suggestions and problems. From there, that,” Leis says. “There are a lot of us that donate countless hours in countless mustard in a carefully tended plot it’s up to the residents. don’t reach our goals. So when you look ways, including teachers who offer surrounded by bunny-proof fencing. “Yes, we can support in building at it that way, he is doing really well living tutoring and a small group of men who The garden program is co-ordinated community, which we do every day,” on his own.” refinished the centre’s basement. by Bill McFaddin, who has a Bachelor Dunn says. “But the coolest part about Through her nursing career and her Equally important is the support the of Science and a keen interest in community here is the relationships volunteer work, Leis has built a deep centre’s participants give each other. horticulture. He divvies up the plots, they make with each other.” empathy for those living on the margins. Kruger recalls a woman bringing in a 16-by-16-feet each, and is on hand to Individuals become good neighbours “As a society, we can’t expect those new neighbour to introduce her and offer advice as needed. He muses through pet-sitting, cooking a meal for a people to ever care about nutrition or

TOMASZ ADAMSKI TOMASZ translate for her – just as a neighbour about adding a different kind of neighbour with health concerns, visiting their mental and physical health and Dat Tran admires a strong stalk with garden supervisor Bill McFaddin. had done for her. When a participant community plot – a herb garden a fellow resident in hospital. wellbeing if they don’t have a place to told the sewing group about young anyone can use. “When that stuff happens, we know sleep -- and to be,” Leis says. gathering carts in the parking lot. “He Don’t be fooled. As with the other women in an Ethiopian village who He and Kruger compiled a list we have created a positive environment said, ‘I haven’t worked in a month and three community centre programs were unable to work or attend school of homelands for the community for people to thrive,” Dunn notes. “And The last word about House of I just want to do something,’” Fusco House of Friendship operates, a wealth during menstruation, the group sewed gardeners and it’s like a mini United if we can help build capacity with the Friendship’s commitment to belonging, recounts. of services and connections take place 200 washable sanitary napkins to be Nations. Some are Canadian born; individuals that don’t depend on us but thriving and community goes to A woman picking up a hamper within Sunnydale’s walls. It’s a place of distributed on the woman’s next trip. others are from Pakistan, China, Iraq, depend on each other, that’s a metric of supportive housing supervisor Allison wondered if the extra tomatoes from action and it’s a place of welcoming – Some people – Dat Tran for one Bangladesh, Somalia, Laos, Belarus, success.” Dunn: her home garden could be useful. It the area is culturally diverse, with many – help with the centre’s weekly food Russia and Vietnam. Enter retired nurse Brenda Leis, who “I think there is a common was a small donation compared to newcomers. distribution to about 60 families. Still, as with any community, things has been volunteering at the three understanding among people who those from farmers or food companies, It’s hard to believe this was once Tran’s family fled Vietnam’s war are not always perfect. supportive housing facilities since 2014. work here and participate in the but it was accepted with gratitude. an undesirable neighbourhood with a and political upheaval in 1979, among Like the time someone – perhaps a She does not do hands-on medical programs that we have a common “You see that all around you and it high crime rate. It’s hard to believe that refugees known as “the boat people.” passerby from the adjacent sidewalk – treatment but will help residents humanity, and it’s a humility that people humbles you,” Fusco says. “So what I concerned citizens had to fight to have Neighbouring nations turned their smashed all of Tran’s squashes just as navigate the health care system or come to work with every single day.” am doing is OK, it’s good, but there’s a their voices heard. Finally, in 1999, the boats away. There were pirate attacks, they were ready for harvest. interpret results of diagnostic tests. “Our philosophy is ‘walk with;’ ‘do lot of people doing a lot of things, some Sunnydale Community Association hunger, death and malaria. “He brought the pieces of squash to Mostly, Leis uses her weekly visit to with, not for.’ And I think when we really much better and bigger.” found partners in the House of “It was a hard time,” Tran recalls. “We the community centre to show me and build relationships – to just be there. believe that and take that to heart, that’s Fusco reflects on the meaning of Friendship and Waterloo Region thought we would not survive.” share his story,” Kruger recalls. “I was The day of the interview, she had when it really happens,” Dunn says. giving back: “I’ve learned it is never Housing, and this partnership launched Still, in the first few years after they heartbroken for him.” brought her bike for an outing with a “And I think everyone that is part about you, no matter how good you the community centre. It has been were accepted into Canada, Tran says But Tran took the incident in stride – resident, partly for recreation and partly of this community – participants, feel, or how important you think you growing and evolving ever since. his family constantly reflected on life and then some. His next stop was the just to check in with him. Sometimes volunteers, supporters, community are, or how wonderful you are for giving “In my experience, this community in their homeland. Since then, he has centre’s kitchen where he cleaned the she goes for walks with residents, or partners and staff – we all believe that your time. If that’s your motivation, then consistently and capably identifies both returned three times. “Now when we squash, cut it up and bagged the pieces maybe for a coffee. and so we are all working together as I don’t think you will do it well. And you its strengths and its needs, building go to Vietnam, we want to go back to for the weekly food distribution. Sometimes she goes further. One humans, just helping each other out have to fight that.” and responding as needed,” says Linda Canada, ” he says with a smile. “We “I was speechless,” Kruger recalls, day a resident with terminal cancer when we need help.” Kruger, who has been community don’t want to stay there for long.” “and those who received squash were mentioned that he loved ice fishing. Sunnydale Community Centre has resource co-ordinator since 2007. Why? No question his family’s truly moved.” “So I called my brother who is a Kathryn Storring is an award-winning a big presence in its North Waterloo “They do well at identifying the bright sponsorship by First United Church in fishing fanatic and they went out journalist with over twenty-five years neighbourhood, but you wouldn’t spots, or what is working well, and then Waterloo paved the way. So did finding Providing supportive, subsidized fishing,” Leis says. “Strangers, total experience covering breaking news and in- know it from the centre itself. In fact, both building on and celebrating those.” work, including at a carpet company housing is another integral component strangers, but neither of them had a depth stories from the Waterloo Region. if you miss the small street-side sign, Today dozens of supportive circles and most recently a garden nursery. But in House of Friendship’s mission. problem with that because, they said, if you’ll drive right by. That’s because the flow in, out and within this facility. the Sunnydale centre has also played a Individuals live in apartment-style someone likes to fish. …” The House of Friendship envisions a centre occupies what was once a five- First, there is the actual programming, vital role. units in Eby Village (64 residents) and Leis tells the story matter-of-factly, “mighty flood of justice, a torrent of doing bedroom unit in the back of a cluster of including children’s activities, English Tran came to Sunnydale in 2004 Charles Village (22 units). The nine as if this were an ordinary situation, good.” Find out the ways that you can be ordinary-looking townhouses. training, and a computer room where to brush up on his English and stayed men at Cramer House have individual something anyone would do. She part of that vision. houseoffriendship.org

30 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 31 LAURIE SNELL

the University of Waterloo, Laurier and Gap 2016, organized through enhance and modernize health care Conestoga College are here – and partnerships between the hospital technologies, all on site. Innovators that (the hospital) really never had the and Communitech, the Centre for will not only have access to technical chance to work closely with them.” Biotechnology and Bioengineering resources but also valuable medical He started going to tech seminars at the University of Waterloo, and the insights from patients and health care where he was “blown away” by Waterloo Wellington Local Health workers who will be using the new research being done – especially Integration Network. technology. Those perspectives, along inventions the hospital could adopt to Now Dittmer is immersed in plans with the proximity to others working improve the overall patient experience. for a med-tech innovation hub in an on medical technology, will be key to “Then, one of the presenters was empty heritage building at Grand understanding a product’s functionality talking about prosthetics, and he was River Hospital’s Freeport Campus. By and, ultimately, how it will help health talking about people overseas who fostering those relationships made care progress. Access to that kind of step on a landmine and lose a leg,” at the conference last spring, he has feedback and testing on real patients is Dittmer recalls. launched a working group to obtain a not currently available. “He said they don’t have prosthetics range of perspectives on how to move Dittmer is hopeful the centre will there, but they do have CAT scans at forward and best sort out all the details. receive provincial funding since the hospital, so they were able to make “The group consists of the entire Ontario’s Chief Health Innovation an image of the opposite leg – the leg community,” he says. “There are Strategist William Charnetski has that survived the bomb blast – and he praised the way would then send that (image) back to Waterloo Region’s Canada.” health care and “They would re-jig it so they could technology

actually – with a 3D printer – build a ADAMSKI TOMASZ professionals have prosthesis for the other side that would come together to exactly match,” he says. collaborate with a Dittmer was both amazed and clear endgame in bewildered that in the heart of mind. Canada’s tech sector, his rehabilitation “It’s a matter of department wasn’t utilizing this modern putting the pieces technology. together through He then learned how other grant applications companies were sharing data with and then nurturing cloud technology, and still others were the growing downsizing traditional medical devices partnerships,” Dittmer using nanotechnology to make them adds. more mobile and efficient. “I don’t think we’re

TOMASZ ADAMSKI ADAMSKI TOMASZ “Doctors and nurses and therapists going to be struggling Andrea Maier uses an exercise machine at the Freeport hospital in Kitchener under the supervision of Dr. Doug Dittmer. are pretty smart people within our field, for people knocking but we’re not aware of all the wonderful on our door,” he says. things in the technology world. So by “I think it’s going to teaming us up with computer scientists be the other way and kinesiologists, you get a whole around. I think there’s Health Care Meets High Tech different perspective,” he says. this pent-up demand “We just didn’t know these tools in the community, that New med-tech hub would give entrepreneurs a place to shine and existed… You feel like a schmuck, but as soon as we get this hospitals new ways to heal. really, the answers are there; we just thing up and running, didn’t know how to tap into it.” I would be shocked OME DAY, for reasons big or academics and entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs and other companies So Dittmer – who says he is known Dr. Doug Dittmer operates a sonogram transducer on his arm. if we’re not pretty small, everyone ends up using exploring that concept with a shared harness technological innovations, for his “crazy” approach to tackling busy.” S services at a local hospital. sense of purpose. If plans fall into many of them modernizing health care. seemingly impossible challenges representatives from the university, The med-tech innovation hub will With that in mind, Dr. Doug Dittmer, place, the next step will be a med-tech “It struck me that there was this – spearheaded the hospital’s colleges, politicians, engineers, and be located in what was originally a Medical Director of Rehabilitation at innovation hub in a heritage building huge abyss between engineers and technological movement by building on more.” residence for nurses-in-training when Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, with deep roots in Waterloo Region. computer scientists and kinesiologists and creating new relationships within While it’s still a working concept, Freeport opened as a sanitorium for Ontario, began asking, “Why shouldn’t Dittmer’s journey of discovery began and doctors and nurses and therapists,” the community. Dittmer’s goal for the med-tech tuberculosis patients 100 years ago. it be the best experience possible?” at Communitech, a not-for-profit tech- Dittmer says. Last spring, he chaired a daylong hub is to invite locals – students These days Freeport not only houses Today, thanks to Dittmer’s curiosity innovation hub just a few blocks from “As I began to look into it more, I symposium called Waterloo and professionals – to bring tech Dittmer’s rehabilitation department but and insights, medical professionals, the hospital, where university grads, began to understand how powerful Region Med Tech: Bridging the ideas and inventions to Freeport, to also services that range from long-term

32 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 33 mental health and complex continuing That triple bottom line framework doesn’t have a lot of money to care, to mammography and a satellite typically includes a social, financial, throw around, Dittmer says there is dialysis unit. ecological or environmental gains, a return on investment for hospitals “We have this old building here – which are often closely intertwined. In implementing technological about 9,000 to 10,000-square-feet the case of Waterloo Region, Krugman innovations, even small ones. – that was empty, and it was a heritage says that socially, med-tech companies One example, he says, occurred in building, so we couldn’t knock it down,” are working to better society through Chatham, when the hospital purchased he says. “It provided some unique access to better health care. There is mobile phones for their cleaning staff. space.” money to be made, and if successful Before the purchase, beds could Dittmer, accompanied by a cross- the third profit is that it betters the remain empty for a full day while disciplinary range of deans from local environment – or in this case, may administrators tried to reach cleaning post-secondary institutions, did a walk- extend or better the life of the user. staff – and patients waited. With mobile through to see if it was a good place Klugman adds, “You see a lot of people phones, administrators were able to for medical trials and technological who are building products which have the room cleaned immediately, experiments. “We walked through it are about reducing infection from improve speed of service and increase and our eyes popped out of our head, operations, or being able to identify overall productivity – all, Dittmer says, and we said, ‘This is it,’ ” he recalls. diabetes earlier, or being able to do because of a small investment in “They said, ‘I think the grad students eye-testing in rural Africa.” technology. would love working here.’ ” He says the local tech sector is also By embracing technologies, hospitals The group was pleased to find an seeing a lot more hardware companies can find efficiences while the broader existing structure, saving them the cost with a focus on bettering the medical community gains new jobs, Dittmer says. of building a new one. They also liked world. “We’re about to do something the fact students could learn, work “Almost 50 percent of the companies that has not been done anywhere and create in an environment they will we’re working with these days that are in Canada,” he says. “There are tech someday be benefiting. coming up are hardware companies. centres around Canada, but the And then, rather quickly, it all started Really, hardware is the intersection,” concept we have – the opportunity that coming together. Once the med-tech Klugman says, citing wearable we have to bring together universities, innovation hub is up and running, technology as an example of that Communitech, accelerators, colleges, Waterloo Region will have a unique merger. politicians, hospitals – that is really environment where multidisciplinary Other local examples include unique.” teams of medical doctors and med- Intellijoint Surgical’s hip placement Of the 1,000 companies linked to tech creatives will work together with device, which ensures accuracy Communitech, about 20 per cent – 200 patients who can provide immediate during replacement surgery, or companies – are working on health feedback. The feedback loop gets Avenir Medical’s orthopedic medical care products. bigger when the entrepreneurs and instruments. “So if we were working with that other companies become involved. “There are also these programs at many companies, imagine what we For Iain Klugman, Communitech’s the University of Waterloo that are at could do. Imagine,” Dittmer says. Chief Executive Officer, the region’s the intersection between disciplines,” “Put that together with the boom in medical-health startups comes he says. “So you look at bio-mechanical engineering minds and computer down to local businesses’ achieving engineering; you look at mechatronics, sciences and kinesiologists and their triple bottom line. which is mechanical-electrical; you look nanotechnologists. Now these “People build companies based on at nano, which is chemistry; and nano industrial companies have access to their understanding of value chains,” materials, engineering. So you see that kind of brain power, and you say, Klugman says. “One of the things companies at the intersection of things, ‘Well, we’d like to do a clinical trial. Can that’s happening in our country is that which are tied in the world between you facilitate that?’ It’s magical.” there’s an opening up and a greater hardware and software.” understanding of health care as a It’s that niche crossover between Laurie Snell is a political science graduate platform, as a value chain.” disciplines that has students and young from UBC and a journalism graduate With better understanding of the professionals excited to put down roots from Conestoga College. She has extensive health sector, tech professionals now and collaborate with local institutions experience with multimedia reporting understand there are opportunities to such as Grand River Hospital. and is currently working as a freelance make money and create, while adding While there’s still plenty of work copywriter. value to the industry and society as a going on behind the scenes to get whole. the med-tech innovation hub from the Follow the progress of Dr. Dittmer's “I think the other thing we’re seeing bench to clinical trials, Dittmer says project by visiting the website of the is that a lot of the interest in companies he’s optimistic it will be up and running Grand River Hospital: who are starting right now have a triple within five years. www.grhosp.on.ca/news bottom line,” Klugman says. Though the health care sector

34 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 35 BRUCE LAUCKNER

Community Medicine Surprising insights surface when local health care leaders collaborate and connect.

S THE Chief Executive Officer of government and other community sense of belonging and connectedness the Waterloo Wellington Local partners to build a better health care to their community. Overall, they A Health Integration Network, system. We are passionate about are almost twice as likely to visit an I spend most of my time working with putting residents first in everything we emergency department for mental health care leaders and front-line do. We listen, we build partnerships, health and addictions concerns. health professionals to improve the we act and we lead – and we do it all In looking at this data, we must be health care local residents receive. I together with dedicated professionals cautious not to stigmatize. There are also spend a significant amount of time across the system. individuals in all income groups who with community leaders and residents When developing our most recent have these risks and many in the lower discussing the need for a “whole-of- strategic plan, we also updated our income group who do not. But overall, community” approach to health. mission, vision and values. As a result a higher proportion of risk exists in the As a result, I am often asked two of engaging with our community and low-income population. questions: what is a Local Health examining the characteristics of the While we have increased funding to Integration Network (LHIN)? And why highest performing health systems in help people who get sick – health care is the leader of the health care system the world, we realized we needed to funding in our community alone has talking about things like high school look at more than just health care to increased by more than $300 million graduation rates and early childhood improve the health of our community. in the last nine years – wouldn’t we be development? We launched a single core value: to better off in the long run to tackle those Most of the time, the first one is easy. act in the best interest of our residents’ things that impact what makes you sick The second, I’ll explain in a moment. health and well-being. That led us on in the first place? LHINs were created in Ontario in a journey to get to the root causes of 2006 with the idea that no one knows poor health outcomes. Belonging and health better what services are needed in a So, what can we do about this? community than the people who live, Determinants of health Because we have better data, we’re work, receive and provide health care While the health care system is an better able to understand why some services there. important contributor to overall health, individuals and some groups have Today, the network covering the reality is that it only impacts a certain health outcomes. A number of Waterloo Region, Guelph and person’s overall health by about 25 factors can be traced to early childhood Wellington County is among 14 LHINs percent. A person’s biology is another circumstances, rather than recent across the province. 15 percent. But income, education, events. Factors such as growing up The “local” in LHIN is the foundation employment, housing and community in poverty, having less-than-optimal of who we are. We are a group of local belonging have the biggest impact. childhood development, a less-than- health and business professionals Take income for example. Research optimal sense of community belonging, – doctors, nurses, allied health has shown that, overall, in a given and limited access to high-quality food professionals, planners, accountants, population, individuals in the lower and regular meals can play a large role technology experts, etc. – tasked income category have an increased risk in a person’s health down the road. with planning, funding and integrating of engaging in unhealthy behaviours, Locally, 11.5 percent of the population services in the local health care system, including a more sedentary lifestyle, lives with low-income. That’s more than from those delivered by hospitals lower consumption of fresh fruits 82,000 people. to mental health and additions to and vegetables, and higher rates of The good news is that there are community-support agencies. smoking. With this come higher rates many things communities can do A crucial part of our role is community of chronic diseases and lower rates of to get upstream and support these engagement. We work with residents, adherence to care plans to effectively individuals to improve their health SELINA VESELY We Are All The Same | Pamela Rojas | 2010 families, health-service providers, manage illnesses. Those with lower today and for the future. For example, Details from mural on exterior of Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre community organizations, local incomes are also less likely to feel a Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of

36 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 37 Health has indicated that women with We know that early education, which and support. It’s hard to focus on your low income and educational levels are leads to higher educational attainment, studies when you’re hungry, or you’re more likely to have low-birth weight has been shown to improve the tired because you worked a night shift babies. So through effective public socialization of children and increase to help support your family. health strategies – encouraging healthy health literacy. Some young people also struggle eating, breastfeeding and non-smoking Once children are in school, with mental health and addictions – – plus good access to primary care, combating these socio-economic issues that cannot be solved by any we can better support families before inequalities is vital. Our community one sector, program or organization. children are even born. foundations, municipalities and They require a “whole-of-community” Connecting women with supportive community organizations serve a approach. This means mental health networks and a strong sense of key role through breakfast programs, and addictions providers, educators, community belonging is also crucial literacy programs, community sports social workers, crime prevention for their mental health in what can be a and more. professionals, municipalities, challenging and stressful time. Adding community hubs in schools community supports, all need to come Next comes early-childhood and community centres – things together to look at how to keep these development – programs through early like drop-in youth programming and kids in school. learning centres, community centres subsidized sports and exercise classes From an education perspective, and preschools. Research from the – brings youth and families together we know that co-op programs, Council for Early Child Development to build that sense of belonging. It also trades programs, alternative schools, underlines the importance of such contributes to an increased likelihood programs such as Pathways to programs: Fewer than five percent of staying in school, forming better Education, and many others are all of children of every socio-economic habits around activity levels and supporting young people who might level are born with clinically detectable healthy eating, and it builds a stronger otherwise leave school early. This is limitation in their development community – benefiting health, important, not just because it’s the right but, by school age, vulnerability in economics and social services. thing to do, but also from an economic developmental health has grown to In high school, innovative initiatives perspective. Statistically, those who more than 26 percent. And profound to keep kids in school also make a big don’t graduate from high school can socio-economic inequalities in difference. Not every student is the cost the Canadian health care system, development emerge. same – a one-size-fits-all approach on average, an additional $211,471 The quality of your life is linked to your health and wellbeing. Source: Waterloo Wellington LHIN Community Report 2015-16. doesn’t always work. Students who over a lifetime. That’s $10.2 billion in live in poverty have greater barriers to Waterloo Wellington alone. graduating and need more flexibility While we’re trying to have a greater impact earlier so that 10 and 20 years will address the determinants of health breakfast programs, early literacy down the road we have a much – like belonging. These are models programs, neighbourhood groups, healthier population, the reality is that that are being looked at and adopted police services, faith groups, chambers we can’t go back in time. We have a across the country as a result of of commerce and more all anchor number of residents today who grew innovations in Waterloo Region, Guelph their work in creating a welcoming, up in poverty. Who didn’t graduate and Wellington and other like-minded warm community where everyone has high school, had a less-than-optimal communities. a better chance at a healthier, more childhood, who don’t currently have a prosperous life. strong connection to their community. A call to action We have had many successes And they are in crisis. Recently, Adrienne Clarkson, former over the years through partnership That’s why we have supported Governor General of Canada, spoke in and I have no doubt that by working initiatives like Mobile Crisis Teams, Waterloo about belonging. She shared together we can also improve the which partner mental health nurses her concern for the health of children in sense of belonging and overall health with police services to directly Waterloo Region as a result of the latest of residents in our community. support these residents. We also have report on community well-being issued Connectivity Tables (see “Proactive by the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Bruce Lauckner is CEO of the Waterloo Intervention, page 40) that bring Foundation. Wellington Local Health Integration front-line professionals from different We, at the Waterloo Wellington Network. organizations in policing, education, LHIN, share that concern. We also social services, municipal supports and share the belief that in order to have Pathways to Education is found in health together every week to work a sense of belonging, one must have various communities across Canada. directly with our most at-risk residents. a sense of ownership. No one person The organization has a great track Such initiatives make a huge or organization is responsible for the record for helping low-income students The Waterloo Wellington Local Health difference today. They are also making health of our community. We all are. Integration Network supports a stay in high school and transition a huge difference tomorrow as family We are blessed in Waterloo- population of almost 800,000. into postsecondary education. Source: Waterloo Wellington LHIN Community The high costs of leaving school early. members, especially young children, Wellington. Municipalities, community pathwaystoeducation.ca Report 2015-16. Source: Waterloo Wellington LHIN Community Report 2015-16. are connected to vital supports that foundations, crime prevention councils,

38 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 39 TEGHAN BARTON line work who is experiencing “acutely and address. Agency representatives them, the service organizations who elevated risk.” The police bring about with relevant information put up their volunteered to become involved give half of the cases to the Table. hands, but give no details. Other a report. If the crisis plan has been put Confidentiality is one of the highest agencies that might contribute to an into place and one of the organizations principles of Connectivity. Situations intervention are identified. These has taken the lead, the case is are first presented without key agencies then meet away from the rest considered closed by the Table, though identifying factors. of the Table. the work will continue, sometimes for Proactive Intervention The Table partners then vote on Next, all the organizations at the years after the risk element has been At the Connectivity Table, health and social services agencies pool their expertise to whether the situation meets their Table say whether they feel they mitigated. provide immediate and innovative response to acute high-risk situations. threshold of “acutely elevated risk” can contribute to the case at hand. Connectivity collects data in order to to warrant immediate intervention. To For any situation, four to six service measure results, none of it identifiable. HE PEOPLE who gather around The Kitchener group has noted a The model for Connectivity comes fully understand this threshold, it is key organizations are usually involved. They keep track of the ages, genders the Connectivity Table each striking number of situations involving from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, to remember that many of the people These organizations then and other statistical elements as well week represent various health T young adults (under age 24), teens and where the Community Mobilization accessing social services already live immediately meet, discuss the case, as the risk factors involved. This helps and social service agencies. Some are children. Issues such as mental health, Hub has been taking a multidisciplinary a life with varying levels of risk, some and develop a unique crisis plan to them track trends, notice patterns of executives; some are front-line workers. addiction, poverty, precarious housing approach to problem-solving since even quite severe, but for their case to address the acute risk factor. violence and crime, as well as identify But when they come together, it’s to and the negative effects of peers all 2009. Prince Albert credits the initiative come to Connectivity, something had to Obtaining consent is a priority that what new risk factors are emerging collaborate and pool expertise. And to can place young people in a situation of for a decline in violent crimes as well have happened that has elevated that allows the process to move swiftly. Over as the region changes, such as social take action. elevated risk. as decreases in child-protection risk. Connectivity is focused on that 90 percent of people accept the help isolation, which the Table and its The situations brought to the Table Kelly Niall, a physician’s assistant caseloads, emergency room visits, element and is designed to specifically provided by the Connectivity Table. member agencies have seen slowly involve individuals and families facing working with K-W 4 Health Links, who mental health interventions and a address that factor. Each table meets weekly and a increasing in their front-line work. elevated risk – in immediate need of has been a member of Connectivity for variety of other social concerns. If the case meets the threshold of key part of that is checking in with An 18-month report released in support. almost two years, says it is fascinating After seeing the ingenuity and elevated risk, further details about the previously discussed cases. A week March 2016, showed 133 cases brought Connectivity Waterloo Region, to see how the group’s different successes of the Saskatchewan individual are presented, such as name after a new situation is brought to to the Kitchener Table. Of that, 121 were which has initiatives in Kitchener and perspectives focus on the various program, the idea was brought to deemed “acutely elevated risk” and Cambridge, Ont., tailors its solutions to problems. “It feels like meaningful Waterloo Region through the Waterloo were opened as cases; 118 of those the person or family in front of them. Kitchener’s Connectivity Table work,” she notes. Wellington Local Health Integration were fully concluded by the Table with Every situation is unique and requires a Niall’s employer, K-W 4 Health Links, Network, Waterloo Regional Police three situations remaining still open. unique mixture of social services. works with people who have “medically Service and the Waterloo Region The 12 cases that were not seen were The risk factors being weighed by complex” situations. Other partners Crime Prevention Council. Together rejected because the individual was Connectivity partners are complex and at the Connectivity Table draw from they created a Connectivity Table for already connected to a service provider numerous – 26 categories have been various aspects of community services, Cambridge and North Dumfries in able to mitigate the risk. identified. Often they are related to mental from police to hospital services and January 2014. Connectivity has seen a growth in health, criminal involvement or substance from education to housing support. The Later that year, a Kitchener Table the number of member and adjunct abuse. Housing, suicide risks and physical Kitchener-based Table has about 30 was launched by Carizon Family and organizations involved as well as seeing health are also major players. partners and Cambridge about 25. Community Services in partnership more situations come before the Table. with the police. This initiative serves While an increase in cases could be Roadmap of the Connectivity process the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo seen as a negative statistic, instead plus Wilmot, Woolwich and Wellesley it is positive one, indicating that more townships. It recently received a Smart people are becoming aware of the & Caring Community Grant from the initiative and, more importantly, more Kitchener and Waterloo Community situations are able to be mitigated Foundation. before an escalation occurs. Connectivity Waterloo Region has The Connectivity Table is an garnered international honours. In innovative and unique approach September 2015, it was a recipient of to policing, to social justice, and to the IACP/Motorola Webber Seavey delivering care. Its collaborative design Award, given by the International instils a sense of community among its Association of Chiefs of Police. The members, fostering relationships across award honoured the Waterloo Regional all the social services. Police Services’ collaboration with the community partners. It was presented Teghan Barton is an assistant editor with A\J. at the IAPC conference in Chicago followed by a Kitchener celebration. Each Connectivity Table accumulates data during every weekly meeting as each Confidentiality at the Connectivity Table is paramount. There are four filters that occur situation of an individual or family at an “acutely elevated risk” is assessed. The data Find lots more on Connectivity in at various spots on this flow chart of the Connectivity process. This allows the partners How Connectivity works fits into 26 defined categories, under which there are up to 102 risk factors. This data is a Waterloo Region at at the table to screen situations without using personal information of the individual or Any one of the member agencies can reflection of the category breakdown of the Kitchener Connectivity Table at its 18-month carizon.ca/community-services/ family’s risk assessment. bring a situation to the Table, someone Report (October 2, 2014 to March 31, 2016). connectivity-kitchener. Source: Carizon Family and Community Services. they’ve come across during their front- Source: Carizon Family and Community Services.

40 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 41 TEGHAN BARTON State of Belonging No one can better explain the value and necessity of belonging than Canada’s 26th Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

Society isn’t built upon “people liking each other.

It is built around the fact that everybody is a human being and deserves the same treatment and respect that you do.” TOMASZ ADAMSKI | THE KWCF ADAMSKI TOMASZ

42 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 43 “That’s what democracy really means; it’s speaking out, it’s taking your place in the world, it means leaving your own private self and entering the public world and of course it means taking a risk when you do that.”

S IT EASIER for us to embrace In fact, that’s part of her recognition specific group of people; anything that “belonging” if we know who of the surface layer of belonging – highlights how their differences are too doesn’t belong? Can we the numerous cultural touchstones, great for us ever to get along. respect someone – let them stereotypes if you will, that we think We start to see them as a threat to belong – even if we don’t make us truly Canadian. These include our society and the very ideals we particularly like them? Timbits, “beaver tails”, hockey, wearing claim to value. It comes down to saying: Enigmas such as these run through toques, apologizing for everything, “We don’t want you; you don’t belong,” ELLIS | THE KWCF CAROLYN I This illustration created during Clarkson’s talk at the University of Waterloo summarises her most important concepts. an interview with Adrienne Clarkson, good beer, and, of course, that we are Clarkson says. When someone is but so does her optimism. Canada’s an open, welcoming society. Clarkson “othered,” they become “less than” former Governor General is passionate believes these touchstones “play an – less than a person and if someone about her message that the state of integral role in how we feel about isn’t considered a person, it is easier to As individuals we have a spectrum of impact, one a societal act and one an are eradicated, we get a strictly divided belonging isn’t a finite concept – we’re our role in our communities and our excuse and justify their exclusion and how many people you can be actively individual act. society based on class and race. not going to run out of it if we build a country.” marginalization from society. involved with – there are roughly She argues passionately about These institutions then set up the strict country where all of us feel we truly They can be a foundation on which Clarkson laments that “we are always 110 people on the outer edge of any the importance of public institutions guidelines for who are the “right” kind belong. And practicing inclusion is not we connect. For new immigrants, being faced with people who have no one person’s engagement circle. (such as schools, community centres, of people to mingle with, ensuring that about liking someone. embracing these cultural touchstones idea whatsoever of what the ‘other’ Considering people are a spectrum, swimming pools, arenas, libraries): the “right” people know each other and “Society isn’t built upon people liking is part of a transition into a new social is – and don’t care and couldn’t make that’s anywhere from 30 to 150 people “Our institutions help craft people and by keeping out any “undesirables.” each other,” Clarkson says. “It is built home. any effort whatsoever to see what the you’re both willing and able to “put the communities into the type of people Public institutions counteract that. around the fact that everybody is a But Clarkson is also intrigued that we ‘other’ is like.” work in for,” she comments. we want to be. They play an active role Canada still remains a nation of human being and deserves the same frequently build our national identity by And that needs to be corrected. Our And Clarkson understands that it’s in building who and what we are, so immigrants and Clarkson believes that treatment and respect that you do. defining what we are not – specifically membership in Canada is “dependent unreasonable to expect that you’ll they become fundamental in this way. “public schools and institutions create They have the right to live just as you how we are not like the United States. on us reaching out and embracing the have an effective relationship with We need to respect those institutions a mixture of every type of person in do, and therefore life and society has to This concept has so grafted itself onto other,” she says. everyone in that circle. “We don’t have and steer them with kindness, for they society, every background and that be organized around them just as it is who we are that we are unable to see She also points out that there is the human capacity to remember all of shape the future.” helps create who you are as a human around you.” the cultural forest for the trees. We an element of “knowing” people the details of more than that.” If the idea It is in these spaces that we learn to being.” We become citizens through At the time of last spring’s interview, seem to feel more secure in our own that subtly underwrites the idea of of belonging is dependent on a having reach out across social divides and see this mixing process. Clarkson was preparing for her lecture belonging when someone else does belonging, that somehow you should an effective relationship with everyone, each other as unique individualized Clarkson believes we should be “Belonging: Diversity, Community not belong – as if there are only a few know all the people in your community than that model is flawed and deeply people. We start to build relationships, happy to know our taxes go to support Capacity and Contribution” at the spaces at the table and we want to and that it is the knowing that means unachievable. and build commitments to each such fundamentally important work. University of Waterloo. Clarkson, a ensure that we have one. they belong. For Clarkson, the secret to belonging other and to our macro and micro “Don’t begrudge property taxes and humanitarian, award-winning journalist, Clarkson speaks frequently of “the “But you can’t be actively involved is straightforward: “To be able to look communities. We then take these the like because it goes to schooling … and scholar, has a deep understanding other” and “othering,” a process that with everybody,” she points out. "There at one another and actually see one building blocks and bring them with us to your children, to your grandchildren, of her subject. For one thing, she knows happens when we engage in behaviour are simply too many people in world, another.” when we enter other spaces. to other people’s schooling, which is what it is like to develop a sense of that seeks to exclude. This involves let alone in our own communities for But if we don’t act as stewards for our important because what are we if we’re belonging as an immigrant – her family us, as individuals and as a social us to have a genuine relationship with Call to action institutions, they can become the very not part of a society that contributes to came to Canada from Hong Kong in collective, attributing negative traits each of them. There is always going Clarkson highlighted two significant things we don’t want them to be. the well-being of others.” 1942 when she was just three years old. (such as violent, untrustworthy, etc.) to a to be people who you don’t know." ways in which we can make an When publicly funded institutions The second call to action is of a

44 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 45 personal nature, the one where you begin to make the changes in your own life. Clarkson asks that we each be “present in the willingness to act and to speak by inserting yourself into the world.” That when we see injustice, acts of racism, homophobia, misogyny, ableism, etc., we have the courage to stand up and speak. “It takes a lot of courage” to do that, Clarkson says, but “it is very important to speak out. That’s what democracy really means; it’s speaking out, it’s taking your place in the world, it means leaving your own private self and entering the public world and of course it means taking a risk when you do that.” But that risk will be worth it. If being a welcoming society is a key element to who we are as a nation, than we ought to be working hard to make sure it’s true. Each of us has a role to play, as individuals and in our communities. As Clarkson reminds us, “Canada is a project to which we are all contributing to, and that we have a role in the world to play.”

Teghan Barton is an assistant editor at A\J. She interviewed Clarkson in June of TOMASZ ADAMSKI | THE KWCF ADAMSKI TOMASZ Adrienne Clarkson speaks about her book “Belonging” at the University of 2016. Watch Clarkson’s public lecture to the Warterloo. Waterloo community at kwfc.ca

Belonging Explored A review by Teghan Barton

ADRIENNE CLARKSON is one of Canada’s most forward-thinking indi- viduals and a leader in the fight for a better Canada. One of Clarkson’s greatest gifts is her ability to enthral an audience, whether that is with her voice or through the page. If you ever have the chance to listen to her speak, do your- self a favour and go; you will not regret it. Luckily, we all have the ability with her seminal work Belonging: The Paradox of Citizenship which is available both in print and in the original CBC Radio Massey Lecture. Belonging is at once a sweeping tale of human history, weaving in elements from the ancient past to the events of today, and a microscopic look at our very nature as human beings. Her work reminds us that belonging begins at home and its something we take with us everywhere we go. It is a remembrance of the past, a check-in for our present, and a call to the future. And in a time of increasing xenophobia and exclusionary politics, her words are even more poignant and important. Belonging is accessible, written for every Canadian to hear it’s message; but it’s not an easy read. It asks you to look deep inside yourself and examine your beliefs and behaviour. She speaks for all of us and she’s asking you to be the change.

46 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 47 JAMES GLAVE We want people to point to us and say, “This is a best-in-class example of how you can do more together than apart.”

Partnerships and coalitions can be In late 2014, Sheehan, the President revenue. They also had deep ties with powerful. But the truth is, they do take and co-founder of Climate Smart, flew more than 200 communities, having effort. If it is to succeed, a coalition has to Ottawa to talk about a possible helped dozens of local governments to “feel right” on several levels. There partnership with Morrice and Chad imagine a low-carbon future and put in needs to be trust and some basic rules Park, then the Executive Director of The place the initial steps they need to get of engagement. The whole thing rides Natural Step Canada. there. on a continuing shared conviction that From square one, something just In short, combined, they had the the whole is greater than the sum of its clicked. relationships, networks, tools and track parts. “It was fantastic,” Sheehan recalls. record in the trenches of low-carbon In the case of The Low Carbon “I was having a conversation with transition. To help fill geographic gaps, Partnership — a new alliance of others doing similar work, and figuring the partners brought QUEST onboard. organizations helping Canadian out how we could support a different QUEST, which has a similar mission, has businesses and communities take narrative about the role that businesses representation in every province except action on climate change, increase and communities needed to play in PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador, and profitability, and grow the low carbon the climate fight, because I knew we Saskatchewan. The group also has economy – all the pieces came couldn’t do that alone.” a North caucus covering the three together. “We all understood that this energy territories. It took a funder to strike the match, and economic transition was underway, Park, Sheehan, Morrice and says Mike Morrice, Executive Director and that businesses and communities Brent Gilmour of QUEST gathered of Sustainability CoLab, one of the were already playing a role, and that we around a whiteboard in early March three initial founding partners alongside needed to ramp up their involvement at the GLOBE Sustainable Business The Natural Step Canada and Climate beyond the early adopters,” Sheehan Leadership Summit in Vancouver to talk Smart. (A fourth partner, QUEST adds. next steps. (Quality Urban Energy Systems of But with a then-indifferent federal They were literally across the street Tomorrow), joined the group later.) government, the three struggled to find from the First Ministers Meeting, where Priyanka Lloyd, Managing Director, and Mike Morrice, Executive Director of Sustainability CoLab, share the stage at That funder was the JW McConnell a platform to really light a fire under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his the CoLab Connects 2016 event in Toronto. Family Foundation. Canada’s low-carbon economy. team were assembling the initial pieces Morrice says each of the three initial of a national climate and clean growth groups had applied for funding for The new crowd in Ottawa framework. work that had similar objectives around Everything changed, of course, in The first order of business was a advancing the low-carbon economy. October 2015, when a new government submission to Minister McKenna’s Sensing there was an opportunity for took the reins on Parliament Hill and Let’s Talk Climate Action portal, timed the groups to do something special shuffled climate action to the top of its with an early-July public launch that together, the foundation approved the list. Freshly minted Environment and included endorsements from a raft Stronger Together funding requests, but topped up the Climate Change Minister Catherine of political, business and civil-society grants with additional funding to seed a McKenna assumed a leading role in the leaders. These included a mayor, a Nudged by a major funder, four organizations unite to form The Low Carbon collaborative effort that would span the Paris Agreement negotiations. provincial environment minister and Partnership – to help Canada deliver on its climate commitments. country. Post-Paris, the partners realized that representatives of banking and energy Elizabeth Sheehan, who is based they were ideally positioned to help sectors, among others. on the West Coast — far from Ontario, the government deliver on its COP21 The four Low Carbon Partnership “ ’M ALLERGIC to coalitions.” That’s what a prominent Canadian environmental leader once told me. where the others call home — says commitments. Between them, they had members now understand the human It was 2012, and the organization I was working with at the time had broached the idea of uniting that without McConnell’s initiative, enormous reach and expertise. dimension to building the trust that several groups in an effort to disrupt the entrenched “jobs versus nature” narrative. they would still likely be competing for They had links to more than 1,200 underscores collaboration. It’s a mix I resources. “I don’t know if I would have businesses — from Bay Street firms to of seeing one’s colleagues following Unfortunately, the would-be partner wasn’t into it. The proposed assembly would be too unwieldy, he had the time to make that move without the mom and pops – that collectively through on commitments, and building said, and his group’s specific interests and messages would end up diluted and lost in the crowd. the foundation’s support,” she says generated some $100 billion in on the common empathy that people

48 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 49 LEXI HALLEY SUSTAINABLE WATERLOO REGION WATERLOO SUSTAINABLE

An artist rendering of the future Centre for Sustainability Excellence building in Waterloo. Psychology Of Green Mike Morrice engages the audience at the CoLab Connects 2016 event. In an upcoming Waterloo building, sustainability belongs

who are working toward the same goal I am working solo, even if I’m giving right, and left their egos and logos to everyone. share. Weekly video conference calls something up to be part of it.” at the door and went beyond their help, too. David Hughes, who assumed self-interest in order to serve a greater T’S NOT EVERY DAY that a building leader is Sustainable Waterloo Region Research, Learning and Action at leadership of The Natural Step Canada cause.” Iplan seeks input from an associate (SWR), which has a proven record in Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, The winning recipe just prior to the launch of the Low To Gilmour, executive director of professor in community psychology. helping local organizations convert has a leading role in this project, To Sheehan, the foundation of an Carbon Partnership in July, is similarly QUEST, the aspirations of the individual But then again, this is not an everyday sustainability interest into action. engaging the building’s “citizens” effective coalition is about having excited by the potential and looks players are as important as their building. SWR’s partners for the project in the sustainability strategy from “really genuine conversations around forward to finding new synergies, to mission statements. “In the case of For one thing, it has ambitious goals include The Cora Group (developer), start to finish. Additional research, your goals, your way of working, your reduce duplication and have a bigger the partnership, each of us realized to hit top benchmarks for net-positive David Johnston Research + Technology including focus groups and surveys preferred approach to running projects. impact. early on that we share very similar commercial construction. The building, Park at the University of Waterloo (the with prospective tenants and people Do you like a messy kitchen to create a “The Natural Step’s expertise in values. We are, and want to be seen with about 115 square feet on three landowner) and EY Canada, which will working in the surrounding area, will beautiful meal or do you do the dishes convening and facilitating difficult as, impartial, nonpartisan and level- floors, is expected to generate more be an anchor tenant. also target key concerns and help while you’re cooking?” discussions on complex subjects, headed. We don’t advocate, we provide energy than it uses, treat wastewater The planning process stretches tailor strategies to fit within existing “If you get a lot of that out on the married with Climate Smart’s software highly credible information and support onsite, harvest rainwater and naturally beyond boardrooms. SWR believes organizational and social structures. table at the front end, then you have and approach for measuring GHGs, concrete action of others with proven purify its indoor air. many high-performance buildings In other words, SWR not only more insight to help you navigate CoLab’s ability to engage the private strategies.” When it opens in 2018, the Waterloo, don’t live up to their potential because envisions a building that will achieve difficult discussions.” sector in taking action on climate By any measure of success, this Ontario, building will not only house the people-factor is not adequately ambitious performance targets, but also Morrice employs another culinary change, and QUEST’s leadership low-carbon quartet is well on its multiple tenants with aligned values, considered in reaching performance a behavioural model that supports a metaphor to explain the underlying in working with utilities makes for a way. And later this year, as Canadian but it will also include an innovation targets through design and operation. sense of belonging through authentic tension between four organizations that powerful combination that is sure to businesses and communities work hub, with an incubator supporting green So “citizens” connected to this building interactions between people of are used to competing for funding now make us stronger together,” Hughes to implement a new Pan Canadian economy and clean-tech concepts – everyone from the landlord to the different backgrounds, skill sets and sharing resources. says. Framework on Clean Growth and for startups, corporate partners and tenants and even those just passing experience. “Each of the individual partners “We want people to point to us and Climate Change, its expert assistance academia. through – will play an important role. Along the way, SWR will consider needs to feel like the juice is worth the say, ‘This is a best-in-class example of will be close at hand. But the building, with a working And that’s where Dr. Manuel Riemer how pride of place, values alignment, squeeze,” he says. “I keep checking how you can do more together than title of Centre for Sustainability comes in. Riemer, Associate Professor individual action and measureable my gut on this, and I know that I’m apart. We want government to be citing James Glave (@jamesglave) is the principal Excellence, is also unusual for its of Community Psychology and the results contribute to an overall sense of stronger as part of this network than us an example of a group that got it of Glave Communications intriguing collaborations. The project Director of the Centre for Community belonging. When people’s values align,

50 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 51 it brings them together as a community. need to find a way to achieve individual to be innovation in the environmental This, in turn, feeds into SWR’s belief and group well-being.” sector. that sustainability is more achievable As Tova Davidson, Executive Director Creating a strong sense of belonging when people – both individuals at Sustainable Waterloo Region, says: in an environmentally forward and organizations – care about the “Change starts with people. When community may start with SWR’s plans collective well-being of the building, its people realize that they have the power for this new building, but it doesn’t end surroundings and its other citizens. By to change the world, amazing things there. It doesn’t end with Waterloo building trusting, mutually beneficial can happen, and we want the people in Region or Canada. It ends when relationships, each party “owns” the this building to feel that empowerment.” everyone realizes that their actions are project. As for the building itself, plans part of something much bigger, and Finding tenants who buy into include a solar wall covering most of that individuals play an important role in the project’s collective values is an the south face of the building; a three- creating a shift in our society and for a important part of the process. And storey green wall and performance more sustainable world. Promoting candidates who will be early collaboration facilitates shared displays prominent in the atrium; solar experience and seeds the cultural panels covering the entire roof and a Lexi Halley is the Public Relations Manager structure on which SWR’s goals are significant portion of the parking lot; for Sustainable Waterloo Region. She has a champions for the environment. dependent. EY Canada is the perfect fit permeable paving for hard surfaces; history of dedicated volunteerism and deep as an anchor tenant. Company officials and green roofs. roots within the Region. have been working with SWR for years To demonstrate its environmental to reduce their environmental impact impact, metrics will be tracked and Keep up to date on the progress of SWR's and have been heavily involved in shared publicly. With every action new building project and all their other planning the new building. made, citizens contribute to the important initiatives by visiting: The vision for an innovation hub sustainability of the building, and sustainablewaterlooregion.ca/news/\ takes shared values and purposes to measureable results will allow them to a new level, creating a sustainability take ownership for their actions. ecosystem where people can pursue The building’s location in the David environmental innovation and research Johnston Research + Technology Park, either independently or as part of a part of the University of Waterloo’s larger organization. Plans call for a North Campus, is also significant. This Are you 20,000-square-foot incubator plus park, which has nine buildings housing a collaborative space that includes more than 75 companies, has already various types of workspaces and a created a community of belonging, following us? 3,500-square-foot event space. which will be used as a strong The research going into the foundation for the SWR project. overall plans for the building won’t The park joined SWR’s Regional stop once tenants move in and the Carbon Initiative program in 2014 with innovation hub is active. As well as a 40-per-cent greenhous gas reduction developing recommendations for target across multiple buildings and @AlternativesJ GreenPAC is a new, non-partisan organization to build environmental building management, SWR will work multiple tenants. This commitment leadership in Canadian politics. Our goal is to make environmental with Riemer to explore how lasting was set thanks to a cross-company sustainability habits are built. green team, something that had never concerns politically relevant by recruiting, nominating, electing and The World Green Building Council been done in the Regional Carbon supporting environmental champions. reports that employees who work in Initiative. This is the same type of inter- buildings that prioritize both physical organizational collaboration that the and psychological well-being are more new building is striving to produce. @AlternativesJ GreenPAC allows Canadians who care about the environment to productive. The same report states that Carol Stewart, Business support political candidates who represent their values. sustainability happens at the “sweet Development Manager of the R+T spot” of good design, good technology Park, says she is pleased that the and good behaviour. For the SWR building will be part of the R+T Park. “It project, the “good behavior” will come strongly aligns with our environmental from engaged citizens who contribute and cultural values and will be a great to a positive, connected community. addition to the community we have @AlternativesJournal “Individual well-being is not really created here.” Together we can put the environment on the top of the agenda. just about individuals,” Riemer explains. Sustainability is more attainable “It requires group well-being, and to when people feel like they belong to understand what that is, we must also a larger community. To make a real And 24/7/365 at consider the context of the situation. change, people have to alter their alternativesjournal.ca www.GreenPAC.ca #CountMeIn For [this building] to be sustainable, we behaviour and habits, and there has

52 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 53

015-006 GreenPAC full page ad for AJ r1.indd 1 5/25/15 3:27 PM VERONIKA SZOSTAK The Working Centre From its conception in 1982 in downtown Kitchener, the “Secondly, we shape the tool so that a community need is Working Centre has been a sanctuary for those seeking help addressed such as helping fix a bike, recycle furniture and and advice. The centre offers countless opportunities for build a market garden. Thirdly, this work is enhanced when workers and volunteers to engage in the community. the experience builds social co-operation. All together this The Working Centre’s Market Garden, located at Kitchener’s approach develops a culture of shared tools.” famous Hacienda Sarria, has more than 100 volunteers and is “The projects grow when a spirit of hospitality and Seeds of Change currently training five interns. Another project called Recycle neighbourliness are at the center of the work,” says Mancini. Cycles repairs worn-out bikes – and teaches people to repair “Community Tools aim to reduce isolation by teaching Join an environmenal group in your community. their own bikes. Last year Recycle Cycles took in about 1000 the benefits of using tools in a shared environment. Here are four (of so many) in Waterloo Region. bikes and resold a little over half of them. Organizationally, we are not trying to protect our space, Joe Mancini, the director of the Working Centre, says they but rather we open up and welcome people to share follow a “Community Tool Philosophy.” the resources and make them their own.” In the end, this “Firstly, we ensure that those using the tools can do so in strengthens belonging in their community. a way that best expresses their skills and abilities” he says. theworkingcentre.org

WREN – Waterloo Region Environment Network When asked about belonging, the first thing Stacey Danckert, mentorship and collaborative opportunities.” the Co-Director from the Waterloo Region Environmental In the past, WREN has hosted project-sharing events where UMANKIND is an inherently social species. Not only do positive Network (WREN) did was quote a proverb: “If you want to go others can share ideas, as well as make connections with similar relationships reduce stress and feelings of loneliness, but they also faster, go alone. If you want to go further, go together.” projects, volunteers and skills. Currently they are in the midst of result in long-term happiness and good health. A sense of belonging Indeed, one of WREN’s main goals is to create a web of refining and expanding their reach, however WREN makes it clear

H VERONIKA SZOSTAK plays an important part in this social phenomenon. connections among environmental organizations in Waterloo that a community can’t survive without a sense of belonging. When we feel we belong within our group of friends, our family or community, Region. “When people take part in a solution,” says Danckert, “they we believe we can comfortably contribute and share. What ends up happening Danckert says WREN’s strategy “combines the use of 1) an are more likely to feel connected to it.… WREN creates more is that more is accomplished than what is possible by one’s self. online “hub” where the community can easily access relevant ways to connect amongst members and with the community, However, in our ever-changing, fast-paced world, it can be easier to information, volunteer recruitment, as well as share projects increasing the network of support and improving the collective disconnect than to belong. This poses a challenge for social justice and and skills; 2) a physical space that can be shared by members; success and the sense of belonging within Waterloo Region.” environmental organizations alike – how do we foster a sense of belonging and 3) event opportunities that provide shared learning, wrenvironetwork.ca within new and old community members, and how do we make it last? With this in mind, A\J asked four Waterloo Region organizations for their thoughts on belonging and how they integrate it through their projects and programs. Here’s what they had to say.

rare – Charitable Research Reserve REEP – Green Solutions “The key to belonging is a connection to place and space, sharing opportunity for everyone and really accomplishes a For REEP – Green Solutions, belonging means feeling pride contributes to an environmental ethic. By participating in the lands we live and work on, the foods we grow on it, [and] sense of belonging,” says Sobek-Swant. It’s comfort food – for where you live and having a sense of ownership. incremental improvements in their neighbourhood, we hope the communities and relationships we build on it,” says Dr. straight from the garden. To accomplish this, REEP has a number of projects. For people will develop a sense of contribution and genuine pride Stephanie Sobek-Swant, executive-director of rare. What may be most important for solving the environmental example, The Rain Ready Neighbourhoods project aims to in what they accomplish with their neighbours.” You’ll find these kinds of connections at rare’s 900- and social issues in this land is to listen, Sobek-Swant says. To help homes in two neighbourhoods to become more flood- REEP is a part of the greater environmental movement. As acre Charitable Research Reserve in Cambridge, Ontario. illustrate the point, she passed on a quote from First Nations resistant, sustainable and beautiful. Homeowners will feel a more people join the movement, they amplify the impact. It’s Research and education play key roles in its mission to writer Lee Maracle, who lived in rare’s North House as the sense of accomplishment as they form a plan with REEP. this collective action that strengthens social bonds and builds preserve, protect and restore the environment of its lands. 2015 Eastern Comma Writer in Resident: “No one in Canada Another project is the Front Yard Makeover contest. This community at the same time. Numerous programs engage the public, everything from has their original landscape.” So as “newcomers,” we need to is a fun and friendly contest where neighbours can compete In the end, when people feel like they belong, it can inspire the Every Child Outdoors program, which helps train and work together on strengthening our bond to the land while for the best-looking yard. Mary Jane Patterson, the executive environmental action. “The hope is that there’s a domino inspire future environmentalists, to the Turn the Map Green being open to doing things differently. director at REEP says, “Something like this gets neighbours effect, strengthening the sense of belonging that participants Campaign, which gives individuals a sense of ownership by “All of us working together to protect what we have or trying talking to each other.… It builds community.” feel as they take action,” says Patterson. letting them adopt a square of land. to bring it back to what it should be, through ecological efforts In an email, Patterson and her team described their work reepgreen.ca The Springbank Community Garden at rare also creates a as well as through reconciliation – that to me, is what our work this way: “Our goal is to foster collective action. When sense of home. “Giving [people] space to connect with the can really contribute to belonging,” says Sobek-Swant. people work together they naturally share their ideas and Veronika Szostak is a student in the School of Environment and land, and grow the foods they know, is a great learning and http://raresites.org experiences, which strengthens their relationships, and Resource Studies at uWaterloo and a fine intern at A\J.

54 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 55 DAVID MCCONNACHIE

ISITING the AR Kaufman of the greatest threats to mental and beyond the equipment in today’s Family YMCA in Kitchener, physical well-being is loneliness and centres. In fact, that noble purpose of V Ontario, is a bit like dropping social isolation. Research has shown building communities was embedded into an idealized version of the old that lacking social connections is as in the organization’s founding beliefs family homestead. The young and old, damaging to our health as smoking and infuses each team member’s quiet and noisy, confident and shy all 15 cigarettes a day. And we also actions today. And it continues to play gather there – many generations under know that lonely individuals are more the central role in strategizing the one roof, working together to build for prone to depression. So a community organization’s most-appropriate roles the future. that ascribes to the philosophy that for the future. Add the motto of the YMCA of “we’re only as strong as our weakest Cambridge/Kitchener/Waterloo (YMCA- link” understands the importance CKW) and the image is complete of providing friendly and welcoming “… And just go there, to the Y-M-C-A. “Dream, Grow and Achieve Together.” support infrastructures. I’m sure they can help you today.” The motto is also a very good The YMCA builds those bridges. – Lyrics from YMCA, The Village People synopsis of the benefits of belonging. Haddock reminds us that the That doesn’t come by accident for this YMCA-CKW was initially empowered Ubiquity can be both a blessing and organization or for the people who by benefactors representing the a curse. When something has been bring that motto to life every day in titans of industry in 1920's Waterloo around for seemingly forever and is in Waterloo Region. Region. The Kaufmans, the Dares just about every small town and major “Here, it’s just not about you,” and the Breithaupts – each family metropolis, we can take it for granted explains John Haddock, recently retired a driver of the Region’s historic and/or come with preconceived notions CEO of YMCA-CKW. “You’re part of a legacy as a manufacturing hub – of its value. The YMCA is much like meaningful whole. Be it through the “felt a responsibility for the broader that. We’ve all got ideas as to what promotion of a healthier lifestyle via our community,” says Haddock. That ethos services the YMCA provides – and health and fitness programs or via our lives on today even as the Region’s many of those ideas are informed by social programs for children, seniors, burgeoning tech sector (and the new the historical interactions we may have newcomers and families to help them titans-of-industry) takes over the civic had with the institution. feel more connected, we need each leadership previously held by their For some of our oldest Canadians, other to get things done. Our job, as manufacturing-centric corporate the YMCA may have been the only stakeholders and caretakers of the ancestors. address they had when moving to a YMCA legacy, is to find ways to float all “Whether it’s providing ESL classes new community. Branches sprouted boats (of need in our community) and to for new Canadians or providing up as our country developed, in figure out ways how others can win.” settlement services and confidence- many cases hand-in-hand with the “Winning” is an interesting (read building programs to refugees, development work of building railways TOMASZ ADAMSKI TOMASZ “non-traditional”) goal for a social Denise “Momma D” Philip and a colleague serve a YMCA member. the YMCA-CKW responds to our or pioneering new regions. service provider, but with Haddock community’s needs – and we’ve been Sports fans may know of the encouraging his team to always do doing so since our founding,” says founding role of the YMCA in creating what’s best for the community, the Haddock. “So when, today for example, the sports of basketball and volleyball. YMCA-CKW has grown five times larger we as a community need to support a Or we might remember our youthful over the past 15 years. It is a wonderful new wave of Syrian refugees, we can swimming lessons and sports teams testament to the leadership of the count on our experience in helping fostered by YMCAs across this country. soon-to-be-retiring Haddock and the Vietnamese boat people in the ’70s and For others, the connection is more Our Team dedicated work of staff and volunteers ’80s, or our work in helping to settle tangential, from walking past the From accessible rehab to ESL classes, the YMCA has become a who have delivered these remarkable thousands of displaced people after YMCA buildings in our communities highly social safety net for our community. results at a time of decreasing World War II.” to dancing like a fool at some family resources. The YMCA-CKW, and the wedding when that famous song plays. The YMCA-CKW’s wide range of broader YMCA movement, has We’re aware of the YMCA but, chances services is particularly important for been instrumental in building both a are, we don’t have a full appreciation “The YMCA-CKW responds to our community’s needs those seeking to find their place in a personal and community-wide sense of its historic role in building a sense new community, a new country or even of belonging for more than a century. of belonging – and its current work – and we have been doing so since our founding.” just upon entering a new life stage. One And the tools they use extend far (and future plans) for helping more

56 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 57 These three critical resources — I stopped by the AR Kaufman Family with services running from 8 a.m. and people, places and programs — come YMCA on a hot summer day in July. to 11 p.m., there are a lot of visitors to together to create a sense of belonging She was at the front desk, answering manage and a lot of programs/services to a supportive network that helps questions, giving and receiving hugs, to deliver. members and program participants and generally acting as a combination For example, the Kaufman Family achieve personal development goals, bouncer and greeter. She’s fiercely YMCA delivers innovative health “This here is my family.” be they physical, mental, social and/or proud of her YMCA family and does her care programs effective in combating emotional. best to keep watch over her charges, diseases like diabetes and cardiac – Denise Philip from the YMCA of CKW For those of us living in Waterloo be they guests or team members. complications, the effects of aging Region, there is no better way to As someone who had used like osteoporosis and arthritis, and in gain an appreciation of the YMCA- the YMCA-CKW’s services in the helping patients rehab from surgery CKW’s role in building a sense of past, she has an intrinsic appreciation or debilitating injuries or illnesses belonging than by visiting one of its of its importance to building a stronger like strokes. Not only are the fitness Canadians dream, grow and achieve. 1800s. YMCAs were built along national YMCA swimming instruction many locations, speaking to staff and Waterloo Region. So the Kaufman Y instructors on hand to help devise and The YMCA story began in London, developing railway lines, providing program. volunteers, and soaking up the laughter was an ideal place to volunteer when deliver these programs from a physical England, over 170 years ago with one recreation, literacy programs, reading Supporting families has always and smiles that seem to emanate from she became an empty-nester. Now health perspective, but there are also man who had an idea about how to rooms and accommodation to workers been a key role for the Y, especially in every corner of the building. she spends her days helping others, ample community-based and other make his community stronger. George who were otherwise limited to visiting Canada. Beginning in the first half of I noticed Denise Philip (affectionately connecting visitors with the wide array social supports to ensure that peace-of- Williams, a 22-year-old draper, started saloons during their leisure hours. the 1900s, many YMCAs and YWCAs known at the Y as Momma D) when of programs and services on offer. And mind comes along with health-of-body. the YMCA in 1844 in response to Several of today’s Ys can trace their operated day nurseries to serve And with the peer-to-peer work unhealthy social conditions brought on roots to a railway YMCA. working families, although no licensing of encouraging compliance with by the Industrial Revolution. As Canada’s population increased at agencies existed at that time. As more “doctor’s orders” or to simply keep The idea quickly caught on, and soon the turn of the 20th century, the Y’s role women joined the workforce in the up with the program, it is not unusual What’s in a Name? for participants to migrate from the associations were springing up in cities expanded. In 1906, Toronto YMCA staff 1960s, many YMCAs began offering THE YMCA WAS FOUNDED as the Young Men’s Christian Organization throughout England and Europe. By member George Corsan introduced licensed child-care programs. in response to a perceived need for social services to support the young gym to the common area, continuing 1851, the idea travelled across the seas. a radically different kind of swimming And the YMCA continues to support men rushing to new communities during the early days of the Industrial the conversations that may have When the first YMCA in North America instruction. It was taught to groups families. The YMCA Playing to Learn Revolution in Great Britain. As workers migrated to big cities from rural started hours previously with the first opened in Montreal on Nov. 25, 1851, rather than individuals and before curriculum helps children up to age communities, their well-being – mental, physical, social and spiritual – pushup. In fact, as I waited to speak a grassroots effort to help people and going into the water, students learned six discover learning through creative could be adversely affected through dislocation, lack of belonging and, in to a particular guest, a woman in her communities to grow and thrive was set basic movements through a series play that works with a child’s natural some cases, the temptations that accrue when away from the family. 80s keeping fit in the gym, there was in motion. of land drills. These new swimming curiosity and development. In 2006, the This desire to help a changing society was grounded in Christian a delay due to her deep conversation The YMCA helped grow the classes quickly became popular. In curriculum was rolled out to licensed principles like charity, compassion and empathy – and spiritual services with Philip at the front desk. When she Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 1910, Canadian William Ball launched a YMCA Child Care Centres across were a YMCA pillar in its formative years. Today, the organization serves all was finally able to speak with me, she members of the community, regardless of race, religion, gender, orientation, Canada. apologized with a “We got visiting.” ability or age. On any given day as you walk around your local YMCA, you’ll Then she proceeded to tell me that, And in 2016, the YMCA of Greater notice that women generally outnumber men by a fairly wide margin. Toronto launched its curriculum for “We serve all members of our community,” states John Haddock, CEO of at the YMCA-CKW, “this is where I before- and after-school programs, YMCA-CKW. “And we honour our past by continuing to behave as governed belong.” YMCA Score Card YMCA A Place to Connect. This makes by the tenets and teachings of the Judeo-Christian spiritual tradition while From the looks – and sounds – of IT’S AN ORGANIZATION you think you know, but these 2015 statistics the YMCA the first organization in embracing new inspirations and teachings each and every day.” it, the YMCA-CKW is a place where might help reboot your understanding of the vital roles Canada’s Canada to have a curriculum for school- How do the YMCA and YWCA connect? citizens belong during all stages of their YMCAs play in such important areas as physical fitness, social age programs. Despite having similar acronyms, sharing the same abbreviated life journey. On the day of my visit, there support networks and healthy child development. As well, YMCAs As a charity, the YMCA provides vital nickname (the Y), and the fact that several local YWCAs and YMCAs have were young day-campers excitedly offer skills development, education and learning opportunities. community services that have a positive merged, these are two distinct organizations with different origins and getting ready for an afternoon’s trip to impact on some of Canada’s most missions. They are separately incorporated, each established more than 150 the Waterloo Region Museum. These years ago. • More than 120 YMCA Health & Fitness centres across the country pressing social issues — from chronic children, from diverse backgrounds The YWCA was founded as the Young Women’s Christian Association, and experiences, shared the common help 1.2 million Canadians make physical activity a part of their disease to unemployment, social but like the YMCA it has experienced a similar spiritual evolution, from regular routine; isolation, poverty, inequality and more. Christian-centric to a broader, more ecumenical approach and an “all-are- language of curiosity and were eager • Nearly 50,000 staff and volunteers make the Y a welcoming place Central to the Y success are: welcome” mindset. to explore and learn. There was a where people feel a sense of belonging. Volunteers contribute 1.32 • The people who unite behind their Today, the YWCA is a movement of women working for changes related Caregiver Support group meeting in million hours; mission and bring their many talents to social and economic fronts around the world. The YWCA works for the session, a critically important service to work; promotion of young women’s leadership and justice. It also plans programs that supports individuals who give care • 1,700+ locations across Canada; • The safe and welcoming places that pave the way for peace and human rights at the grassroots level. to those most in need. The pool was • 168,300 people participate in YMCA employment programs; the YMCAs provide — from health “The YWCA of this region does great and important work and we look packed, the racket courts busy, the to collaborate with them whenever it makes sense,” states Haddock. “The • 72,400 children are nurtured in YMCA child care programs and facilities to classrooms to newcomer gym a place of sweating bodies and centres; YWCA has a more singular focus on women’s issues, specifically seeking to clanging metal. 139,300 children and youth in YMCA overnight and day camps (1,700 play a crucial role by helping women through challenging times and other • The comprehensive community-based And as we look to the future, we with disabilities). turning points throughout their lives.” programs that provide extra skills and can see an important role for YMCAs opportunities. in building stronger and more vibrant

58 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 59 “The YMCA movement will continue to help Canadians achieve their potential.”

communities. With an unparalleled 170-year history of helping people feel like they belong combined with leading-edge and in-demand solutions in such important areas as childcare and seniors’ health care, the YMCA movement will continue to help Canadians achieve their potential. Best of all? While the YMCA may be ubiquitous, the team at YMCA-CKW isn’t self-satisfied. Despite all of the incredible work being done today, they understand that they’ll need to explore new partnerships and new programs to address new problems and goals, be they local or international. As I’m readying to depart the AR Kaufman Family YMCA after an inspiring visit, I shared my thoughts (and kudos) with director of philanthropy Beth King. “While we’ve got a long way to go,” King says, “I’m confident that, together with our community and with the help of our programs and services, we’ll get to a point, not too far in the future, where every resident feels like they truly belong in Waterloo Region.” A worthwhile mission, and from the smiling faces that I saw and the laughter that I heard, I’m pretty sure that Canada’s YMCA – and the YMCA-CKW in particular – will continue to be a centre of growing communities for the next 170 years and more.

David McConnacie is publisher of A\J.

Find your Y today! YMCA Canada locations: ymca.ca/Locations YWCA Canada locations: ywcacanada.ca/en/association TOMASZ ADAMSKI TOMASZ A fitness coach watches her client at the YMCA gym.

60 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 61

42n3BelongingDesignSept29_Cober.indd 61 2016-10-03 9:01 PM SEMINI PATHBERIYA

SELINA VESELY

Welcome | Pamela Rojas |2011 Mural on exterior of Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre

IKE A LOT of people, I cried when I saw the photos of three-year-old Alan Kurdi who drowned in the Mediterranean during his family’s attempt to find safe harbour from the horrors of the Syrian Paying It Forward L civil war. My sorrow, my grief was real, and I was moved to tears ... and then to action. My response was not unique. Many Canadians channelled their grief, sorrow and tears into positive Lessons learned from Syrian resettlement can prepare us for the future action, including record monetary donations and an unparallelled commitment to settle Syrian refugees. waves of climate change refugees. By late August, Statistics Canada showed 29,970 Syrians had arrived in Canada.

62 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 63 “I deeply appreciate and highly commend such a compassionate “None leadership and generosity as shown by the Canadian government in is too many.…” – The purported response from an unnamed immigration agent when asked how many Jews Canada would accept accommodating 25,000 refugees.” after the war (1945) – United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (2016)

Waterloo Region is one of six Ontario housing for Syrian refugees came the Mennonite Central Committee and is centuries old, but remains ever- Waterloo Community Foundation, civil war is the story of a migration reception centres, and about 1,275 from the Welcome Fund: a partnership the K-W Multicultural Centre. But it also present. Many of Waterloo Region’s who immigrated to Canada in 1975 of national consciousness. We’ve Syrian refugees have settled in our between the Community Foundations includes several new organizations first immigrants were German from China. She shares how her moved from a mindset of exclusion, region since the fall of 2015. of Canada – and Manulife, CN and that came together, fundraised and Mennonites from Pennsylvania who experience informs her volunteerism: fear and xenophobia to a willingness The response, quite frankly, General Motors. helped Syrian families make Canada fled to Canada in the 1700s and 1800s “The major challenge [was] a culture to embrace our responsibilities as a is impressive: Waterloo Region The Welcome Fund gift formed their new home. in the aftermath of the American War shock, and people. At the time, we people and as a country, one blessed accommodated almost 4.74 percent of only part of the funding that has been Meanwhile, the Mennonite Central of Independence, and in search of did not have many ethnic groups and by abundance, peace and prosperity, the 29,970 Syrians arriving in Canada raised to support Syrian Newcomers Committee is partnering with other greater religious freedoms. we had a really hard time establishing to look after those less fortunate in into a community with only 1.4 per cent to Waterloo Region. Local community organizations, including Wilfrid Laurier The legends of their Conestoga [here]. If I can help others overcome times of dire need. of the nation’s population. This ability foundations stepped forward to University, the City of Waterloo and wagons linger on in civic names and this challenge that I faced, then I’m And when we look at the collective to punch-above-the-weight reflects a handle the financial contributions the City of Kitchener. The Kitchener city crests. Their barn-raising ethos of repaying everyone who ever helped work of governments, groups and tradition of service and a groundswell from the community and formed Neighbourhood Association, Reception communal support extends far beyond me in my worst moments.” citizens across Waterloo Region – and of urgent, citizen-led engagement. The Immigration Partnership Fund House (Waterloo Region), Mennonite local barns and, thanks to the influence When Mo Elgadi came across a come to appreciate their Herculean Arif Virani, a Toronto MP and the for Syrian Newcomers. A matching Coalition for Refugee Support, Uptown of Mennonite-affiliated founding civic volunteer opportunity in December response to helping settle Syrian parliamentary secretary to Immigration, program was announced by The West Neighbourhood Association and leaders, continues to imbue a “we 2015, he never could have imagined refugees – we can learn from their Refugees and Citizenship Minister Kitchener and Waterloo Community Erb Street Mennonite Church are a few can do it” mentality when it comes to the ripple effect it would have. He first experiences, emulate their intentions John McCallum, praised Waterloo Foundation. Leveraging both The of the groups that have held information fostering more effective collaboration started helping Syrian newcomers in and replicate the actions (and action Region’s efforts during a recent funding Foundation’s Community Fund sessions and/or encouraged private between government, organizations Waterloo Region by volunteering his plans) to assist all communities in better announcement. “That’s a testament and fund holder support, the result sponsorships. Organizations like the and citizens to combat urgent crises, far Arabic language skills to help families welcoming newcomers, regardless of to this region and its capacity and its was over $693,000 in donations YMCA have opened their door to the away and close to home. adjust to their new lives in Canada. the circumstances of their arrival. willingness to participate in this project raised to support the settlement newcomers by expanding support, Our roots of generosity reach even “Watching this humanitarian crisis The collective response was formal, and welcome newcomers,” said Virani, of Syrian newcomers in Waterloo access and settlement services. further back, as we must acknowledge unfold, I felt compelled to help in structured and top-down – and also himself a refugee who arrived in 1972. Region.The region’s coalition of the It certainly is praise-worthy to see the Anishnawbe, Neutral and some way,” Elgadi says. “For me, informal, eclectic and grassroots-up. The event itself was noteworthy. good-hearted includes long-time the efforts put forth by an eclectic mix Haudenosaunee peoples, whose this is about people helping people The $175,000 in funding for affordable community-supporting stalwarts like of community organizations. But as traditional territory Waterloo Region is in our community. Being a first- There will be climate refugees you dig deeper, you see that Waterloo built upon. generation Canadian myself and However, as gracious as we Canadians Region has a long history of extending For others, that experience is more coming from a war-torn country, I – and the residents of Waterloo Region a hand to refugees, the dispossessed recent. The individuals and groups could relate to the challenges facing in particular – have been in opening our and the displaced. represent first-, second- or third- the refugees from Syria.” arms and our hearts to Syrian refugees, Not all of that history is good, mind generation immigrants – and they are His passion for this cause soon drove another pressing concern looms in our you; there have been periods of equally eager to give back and get him to think bigger. Elgadi, a manager near future: climate refugees. And we injustice and intolerance. In fact, as involved. The Immigration Partnership in quality control engineering at the need to be prepared. this issue goes to press, police were is one of the more recent groups, Cambridge Toyota plant, garnered Refuge Magazine, an interdisciplinary investigating a possible hate crime after founded in 2011 with a conviction that support from senior leadership at journal based in Toronto, estimates racist graffiti defaced a street muralist’s successful settlement and integration Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada. that by 2050 about 200 million people work in a civic art project. is a mutually beneficial process The result? A donation of $26,000 will be forced out of their homes due But there’s been a lot of good done that involves both immigrants and to the Immigration Partnership Fund primarily to the impacts of climate over the years – and lots of reasons the broader community engaging for Syrian Newcomers held at The change like rising sea levels, droughts, why the soil seems to be extra in a process of learning and inter- Kitchener and Waterloo Community extreme weather and disasters not yet nourishing for newcomers, fuelled by relatedness. Their definition of Foundation. foreseen. As seen by the government a generosity of time, energy, money “immigrants” includes people who The journey of Canada – and of Kiribati’s recent purchase of land and spirit. immigrated a long time ago or more Canadians – in moving from callously in Fiji, these impacts are already recently, refugees and refugee refusing to accept Jewish refugees happening. Roots of generosity claimants, immigrants who are and are fleeing Hitler (and near-certain If these projections hold true, Much of this generosity is rooted in an not Canadian citizens. death) in the past to our new role in Canada, as a country with ample space WFP/DINA EL KASSABY Lebanon, Bekaa Valley March 31, 2016: A young Syrian girl enjoys her understanding that only comes from Others include Frances Tse, a providing compassionate leadership and resources, will become one of the studies while awaiting resettlement. experience. For some, that experience supporter of The Kitchener and in welcoming refugees from the Syrian most desirable destinations for climate

64 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 65 refugees from around the globe. And submerged by rising sea levels or collaborative action. The power of yet, in spite of such high projections, the abandoned due to extreme drought many coming together and helping lack of existing Canadian regulations and heat conditions. We know there are out is much more than we can possibly and infrastructure is truly alarming. more and more climate refugees each imagine. A 2013 report from the Library year. We know these people need help. We are not dealing with refugees WFP/Dina El Kassaby of Parliament states that the “lack And we know we can help. from climate change yet. I don’t know of provision in Canada’s current The Canada we know today owes when we will or who will be responsible immigration system for the admission its identity to everyone who has called for creating and implementing a plan of people displaced for reasons directly this land home. From the Aboriginal to address this urgent concern. But I related to climate change is consistent peoples, to the millions of migrants do know I’m ready to help – and I’ll be with international law, which does not who came from all over the world, each helped by the lessons I’ve learned from recognize such people as refugees.” adding to the mosaic of this nation. the Region of Waterloo and its work to The current federal government We have a moral obligation to welcome 1,275 Syrian refugees within website identifies refugees as “people help our fellow humans in a time of the last year. who have fled their countries because significant need. Climate change of a well-founded fear of persecution, and refugee migration are a twinned Semini Pathberyia is a graduate of the and who are therefore unable to return and looming concern. We need to Environment and Resource Studies home.” This excludes climate refugees. incorporate this into our conversations. program at the University of Waterloo and Regulations like these need to It needs to be integrated into our a former A\J Editorial Intern. She currently change. regulations – locally and globally. works as an Assistant Project Manager at As the Library of Parliament report Two of the underlying causes of the an environmental analysis firm. concludes, “Best estimates suggest Syrian civil war are drought and famine, that hundreds of millions of people both directly related to the impacts of could be on the move in the coming climate change. In many ways, little To learn more about the work of decades due to the impacts of climate Alan Kurdi is not only a symbol of the Waterloo Region to resettle change. Canada has an opportunity strife in Syria, but also of the dangers of Syrian refugees, please visit: now to plan an orderly and effective climate change – an innocent martyred wrwelcomesrefugees.ca response to the coming crisis.” like some canary in a coal-mine to You can learn more about the We know that climate change awaken us all to the coming dangers. government-supported, Canada-wide is a real and present threat whose We Canadians have a capacity efforts by visiting: www.cic.gc.ca/ impacts can (and in all likelihood will) to help and the Region of Waterloo english/refugees/welcome make it impossible to return to homes has demonstrated the power of Give Hope When millions of Syrian Your donation to the World Food Programme Your ad goes here! refugees felt forgotten, could make a huge difference by providing the world responded. Syrian refugees with vital food vouchers Give your organization/company unparalleled access to Canada’s environmental community, allowing to buy food. you to promote your events, programs and campaigns to a highly receptive audience. That glimmer of hope is Here are just three reasons why you should consider advertising: keeping them going. No refugee should go hungry.

Engaged readers But this winter, many more WE NEED YOUR HELP Our educated, informed readers are highly engaged with A\J. 52.8% have made purchases based on ads and reviews they saw in our magazine. still urgently need our help. wfp.org/Syria

Growing readership or text “RELIEF” to 45678 A\J also has a vibrant, growing online community we reach through alternativesjournal.ca, to donate $10. social media and our e-newsletter. Supporting Environmental Journalism in Canada A\J is Canada’s oldest and most respected environmental media organization, a charitable corporation founded to support our community. Your ads empower our work. WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency providing food asssistance to some 80 million To learn more or to book your ads, please visit: alternativesjournal.ca/advertising people in 80 countries.

Join us follow us on Facebook @WFP 66 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 67 LAUREN JUDGE

PETER LEE/WATERLOO REGION RECORD Volunteers paint Pamela Rojas’ outdoor mural titled “We Are All The Same“ (2010). See details of the finished piece on page 36.

magine standing on a street corner in a Canadian city in the middle of February, and every wall that surrounds you is covered in a bright, colourful painting. Vibrant images reflect our diverse I culture and relationships with nature. Imagine walking past these illustrations every morning as you start your day. You probably wouldn’t care as much that the wind is whipping at your cheeks, Power of Art or that the ground is covered in brown slush, because you would always be looking up, anticipating The Pomegranate Mural Collective shows that anyone more colour as you go. can help paint a vision for a vibrant community. You will find murals in other cities – and some are celebrating the muralism movement with events. The Vancouver Mural Festival happened this past August and brought together 35 new murals, 20 artists and plenty of music and local business to celebrate. Waterloo Region’s own Cambridge International Street Art Festival happens in August as well.

68 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 69 In the US, Philadelphia has implemented a city-wide mural program, supported by a network of artists and volunteers, to beautify its downtown core. Detroit artists are using all forms of public art, including murals, to engage community members in the city’s revitalization. But there is also something just a little different bubbling in Waterloo The objectives are simple. Region. In a tiny creative studio, in a former Kitchener factory space, visual artist Pamela Rojas is surrounded by Involve artists, engage other colourful canvases large and small, PAMELA ROJAS PAMELA sculptures and other creations in preparation for her next exhibit. What members of the community, you cannot see are the murals that she has created around the community, although if you look hard enough, there and colour up this town! Logo for the Pomegranate Mural Collective. are small-scale models and sketches for some. The stories behind these murals demonstrate a new level of artistic civic engagement and have sparked the creation of the Pomegranate Mural Collective. More about that later. to settle in their new community. “For Community Engagement, to create the as well. For example, volunteers can Rojas grew up in Santiago, Chile a few of the newcomer children, it was Pomegranate Collective. “We called it apply to help with the collective’s social where people, politics and murals their first time having an art class. They Pomegranate because the fruit inside media efforts. intertwined to reflect the stories were a blank canvas. I got to teach is like little pieces. All of us can be Forming collectives around artistic of Santiago’s history, turmoil and them to mix colours and apply paint.” represented by that,” Rojas says. ”I am initiatives can increase efficiency (more celebration. In Chile, participating Now, on some evenings during the artistic director. Eric is this creative heads are better than one) and inspire in mural painting equates to civic the week, you’ll find Rojas working administrator.” a sense of belonging and connection to engagement. As a young adult, Rojas with children and youth at The Family The objectives are simple. Involve care for community. The Pomegranate moved to Spain and studied at the Centre, which is the newest addition artists, engage other members of the Mural Collective intends to blanket the Diego Rivera | Allegory of California | 1931 prestigious Della Robbia in Seville, to Family and Children’s Services of community, and colour up this town! But Region of Waterloo in colour by uniting specializing in sculpture and ceramics. the Waterloo Region. Let’s just say that the full intentions are yet to be realized. artists and community members. At the Later in 1996, she worked in Seville since Rojas met their acquaintance, Rojas shares her vision “In the future heart is diversity and togetherness. A Short History of Muralism as an assistant to muralist Ximena the white walls in the halls are starting when we have more people to join The collective’s next project is a ARTISTS, RESEARCHERS AND HEALERS have known for centuries that Ahumada de Avila, also originally from to fill with colour, pictoral story, and us, we can have different committees mural for the Welcome Home Refugee colour can have transformative and restorative effects on human health. If being surrounded by large colourful images can improve our mental Chile. even some youthful portraits. They are inside the collective. And we can have Housing Community in Waterloo well-being, then murals have the power to generate more profound Ahumada shared stories of times muralizing the halls, one session at a more artists helping to design the Region. Rojas brings her experience as connections to our surroundings. As the art form becomes more accessible, when political turmoil would spark time, but the influence and effects go murals. I want the fusion between my an immigrant to this project. there are more opportunities to participate in the beautification, which mural collectives to form and take deeper on a personal level. “When we mural and another. I want to see that Now imagine yourself as a recent translates into more connections with other community members. action. Rojas recounts, “She had to started creating the mural, at first the – how two artists, or three or four can newcomer to Canada, standing at Since the first cave paintings 40,000 years ago, murals have become a paint in the night, clandestinely. She kids were scared, like ‘I can’t do that,’ work in partnership.” an intersection of a Canadian city in way to unite people, celebrate differences, protest war and injustice and would have one part of the mural to but once we finished, their ownership Van Giessen explains that February, and every wall that surrounds communicate hope. do. They had an organized collective, and pride is high, because they’ve “Community is central to this collective. you is covered in a bright, colourful The spirit of muralism reached a pinnacle in the 20th century through so a few guys drawing, another group completed something huge and they Our hope is that people will say, ‘if I painting. And when you discover that the works of Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco, whose influential works often distressed right-wing sympathizers and colouring, and another do the retouch understand the concept of teamwork. want Kitchener to be this sort of place, you are welcome to join in with other dictatorial regimes. – the black lines.” The murals had to be Each kid has different personalities, then I need to step up and make that creations like this, just imagine how From the 1920s to the 1980s in Central and South America, the muralism completed in the dark in one night. and so I’ve found which of their traits or happen.” that will make you feel valued, more movement powerfully expressed socialist and nationalist sentiments, Rojas moved to Canada in 2005, strengths can best add to the creation Rojas makes the painting process connected to this new community – like sometimes as propaganda. landing a settlement work position at of the mural.” easy for community members with little you belong. In times of industrial revolution and civil war, it was a way to Kitchener’s Reception House, helping Wanting to bring that same personal or no experience. Community murals communicate with everyone, from the illiterate to the educated. newcomers settle in the community. transformational power of art to a are simple in design, and Rojas maps Lauren Judge is chief change maker and While controversial, the popularity of this art form can be attributed Reception House assists families of community level, Rojas collaborated out every colour and shape, like a giant project manager specializing in innovation to its accessible nature. Anyone can share the ownership of the creative strategies, design thinking and storytelling process, the message and the final product as a colourful landmark. many languages, and you can just earlier this year with Eric Van Giessen, paint by numbers. “When you do it with at abstractpm.com. She interviewed – LJ imagine how physically and culturally a street art enthusiast and master’s guidance you are not set to fail.” Pamela Rojas in August 2016. disoriented many would be as they try candidate in Social Justice and Pomegranate welcomes other skills pamelarojas.com.

70 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 71 REFLECTION A\J STAFF Top 10 Tips for Environmentalists to Key Takeaways build ‘belonging’ in our community AS I WAS preparing the story on the COMPASSION, inclusion, justice dignity YMCA, it struck me that the key lesson and hope – these are the core values of 1. Do the hard work, every for environmentalists is to look at Waterloo Region’s House of Friendship. day, as the devil is in the the role your organization currently The words offer superb guidance for details. plays in addressing the problem or engaging with anyone walking through situation, examine the role that needs the organization’s door. The House of 2. You don’t have to like to be played, and then determine if an Friendship admirably works with the everyone to respect them. adjustment and/or adaptation to your most marginalized of our community offerings are in order. and these values in combination with 3. There’s a need to make Public service or serving the greater their motto “Belong and Thrive” can room for new voices good - in our case, working on behalf have a universal application in any and new participants. of the environment - requires a review interactions on any level in society. Understand how to of how you can best serve that greater House of Friendship staff “walks welcome newcomers to our good in what you do today AND with” (not for) people to enable them community. tomorrow. Always make time to think to become part of our community; to about how you can best serve future help people find a meaningful way to 4. Be open-minded needs while delivering today’s services. connect and contribute. The results are and open-hearted rich. Those who receive, soon find ways when exploring new David McConnachie, publisher, on “Our to give back. opportunities. Team” (pg. 56) Marcia Ruby, publisher emerita, on “Walk 5. Collaborate and create PAMELA ROJAS’ experience with with Me” (pg. 26) with unlikely partners. muralism in this region inspires me to The power of be open to learning from other people’s ORGANIZATIONS in the environmental 6. listening and informed experiences in addition to my own. We movement are often very idealistic - conversations. like to think that we know best, but it's this is not a bad thing, but it can result probable that there are better practices in a disconnect between activists and 7. Adrienne Clarkson’s ice- in action across the world. funders. It was nice to see the JW cube metaphor: Everyone It is important to strive for solutions McConnell Family Foundation find a in Canada is an ice cube, that work for many categories of constructive solution to their problem we melt into one another, people, rather than the homogenous by forcing the funding applicants to get creating something new, but group. Alternative perspectives are so along; many other funders would have Details from Pamela Rojas’ creation of the “Stories of new beginnings” mural in 2014. we each retain our shape and critical to success. These lessons would simply said ‘no’ to each organization. our individuality. Photo courtesy of the artist. be valuable to employees in businesses Conditional funding like this will be a of all sizes across many industries. big tool funders can use to make the 8. Check your ego at the Often the best creations belong not negotiation table a home to negotiation door….there’s no such thing to an individual, but to a community. instead of ransom. as a small contributor or Selina Vesely, graphics assistant, on “The Jack Parkinson, intern, on the “Low Carbon contribution. Each step, Power of Art” (pg. 70) Partnership” (pg. 48) however large or small, is important. Creating Belonging I HAD THE HONOUR WHILE WRITING “Seeds of Change” of interviewing 9. Embrace technology that It takes many tools to create a masterpiece. I realized just how important it is for Madam Clarkson for this issue. I’ve helps you do more good, environmental groups to support been a student of this country for a from donor management diversity in their community. Canada is long time now so having the chance to systems through to ‘big known for its multiculturalism, and with speak with one of the most foremost HIS ISSUE PUSHED US out of our comfort zone while at the same time making the data’ empowered research thousands of diverse groups it’s easy people who is working to shape this and development. process easier; proximity can be a blessing. But we challenged ourselves to look to see how some may feel isolated. country was an experience I will never beyond what we thought we knew about belonging in Waterloo Region as we Encouraging everyone to be involved in forget. Madam Clarkson's passion and 10. Ensure that you have T the growing environmental community unyielding optimism for this country is embarked upon developing this issue. We wanted to explore this topic as a case-study the resources to power builds trust and strengthens the inspiring and will be something I try to the work – or how to ‘sell’ about community building, and here’s our take (and our takeaways) on Creating Belonging. environmental movement. mirror in my own activism. building belonging to your Veronika Szostak, intern, on “Seeds of Teghan Barton, editorial assistant, on stakeholders. // Change” (pg. 54) “State of Belonging” (pg. 42) //

72 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 73 CLIMATE FOR CHANGE TZEPORAH BERMAN IN REVIEW

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE UNCONNECTED Boundary Layer: Exploring the Genius Between Worlds Kem Luther, Corvallis: Oregon State University Press, 2016, 186 pages.

Reviewed by CHERYL HENDRICKSON chapters there are meta-facts that #CreateChange are engaging and read-aloud worthy. he attractive book with the moss For example, 90 percent of forest Are you an issue swimmer or a changemaker? Twatercolour on the cover caught plants are estimated to have secretive, my eye in the new A\J office. The back below-ground fungal partnerships that WHEN I FIRST conversation about the issue is term objectives that you will meet cover promised an “exhilarating mix of are essential for some plants (such as started campaigning simply not campaigning. Good because of your activities. The key natural history, botanical exploration orchids), and for others, gives them there was no Twitter, campaigning is about driving the to a good strategy is marrying your and philosophical speculation” of access to increased nutrients and no Facebook, no conversation, it’s about creating a knowledge of an issue, your goals interest to, among others, botanists like contributes to their success. Instagram … no dialogue that can lead to a specific and your capacity/resources to me. Intrigued, I picked it up thinking, While Luther correctly identifies the Internet. Good outcome. Good campaigning means create a plan that moves an issue perhaps Boundary Layer will give me paucity of specialists able to identify organizing happened outlining a strategy that is anchored forward (creates dialogue, engages a fresh perspective on the way I do mosses, his list of practitioners only TZEPORAH around your kitchen in events and key moments that you decision makers and ensures botanical surveys and reclamation work includes academics and their students. table, in cafes and in Alberta. There are moss specialists working in by phone. I still remember when we It does not, but that doesn’t mean Alberta who are not connected with figured out how to broadcast fax to I didn’t enjoy parts of this book. The any university, and there is a surge of multiple numbers from the Friends of “boundary layer” as a concept is first quarter of the book. We understand enthusiasm to learn to identify mosses Clayoquot Sound office in my friend Good campaigning is about revealed as a physics phenomenon. why, when Luther reveals in the and lichens among some professional Val’s living room. It was revolutionary As a metaphor, it is expanded to epilogue that he is a graduate of and amateur botanists. and saved us hours standing over the driving the conversation, it’s include the layer of diminutive mosses, philosophy at the University of Chicago. Besides saying there are not enough fax machine. Today in organizing it is lichens, and fungi (collectively referred So if you enjoy the larger sweep of trained specialists to identify non- easier to get the word out and quicker about creating a dialogue that to as non-vascular plants) that occupy thought about the origins of ecology, or vascular plants, Luther also mentions to engage hundreds if not thousands the boundary between earthly and of the definition of wilderness and the the difficulty that single-year baseline of people. I worry though that the can lead to a specific outcome. atmospheric strata. Then Luther looks ramifications this has had on past and surveys pose for fungi, which do not art of self-directed issue-based at the in-between places of ecosystems current policy – to name two examples all produce identifiable mushrooms campaigning is dying out with the at different scales, for example, the – you may find these sections and annually, but might only do so every flood of information and connection rare ecosystem on BC’s West Coast chapters thought provoking. If, for a five years or more. As well, he raises we now have. create, that engage decision makers outcomes that change the status of that lives between active and stable feet-on-the-ground practitioner like me, the difficulty in understanding and All too often we get to our desks in and force a response. the issue). In a good strategy you dunes. Finally, he applies the metaphor you are not, or if you fill the rift in other categorizing a symbiotic organism such the morning, turn on our computers, Events are the stuff of politics find a point of leverage that can to the undefined place between ways, such as with art or spirituality, as lichen, the result of a partnership and follow the flow of the news. Read and news. They drive change and crack open the issue. That point the humanities and science that there will be a chunk of this book that between fungi and algae, where the this article, react to that article, post conversation – reports, panels, of leverage is what you build your Luther says, “is my own deepest rift.” will be skimmed or passed over. fungal partner provides structure for this article. Maybe you hear of a marches, rallies, direct actions, campaign around. You don’t build Boundary layer is a construct that ties Luther does take a naturalist’s look the alga, and the alga photosynthesizes meeting taking place to discuss the debates, legal action. Events set your campaign around issue analysis. these otherwise unconnected topics at the mosses, fungi and lichens that and provides food for the fungus. The issues you’re following in the news … the pace and give you a foothold for This is a common mistake. You together. occupy the terrestrial boundary layer, two organisms combined express not You attend that meeting and perhaps planning. You must make the world analyse your issue and the power To fill this rift, philosophical and it is a good introduction to these as either, but as a new organism: lichen. write a blog post on your opinion of respond to you. Making change dynamics in order to understand speculation makes about a often overlooked plants. In these Both the timing of surveys and botanic that particular issue. means doing something, it’s not where your point of leverage is that complexities underscore why efforts to Occasionally you participate in just about getting the information can create a vehicle for coalition survey pre-development communities organizing a rally or drafting a report. out and explaining your opinions. building and debate. to reduce environmental impacts, or In my experience, today the majority Your opinions are not necessarily The bottom line is we need to go Read ahead with A\J protect rare species, are so imperfect. of people who think of themselves news but coming out of Neil Young’s back to planning and organizing It poses the question, as James Kay as organizers and issue campaigners mouth they are; if you are swinging rather than just responding. If we pointed out in this journal 20 years do some version of this pattern off a building they are; if you can want to make change we need to You’ll find tomorrow’s ago: do we only count wildlife that are attractive and easy to see? every day. The bottom line is that show 100 scientists or 10,000 people make real things happen – not just headlines today in A\J we are becoming issue experts but share your opinion … you can make make arguments. Luther examines each boundary not campaigners. We are “issue it news. layer species or ecosystem through swimming” instead of driving change. Good campaigning is about best known BC researchers. Some Responding instead of creating. creating a strategy, charting a Tzeporah Berman has been designing of their personal journeys as relayed Following an issue, knowing critical pathway. It is about setting and running environmental campaigns ajmag.ca/subscribe by Luther are more engaging than it inside out, participating in a long-term goals and then shorter in Canada and beyond for over 20 years. Continued on page 78 …

74 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 75 JACK PARKINSON Global Citizenship Civis Mundi Sum is a thirty-year project to empower a movement for positive global activism.

S I APPROACHED Matt Foster’s scoff at the idea, but he gave me an in the world’s oceans to democratic house in a Cambridge suburb, example which helped translate it into voting reform) with the world, and some A I realized that it didn’t look like practical terms. ideas to get started on a solution. There the house of a political revolutionary. There are many international activist is no membership application process, In fact, it was an altogether groups, Foster reasons, but there and there is no card to carry. The unremarkable Cambridge house: quaint are also many groups who also work most identifiable trait of a Civis Mundi and nicely maintained, but not doing within a single country only. National member would be a tie or sewn-on much to stand out against the backdrop focus can help a lot of groups in terms pocket coloured terra cotta - the group’s of the neighbourhood surrounding signature colour, readily available in any it. When Foster answered the door country, and Latin for “burnt earth.” and invited me inside, my thinking Citizens could introduce themselves continued this way: nice furniture, an as John Q. Public, Civis Mundi or expansive kitchen, but not the hubbub say “Civis Mundi Sum” (“I am a world of activity most people associate with citizen” in Latin), in order to signify political movements. Foster himself was their commitment to international

a friendly man well into his senior years, communication and progress. PARKINSON JACK very soft-spoken and polite. Despite Communication is the name of the Matt Foster in his home in Cambridge, Ontario. this, he had a firm handshake - I got the game in Civis Mundi. Foster specifies impression there was a lot beneath his that he wants people to talk to each surface, and I was about to be proven other and figure out problems for the Going to work was like working on a other Ontario towns about proportional net) could use an update. Frankly, right. unique ways world problems affect hobby you loved,” Foster recalls. representation, a topic back in the news he could use some help ensuring We said hello before Foster and I each country. Given the advancements As part of his work, he travelled today. Foster was able to accomplish his vision of world citizenship and walked upstairs to the room where The Civis Mundi logo. in international communication in the internationally to see the newest this as a gesture of faith from one an aware global population is seen he had been working towards world last 10 years, Civis Mundi’s goal is technology and techniques for poultry nation to another, and there were many by more – which may be more likely citizenship for three decades. Like the of narrowing down their actions, but more attainable than it has been at any incubation. Foster’s travels took him other, smaller community events in than you’d think, given how much the rest of the house, it was plain. Two it can also mean a lot of repetition is previous point in the organization’s to China, India, and many countries in Cambridge where Civis Mundi has a millennial generation prioritizes global desks, two chairs, two moderately necessary for worldwide progress. history. Europe. presence. communication and citizenship. old computers. A filing shelf filled with “It’s all fine and noble, but they’re “I don’t think this would’ve been “China had just opened up – While I would like to say the future The difference one man or woman books and binders of notes. From this working within a single nation, within a possible without the changes in everyone was still wearing their Mao looks bright for Civis Mundi, as we makes is more than likely going to room, the organization Civis Mundi single legislative process,” Foster said. communication,” Foster said. suits.” move into an age of global information be felt by people in that person’s began. If Canada wants to outlaw Foster’s mission to build Civis Mundi While in India and China, Foster and communication, that would not community rather than around the Foster’s idea of a world citizen is the production and sale of an has been a long and mostly invisible could not help but notice how poverty- honestly be the truth. Foster is aware world – so doesn’t that make the whole more or less what you’d think it is. There environmentally hazardous substance, one (it’s a safe bet to say the average stricken some places were. He would of the elephant in the room: given the idea a wash? are many problems with the world, for instance, then all the effort to get reader will not have heard of his walk by people whose shelter was a sheer scale of what Foster wanted to But, then again, that’s all Civis and many of them affect the entire that through Canadian legislation will cause before reading this article). He plastic bag stretched across two sticks do, progress is tough to measure and Mundi wanted to do: encourage global world. Thus, if the human race wants to need to be repeated for dozens of dropped out of high school in grade 10, in the ground, then go back to his even tougher to make. citizens who are making positive effectively fix these problems, we need countries around the globe. It only joined the military, and served in the marble-floored hotel. “At my age, if I write to university change. If that happens to be on a a way of reaching out to each other and makes sense for the world’s people UN forces in Egypt. Upon his return, Something had to change. papers, I’m ignored,” said Foster. community centre stage instead of the working across national borders. to have some common banner under he finished high school, then studied Foster initially founded the group “If I write to environmental groups, world stage, so be it. “All change comes from the bottom which to unite and speak up in favour of unsuccessfully at Conestoga and with some of friends and colleagues, to they’re swamped. There is seldom a up,” Foster told me, paraphrasing one of positive change. Waterloo before finding an opportunity modest initial success – most notably chance for conversation.” his favoured quotes from Chomski. That’s where Civis Mundi comes in: to work as a poultry incubation the hosting of Dutch professor Paul And there is the matter of Foster’s Jack Parkinson is a graduate of Conestoga Foster’s goal is quite literally to the organization presents 26 fields of engineer. Lucardie during the early 1990s for a age; he’s no spring chicken anymore. College's print journalism program and is change the world - most people would problems (ranging from plastic particles “Poultry incubation was my passion. series of speeches in Cambridge and Civis Mundi’s website (civismundi. an editorial intern with A\J.

76 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 77 From page 75 … others, like the Czech mycologists who government employees and academics at work in our daily context we will chose not to return to their homeland who carry the narrative for ecological- stop recognizing these processes. in defiance of their government and scale stories. Eventually we will stop valuing them.” stayed in Canada to build new careers Although all of the people, species The converse is also true: when in British Columbia. Or the lichenologist and ecosystems are in British Columbia, we understand and recognize the OUR who overcame severe depression, the processes described happen processes of nature at work, we will now lives and studies in park-like globally and shouldn’t stop anyone value them and become engaged. VOICES seclusion, and says, “news to me is anywhere from getting something out where the snowline on the mountain is of this book, philosophically, historically Cheryl Hendrickson is a consulting MATTER today”. Both character sketches come or scientifically. biogeographer who lives in Alberta’s as a welcome relief when my interest Ultimately, Luther opines that, boundary layer of foothills. She is a long- starts to fade with the less captivating “Unable to see the processes of nature ago managing editor of A\J. OUR 75 YEARS OF FIGHTING OPINIONS Community Vitality: From Adaptation to Transformation Ann Dale, Rebecca Foon, Yuill Herbert and Rob Newell COUNT

Reviewed by SALLY LERNER governance. This requires a move from traditional consultation to dialogues, HELP US TO readers are familiar, perhaps where governments are mandated A\Jto the point of saturation, with to educate people as well as solicit SPEAK FOR the discourse around sustainability. feedback on existing and new Community Vitality is a valuable government policies and programs. THE FUTURE addition to the conversation primarily Fundamental to expanded decision- In an uncertain financial and because it explores the myriad contexts are principles of participation, political climate, your voice connections among the environmental, both face-to-face and virtual.” (81) is threatened. social and governance aspects of To meet the varied ‘wellness’ needs sustainability. of the elderly, children, youth and a As a not-for-profit media “Vital communities are characterized variety of other groups, consideration organization, A\J needs Next in A\J by strong, active and inclusive must be given to creating the all- your help to ensure that we relationships between residents, important social capital that underpins can continue to produce private sector, public sector and civil quality of life in any community. The and share critical stories evidence-based research summarized society organizations that work to foster “some communities are resilient, about environmental ideas Lifelong Education individual and collective wellbeing. in many of the book’s chapters calls adaptive and innovative in the face of and action. Today, environmental education has grown beyond the classroom Vital communities are those that are attention to the need for integrated change and others are not?” (1). The aim to incorporate a world of experiential learning tools, from open- able to cultivate and marshal these thinking that clarifies the links between of this accessible book is to “translate” Together, with one voice, we access lectures to hands-on ecotourism. In the next issue of A\J, we relationships in order to create, adapt the built environment, green spaces such research into a straightforward stand for what we believe in. begin to explore this new age of environmental education, including: and thrive in the changing world and yet sophisticated primer for anyone and human contact. For example, parks thus improve well-being of citizens.“(7) interested in that question. are (usually) good, but how can they be Together, with one voice, The Evolution of Environmental Education made more welcoming for parents and What makes the difference between Each community has its own unique we can all speak for Linda Skilton dean of Fleming College’s Frost Campus, explores the changing toddlers, for walkers seeking company surviving and thriving? In 2009, set of values, problems and goals. Canada’s environment. nature of post-secondary environmental education in Canada and how or peaceful solitude? It is the answers respected academic Dr. Ann Dale Community Vitality offers a conceptual colleges and universities are collaborating to empower more opportunities for to these kinds of questions that must (Royal Roads University) asked her framework that allows people in very students. research team to explore the notion different places to begin discussing come from all of the people who live in of community vitality, seen as a key how to map their community’s path to any particular community. Experiential Learning via Ecotourism concept underlying the question of why satisfying sustainable living. There is no This compact, well-researched Support Akansha Halbe is our travel guide as we learn about on-the-ground learning cookie-cutter model here. One of the book suggests coherent ways of experiences that support conservation and responsible travel. book’s central points is the necessary thinking about how to develop thriving sustainable communities A\J today role of ‘homegrown’ participatory alternativesjournal.ca/donate The 2016 Environmental Education Guide and governance in designing for and as well as renovate existing ones. Directory Who wants a Make cheques payable to Alternatives Inc. achieving community vitality. As such, it is a valuable contribution 195 King St. W., Kitchener, ON N2G 1B1 It’s back and its bigger than ever! A\J’s 2016 Environmental Education guide/ subscription? “Part of the transition to new forms of to the contemporary sustainability Call 1-866-437-2587 to donate by phone. directory is jam-packed with helpful insights and insightful profiles to help you governance is expanding the base of conversation. make the most of your environmental education experience. decision-makers to allow for ongoing + Lots more news, notes and reviews as always. ajmag.ca/subscribe discussion – essentially expanding Sally Lerner is professor emerita at the In the meantime, fill up on more great stories atalternativesjournal.ca what we define as government and Faculty of Environment, uWaterloo.

78 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 79 WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? ROBERT GIBSON Acceptable Many approvals of controversial undertakings rest on an obsolete standard marked by an imaginary line. DILBIT could be a and necessity.” In practice that has questions have been central. Interests good name for a goofy meant judging whether (and under and experts have disagreed, often dog. Instead it is short what terms and conditions) each forcefully and fundamentally – not for “diluted bitumen,” proposed pipeline is acceptable. only about the likelihood of particular the serious mix of light The “acceptability” test is a relic from effects from individual projects, but petroleum diluent the days when private sector resource also about what bigger issues should and the oily tarry exploitation ventures were a mostly be on the table, what happens if all the ROBERT sandy goop that the hydrocarbon industry wants to ship from Northern Alberta to Acceptable to whom? For how long? Assuming what foreign markets. Unlike bitumen, dilbit flows in circumstances? Relative to what other options? pipelines and several new or expanded dilbit pipelines will be built if the industry gets its way. The proposed unquestioned Good Thing, and just pipelines are approved, what would be pipelines – most notably the Northern needed to be checked to ensure the a fair distribution of benefits and risks, Gateway and Transmountain pipelines engineering was sound and the results and how might any dilbit pipeline fit in from Alberta to British Columbia’s would not offend national policy. a viable plan to meet Canadian climate Pacific coast, Line 3 across the prairies, In those days it was possible to commitments. and the Energy East pipeline to New imagine an identifiable line between The old NEB has doggedly persisted Brunswick and the Atlantic – would unacceptable and acceptable. in trying to identify a line between facilitate big increases in bitumen Technical analyses by specialized acceptable and unacceptable for the extraction, transportation, processing experts and close relations with individual projects of an unsustainable and eventual combustion. government and the regulated industry agenda. So far, it has succeeded mostly The main attraction is jobs and could reveal whether or not a proposed in undermining its own credibility. Its revenues, presuming the price of oil project met the accepted standard of approval of the Northern Gateway rises. However, bitumen extraction is established practice. proposal met a wall of Aboriginal and already an environmental horror. Spilled Unfortunately for the NEB, the public interest opposition, high court pipeline dilbit is a clean-up nightmare, imagined line between acceptable and rejection and political abandonment. and bringing more bitumen to market is unacceptable has faded. Established The other proposals may fare no better. difficult to justify in a country committed practice is now widely associated with For the dilbit pipelines, the relevant to doing its part to prevent climate imposing local sacrifices, disregarding question is not whether this or that old warming beyond 1.5ºC. Aboriginal rights and ignoring climate economy project is in some narrow Inevitably, then, proposals for more change. The available information is technical or political sense acceptable, dilbit pipeline capacity have faced always incomplete, the simplifying but whether such projects will move determined opposition. assumptions are always debatable, us to a more promising future. That is a For much of the past decade, the and acceptable is always a matter of question about options and objectives. designated lightning rod for these choices and preferences. It rejects imaginary lines and faces the conflicts has been the beleaguered Even when acceptability decisions big choices. old National Energy Board (NEB) – an are coated with technical analyses and An approval test based on best old school regulatory body with a staff buttressed by entrenched expectations, options for a viable and desirable future of technical experts and a board of they always rest on assumed is demanding but realistic. Settling for PHONE appointees sensitive to industry and answers to the big choice questions less is unacceptable. 519 725 1806 government concerns. – acceptable to whom? for how long? Formally, the NEB’s job is to assuming what circumstances? judged Robert Gibson is the chair of A\J’s editorial determine whether each major pipeline against what criteria? relative to what board and a professor in the School of EMAIL proposal “is and will be required by the other options? Environment and Resource Studies at [email protected] present and future public convenience In the dilbit pipeline cases, these uWaterloo. WEBSITE 80 alternativesjournal.ca 42:3 2016 www.kwcf.ca sustainability.dal.ca Learning. becoming Leaders. Bringing change to the campus and the world Thanks for Reading!

If you like what you saw and want to make a difference, be an environmental hero and subscribe to A\J! At Dalhousie, sustainability is woven into all we do: teaching, learning, researching, working, and living. Dal’s Student Union Sustainability Office sponsors Green Week, the Green Awards You’ll receive 4 issues of cutting-edge at the Spring Green Gala, a campus community garden, bike repair stations, the Canadian environmental journalism and Loaded Ladle café, weekly CSA veggie boxes and the SEED ethical investing initia- tive. Students enrolled in the ESS (Environment, Sustainability and Society) program analysis delivered right to your mailbox – are passionate advocates for sustainability and social change. real or digital. Here, sustainability is more than an ideal; it’s a force for change. Our students and graduates bring this energy to their whole lives, to build a better future for all of us. CLICK HERE TO SET YOUR INNER ENVIRONMENTALIST FREE! Environment, Sustainability and Society Double major available in seven degree programs and more than 40 subject areas. Alternatives Journal (A\J) has been publishing since 1971. The Canadian environmental movement is chronicled in our pages. For more on the history of A\J CLICK HERE. 42:3 2016 alternativesjournal.ca 83