After working for years in youth development internationally (Ethiopia and Kenya), last year I worked with a group of youth in the Rexdale area of Toronto for the first time. As I worked with these youth in this marginalized and impoverished community, I began to ask myself the question, what does “development” mean to youth? Especially youth who are being “developed”.
My job as a Youth Program Manager had me working with youth to understand issues of poverty, racial discrimination, confidence building and mentorship last summer.  The more involved …

I can’t wait!  Don’t really see how they’re linked, (just like I also don’t really get what cupcakes have to do with earthquakes either) but I love a good charity gimick, and I love a good group fitness class!

Running for a Reason is proud to present Black 2 Basics for Haiti. This fun, high energy fitness event will be held at Circa on January 31st. B2B for Haiti will attract health and fitness enthusiasts of all ages. In addition, the event will provide a fun opportunity for us to help …

People are being so generous in supporting the people of Haiti and the relief work going on there. I would encourage individuals interested in providing support to consider becoming monthly donors with charities rather than giving larger one-time gifts.
In a nutshell, sign up to be a monthly donor because:

it allows charities to provide immediate relief when an emergency occurs
it helps the charity budget effectively
the admin fees are as low as possible
small amounts every month are affordable for the donor

Allow me to explain.
Small monthly gifts provide stable, reliable funding for the …

Tuesday January 19
FILM: Earth 2100 Film screening and discussion on climate change, peak oil and population growth. 6:30 pm. Free. Annette LIbrary, 145 Annette. green13toronto.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, January 20
LECTURE: Build Social Capital with Robert Campbell. 6:00pm-9:00pm. Centre for Social Innovation, Suite 120.
LECTURE: Allies In Protecting The Environment: First Nations And The Land Lecture by Six Nations Eco Centre manager Paul General. 7:30-9:30 pm. $12. Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence E. nanps.org.
LECTURE: Canada’s Role In The Global Water Crisis Lecture. 4:10 pm. Free. U of T Faculty Club, 41 Willcocks. environment.utoronto.ca.
Thursday, January …

A couple of interesting articles designed to help Canadians deal better with the Haitian tragedy came out this weekend.  It may sound silly - why do we need help to deal with a situation from which we are so far removed?  These articles look at what the best way for us to give is, and also how we can take advantage of this teachable moment for our kids:
The Haiti Talk: How to Discuss Disasters with your Kids
So You Want to Help Haiti…
I decided to support Partners in Health, a health …