There were two types of participants in Energetic Olympics: Municipal and Individual

Each participant logged their energy-saving activities and scored points for their various actions. Check out the different actions by clicking on the links below.
 

One Sky congratulates its Energetic Olympics winners!
Two years ago, One Sky invited BC communities and their residents to reduce their energy consumption through a friendly competition. Sixteen responded to the challenge and we’re pleased to announce our gold, silver and bronze medal winners in two categories: Heavyweight (for communities with 5,000 or more residents) and Lightweight (for communities with less than 5,000 residents.)

Heavyweight
1st/Gold: City of Terrace: 33,540 points
2nd/Silver: City of Dawson Creek: 31,070 points
3rd/Bronze: City of Prince Rupert: 15,000 points

Lightweight
1st/Gold: Village of McBride: 13,300 points
2nd/Silver: Village of Queen Charlotte: 10,210 points
3rd/Bronze: Village of Burns Lake: 6,780 points

One Sky would also like to recognize the efforts all its participating communities and their residents. Together, they have taken steps to significantly reduce their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.

READ MORE ABOUT HOW IT WORKED

Canadian Ecohealth Training and Awards Program: EXTENSION of the call for

applications

This competition is an initiative of the Canadian Community of Practice in

Ecosystem Approaches to Health (CoPEH-Can), financed by the International

Development Research Center. We invite you to visit our website:

www.copeh-canada.org

As part of the educational mandate of this initiative, CoPEH-Can will be hosting

an 11-day short course entitled Ecosystem Approaches to Health (Ecohealth) in

conjunction with l’Université de Moncton (U de M), Moncton, New Brunswick,

Canada from June 16 to June 27, 2012. The 2012 short-course will comprise two parts:

i. Ecosystem Approaches to Health Workshop (June 16-19) with ~twenty-five

participants; 

ii. Ecosystem Approaches to Health Field-school (June 16-27, continues after

workshop) with a maximum of fifteen participants who must complete the

requirements of 3 credit graduate level field-school.

The deadline for application is April 9th, 2012. Please refer to the 2012

competition section of our website for more information regarding the short

course and the call for applications.

This course will be held in a French-speaking environment. Some of the sessions

in the course will be given in French, others will be given in English. It is

essential that all participants in the course understand both languages. All

participants will be encouraged to express themselves in either French or

English, according to their preference.

Students with an interest in integrating an ecosystem approach into their

research are invited to apply for a Graduate Training Award or a Bruce Hunter

Training Award. We invite you to visit our website: www.copeh-canada.org for

more information.

Feel free to distribute this information widely to interested colleagues and

networks.

Leading From Within - Video on integral leadership for sustainable development in West Africa

This 27min video explores One Sky's integral leadership program in Nigeria, entitled Leading From Within. Thirty participants explore issues like HIV/AIDS, climate change, rainforest conservation, governance, widow's rights and youth empowerment in the context of leadership development. The three-year program, involving 30 participants and a dozen facilitators from several different countries, was designed with an integral approach in terms of curriculum, pedagogy, coaching, and program design. The program resulted in seven Breakthrough Initiatives and the formation of the African Integral Development Network. The video may be of particular interest to development practitioners interested in integral theory and psycho-social models of leadership development, however it does not require prior knowledge of the integral model. Includes scenes of village life in Nigeria, including ceremonies with chiefs and traditional songs with women, and also gives the viewer a felt-sense of how the Nigerian leaders in One Sky's program are making sustainable changes throughout the South-East corner of this country. Note to educators: this would be an excellent resource for university, college or even high school students.

One Sky welcomes comments and feedback, as we are still refining the video and this may not be the final version.

Leading From Within - Video on integral leadership for sustainable development in West Africa

This 27min video explores One Sky's integral leadership program in Nigeria, entitled Leading From Within. Thirty participants explore issues like HIV/AIDS, climate change, rainforest conservation, governance, widow's rights and youth empowerment in the context of leadership development. The three-year program, involving 30 participants and a dozen facilitators from several different countries, was designed with an integral approach in terms of curriculum, pedagogy, coaching, and program design. The program resulted in seven Breakthrough Initiatives and the formation of the African Integral Development Network. The video may be of particular interest to development practitioners interested in integral theory and psycho-social models of leadership development, however it does not require prior knowledge of the integral model. Includes scenes of village life in Nigeria, including ceremonies with chiefs and traditional songs with women, and also gives the viewer a felt-sense of how the Nigerian leaders in One Sky's program are making sustainable changes throughout the South-East corner of this country. Note to educators: this would be an excellent resource for university, college or even high school students.

One Sky welcomes comments and feedback, as we are still refining the video and this may not be the final version.

Opening Address

African Integral Development Network (AIDEN) in Advance to the 21^st Century with a New Approach to Effective Leadership for Africa.

By Etim Omini, President of AIDEN

Today, we hold the second AIDEN International Conference in Calabar. We consider this very significant because Calabar has always played the role of a birth place for many revolutionary social movements in history. For example, it was here that a revolutionary International Development Professional, Mary Slessor, in the 18^th century, started the great social movement that led to the abolition of stigmatization of twins, here which later spread to all parts of Africa, thereby saving millions of lives over the years.

 Today we are here launching yet another social revolutionary movement, which has the potential of transforming the entire African continent through a leadership approach that transforms the self and all, both within and without. This cutting edge approach is based on Integral Theory, which views reality from all perspectives, bringing together all breakthroughs of the classical studies, science and technology and the distilled wisdom of all religious studies of all ages. Solutions to human problems emerging from this kind of comprehensive analysis become balanced, accurate and sustainable.

 Leaders around the world are now fast embracing the Integral approach as a way of living; African Integral Development Network (AIDEN) is a pioneer in this revolution within the African continent. This conference is designed to introduce this cutting edge knowledge and application to intellectuals, professionals, leaders and the general public all around Africa.

 This conference is significant as it offers all the opportunity to share experiences and explore possibilities that will enable all to make significant contributions to the transformation of Africa. It will also advance Integral research, knowledge and application in the continent.   AIDEN implores all to contribute in the discussions as the outcomes will set a new thinking on leadership in Africa.

 The Conference is hosted by AIDEN in collaboration with the University of Calabar and supported by One Sky Canadian Institute of Sustainable Living, Canadian University Services Over Sea-Volunteering Services Over Sea (CUSO-VSO), Cross River State Tourism Bureau and the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM). More than 500 leaders from different sectors and professions from different countries have been invited to attend this conference. We express sincere welcome to all for participating in this epoch making conference.

 AIDEN emerged out of the work of One Sky’s project entitled “Leading From Within: Integral Application to Sustainable Living in the Niger Delta, Nigeria” which started in March 2009, with 30 leaders from the NGO sector in the Niger Delta. The program offered the participants the opportunity to transform themselves, develop their leadership capacities and conflict resolution skills for three years. As part of the program, participants used the new skills and ideas acquired to Execute Community Development projects in communities in Cross River State. This community development projects served as laboratories for participants to replicate their learning. It is these 30 participants that labored hard to give birth to AIDEN and formed the foundation membership. Now new members are joining rapidly and all are hereby invited to join. The birth of AIDEN is to promote the development of Integral Theory and Practice for the transformation of Africa. We are the first to embrace this approach in Africa and we are determined to achieve our vision.

AIDEN has an effective and efficient governance structure with a board of trustees and advisers, an elected Executive Council, Committees and Members.

 Our vision is a transformed, harmonious and sustainably developed African society. To realize this laudable vision our programs and projects target positive social change, human development, research, policy and analysis.  AIDEN strategically utilizes partnership, collaboration and participatory approaches driven and guided by the Integral approach. We therefore extend hand of fellowship to all organizations represented here.

AIDEN is a platform that provides mutual support for members’ professional development and advancement in their diverse field.  AIDEN membership is drawn from different disciplines and sectors but united by the Integral framework. The framework is transdiciplinary and its application advances sustainable solutions to all problems. In AIDEN we share a common vision and devoted to creating a cadre of dedicated and qualified leaders with the appropriate mindset and values that will bring about the transformation of Africa. We are ready to nurture the growth and development of second-tier oriented individuals and groups in all sectors, actively connected to the global integral movement to build synergy, and pull resources together to impact society.

 AIDEN is working to support and promote the establishment of an Integral Institute in Africa. We are using this opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders especially the Cross River State Government, University of Calabar, Nigeria Institute of Management and One Sky Canadian Institute of Sustainable living to come together and put strategies in place for the establishment of an Integral Institute which will be the first in Africa and second in the world, after the pioneer Integral Institute in Boulder Colorado, United States of America. On our part, we are willing to share our Leading From Within experience and we entreat all to join AIDEN.

Finally, I wish the conference a complete success and all the participants, our partners and friends, a good time in the paradise city, Calabar.

Gifts For Change

How can gift-giving during the holiday season have greater depth?

This was the question we asked ourselves in One Sky. The rampant consumerism that defines the holiday season is born, in part, out of care for our loved ones. We give gifts as symbols of that care. Yet, sadly, the systems in which we purchase gifts don't tend to be sustainable or equitable. Gifts are bought from companies that continue to exploit and pollute.

Alternatives, however, do exist! One great alternative is to buy local, hand-crafted items, or to buy from Canadian companies that you know have taken steps towards greater sustainability. Those these are great alternatives and ones that we support... Although notice how as you buy local and from Canadian green companies, you are still investing primarily in our community and nation--a country at the top of the Human Development Index worldwide. Which is of course fine. Yet we wondered at One Sky how could our gift purchases support and invest in countries at the bottom of the Human Development Index?

Our answer to that question are Gifts For Change.

Every Gift For Change goes directly and completely to projects in villages in West Africa. These projects that have sought to "breakthrough" the status quo of how problems are conventionally addressed, by considering the systemic, interrelated factors that contribute to poverty. As such, they are seeking more effective, long-lasting, integral solutions to persistent challenges for human and environmental well-being.

These projects are carried out by African leaders that are part of One Sky's Leading From Within-Integral leadership for sustainable development project. That is to say, we personally know every single person involved in delivering these projects. We know (and are humbled by) their committment, their unwavering dedication to the most poor in their country, and their hope and inspiration for Nigeria to rise above its current state of poverty and environmental degradation. We know that your Gift For Change will make a difference. And we also respect the many other ways you may decide to bring greater meaning into your gift-giving this year, be it through our program or not.

If you are moved to do so, please check out our Gifts For Change. Read below for descriptions of the Gifts For Change, and go to our gift portal to purchase them.

Doing The Math: One hundred percent of your donation will go directly to these projects, and the Canadian government matches your gift with $3 for each dollar raised. So, for example, your $100 gift actually becomes a $400 gift for supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Click here to purchase a Gift for Change

Communique

This excerpt is taken from the longer communique about the AIDEN event in November 2011, compiled by Oliver Ngodo and the One Sky team in Calabar.

The African Integral Development Network (AIDEN), the very first Integral Leadership program developed in Africa, in collaboration with the University of Calabar, Nigeria, held its second international conference, with the theme, “Advancing into the 21^st century: Exploring best approaches to effective leadership for Africa”, from Wednesday, 16^th to Friday, 18^th November, 2011, at the conference hall of the Channel View Hotels, Calabar, Cross River State of Nigeria.

In attendance were 24, out of the 30 pioneer integral trainees who have just graduated from the 3-year training program on Integral Theory and Practice. Participants were also drawn from the University of Calabar, led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor James Ekpoke, as well as many academics from within and outside the University, some of who made paper presentations. Also in attendance were participants from OneSky – Canadian Institute of Sustainable Living, a Canadian international NGO based in Smithers, British Columbia, Canada, which operates a Nigerian office in Calabar, Cross River State of Nigeria. The delegation from OneSky – Canada, was led by its Executive Director, Mr. Michael James Simpson, while from the Nigerian office were Dr. Oliver Ngodo, the Nigerian Program Director, as well as Mr. David Cicerchi, its Program Officer.

The conference was equally attended by a delegation from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), both from their head office in Ottawa, Canada and the Nigeria Office in Abuja. The delegation from CIDA head office in Ottawa was led by Ms Tanya McGregor, while CIDA Nigeria office was led by the Head of Cooperation, Mr. David Ross. From the United States of America were participants, including Mr. Richard Cicerchi, President / CEO, Cicerchi Development Company, Cleveland Ohio, USA.

The conference, which was attended by over 400 persons, drew many participants from the civil society organizations and NGOs, community-based organizations, the Cross River Tourism Corporation, the private sector, farmers, forest communities’ representatives, as well as the media.

Technical Sessions

During the technical sessions, which lasted for two days, several research papers and case studies were presented and discussed by participants at different group levels, some of which ran concurrently. The case studies were presented by the graduating leaders from the Integral Leadership Program, while the research papers came mainly from the University of Calabar, University of Nigeria, University of Uyo, College of Education, Akamkpa and other research and professional establishments. The case studies that were presented are as follow:

• Integral Application to Sustainability in HIV/AIDS Prevention Programming – A Case Study of Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State of Nigeria by the HIV/AIDS Breakthrough Initiative Group.
• Integral Application to Sustainability in Forest Conservation Programming – A Case Study of Wula community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State of Nigeria by the Save the Gorilla Breakthrough Initiative Group.
• Integral Application of Constituency Stakeholders’ Dialogue for Good Governance and Citizens’ Participation in Calabar Municipality – A Case Study of Calabar Municipality (Local Government Area) of Cross River State of Nigeria by the Good Governance and Human Rights Breakthrough Initiative Group.
• Integral Application to Sustainability in Youth Empowerment Programming – A Case Study of Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State of Nigeria by the Youth Empowerment Breakthrough Initiative Group.
• Integral Application to Sustainability in Climate Change Adaptation Programming – A Case Study of Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State of Nigeria by the Climate Change Adaptation Breakthrough Initiative Group.
• Integral Application to Sustainability in Women Empowerment Programming – A Case Study of Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State of Nigeria by the Women Empowerment Breakthrough Initiative Group.
• Integral Application to Sustainability in Widows Empowerment Programming – A Case Study of Okuni community in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State of Nigeria by the Widows Empowerment Breakthrough Initiative Group.

Five additional papers were presented under the Integral Application programming by graduating members of the Leading from Within program, and these were:

i.             Integral Life Practice by Lillian Oyama

ii.            Integral Application to Community Development by Etim Omini

iii.           Integral Application to the challenge of Climate Change Impact on different ecological and environmental resources by Jerry Akparawa

iv.           Integral Application to Leadership in Climate Change Challenge by Ugah Godwin Unimke

v.            Followership: A Key to Sustainable Development by Robert Umera

From the academic perspective, the following presentations were made and discussed:

i)             Values in Leadership by Dr Fan A Fan, Dr J. B. Bassey & Dr (Mgr) Emmanuel Umoetok

ii)            Succession and Leadership in Africa: The Crisis in Political Transition and Revolution in Libya by Asuquo Edet Ekpe

iii)           Perspectives on the meaning of Leadership by Dr Joseph B. Besong, Dr (Mrs.) M. I. Edu & Dr Fan A. Fan

iv)           Political Leadership and Economic Development in Africa and Asia: A comparison of Nigeria and Indonesia by Asuquo Edet Ekpe & Daasi Gibson L. K.

v)            Leadership and Development in Africa by Bassey Effiom Duke

vi)           Challenges of Leadership in a Globalised World by Dr Iyk Oji

vii)          Women and Leadership in the 21^st Century: Accessibility and Inaccessibility Factors by Dr Paulinus S. Ibok, Dr (Mrs.) Grace Essien, and Dr(Mrs.) Eka E. Maples

viii)         Youths and Leadership by Charles Rita Oluomachi

ix)           Values in Leadership by Bishop Victor Bassey

Observations

• From the various presentations – keynote addresses, research/academic papers, general presentations, as well as inputs from other participants, the following observations were made:
• Every leader has an action to take before becoming a leader, as leadership is about action, not position.
• Corruption in Nigeria, as well as most other African countries, is a product of corruption in individual households.
• Leadership goes beyond what any single individual can assume responsibility for.
• Everyone is both leader and follower in different contexts.
• Every individual is capable of bringing about changes in the society which must necessarily start from within the person.
• Nigerian youths should not copy the approach of our current leaders and that of the youths in the Arab nations (in terms of materialism and revolutionary traits).
• Leadership is about being a servant primarily and not being a boss.
• Selfishness, acquisitive tendencies, Egoism, Indiscipline, Inconsistency, power drunkenness and inability to evaluate oneself are some of the value orientations that work against effectiveness in leadership.
• Some of the value orientations that are conducive to effective leadership are servant’s attitude, selflessness, Humility, sense of responsibility, ability to see things from other people’s perspective and ability to look at things holistically.
• There is need for every individual within the society and, in particular, the enlightened members of the community such as academics, not to be passive when electing people into political offices.

Recommendations

• Women need to be mentored and their capacity built for greater involvement in all frontiers of knowledge and Governance.
• Integral leadership to be incorporated in Tertiary institutions’ curriculum as a diploma program.
• African, especially Nigerian, leaders should be trained and retrained on integral approach to leadership.
• There is need for every individual to identify and clarify their values – integrity, honesty, true service-oriented mind, etc., but not forgetting cultural values that are healthy.
• Every person who aspires to be a leader must have a vision and mission, set goals and strategies to achieve the vision.
• There is the need for continuous training, capacity building and awareness programs and, in particular, adopting the integral leadership approach.
• People should learn to plant trees and encourage children to join conservation clubs so as to protect the environment and reduce climate change impact.
• Our youths should look inwards more for self development and make good use of any available opportunities.

Opening Address

African Integral Development Network (AIDEN) in Advance to the 21^st Century with a New Approach to Effective Leadership for Africa.

By Etim Omini, President of AIDEN

Today, we hold the second AIDEN International Conference in Calabar. We consider this very significant because Calabar has always played the role of a birth place for many revolutionary social movements in history. For example, it was here that a revolutionary International Development Professional, Mary Slessor, in the 18^th century, started the great social movement that led to the abolition of stigmatization of twins, here which later spread to all parts of Africa, thereby saving millions of lives over the years.

 Today we are here launching yet another social revolutionary movement, which has the potential of transforming the entire African continent through a leadership approach that transforms the self and all, both within and without. This cutting edge approach is based on Integral Theory, which views reality from all perspectives, bringing together all breakthroughs of the classical studies, science and technology and the distilled wisdom of all religious studies of all ages. Solutions to human problems emerging from this kind of comprehensive analysis become balanced, accurate and sustainable.

 Leaders around the world are now fast embracing the Integral approach as a way of living; African Integral Development Network (AIDEN) is a pioneer in this revolution within the African continent. This conference is designed to introduce this cutting edge knowledge and application to intellectuals, professionals, leaders and the general public all around Africa.

 This conference is significant as it offers all the opportunity to share experiences and explore possibilities that will enable all to make significant contributions to the transformation of Africa. It will also advance Integral research, knowledge and application in the continent.   AIDEN implores all to contribute in the discussions as the outcomes will set a new thinking on leadership in Africa.

 The Conference is hosted by AIDEN in collaboration with the University of Calabar and supported by One Sky Canadian Institute of Sustainable Living, Canadian University Services Over Sea-Volunteering Services Over Sea (CUSO-VSO), Cross River State Tourism Bureau and the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM). More than 500 leaders from different sectors and professions from different countries have been invited to attend this conference. We express sincere welcome to all for participating in this epoch making conference.

 AIDEN emerged out of the work of One Sky’s project entitled “Leading From Within: Integral Application to Sustainable Living in the Niger Delta, Nigeria” which started in March 2009, with 30 leaders from the NGO sector in the Niger Delta. The program offered the participants the opportunity to transform themselves, develop their leadership capacities and conflict resolution skills for three years. As part of the program, participants used the new skills and ideas acquired to Execute Community Development projects in communities in Cross River State. This community development projects served as laboratories for participants to replicate their learning. It is these 30 participants that labored hard to give birth to AIDEN and formed the foundation membership. Now new members are joining rapidly and all are hereby invited to join. The birth of AIDEN is to promote the development of Integral Theory and Practice for the transformation of Africa. We are the first to embrace this approach in Africa and we are determined to achieve our vision.

AIDEN has an effective and efficient governance structure with a board of trustees and advisers, an elected Executive Council, Committees and Members.

 Our vision is a transformed, harmonious and sustainably developed African society. To realize this laudable vision our programs and projects target positive social change, human development, research, policy and analysis.  AIDEN strategically utilizes partnership, collaboration and participatory approaches driven and guided by the Integral approach. We therefore extend hand of fellowship to all organizations represented here.

AIDEN is a platform that provides mutual support for members’ professional development and advancement in their diverse field.  AIDEN membership is drawn from different disciplines and sectors but united by the Integral framework. The framework is transdiciplinary and its application advances sustainable solutions to all problems. In AIDEN we share a common vision and devoted to creating a cadre of dedicated and qualified leaders with the appropriate mindset and values that will bring about the transformation of Africa. We are ready to nurture the growth and development of second-tier oriented individuals and groups in all sectors, actively connected to the global integral movement to build synergy, and pull resources together to impact society.

 AIDEN is working to support and promote the establishment of an Integral Institute in Africa. We are using this opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders especially the Cross River State Government, University of Calabar, Nigeria Institute of Management and One Sky Canadian Institute of Sustainable living to come together and put strategies in place for the establishment of an Integral Institute which will be the first in Africa and second in the world, after the pioneer Integral Institute in Boulder Colorado, United States of America. On our part, we are willing to share our Leading From Within experience and we entreat all to join AIDEN.

Finally, I wish the conference a complete success and all the participants, our partners and friends, a good time in the paradise city, Calabar.

Exploring the Many Ways We Are Resilient

One Sky engaged social change agents and concerned citizens about what it means to be resilient in times of turbulent change, particulalry with climate change and peak oil. Through using scenario planning, systems thinking and community conversations, the One Sky team created a model for engaging community on such topics. Here, we describe in brief this model and provide a Guide for use in other communities elsewhere.

Purpose

The purpose of this Guide is to share the methodology and model One Sky used to engage community on climate change adaptation with other practitioners and communities who may be interested to begin similar processes. The seven steps give a overall guide, with One Sky’s activities provided as examples. Our hope is that the reader will apply the steps in his or her own context as needed, allowing for creativity and responsiveness to whatever is arising in their own communities.

History

In July 2011, One Sky convened a small group of people to look at the issue of energy, resilience, climate change and conservation in British Columbia’s Northwest region.  For two days we discussed the potential changes and adaptations we will have to go through if energy prices continue to increase, if climate change predications turn out to be accurate and if our economy continues to be affected by globalization.  What piqued our interest as a group was the “business as usual” scenario.   If the world continues on its current path what will our region look like in ten to fifteen or even fifty years? Our conclusion is that we simply don’t know but it will likely be very, very different!

Resilience is central to adaptation in these coming times.  But understanding how best to increase or foster resilience requires a better understanding of the coming scenario.  On September 8^th and 9^th, 2011, with the support of B.C. Hydro, we hosted a second meeting along with the Bulkley Valley Research Centre, the Office of the Wet’suwet’en and the Northwest Community College.  This engaged people in a process of exploring and examining, so to better understand, potential scenarios in a context of 1) a changed climate based on current understanding of the impact of climate change for our region, and 2) the evolution of “peak oil” and or the use of non conventional fossil fuel. All this is of course embedded in the continued globalization of our economies and the impact of increasing demographics on our region.  These scenarios are predicted to take place over the coming 25 years in a significant way, and through the exercise, we sought to better understand how the possible scenarios for how it might play out.

The gathering was think tank to better understand local perspectives on the issues of resilience, leadership and conservation in the energy sector. From this, we have built out a model or methodology that could be useful in other municipalities in Canada, or in other places in the world.

Why Scenarios?

Scenario planning, also called scenario thinking or scenario analysis, is a strategic planning method that some organizations use to make flexible long-term plans. It has a history of use in the military as well as the corporate sector. More recently, it has been brought into the Millennium Assessment and other social change processes, including climate change adaptation planning. Since the timelines for planning for climate change adaptation, and the factors and conditions that need to be accounted for, require a thought-experiment rigorous enough to expand our thinking beyond it’s normal range, scenario planning is an excellent option as a planning tool.

Scenario planning may involve aspects of systems thinking, specifically the recognition that many factors may combine in complex ways to create sometime surprising futures (due to non-linear feedback loops). The method also allows the inclusion of factors that are difficult to formalize, such as novel insights about the future, deep shifts in values, unprecedented regulations or inventions.

Research from developmental psychology suggests that most adults’ minds don’t usually conceptualize 25 year timelines, and so often when considering the impacts of climate change, it is difficult to imagine the kinds of changes that may occur in that large a time envelope. We also don’t naturally consider the multifaceted impacts of changes, and tend to focus on that which we are attuned to (usually things in our immediate lives or aspects of the discipline we were trained in).

So, when a group comes together to craft scenarios, not only are they themselves building their capacity and awareness of the possible ‘future histories’, but they are also doing the leg-work of mapping out these future histories for others to benefit from. Those who come after and make use of these narratives get a quick easy snapshot of the future histories that are possible. Scenario planning gets around the difficulties of a large time envelope and the challenging multifaceted nature of the issues, and presents data in an accessible and useful way.

The Guide

Please download here the Guide compiled through the process of this work, keeping in mind that it will require a flexibility of mind and creativity to stay responsive to the issues arising in your own region and community.

One Sky is excited to partner with the Integral International Development Center (also known as Integral Without Borders) to host a learning event and world tour in Peru this winter...

Engaging Cultures, Societies, and Systems: Applying an Integral Approach to Sustainable Development in Peru

NOTE: DATES HAVE CHANGED

Dates: Oct 16-Oct 26, 2012

Application deadline: August 1, 2012

Cost: $1500 (Includes accommodation, in-country travel, food, entrance fee to ruins, organization and facilitation. Does not include airfare.)    

The theme for the Peru event is “Engaging Cultures, Societies, and Systems: An Integral Approach to Sustainable Development in Peru." In partnership with One Sky, the Association for the Conservation of the Amazon Watershed (ACCA), Drishti and Integral Institute, we’ll explore the nuances and complexities of engaging social groups, cultures, and systems in development issues. We’ll visit the Amazon, the internationally acclaimed city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Machu Picchu. See here for more information.

One Sky is excited to partner with the Integral International Development Center (also known as Integral Without Borders) to host a learning event and world tour in Peru in Fall 2012...

Engaging Cultures, Societies, and Systems: Applying an Integral Approach to Sustainable Development in Peru

DATES HAVE BEEN CHANGED

Dates: Oct 16-Oct 26, 2012

Application deadline: August 1, 2012

Cost: $1500 (Includes accommodation, in-country travel, food, entrance fee to ruins, organization and facilitation. Does not include airfare.)           

Carried out in partnership by:

Global meetings and integral learning events have become a signature offering of the Integral International Development Center, affectionately known as Integral Without Borders. IWB has met in Perpignan, France, twice in Istanbul, Turkey and most recently in Vancouver, Canada.  In January 2012, we will be hosting an international gathering in Cusco, Peru. These meetings offer a way to be inspired in a community of other practitioners, to experience how to apply integral thinking to global issues, to hone your skillful means as a practitioner, and be refreshed with new ideas and practices.

This year’s theme for the Peru event is “Engaging Cultures, Societies, and Systems.” In partnership with One Sky and the Association for the Conservation of the Amazon Watershed (ACCA) we’ll explore the nuances and complexities of engaging social groups, cultures, and systems in development issues. We’ll visit the Amazon, the internationally acclaimed city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Machu Picchu.

Meta-theme

This learning event will experientially examine the influence and engagement of cultures, societies and systems in an integral approach to international development. We’ll examine the staggering weight of the economic systems of which we are a part, the depth and nuance of culture and cultural change, as well as an applied look at how these dynamics influence and inform sustainable development objectives.

A particular applied focus of that will be on the integral work being carried out by NGOs One Sky, Drishti and ACCA on environmental change and social change in the Amazon headwaters, including some of the communities in the high Andes mountains. Climate change, in particular, will impact this region with water shortages and unpredictable weather events that disrupts local food and agricultural systems. Our project seeks to engage communities in a transformative change process in which the role women play in local markets are used both to support systemic changes in the economy, as well as to support social changes in discourse. This is not a one-off project, but rather we hope to design a model with deep structures in mind that can be adapted to local surface structures of other regionss. The participants of the IWB event will directly engage in this project, as well as bring their hearts and minds to contemplate and refine its delivery. This is no theoretical task at hand; it is the real thing!

Overview of the Trip

Below is a tentative itinerary for the trip, which may be subject to changes. On this tour, participants will travel to Lima, then fly to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon Basin, then fly to Cusco, the hub of the regions rich cultural heritage and an international tourism destination, and culminate the experience in the Sacred Valley of the Inkas and in Machu Picchu.

Lima

Our time in Lima will be one of gathering together. It will be a time of introductions, getting to know each other, and creating We space. Everyone will arrive slowly over the day, and have an evening session together at the hotel and dinner together.

Puerto Maldonado

We’ll fly to Puerto Maldonado the following day. We’ll begin with a meeting with ACCA in the office in Puerto Maldonado, learning about the challenges of Conservation Concessions and the Brazil Nut trade. The intention is to learn about the impacts of globalization and the variations of economic, social and environmental change that is occuring in this region. We’ll spend two days in this area, staying at a comfortable rainforest lodge, visiting communities, and getting an embodied sense of the issue at hand: how the Integral approach could be used to design and enact a transformative shift towards sustainability.

Cusco

We’ll then travel by air to Cusco and spend three days in the ancient city. Our base will be a lovely hotel run by another NGO in which we’ll have theory sessions, discussions, spiritual practice, shadow work, and more. It is walking distance to the center of the city, where we’ll find great restaurants and stores. Our time in Cusco is for deeply exploring the stages of cultural development, and applying our understanding of this to the theme of the trip (value chains). Considering carefully these cultural stages is crucial for effective engagement on a global issue like sustainable markets. Our first day there is a rest and recollection day. In the following two days, we’ll visit various sites which offer us an opportunity to feel and directly experience the ‘worldspace’ of different worldviews and value systems. We’ll first visit the animistic ruins of an Inkan sacred site, Saqsaywaman, experiencing the weight, grandeur, and symbolism of the magic worldview. The following morning we’ll attend a Catholic mass in the city’s main cathedral, and feeling into the mythic tones that interweave this culture and set the bounds for its expression. That afternoon, we’ll visit the black market in Cusco, where the globalized modern world comes slamming onto the scene in loud colors, noise, and cheap goods, creating both grave problems as well as great potential. What does the magic, mythic, and modern worldviews tell us about the world? How can our deeper embodied experience of these worldviews help inform how we then engage cross-culturally (and cross-attitudinally) in fostering transformative change?

We’ll take up what preminent world systems theorist Immanuel Wallerstein has called "the central question of the 21st Century," namely: how to respond to the needs and demands of indigenous cultures. If we believe individuals and collectives evolve, what does it mean to "preserve the culture and heritage" of any group? What examples of premodern, modern, and postmodern syntheses exist, and how can a culture transcend and include it’s own cultural heritage for a resilient future? If we believe in the right of any individual or collective to develop and evolve as much as possible at their own pace (though admittedly this has rarely been historically the case), trancending and including their own culture and heritage, then we must take some steps to ensure autonomy in relevant areas. "Let 'er rip" globalization and capitalism needs to be moderated. Yet, on the other hand, globalization offers opportunities from which many benefit, including these Peruvian communities. Which means we really need to think about what is healthy vs. unhealthy in capitalist expansion/globalization. These and other such lines of inquiry will weave the trip like an enduring tapestry.

Sacred Valley

For following two days, the group will go to the Sacred Valley of the Incas where they will stay in luxurious accommodations and visit some of the ancient sites of the Inca empire.  Our time in the Sacred Valley will include some community visits, to hear from indigenous Quechua people about the cultural change their families have experienced in the past two generations. This will also include some time for relaxation, spiritual practice, for hiking and taking in the scenery of this extraordinary place on the planet.

Machu Picchu

Finally, the group will embark on a full-day trip to Machu Picchu, which was recently established as one of the seven wonders of the world! This place whispers of a lost culture, a culture obliterated in the path of colonialism. Yet, has it been lost? We’ll contemplate what part might have been transcended and included, and what part remains forever in the annals of history. As evolution ensues, we are pulled between karma and creativity, and we witness loss as well as gain. Honoring the retro-romantics but also situating as evolutionaries, we’ll meditate on what wisdom can be found in the smooth, immense stones of this world wonder.

This is an action-packed trip with an intellectual twist, an integrative tone, and a spiritual anchor. Participants will be able to explore both the physical terrain of Peru, the intellectual terrain of integral theory, and hone their embodied presence as integral practitioners. As well as contribute their own expertise to how we can engage change processes with greater depth and skill towards transformation.

Itinerary at a glance

Trip Leaders

Gail Hochachka– Gail has led a group of JFK students on a similar trip to Peru to visit the Queros and Amazon Conservation Association in 2009. Gail is fluent in Spanish, has been involved in doing an integral baseline assessment and working with One Sky in Peru since 2006. Before that she did a research study in Peru for the International Development Research Centre regarding Integral Theory in post conflict Peru.  Mrs Hochachka has travelled and worked extensively in Latin America and knows Peru well.  She is a director of IWB and has been a key organizer of all of the IWB international events to date.

Michael Simpson– is the executive director of One Sky and has been working with the Amazon Conservation Association in Peru since 2006.  He has twenty-five years experience travelling and working in Latin America and has been involved in numerous delegations to the region.  With a background in documentary film as well as a long history founding and leading two environmental NGOs in international development work, Mike brings a huge breadth of experience to the room. His stories are not ones you want to miss! Fluently bilingual, Simpson is currently a director of IWB and has attended all of the international meetings to date.

Emine Kiray– is a director of IWB and has previously organized and hosted two of the meetings in Istanbul, Turkey. Emine has a Doctorate in economics and spends her time between Boston and Istanbul where she is immersed in integral theory. She was on the Presidents Circle of Integral Institute and remains a close friend and colleague of Ken Wilber. Emine has been deeply involved in the Integral Institute for many years and brings a strong theoretical knowledge of Integral Theory to our meetings. 

Interested? Email us and read here for detailed information including an application form.

Registration:

If your application has been accepted, please proceed to Registration below. You can pay a deposit to hold your space, or the full amount.

Registration Fee

Full Amount $1,500.00Deposit $1,000.00Remainder of Fee $500.00

On September 8th and 9th, 2011, One Sky-Canadian Institute of Sustainable Living in conjunction with Bulkley Valley Research Center, Northwest Community College, Office of the Wet’suwet’en, with funding support from BC Hydro, we will be hosting a two-day community event. The event combines community organizing with policy dialogue, and will include adaptation scenario planning, asset mapping, community conversations on resilience, and energy conservation.

Interested participants should sign-up by contacting Gail Hochachka by email before September the 7thor at the One Sky office, as spaces are limited.gail@onesky.ca

July Think Tank on Resilience - Identifying Key Themes

The first meeting in the Moving Towards Resilience events was held on July 28-29th in the Bulkley Valley. It was held much like a ‘think tank’ with a small group of people gathering together to brainstorm a regional approach to energy conservation and examine the subject of adaptation and resilience in light of peak oil and climate change. We also wanted to understand what others are doing and how to complement or leverage initiatives, moving towards a more comprehensive process of community resilience in the face of these challenges.

We worked around the framework that the Northwest experiences multiple stressors in relation to climate change and energy. Some of these relate with energy production (such as the proposed pipelines threatening river and coastal ecosystems and traditional lands) and energy consumption (such as, the rising price of gas and food). We live in a context in which oil is becoming less and less available and thus the gas prices become higher and higher, while at the same time modern life is increasingly set up to consume more and more fossil fuels. Every year we are experiencing more frequent impacts of a changing climate, as unpredictable weather events becoming more common. These intersecting issues present a clear need for us all to invest in our community’s resilience.

The first day was focused more on big picture thinking, philosophical thinking and ‘thinking about thinking’

The second day became more focused; we were more action-oriented, getting specific about certain things, and working on a final outcome of the meeting.

In both these meetings we discussed what the group felt were some gaps in the Northwest in terms of energy and we also brainstormed many of whom we thought were key people from communities in the Northwest as well as in the energy industry. We also examined potential scenarios for the North along three axis: 1) price of gas and oil going up, 2) change in climate, and 3) globalization.

By the end of the second day, we had been philosophers, environmentalists, realists and activists. We talked about many of the issues we are faced here in the Northwest, what individual concerns were and how we were going to tackle it all one step at a time, as a community, as a community with resilience. We built up what we felt is an interactive and problem solving approach. We talked a lot about what we were going to need in terms of resources and information for the second meeting that we are hosting in September, which will be open to a significantly larger group of people.

Job Posting: One Sky - Summer Student Position

FILLED

Thank you for your interest.

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Are you a student between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive) interested in sustainability? One Sky is looking for an enthusiastic returning student to work with us over the summer. You need to have been registered as a full time student over the past academic year and intend to return full time next year in a secondary, post secondary or vocational or technical program. In addition you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person on whom refugee status has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and you must be legally entitled to work under the British Columbia legislation and regulations. Foreign students are unfortunately not eligible. This position is made possible through the generous support of the Government of Canada Summer Jobs Program.

Among other activities you will be assisting us with the logistics of our summer environmental leadership institute (July 28^th, 29^th), which will focus on energy conservation, climate change and sustainable living skills. You will be working on a follow up session later in the summer including outreach, promotion of the event, site preparation, logistics at the event itself and evaluation and follow up. You will gain valuable project management skills and insight. You will also be required to assist in other aspects of One Sky programming.

Start Date: Immediately

End Date: August 27^th, 2011

37.5 hours/week Monday through Friday and the occasional weekend day.

$10/hr

Interested candidates should send a resume by e-mail or drop a hard copy off at our office immediately at 3768 2^nd Avenue in Smithers, B.C

Send electronic application to Gail Hochachka:        gail@onesky.ca

For more information call 250-877-6030

Unfortunately due to the number of inquiries and applications we receive we will ONLY respond to you if you are shortlisted for an interview.

Thanks for your interest and support!

Good Governance and Human Rights Groups (GGHRG), Cross River State, Nigeria

(A Break Through Initiative Group Created and Formed by One Sky Canada)

By Akamo Etim Okon

The above BI consist of six members drawn from various NGOs working currently in Nigeria, who participate in One Sky’s Leading From Within programme on integral leadership. The BI members have observed the unrepresented democracy in Nigeria especially in Calabar’s municipal council in Cross River State. The group sees the need of initiating a new concept known as the stakeholders dialogue, a forum for bridging the gap between the elected representatives and the electorates which has never existed in Nigeria. The project took a new direction, which had a media publicity in Cross River State as an activity, and included advocacy /orientation visits to ten council wards in Calabar municipality. Over two hundred (200) citizens in the wards were sensitized on the new concept of stakesholders dialogue, which was appreciated by all. Posters featuring the activities of the BI were used in the first pilot ward for effective awareness creation and mobilization of members in the ward. The BI group also paid a courtesy visit to the councilor of the pilot ward and also organized a stakeholder forum for the implementation of the project. More, there is a plan to visit the leader of the legislative chambers next week. On the aggregate, the concept was welcomed by all the councilors and next week Tuesday has been scheduled to meet them after their session to her better from the group and their unprecedented unique concept.
 

Thanks,

Akamo Etim Okon (member)

Background on the Political Scene in Nigeria...

Nigeria is ranked number 124 on the Economists Democracy Index out of 167 countries. On the one hand, it supposedly functions as a democracy, yet when assessed on the specific criteria for a democratic system, it is actually categorized as an “authoritarian” state (according to the 2008 Democracy Index). Extremely excessive corruption continues to constitute a major challenge to Nigeria, and vote rigging and other means of coercion are practiced by all major parties in order to remain competitive. Given its lucrative oil wealth, perhaps one of the central flaws of the democratic system is prebendalism. Prebendalism was a term first used in reference to Nigeria, in which elected officials, government workers, and members of the ethnic and religious groups feel they have a right to a share of government revenues. In other words, the political elite skims money from the state coffers feeling a sense of entitlement due to their position of power.

What does this actually mean for the people who live there? Well, Oxford's Paul Collier (2007, p 101) explains how the country has made approximately 280 billion dollars in oil revenue over the past 30 years, and yet on the Human Development Index the country remains 158 out of 182, with over half of the population living on less than $2/day. He explains, “This is far larger than any realistic scale of aid to a bottom billion country. Yet Nigeria has depressingly little to show for it.”

In this context, the breakthrough initiative described by Etim Akamo plays an incredibly important role in supporting an informed and empowered civil society. The role of political culture in an emerging democracy is vital. It helps to facilitate a more informed, aware citizenry, who make better voting choices, participate in politics, and hold government accountable.

I'm raising money for an amazing project in Nigeria that is conducting training for emerging leaders and supporting them in designing and implementing projects the are improving the wellbeing of their communities and the environment! My life is about leading from the heart and in making a difference! I lead in my career and if in a small way I can contribute to developing leadership in places around the globe than I put my best foot forward.

My plan is to run a marathon by the time I turn 50! In fact, for my birthday in two years I strive to actually run a marathon on the date! Two years ago I tried to go from zero to 60 in thirty seconds but forgot that the body I have developed was not ready to keep up with that goal! So, I slowed it down and have embarked on a four-year plan to challenge myself - from couch potato to marathon runner in four years - slow and steady wins the race.

So, last year was about getting off the couch. I ended and began the year with two 5 KM runs and this year is dedicated to 10 KM runs; next year I will work toward a half-marathon and the year after the marathon! Why? Personally, because I want to live a healthier lifestyle, I want to be able to keep up with my son, I want to be able to physically do something that challenges me! From couch potato to a marathon - for me a challenging goal. I do it all slowly because this is not about a one-time thing, it is about a healthy lifestyle and about staying alive longer. I didn't think I would have the courage to write about this journey online, but maybe it will be a worthy story to someone. Just like in Nigeria, perhaps my slow and steady progress can assist leaders to make a change. Is my goal for one year or for three? Well, I guess I will see how it goes. I hope by me running to get off the couch and embrace 50 with wide-open healthy arms I may inspire leadership in Nigeria to flourish.

Please sponsor me and help me reach my fundraising goal!

“You are welcome”—a phrase which I misunderstood to imply that I should have said thank you—has been the greeting from every Nigerian since arriving in Calabar, Nigeria to work with Oliver  Ngodo, Rosemary Egut and the One Sky team.  As I bake in the tropical sun, breath in the fresh surrounding vegetation, adjust to the seemingly infinite number of dialects here, and cleanse my pallet for another bowl of green leaf or fish stew, I look for moments of clarity on my purpose here.  On paper my primary role is very clear: “in charge of setting up a sustainable One Sky Nigeria”.  And when I think of the vision of One Sky Canada – “to promote sustainable living globally”—and look at my own life’s history and vision, there’s absolutely nothing in the world that I would or could rather be doing than this.

Before coming to One Sky, I was a United States Peace Corps volunteer in the Andes of Peru.  I had spent three years integrating into the Peruvian culture, assessing the strengths and needs of the community, and working with institutions, leaders, and youth.  I was a liason between the national park service and other institutions in the province.  A youth group requested my support, and so we secured funds and established an environmental leadership project similar in concept to the “Leading From Within” Retreats. I first connected with One Sky when I met Gail Hochachka on a field course to One Sky’s partnership in Cuzco, and I consulted Lisa Gibson on how to incorporate transformative retreats into my project in Peru.  And now serendipity has brought me to One Sky Nigeria.

“But why is your role so unclear?” I find myself asking among the myriad of emotions, fluctuating energy levels, and awkward social interactions.  Almost simultaneously, another voice responds by asking me if I’d prefer it any other way.  I’ve come to realize that this is all a process:  a personal process of growth, an organizational process of birth, a process of sustaining the direction of One Sky Nigeria. Even though I’m tempted to lay out a clean strategy for my job, I’m reminded that such processes have no fixed or simple interventions.  They require dynamic interaction and creativity among those involved.  In other words, I must listen, read, learn, and discover all there is to know about One Sky’s experiences in Nigeria.  I must ask questions, opening my mind to the possibilities and imperfections of such an innovation in Africa—integral leadership training.  I want to absorb the culture and resonate with the “heartbeat” of Nigerians.  A question arises:  where do the strengths and the needs of the organization match my gifts and insights?  And when do I need to humble myself to a process much larger than myself and the organization?  Yes, while in Peru I worked with environmental leadership training, project management, organizational development, and inter-institutional cooperation.  But these experiences must be adapted to a completely different context.  I am thankful for all those who have welcomed me to the One Sky team and I hope to be of service during my time here.  In the meantime, I’ll continue to learn how to eat with my hands.

By David Cicerchi

One Sky welcomes David Cicerchi to the One Sky team!

Using an on line video tool similar to Youtube One Sky has launched a video channel capable of hosting  longer high definition video documentaries on Vimeo. 

We think it is pretty cool and are curious if it works for you? As we get to know how to use it we would love to hear your feedback. Send us an e-mail and tell us how we can improve it. Go to Channel here

The African Integral Development Network was recently formed as a result of One Sky's Leading from Within leadership program. Dr. Oliver Ngodo is the author of an article on AIDEN in Integral Leadership Review. Read more here.

Be a One Sky Athlete for Africa!

It’s simple and brilliant:

You excel in your sport. People sponsor you. We support leadership in Africa. And, Africans make positive changes for sustainability.

This is the most funwe’ve had fundraising for Africa, and certainly the healthiest. Everybody wins!

Africa has plenty of capacity to create positive change. There is a wealth of motivation, potential, and heart. Where One Sky currently works in Nigeria, most people live on less than $2/day.  Thirty leaders have stepped forward to make changes.  Simply put: One Sky works to support these leaders. We offer leadership training and help find funding for their grassroots development projects. Most of all, we work together to tackle global problems in innovative, transformative ways.

By being a One Sky-Athlete for Africa, you can run, swim, kayak, dance, do yoga…the athletic activity is up to you. Challenge yourself and help us support African leaders.  You do the sport you enjoy the most and everybody wins.

Here’s how it works:

1.    You sign on as A4A athlete with One Sky;

2.    We help you with sponsorships for your athletic event by getting you set up with your own webpage for donations;

3.    Sponsors give a donation and instantly get a tax receipt; and

4.    The donation goes straight to One Sky's projects in Africa.

Sign on as an One Sky-Athlete for Africa!

For questions and more details, email us.

Doing the Math:

If you donate $100 (you’ll get up to $50 back via tax receipt) and then the Canadian government matches it with $3 for every dollar we raise. So, you’ll see your $100 turn into $400 for Africa. And the amount we spend on administration is $0.

Larry McCulloch did the Ironman 2010 and raised over $1800 for sustainability work in Africa.

Ejibwa Irek works for the Organization for Rural and Community Development on women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation through microenterprise. Her organization's projects have directly benefited from donations from One Sky-A4A athletes!

If you're interested in becoming an Athlete for Africa or would like more information about this program, please email us. We look forward to hearing from you!

One Sky welcomes Dr. Oliver Ngodo to our Calabar One Sky office. We located Dr. Ngodo in Malaysia where he was finishing his dissertation on transformative leadership for his recently completed doctorate. Oliver is a CUSO/VSO cooperant who will be joining us for 18 months. His adventures with One Sky started in October when he came to Canada. He spent some time with us in Vancouver before doing an orientation training with CUSO in Ottawa. He then participated in our 9th leadership intensive before ten days of field work on monitoring and evaluation with executive director Mike Simpson. The intense trip involved visiting all of One Sky's breakthrough initiatives in rural and urban Cross River State as well as a side excursion to Akwa Ibom to visit a gas flaring site. Dr. Ngodo brings an amazing amount of enthusiasm and knowledge, as a native Nigerian from Abia State, and a proponent of integral theory. We are excited to have Oliver on board

Oliver listens to community leaders in northern Cross River State on the issue of HIV/AIDS

When you give a Gift for Change, not only do you show your loved ones how much you care, but you also support sustainability in a part of the world that is in need. 

One Sky's Gifts for Change are great for any special occasion -- for the holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries. Whether it is a cow, a workshop or a youth empowerment program, we have a suitable gift that can be given in the name of that person you love. Through One Sky’s online alternative giving program, you support sustainable livelihoods for African villagers and make a meaningful contribution to the well-being of both people and the planet.

These gifts will be used to support leaders in our Leading From Within program who are working in local villages to make important steps to achieve greater human and environmental sustainability.  In other words, you are essentially giving the gift of human potential, empowering African leaders in non-profit organizations to meet the pervasive needs in this part of the world. One hundred percent of your donation will go directly to these projects, and the Canadian government matches your gift with $3 for each dollar raised. So, for example, your $100 gift actually becomes a $400 gift for supporting sustainable livelihoods. These are truly a gifts for change!

Click here to purchase a Gift for Change

HOW TO BUY A GIFT FOR CHANGE

There are three simple steps to buy a Gift for Change all of which you can do when you go to One Sky's Gifts for Change webpage. But first, take a read through these steps below, and be sure to peruse the gift descriptions below.

Step 1: Choose your gift

Choose which gift you are going to give from one of the following options:

$10 Plant 10 trees in the rainforest

$25 Produce 10 HIV/AIDS handbooks in indigenous language

$50 Install one solar cooker to help villagers cook sustainably

$75 Provide one livelihood training workshop for youth

$100 Seed fund for Widows’ Empowerment

$150 Cow for the village

See below for more details about each of these gifts.

Step 2: Choose the type of card you would like delivered.

You can choose to send your recipient a personalized e-card or hard copy card. Alternately, One Sky will send a personalized card on your behalf.

*Please note: During the holiday season in December, to receive a hard copy certificate by Christmas, please donate no later than the 17th of December.  After Dec 17^th, please choose an e-card option. 

Step 3:  Fill out your personal details, the details of your ‘giftee’, and make your payment.

Fill out your personal details, and be sure to include the contact information of your ‘giftee’.  Then click on the PayPal link to complete your purchase. 

If you have any questions, email giftsforchange@onesky.ca and we will respond promptly!

Thank you for your contribution, and for supporting West African leaders to make important steps to achieve greater human and environmental sustainability.

With gratitude, The One Sky Team

giftsforchange@onesky.ca

Descriptions of One Sky’s Gifts for Change:

Plant Trees

Plant 10 trees in the rainforest for $10

Ninety percent of the rainforests in the Niger Delta have been lost, endangering the rare wildlife and plants that are found there, and contributing to the poverty of the people that have inhabited these forests for millennia.  Animals, plants and people are increasingly being impacted by climate change.  Planting trees in this region will reverse some of the impacts of severe deforestation and the impacts of climate change. 

HIV/AIDS Handbooks

Produce 10 HIV/AIDS handbooks in indigenous language for $25

HIV/AIDS rates in West Africa continue to rise, however, much HIV/AIDS educational material is not available in local languages.  By translating HIV/AIDS handbooks into the local languages, villagers will be able access the information and understand how to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.  For $25 you can buy 10 HIV/AIDS handbooks to be distributed to local villagers.

Solar Cooker

Install one solar cooker to help villagers cook sustainably for $50

Solar cookers help villagers with alternative energy sources for cooking so they don’t need to cut down the forests for their wood-burning stoves.  While decreasing the impacts on the planet, villagers also learn about local issues of climate change and what actions they can take to support the health of their village and their ecosystem.

Youth Livelihood Training

Provide one livelihood training workshop for youth for $75

With few skills and opportunities for work, many West African youth are drawn into being hired for financial gains from corrupt individuals who use them to perpetrate election violence.  By providing livelihood training to youth in beekeeping and snail farms, they are empowered to rise out of poverty and contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of their regions. 

Seed Fund for Widows’ Empowerment

Seed funds for Widows’ Economic development activities for $100

Through a microcredit program, women are trained and provided a seed fund to create and grow sustainable businesses, thus attaining financial independence. With proceeds from their businesses, widows will be able to provide for their children’s educational, health and welfare needs, contribute to community development, and promote gender equality and social participation.

Cows for Villagers

Buy a Cow for the village for$150 to save endangered monkeys and support the nutrition of local villagers

When you buy a cow, you support hunters to use alternative sources of protein.  Traditionally, monkeys and other primates are hunted but now are endangered in the rainforests of the Niger Delta.  With rampant protein shortages, villagers are being trained in how to raise and use cattle to feed themselves and their families.  (A cow actually costs $750, so your contribution of $150 is approximately 1/5 of the total cost.)

Click here to purchase a Gift for Change

Dear One Sky sponsor,
 
            With great intentions I set about writing up a synopsis of my trip this summer that I was going to send to each and every one of you. Instead I find myself in Nigeria, months later, late at night feeling impelled to write and thank you. The trip went well. I have almost finished that write up, which I will send. It was an adventure to kayak up north. We completed the crossing and with the help of other Athletes for Africa we raised almost ten thousand dollars this summer. I came within 150 dollars of my personal fundraising goal of 3000 and it ain’t over till its over. Our success has been entirely due to your generosity.  Thank you.
 
This week I have been visiting the breakthrough initiatives to which your money was allocated. Yesterday it was a youth empowerment group that required the sanctioning of all the local chiefs, clanheads and women to make it official. There were libations to the ancestors, breaking of cola nuts and dancing. Most importantly there were speeches and fifteen youth stepped forward to participate with the approval of the ENTIRE village.  It is one of three villages participating in that initiative. Fifteen youth promising their dedication while literally hundreds of villagers watched. The day before it was a governance group trying to explain the concept of constituency meetings to an urban stakeholder group within a fledgling democracy barely capable of holding an election.
 
Today twenty widows gathered in a dusty village hall to try to understand how to fill out assessment forms. The leaders were trying to gather basic baseline information. “How old are you?” stumped most of them.  No idea but it was the year that such and such happened.  The most perplexing question was “What difficulties do you face?”
 
It seemed like such a strange question after being abandoned by all their relatives and left to fend in old age entirely on their own often stripped of their belongings.  Even the local chiefs had taken pity on this particular group given their age and circumstances. Life is difficult for them said one young man with a limp and empathetic expression.  Perhaps a more pertinent question might have been what difficulties do you not face every day when you get up in the morning.
 
The significance of these various initiatives is what impresses me most. After the workshop the widows wanted to pray. One old lady started up in her native language and although I could not understand the words her countenance spoke a thousand feelings. Her devotion broke her voice and clamped my throat. They are pinning their hopes on being trained in how to sell fish and the way she affirmed her commitment, intoned her voice, and beseeched her God with humility was hard to witness. Three days ago it was a group of hunters pinning their hopes on learning how to butcher cows instead of hunting gorillas. A couple of days ago we visited the conflict ridden Bakassi Peninsula where again a group of widows has agreed to form a cooperative. Each and every one of these initiatives has come from the leaders themselves with their collective knowledge of the villages and the circumstances people face.  In each and every case the work has been sanctioned by the chiefs and understood in the context of their culture.
 
Our leadership course is about working with people who are already committed to change. Your money goes directly to their ideas on the ground here in Nigeria.  Although it looks like you are supporting a widows group, or a climate change project or an alternative livelihood initiative what you are actually supporting is “leading from within” or African leadership. This is as much about helping young leaders run projects, manifest ideas and learn from a global community as it is about local changes on the ground. I don’t know how successful they will be and cannot promise anything in that regard. But I do know that over the past couple of weeks here I have seen the basic ingredients that can change the world and seen hundreds of people who have been touched by just thirty engaged individuals.
 
Tomorrow we drive North to participate in a workshop on woodstoves and the next day on climate change. None of this is possible without raising funds from Canadians to match our grant. A big warm thank you for making it possible.  In my opinion your money is being well spent.
 
 
Michael
 
 

One Sky announces Gifts for Change! This holiday season, give a Gift for Change; a gift to someone you love that enables sustainability in a part of the world that is in need. 

Whether it is a cow, a workshop or a youth empowerment program, we have a suitable gift that can be given in the name of that person you love.   Through One Sky’s online alternative giving program, you can support sustainable livelihoods for African villagers and make a meaningful contribution to the well-being of both people and the planet. A One Sky gift for change connects you and your local loved ones with the global community and makes a statement about the true meaning of the holiday season.

A gift purchased through One Sky will be used to support leaders in our Leading From Within program who are working in local villages to make important steps to achieve greater human and environmental sustainability.  In other words, you are essentially giving the gift of human potential, empowering African leaders in non-profit organizations to meet the pervasive needs in this part of the world. One hundred percent of your donation will go directly to these projects, and the Canadian government matches your gift with $3 for each dollar raised. So, for example, your $100 gift actually becomes a $400 gift for supporting sustainable livelihoods. Your choice to shop here is truly a gift for change.

Click here to purchase a Gift for Change

HOW TO BUY A GIFT FOR CHANGE

There are three simple steps to buy a Gift for Change all of which you can do when you go to One Sky's Gifts for Change webpage. But first, take a read through these steps below, and be sure to peruse the gift descriptions below.

Step 1: Choose your gift

Choose which gift you are going to give from one of the following options:

$10 Plant 10 trees in the rainforest

$25 Produce 10 HIV/AIDS handbooks in indigenous language

$50 Install one solar cooker to help villagers cook sustainably

$75 Provide one livelihood training workshop for youth

$100 Seed fund for Widows’ Empowerment

$150 Cow for the village

See below for more details about each of these gifts.

Step 2: Choose the type of card you would like delivered.

You can choose to send your recipient a personalized e-card or hard copy card. Alternately, One Sky will send a personalized card on your behalf.

*Please note: To receive a hard copy certificate by Christmas, please donate no later than the 17th of December.  After Dec 17^th, please choose an e-card option. 

Step 3:  Fill out your personal details, the details of your ‘giftee’, and make your payment.

Fill out your personal details, and be sure to include the contact information of your ‘giftee’.  Then click on the PayPal link to complete your purchase. 

If you have any questions, email giftsforchange@onesky.ca and we will respond promptly!

Thank you for your contribution, and for supporting West African leaders to make important steps to achieve greater human and environmental sustainability.

With gratitude, The One Sky Team

giftsforchange@onesky.ca

Descriptions of One Sky’s Gifts for Change:

Plant Trees

Plant 10 trees in the rainforest for $10

Ninety percent of the rainforests in the Niger Delta have been lost, endangering the rare wildlife and plants that are found there, and contributing to the poverty of the people that have inhabited these forests for millennia.  Animals, plants and people are increasingly being impacted by climate change.  Planting trees in this region will reverse some of the impacts of severe deforestation and the impacts of climate change. 

HIV/AIDS Handbooks

Produce 10 HIV/AIDS handbooks in indigenous language for $25

HIV/AIDS rates in West Africa continue to rise, however, much HIV/AIDS educational material is not available in local languages.  By translating HIV/AIDS handbooks into the local languages, villagers will be able access the information and understand how to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.  For $25 you can buy 10 HIV/AIDS handbooks to be distributed to local villagers.

Solar Cooker

Install one solar cooker to help villagers cook sustainably for $50

Solar cookers help villagers with alternative energy sources for cooking so they don’t need to cut down the forests for their wood-burning stoves.  While decreasing the impacts on the planet, villagers also learn about local issues of climate change and what actions they can take to support the health of their village and their ecosystem.

Youth Livelihood Training

Provide one livelihood training workshop for youth for $75

With few skills and opportunities for work, many West African youth are drawn into being hired for financial gains from corrupt individuals who use them to perpetrate election violence.  By providing livelihood training to youth in beekeeping and snail farms, they are empowered to rise out of poverty and contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of their regions. 

Seed Fund for Widows’ Empowerment

Seed funds for Widows’ Economic development activities for $100

Through a microcredit program, women are trained and provided a seed fund to create and grow sustainable businesses, thus attaining financial independence. With proceeds from their businesses, widows will be able to provide for their children’s educational, health and welfare needs, contribute to community development, and promote gender equality and social participation.

Cows for Villagers

Buy a Cow for the village for$150 to save endangered monkeys and support the nutrition of local villagers

When you buy a cow, you support hunters to use alternative sources of protein.  Traditionally, monkeys and other primates are hunted but now are endangered in the rainforests of the Niger Delta.  With rampant protein shortages, villagers are being trained in how to raise and use cattle to feed themselves and their families.  (A cow actually costs $750, so your contribution of $150 is approximately 1/5 of the total cost.)

Click here to purchase a Gift for Change

GO₂ Carshare is proud to announce it has added a used truck to its fleet.

The truck is a 1994 GMC Sierra 3/4 ton pick-up. It is a manual, 4wd, and we also have three different sized ball-hitches for trailer capacity (although we do not presently have a trailer.)

The truck is located at One Sky's office, and is available to be booked on-line or by phone/email.

As the truck is more costly to operate than the Prius, the per km rates are slightly higher: $0.52/km for 100 km and less, $0.47/km for 101-300 kms and $0.37/km for 300+ kms. The hourly and daily rates remain the same ($1.50/hour and $60/day.) As is the case with the Prius, the hourly rate includes the cost of fuel and the daily rate does not.

Please note we have insured the truck for 6 months, for a trial basis, to see if the usage warrants us acquiring a truck permanently. So having a truck as a permanent part of our fleet is really dependent on whether people will follow through on their "I will join when you get a truck" feedback. We hope this will be the case!

To learn more, contact us at (250) 877-6030 or by email.

In June 2010, participants of One Sky's Leading From Within inaugerated the African Integral Development Network in Nigeria, and a women's rights advocate, Awuken Obaji, organized an empowerment gathering for women from surrounding villages. These are two of many leadership stories that are emerging from the Leading From Within project. See photos here, and go to Meet the Leaders for more specific details of the leaders' visions for a sustainable Africa.

Women from surrounding villages in southern Cross River State travel to Calabar for a women's empowerment event lead by One Sky participant, Awuken Obaji as part of her individual Breakthrough Initiative.

Executive team of the African Integral Development Network. The vision of AIDEN  to create a resiient network of practitioners involved in transformative change in Nigeria for greater sustainability and human wellbeing.

One Sky is proud to announce that its GO2 Carshare Cooperative won "Environmental Business of the Year" at the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce Community & Business Awards on October 23, 2010.

The award is great recognition by chamber members that businesses and social enterprises can be both environmentally and financially sustainable. We thank all chamber members for their support - and a big shout out to our mystery nominator!

Want be a member of this respected, progressive organization? Join GO₂ Carshare today!

The GO₂ Carshare Cooperative is proud to announce it won "Environmental Business of the Year" at the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce Community & Business Awards on October 23, 2010.

The award is great recognition by chamber members that businesses and social enterprises can be both environmentally and financially sustainable. GO₂ thanks all chamber members for their support - and sends a big shout out to its mystery nominator!

Interested in being a member of such a respected, progressive organization? Join today!

This list is a work in progress; as we come across helpful articles and resources, we will post links here.

We are sharing the following articles in the hopes that as you learn more about carsharing, you will discover how it can fit your lifestyle and meet your transportation needs.

Automobile Magazine, December 2008

The Rural Writers’ Network, in cooperation with One Sky, hosted its first-ever Rural Writers in Residence. This retreat-style event took place Oct. 21 to 24 at a Driftwood Lodge in a relaxing setting just outside Smithers, B.C. It included workshops designed to further professional development, personal project development time and group discussions about challenges and benefits to being a writer in northern British Columbia. Partipants got their creativity flowing with (optional) morning yoga classes and afternoon walks.

The event initiated the Rural Writers Network, which will be an ongoing, community-building presence for northern B.C.’s professional writers. The Rural Writers Network assists in building a sustainable rural economy, where writers contribute their insight, creativity and information into the culture and society of the north.

For more information, email Coordinator, Amanda Follett afollett@bulkley.net and see the blog.

Congratulations on being part of a growing international movement!

Here are the latest North American carsharing stats, courtesy of our friends at the Transportation Sustainability Research Center at U.C. Berkeley:

- As of July 2010, there were an estimated 67,526 members sharing approximately 2,285 vehicles among 19 carsharing organizations in Canada.

- As of July 2010, 27 U.S. carsharing programs had an estimated 448,574 members sharing approximately 8,120 vehicles.

Visit the research centre's website to find out more.
 

Find out what our carsharing friends in Vancouver, Victoria and Nelson are up to:

Cooperative Auto Network

Victoria Car Share Co-operative

Nelson Carshare Co-op

GO₂ Carshare Cooperative is one of three finalists for the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce's "Environmentally Friendly Business of the Year" Award.

Nominations from the public were submitted to the selection committee over the summer, and now the three finalists will be voted on by the more than 200 chamber members. The winner will be announced at the chamber's Community and Business Awards dinner on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the Aspen Inn.

Wish us luck! If you are a chamber member, we hope you will consider voting for us.

One Sky's GO₂ Carshare Cooperative is one of three finalists for the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce's "Environmentally Friendly Business of the Year" Award.

Nominations by the public were submitted to the selection committee earlier this summer, and the three finalists will now be voted on by the more than 200 chamber members. The winner will be announced at the chamber's Community and Business Awards ceremony on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the Aspen Inn.

Wish us luck! We'll be sure to report back after the event to let you know if we were successful.

GO₂ is currently collecting feedback from non-members. Take a few minutes and tell us why you haven't joined the carshare and what we can do to change that! Download the survey.

Women in most communities in Cross River State are homemakers. Though they may farm the land and engage in petty trading, this is done with the consent of their husbands. Educated women who engage in paid employment most often have to submit their earnings to their husbands or provide most of their salaries for the upkeep of the family. The situation does not enable them to have savings and plan for their own future.

Due to the prevalence of unattended health problems among men, ranging from HIV/AIDS, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, acute malaria, tuberculosis along wtih inter-tribal wars, there is an alarming increase in the number of widows. As this is the case in all the local government areas that make up Cross River State, Ikom Local Government Area is not an exception. Nevertheless the inhuman nature of widowhood practices in this LGA has informed our group’s decision to situate a project there.

The breakthrough initiative group will help establish three women's co-operatives to train the women in chosen skills of interest to them so that they can become empowered economically. The main project activities shall include advocacy visits and sensitization meetings; meetings with stakeholders in the community; selection of project beneficiaries; formation of the 3 co-operative societies; trainings; provision of start-up kits (seed grants) for the co-operative societies; and monitoring and evaluation. The overall purpose/goal of the project is to empower 20 less privileged widows in Ikom Local Government Area to be self-reliant, assertive and contribute to decision making process in their communities through working in groups.

The main and direct project beneficiaries will be 20 less privileged widows selected in Okuni community. The breakthrough initiative group believes that it is possible to provide these widows with alternative source of livelihood to take them out of poverty, want and misery and thus enhance their self-worth and empower them economically. With effective intervention measures like formation of co-operative societies, capacity building, provision of seed grants and mentoring/coaching, the group believes that it is possible for the widows to assume a normal and better life with their families. This in turn will positively affect the entire community.

This month's World Cafe event features premieres of two documentaries: a locally produced film about One Sky's groundbreaking work in Peru followed by "Where Hope Resides: A last chance for wild salmon and people to coexist." Both films centre on human connections to land and resources and particularly on collaborative conservation and management frameworks that recognize indigenous knowledge and rights. The event is supported by partnerships with both the Bulkley Valley Research Centre and SkeenaWild Conservation Trust.

One Sky's aim for the evening is to bring people together for some thoughtful discussion on how we can apply lessons from local conservation efforts to international work and vice versa.

Gas flaring is a major issue both in Canada and abroad. An article in the Georgia Straight in 2008 reported that the B.C. sector of this industry flares, or needlessly burns off, about
960 million cubic metres of natural gas every year - enough to heat more than 300,000 Canadian homes annually. To put that in perspective, there are about 38,000 homes in all of northern BC.

Worldwide, some 150 billion cubic meters of natural gas are flared or vented annually, according to the World Bank. The 35 billion cubic meters flared annually in Sub-Saharan Africa alone could generate half of that continent's power consumption. Instead, as One Sky has frequently witnessed in Nigeria, gas flaring occurs alongside subsistence communities that are forced to degrade their natural surroundings in their search for biofuels.

How can you get involved? First of all, find out more by following some of the links below.

Georgia Straight backgrounder

Articles from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Environmental Rights Action (Friends of the Earth Nigeria)

Backgrounder on gas flaring in Nigeria from Friends of the Earth UK

Then sign the petition from Friends of the Earth International

and keep an eye on the One Sky site for updates from the international press and on our preparations leading up to the Rio +20 Earth Summit in 2012.

This past summer I paddled a kayak from Igloolik to Pond Inlet, crossing Baffin Island by going up the Ravn River, portaging over the height of land and then navigating down a creek to Milne Inlet. From there we paddled out toward Davis Straight and Pond Inlet. It was a lot of fun and brought us through some spectacular scenery and wild places. I was trying to raise funds for our leadership project through a group called Athletes For Africa. They are a unique non profit group that is able to issue tax receipts and support charitable projects such as our leadership program in Nigeria. So far we are doing well and have raised some significant funds toward our goal of 100,000 dollars.  Thank you to all of you who supported me and continue to support my efforts to raise awareness about gas flaring, climate change and arctic ice melt.

At the beginning of June, I travelled back to Nigeria for my third visit to our office there, and to the incredible group of leaders that are a part of our Leading from Within project in Cross River State.  We are now halfway through the three-year program, and the changes in the way that the participants are seeing, acting and being are profound and inspiring.  Inquiring into, questioning, experiencing and embodying what we have shared with them at the Retreats, they have made the learning their own as it connects to their own goals and visions. 

The participants of Leading From Within are currently engaged in developing Breakthrough Initiatives where they apply the learning through the program to a small project where they use innovation to ‘breakthrough’ into new territory around a social change issue that previously seemed unachievable.  With projects ranging from the translation of an HIV/AIDS handbook into a local language, to economic empowerment for widows, to alternative livelihoods for youth involved in election violence, the participants have been hard at work developing the ideas and proposals for these projects.  Click here for more information about each of these projects.  Their dedication and commitment to creating change is evident in the application of their learning in these projects, and it is exciting to see this new and powerful group of leaders emerging.

One of the key outcomes of the program thus far has been the establishment of the African Integral Development Network (AIDEN), formed by the participants to create a forum and collective space to grow this new group of leaders, and to work collaboratively around new ways to engage social change.  The Network is entirely the idea of the participants of Leading From Within.  While I was there, elections were held for the board positions, and the network was in the process of being formalized.  

It is a long, long journey from the West Coast of Canada to the Niger Delta.  And, yet, it is a place that has gained a particular familiarity for me.  As I arrived at the One Sky office, it was a bit like coming home into a space that is comfortable and known. The staff at the office has been working hard to create a welcoming and operative space, a feat that is not easy in a place such as Nigeria.  The State electricity is on for just a few hours a day on a good day, and often not at all for days at a time. This means no access to computers, lights, printers, email, faxes – all of the aspects that are required in to make an office functional.  That is, unless you have a generator. 

So, it was with great excitement that the first day of my arrival coincided with the arrival of the new generator for the office.   This means we have access to electricity at any time which represents a big step forward for the office, and means that we can use computers, printers, projectors, lights whenever we need them.  The garden that the staff has started in the grounds around the office is beginning to produce vegetables – I even was there to try the first batch of okra!  The team at the office provides a great foundation and strong support for the overall work of One Sky in Nigeria, and their leadership is continuing to advance the work and One Sky’s vision of supporting sustainable living globally.

Fortunately, my visit overlapped with the World Cup, and was able to witness the football fervor that overtook the country with Nigeria’s participation as one of the African nations.  In fact, we even had to end our Retreat early one day because of the 3pm start time of one of the games. Despite the severe lack of electricity, “coincidentally” there was electricity during each of the Nigeria World Cup games!  Being there for the World Cup, I was also struck by the global connections that exist and continue to grow.

As I sat at the office one afternoon on the weekend, I could hear a chorus of singing children approaching.  I went outside to watch a formation of about 30 young boys running down the street singing the World Cup anthem, a song that is written by K’naan, a Somali Canadian.  Soon after, a group of girls came running by, animated by a Nigerian folk song and the collective joy that their singing inspired.  The boys ahead turned back their formation, and the two groups met right in front of the office driveway.  And then they continued on their way, filling the streets with their creative play and music.  I was struck by the truly global nature of the world that we live in.  In the heart of sub-Saharan Africa, there were this group of boys singing a song by a Canadian who originally is from Somalia, a song that is being sung all over the world in different contexts and different meaning. 

And this is how this leadership project finds its context.  We live in a globalized world.  Even when the majority of the world doesn’t have access to experiencing that world, we continue to impact and be impacted by each other in profound ways. The skills, perspective and concepts that are needed to deal with the environmental disasters of the Niger Delta oil region, the diminishing rainforests, women’s inequalities and poverty all require solutions that can take into account and address the global context, even while working at the local level.

It was a visit full of energy, excitement, inspiration, and ultimately deep relationship with these participants.  They are lit up by what integral theory offers their theory and praxis, and are so open to embracing and exploring what integral offers their work and their lives.  The space of learning becomes a place of deep sharing as we grow together on this path of supporting fuller and richer expressions of Self and Group.  I continue to feel blessed and so inspired to have this opportunity to share a new way of Being together that supports a more awake, open and fuller expression of consciousness.

A new partnership with the Toronto-based charity Athletes for Africa has given One Sky an exciting new outreach and fundraising opportunity. Anyone looking for ways to get involved with and support One Sky’s work now has two new options: sponsor a One Sky athlete or become one yourself.

To view One Sky’s online platform at the Athletes for Africa site, find out more about the partnership and log on as a participating athlete, click here. To learn more about individual One Sky athletes and their goals, click their name below.

Greg Brown

Lisa Gibson

Gail Hochachka

Larry McCulloch

Mike Simpson

If you're interested in becoming an Athlete for Africa or would like more information about this program, please email us. We look forward to hearing from you!

GO₂ has signed a reciprocal use agreement with the Victoria Car Share Co-operative. This means GO₂ members can use Victoria carshare vehicles and pay those rates instead of the more costly option of renting a vehicle when they are in Victoria for work or pleasure.

Find out more about the Victoria Car Share and its rates and vehicles.

If you are a GO₂ member interested in booking a Victoria Car Share vehicle, call or email GO₂.

Not a GO₂ member? Join today!

One Sky – Canadian Institute of Sustainable Living will host a climate change speaking presentation at the Old Church on Thursday, June 15th at 7:00 p.m. The event, “Fire and Ice,” features four local experts on global climate change and solutions including senior ecologist Dr. Jim Pojar, One Sky Executive Director Mike Simpson, Energy consultant Greg Brown, and Dawn Hanson, a Community Capacity Facilitator.

The event takes its name from One Sky’s current work in regions of Nigeria that are heavily impacted by the oil and gas industry and from its upcoming expedition in the Canadian Arctic.

“There are fires in Nigeria and they’re melting the poles,” explains One Sky Executive Director Michael Simpson, referring to unnecessary industrial gas flaring in the Niger delta and rapidly melting arctic sea ice. “We need to solve the problem of climate change in a very short period of time. The best thing to do is find strategies that are easy and cheap.”

This summer Simpson will undertake a 650 km kayak trip along the inlets and waterways of Baffin Island from Igloolik to Pond Inlet to draw attention to the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the importance of scaling up individual actions to help influence international policy.

Senior ecologist Dr. Jim Pojar brings a strong conservation message based on the findings of his research and peer-reviewed report “A New Climate for Conservation” released earlier this year.

“Climate change is forcing us to re-evaluate the way we protect nature,” says Dr. Pojar. “A minimum conservation target of 50 per cent is what's necessary to give our plants and animals a fighting chance to adapt.”

Greg Brown, who earlier this month travelled to the Gulf of Mexico with a delegation of BC Coastal First Nations, has returned with a cautionary tale from his firsthand experience of the BP oil spill that has now spread throughout the wetlands of coastal Louisiana.

The event is by donation. All proceeds support One Sky’s project supporting transformative leadership for sustainable development in Nigeria.

For more information:  Emily McGiffin or (250) 877-6030

Nigeria's high vulnerability to climate change stems first from its geographical location – in the tropics and with a long coastline. Secondly, we are a developing country with little capacity to adapt to climate change due to low levels of awareness, inadequate sources of information, lack of adequare human and financial resources, and little institutional and technological capability. As a developing country, we are particularly vulnerable because a large share of our economy is dependent on climate-sensitive natural resources.

The focus of this project will be the rural communities where about 70% of the population of Cross River State is located and where resources are limited and poverty is endemic. In the communities of Nsan and Betem, conditions have become appalling as a result of severe deforestation, mineral exploition and limestone quarrying. The main goal of this project is to work with these rural communities to improve their living conditions and reduce their vulnerability to climate change impacts. Strategies will include alternative and clean source of energy to address the over-exploitation of the forest for fuel wood, tree planting and establishing agroforestry systems similar to the oil palm establishment found in Betem.

By the end of the project, community members will have become aware of the issues and are able to take action. Local knowledge about issues of climate change will have been documented and level of awareness about issues of global warming, their causes and effect would have become public knowledge. Also about 5,000 trees, including economic trees are planted and about 50 solar cookers will be constructed for the two pilot communities.

In this photo, the women's committee in Ekuri village hold up the UN award Ekuri Initiative won for its innovations in community forestry. Finding alternative, sustainable uses of intact forests is an important strategy for adapting to, and mitigating, climate change.

The Cross River Gorilla inhabits the forest around the headwaters of the Cross River in the Cameroon-Nigeria border region with less than 300 individuals surviving in the wild. It is one of the most endangered primates in Africa. Illegal hunting for bush meat and deforestation are major threats for the Cross River Gorillas. Increased hunting imposes more pressure on a population that is already critically endangered.

Conservation efforts include creation of protected areas in government and community owned forests, enforcement of existing wildlife laws, raising awareness of issues affecting continued survival of the Gorillas and research have been carried out by various local, national and international organizations. However, there have been few efforts directed at addressing the livelihoods of those directly involved in hunting wildlife. This is a significant shortfall as 70 percent of the rural dwellers around the rainforest zones are dependent on the forest for their livelihood and directly on the wildlife for bush meat. Enforcing forest laws without empowering the forest dependent people with an alternative means of livelihood or alternative domestic meat supply in this case is a one-sided and unsustainable solution to the problem.

This project aims to

1. Reduce poaching and killing of gorillas by 50 percent by training hunters in cattle husbandry, thereby providing an alternative source of livelihood for the hunters.
2. Provide an alternative meat supply for community members through the provision of one matured cow for slaughtering and sales to community members at a subsidized rate.
3. Provide a healthy environment for meat processing through the provision of a slaughterhouse and meat stalls.
4. Create more awareness on the environmental impacts of hunting gorillas and chimps through community sensitizations.

My name is Emilia Ibitham, I live in Umon Village in Biase Local Government area. I have being hearing of HIV/AIDS messages and campaigns for some time now, but I don’t understand them because I don’t understand English language very well. I want people, organizations and government to bring these messages to us in our local languages. That way I will understand what STI, sexual intercourse means.

Emilia Ibitham, Umon Village

The above statement was made by a 16 yrs old girl in Umon Village who wants to know more about the effects of HIV/AIDS. But how can she know more if the information is not made available in her own language? We believe that there are thousands of people like Emilia who will listen to the message of HIV/AIDS if only it is being passed on to them in their ancestral language. Translating an HIV/AIDS handbook to Bekwara language will create a conscious awareness of HIV/AIDS in the minds of the readers. The end result is that they will reduce the spread of the infection.

This photo shows an NGO educational project for orphans and vulnerable children, many of whose parents have died from HIV/AIDS or are living with the virus. Finding ways to raise awareness and change behaviors, in this case through improved communication, is critical for stemming the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Long standing inequalities in the distribution and opportunities given to youth have placed them at a disadvantage compared to older men and women of their communities. This has hindered their effective participation in developmental projects and also affects their economic independence. In spite of efforts made at setting up a Ministry of Youth Affairs, youth in Nigeria - especially in Cross River State - are still absent from key decision making forums. They also need specialized skills to become gainfully employed and to contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of their regions.

The Youth Empowerment and Leadership Project (YEL) project will organize a series of activities geared towards empowering youths and equipping them with livelihood skills. This project will help address the problem of unemployment while building their capacities for leadership positions. This training will give youth an alternative to being hired for financial gains from corrupt individuals who use them to perpetrate election violence. Project activities include:

1. Mobilization/Sensitization/Selection of participants
2. Leadership training
3. Skills training
4. Rallies (anti election violence)
5. Advocacy visits to Local  government chairman
6. Formation of youth cooperative groups and enterprise development.
7. Evaluate performance during and after the training and select participants to benefit from the micro-credit scheme

The main beneficiaries will be 45 youth, with 15 youths each from 3 communities in Obubra and Ikom local governments will benefit from the trainings thereafter they will step down the knowledge to other youth of their communities.  Before the skills training, the youth groups will be formed into cooperatives, and thereafter empowered to start up small businesses of their own.  The project is innovative in the areas of micro enterprise development and cooperative management and development; there is training for the youth on how to access financial resources for the start up and development of enterprises.

From this age onward, what opportunities youth have in a society is surely a key indicator of its health and well-being.

Widowhood is associated with poverty largely due to cultural practices where a widow does not inherit her late husband’s property as well as their lack of employment skills. This Economic Empowerment Initiative proposes to empower 20 selected widows of the Ikot Inwang community of Bakassi L.G.A, Cross River State, with entrepreneurial skills and alternative livelihoods.

Empowering these widows with skills in micro-enterprise management will transform their lives by alleviating their extreme poverty and suffering. A seed fund of twenty thousand naira (NGN 20,000.00) will be extended to the trainees to enable them create and grow sustainable businesses, thus attaining financial independence. With proceeds from their businesses, widows will be able to provide for their children’s educational, health and welfare needs, contribute to community development, and promote gender equality and social participation.

The Local Government System in Nigeria is the closest form of government to the people at the grassroot. In this system, a Chairman and Vice Chairman are elected directly by the electorate as the leaders of the executive arm. Councilors from each of the wards of the local government are elected by citizens to represent the ward in the legislative arm.

Despite the democratic system of government at this level, elected representatives rarely interact with their constituents. Regular dialogue is necessary in order for elected representatives to remain accontable to their constituents as well as to seek public opinion on policy formulation and execution. This breakthrough initiative is an innovative and timely approach to intervene and bridge the gap between these two key stakeholders - citizens and their elected representatives - while also building the capacity of committed local facilitators to sustain the dialogue at the conclusion of the initiative.

We solicit the support of donor agencies to strengthen the democratic ideals and human rights at the very grassroot level of Nigeria’s political system in a municipality that is fast becoming Nigeria’s Tourism paradise. We in the Good Governance and Human Right Breakthrough Initiative Group believe passionately that with our effort and yours in partnership, sustainable change and lasting peace is possible in our local government system.

The Breakthrough Initiatives are the most tangible and powerful part of the Leading from Within project. Through these initiatives, participants will apply what they learn directly into their organization’s work and operations. Beginning with an assets-based assessment of a development and environmental issue, participants develop their chosen Breakthrough Initiative by compiling “stretch goals” that extend their thinking and planning beyond what was previously considered possible. To enable them to meet these goals, One Sky trains participants in new techniques and participatory methodologies that produce creative and lasting results.

For an initiative to be called a “breakthrough”, it must be both cutting-edge and sustainable. This means that it must draw on innovative models of change that expand the scope of innovation and impact. These initiatives not only anchor learning in action, they also achieve lasting results for sustainability and human well-being.

Some examples of Breakthrough Initiatives include:

1. Initiatives that leap to a higher scale of impact (for example, synergizing efforts for promoting conservation at the community-level with the inter-community bioregion and beyond),
2. Initiatives that effectively include a focus on the unseen factors contributing to a development problem (such as the traditional worldviews held by religious leaders that perpetuate stigma and thwart effective HIV/AIDS reduction strategies), and
3. Initiatives that extend microenterprise skills development to broader entrepreneurial capacity and marketing at regional and global scales

Our projected outcomes of these Breakthrough Initiatives include:

1. A larger generative force of leaders and new conversations within the environmental sector in Niger Delta.
2. Increased potential for healthy and highly functioning multi-stakeholder dialogue.
3. The presence of civil society leaders with a heightened awareness of the positive role that corporations can play through Corporate Social Responsibility and the potential for shared solutions.
4. Breakthrough initiatives at multiple scales, which increase overall sustainability.

One Sky is working hard on fundraising efforts to support the six Breakthrough Initiatives that Leading from Within participants will work on in teams over the coming two years. For details about each intiative or to make a valuable contribution please follow the links below.

In 2004, after four years of research by hundreds of scientists and experts in traditional knowledge, the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment released a report confirming that the impacts of climate change on the Canadian Arctic are among the most severe and dramatic impacts seen anywhere on earth.

"By the latter part of this century, annual average temperatures are projected to rise across the entire Arctic, with increases of roughly 3-5˚C over the land areas and up to 7˚C over the oceans. Winter temperatures are projected to rise significantly more, with increases of 4-7˚C over the land areas and 7-10˚C over the oceans." ACIA Impacts of a Warming Arctic: Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, 2004

Over the last several decades, average temperatures in the Arctic have risen almost twice as quickly as those in the rest of the world. Thinning sea ice, changes in precipitation and melting permafrost all have serious ramifications for Arctic ecosystems and human inhabitants. The impacts are also felt globally. Large scale melting of glaciers and sea ice change both sea levels and salinity, which in turn impact ocean currents. Permafrost, a major carbon sink, releases carbon dioxide as it thaws and begins to decay. Both of these changes contribute to or exacerbate the impacts of climate change.

Gas burning or flaring is used worldwide as a means of disposing of the natural gas produced during the extraction of crude oil. Flaring is an important emergency measure to reduce the pressure in the extraction system. Non-emergency flaring, however, carries heavy environmental and economic consequences:

• Worldwide, about 150 billion cubic meters of gas are flared or vented into the atmosphere each year.¹

• This is equivalent to 25% of the gas consumption of the US or 30% of the gas consumption of the EU.¹

• It results in lost revenue of about $31 billion each year and adds about 400 million tonnes of CO₂ to the atmosphere annually.¹ African countries received $30 billion in aid programs in 2008.

• In BC, industrial gas flaring results in the unnecessary burning of 960 million cubic meters of gas each year – enough to heat more than 300,000 homes.² There are 38,000 homes in northern BC.

• Flaring accounts for almost 3% of BC’s carbon emissions.² Since no extraction royalties are charged on gas flaring, the practice represents government revenue losses of about $50 million annually.² The budget deficit that led the closure of 14 schools in the Prince George district earlier this year was $7 million.³

• Global and regional initiatives to curb flaring are underway, but developing countries face particular challenges related to lack of infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.

The Rio Earth Summit in 2012 marks 20 years since the 1992 Earth Summit where the concept of Sustainability was coined in the Brundtland Report. One Sky is currently involved in the early stages of creating a roadmap for civil society involvement in this world conference. During this process, we plan to join other environmental non-governmental organizations in calling for a UN resolution on unnecessary fossil fuel flaring.

Sources:¹World Bank, ²Georgia Straight, ³The Dominion: News from the Grassroots

Chances are, if you become a car share member, your physical health will benefit, in addition to saving money and reducing your carbon footprint!

In the Cooperative Auto Network’s Social and Environmental Report 2008, 39 per cent of the co-op’s members reported they are overall more active since joining CAN. So choosing a more sustainable transportation option, like joining GO₂, can also lead you to make more active transportation choices, like walking and cycling, which can positively affect your physical, mental and emotional health. Read more about the benefits here.

Prior to booking on-line for the first time, the coordinator will provide you with an account number (which is your membership number) and password. Use these to access the site; you will be able to change your password once you are logged on.

1. When you click on the "Book on-line" link, you will be directed to an external site, Carshare Everywhere, which will ask you for your GO₂ account number (which is your membership number) and your password.
2. You will be directed to the "My Bookings" screen. You will see there are five vertical tabs across the screen. Click on "My Membership" to confirm your details and to change your password. 
3. Click on "New Booking" to make a booking.
4. Select your "Pick-up at" and "Return by" date and time (note a 24 hour clock is used for the times). For future dates, scroll down to either "Choose another date" or use the calendar icon to select the month and date. You must also choose a vehicle from the drop-down list under "Location". Once you've chosen your date and times, and your vehicle, click the "Book It" button.
5. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address we have on file.
6. To change or cancel your booking, go to the "My Bookings" screen. Click in the "select" box and either change or cancel the booking by clicking on the appropriate button.
7. Remember to Log-out (tab on the farthest right at the top of the screen) once you are done.
8. Any questions? Call (250) 877-6030 or email.

Ready? Book on-line

Energetic Olympics lives on! The City of Terrace, the Energetic Olympics gold medal winner in the Heavyweight division, has used its prize to support the efforts of the Greater Terrace Beautification Society. The society is a group of volunteers who are committed to promoting beautification of the Terrace area. They have been working for years to transform an abandoned gas station site in downtown Terrace into a green space, and this year with the support of the city and its Energetic Olympics prize, it is becoming a reality.

The city collaborated with the society and used the prize money to purchase native plant seedlings and supplies, with Terrace Mayor Dave Pernarowski and city councillors pitching in to help society members.

Check out their efforts and results below! You can also view media coverage of the event or find out more about the society.

Mayor Pernarowski (centre) and society President Chris Hansen (to right) hard at work

The results!

The GO2 Carshare Cooperative is officially up and running. Individuals and organizations interested in joining can call (250) 877-6030 or find out more on the website.  You can also email the carshare.

As a bonus for Earth Day, anyone joining the co-op on April 22nd will get a $10 credit on his/her account!

Welcome to the Meet the Leaders page. Here you can link to video of each participant with a brief three minute introduction of who they are.

Just click on the link below each participant.

Nneoyi Ofem Nigeria Organization for Solidarity of Development (NOSAD)
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Nneoyi Ofem hails from Ekori Yakurr local government area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Born thirty-five years ago. I have about seven years experience of working in the Nigerian NGO sector as an intern and employee with Noble Organization for Solidarity and Development (NOSAD) based in Calabar, Nigeria. A graduate of crop science from the University of Calabar in addition I have had other key professional trainings in project design as appraised with Akada Konsult, Lagos Nigeria. Nneoyi is currently the Programme Officer of NOSAD with the vision to engage in development activities that will improve the lives of th powerless and disadvantaged people in Nigeria and other developing countries. NOSAD has experience working with rural community people in five thematic areas, including: civic education, peace education, women empowerment, and poverty alleviation, health and environment. I approach my work with more seal and passion because I was once deeply in election violence and thuggery in my community, working in this sector opened a new way of life for me and now I am an advocate for change and promoting ,credible elections in my local community.

Margaret Caiafas Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society
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I am Margaret Caiafas. I have a Bachelor degree in Human Resources and Masters in Anthropology and Youth Counselling from the University of London. My career experience includes employment as Operations Manager with a Financial Institution for 10 years before starting a family business in hospitality. I was appointed Field Worker of Missionary Society of the AME Zion Church to coordinate activities of the women, youth, and children in 13 churches in Cross River State, Nigeria. My passion to touch lives positively is the driving force behind my leadership function. I have initiated various projecs for the church and community which include: Scholarship Scheme for unpriviledged, start-up small business, awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS, malaria, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, etc. Annual provisions are made for the aged, sick and orphans. Current project which require fudnign is Multi-Skills acquisition Centre to bring youth out of the streets and make them employable.

Maria E. A. Ukpanyang, Esq. Radiant Women Association (RAWA)
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Mary Ukpanyang is a lawyer, gender equity activist and an environmentalist from Cross River State in Nigeria. Currently she is the Coordinator of Radiant Women Association (RAWAS), a rights-based not-for-profit, non-religious, non-partisan political and non-governmental organization, which she co-founded and registered in Cross River State in 2005. RAWAS vision is a world where women and men are equal partners at all levels of decision making. Currently RAWAS is a catalyst that sparks rapid development by empowering rural community women to have voice in policies that infringe on their environment, dignity, sustainable livelihood and economic independence. RAWAS therefore focuses on: women’s rights and advocacy, women’s environmental, including water, sanitation, hygiene and their livelihood, peace building and conflict resolution, and TB and HIV/AIDS. Very recently RAWAS sprearheaded the drafting and signing into law the rights of women in Cross River State to inherit and own property thus stopping the obnoxious cultural practice of girl-child disinheritance.

Etim Etim Omini O-ten Ita Foundation
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Etim Etim Omini from Idomi Yakurr local government area, Cross River State, Nigeria. I hold a bachelors degree in Geography and Regional Planning, postgraduate diploma in Education and post-graduate professional diploma in Development Administration, specializing in monitoring and evaluation. Presently, I am the Project Coordinator of Oten Ita Foundation that envisions a world that cares for children and empowers women, the foundation works in four thematic areas, 1) Education, 2) Environment, 3) HIV/AIDS, and 4) Gender and Empowerment. I manage the implementation of action plans, ensures regular and timely data collecgtion, reporting, analysis and presentations, as well as assisting the Programme Director in achieving the organization mission. An estimated 12 million children in sub-Saharan Africa are either orphans or vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS and this results to their inability to access education, nutrition and other essential things of life. As an organization we are committed to raising leaders among these orphans and vulnerable children in the next 15 years, but for now we are supporting 360 to have access to qualitative education, psychosocial support, care and empowerment of their caregivers. I hope to be a team player in global development.

Okom Esira Mbey Forest Management Committee (FMC)
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My organization’s name is Forest Management Committee (FMC) founded in 2001, with objectivecs on environemtnal conservation and sustainability. That is educating local communities on the wise use of timber and non-timber products, the dangers of water poisoning, bush burning, and we also check the excessive forest usage. We monitor as well as arrest illegal loggers through our vigilante group. My organization is community-based with great interests in conserving the only remaining 20% tropical community protected rainforest in Nigeria. Now we want to embark on provision of alternative livelihoods to the learning community. But the question is where will the funding come from? Or should we reaming silent while watching the environment be destroyed forever? No, we must do something to keep the ecosystem on a better mode. Special appeal is sent to environmentalists, researchers, social agents, funders, the academic community, and all those in the general public with great interests in environmental conservation around the world to rise-up and support me. Your support will be used wisely specially with the leadership development skill impacted on me by One Sky. If you destroy the forest you destroy life. Please save life now.

Juliana Nya Centre for Health Promotion (CHEP)
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Ben Usang African Dignity Foundation
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My name is Benedict Usang, I am a native of Calabar Municipality and Odukpani Local Government Area in Cross River State, Nigeria. I studied Business Adminstration in university of calabar,Nigeria. As a young man I worried constantly ab out the complex problems confronting my beloved continent, Africa so l resolved to establish a non-profit platform to effectively work for the dignity of Africa and its beautiful people, African dignity foundation therefore came into existencein 1998 incalabar, Nigeria to champion human dignity and sustainable social development, l am currently working for Africa dignity foundation as president/Executive Director.
My current roles and responsibilities include Leadership and coordination of the work of the staff and volunteers of ADF to achieve the mission of the organization. ADF currently focuses its project on youth development and citizens mobilization to engage policy makers on human dignity and sustainable social development. Due to my commitment to civil society development l still occupy.

Rosemary Obo Women Action Organization
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Rosemary Obo from Obubra in Cross River State Nigeria. She is the Executive Director Family Development Initiative, an NGO registered with Cross River State government. She holds a master degree in sociology and Anthropology with specialty in Community Development. She equally has Advance certificate in Environment and Community Development and a post graduate diploma in Environmental Education. She has equally attended professional workshops and trainings on different fields. She has worked with various international organizations like Africare Nigeria, Pro-Natura International, and Living Earth Foundation. She is presently carrying out the implementation of FDI projects, monitoring projects’ implementation and maintaining networking and collaboration with other NGOs and lots more. The interesting areas about her work is the joy of seeing more than a thousand women in Cross River State, especially the teenage mothers, have a smile on their faces, empowering them to stand out.

Edwin Effiom Ogar Ekuri Initiative
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I am Chief Edwin Ogar, Programme Coordinator of the Ekuri Initiative. I attended primary school, thereafter obtained GCE exams through private studies and later studied mass communications. My current roles and responsibilities are planning, organizing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluation. Areas of focus include forest conservation, sustainable forest management, community development, and poverty reductions. The five communities of Ekuri are involved in the governance of the Ekuri Initiative., which is one reason for its successes. The perimeter survey has helped to define Ekuri community forest boundary. The preliminary land use plan depicting different land use zones has substantially helped in conserving biodiversity and the forest ecosystems. Sustainable timber harvesting from inventory plots guarantees long-term survival of the plots. Elaborate income generating mechanisms ensures regular incomes from non-timber forest products to the Ekuri community. Promotion of gender equality leads to recognition of women’s rights and proceeds from the forest spent on the road, school, and empowerment of individuals.

Etim Okon Akamo Ekuri Initiative
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I am Akamo Etim Okon 25 years ago, haild from New Ekuri community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State,Nigeria. I had my secondary education at comprehensive secondary school Nko in Yakurr Local Government Area in 1996. After my secondary education, I enroed and completed a diploma programme in the institute of public Adminstration Calabar in 2003 and later proceded and also completed a degree programme in the institute of policy studies and adminstration in 2006. As a young graduate, I was employed to work for Ekuri initiative as a volunteer officer and as a class room teacher in Bright star Nursery and primary school calabar. Due to my character ,behaviour and hard working, I was later recruited to work with the Ekuri initiative as a project officer. I was also promotedto be the head teacher in the Bright star Nursery and primary school, As a prepared Adminstrator, I contribute effective the extension of the class rooms brock in Bright star Nursery and primary.with my effort as a project officer we have built civil centreto the people of New Ekuri, provided renewable energy lampsto the people of Bakia communityin in Boki Local Government Area. Currently we have conducted community self need assessement over 43 communities randomly selected in 5 of the Local Government Areas in Cross River State which is a new diamension in the development work

Emmanuel Ukandi Biodiversity Preservation Group (BPG)
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My name is Emmanual Ukandi, and I am from Obudu in Cross River State, Nigiera. I hold a B.Sc. in Public Administration. I am the project coordinator of Biodiversity Preservation Group (BPG). The variety in life including genes, species and ecosystems is known as biodiversity. In addition to being a source of food, shelter, fuel and livelihood, biodiversity provides the critical ecosystem services of disease control and moderation of erosion and flooding. The zeal for development work led me to joingin this group of conscientious humanitarian environmentalists. My overall aim is to conserve man and environment with fundamental look at th ecritical areas. My vision is to deliver humanitarian services and monitor impact on environment and man based on the principle of equity, justice, discipline, and fairness. My service sectors include research, production, water and sanitation, agriculture extension, empowerment for sustainable livelihood capacity building and micro-project rolling conservation as well as gender equality. I have worked and am maintaining a good relationship with over 80 communities in Cross River State, delivering services in the respective sectors mentioned above. I took this leadership program so as to contribute my initiative that demonstrates leadership with inspired action and change, consistent with the vision of my initiative, including policy and / or institutional change and the empowerment of local people especially that of marginalized groups as well as the orphans and the vulnerable. To contribute my initiatives that incorporate social and cultural diversity and promote gender equality. To provide platforms for local voices to share experiences on community action in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. And also, to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. My major constraint is capacity building and finance. Thank you. Emmanuel Ukandi 08035192261, 08024680488.

Grace Effiong Ikpe Global Peace Development
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I am Grace Ikpe. I hold a B.Sc. in Environmental Management and a M.Sc. (in view) in Geography with specialization in Population, Development, and Environment in the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. I work with Global Peace Development (a non-governmental organization) with head office in Ugnelli, Delta State and a branch in Calabar, Cross River State. I am the Programme Coordinator. Our organzixationl focus is on conflict management and resolutions, good governance and democracy, gender issues, empowerment, environment and development and water, sanitations and hygiene. Our roles and responsibilities are to develop analytical thinking and action skills for understanding, preventing and helping to correct environmentalabuse. Our objectives for environemtnal responsibilities will be by: creating awareness; increasing knowledge; changing attitudes; increasing skills; helping in evaluations; and involve participation. Through team work, network and partners, we have to be able t put smiles on the faces of the rural poor by provision of water, empowerment of women, creating awarenss on hygiene and sanitation. Also, we have to be able to make people add value to the environment by making them custodians of the environment for sustainable living.

Eyo E. A. Eyo Citizens Network Nigeria
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Eyo Eyo is my name and I direct citizens Network Nigeria (CINET).
CINET is a Nigerian not for profit non-governmental organization NGO Registered in CRS Nigeria in year 2000.Although environment is one area of air interest, CINET equally works towards the promotion of citizens social responsibilities, rights, conflict, sustainable livelihood, service and rural unification delivery.
I hold the general corticated of Education (GCE) Ordinary and Advance Level after completing secondary and High school in 1985, a certificate in Journalism and 17 years experience. My vision is to bring about changes in a world free of conflict, and promote sustainable livelihood. Awareness creation and education form my values and, I hope to network in bringing about changes in my state and Nigeria.

Juliet Onyi Ogban Life Care Organization Nigeria (LICON)
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My name is Juliet Onyi Ogban, l am a native of Etana Ene North in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, am a young girl of twenty four years old, single and of good parentage. L work with life care organization (LICON) as a project manager. L had my senior school certificate examination in 2001 and a diploma certificate in information technology in 2003, and am currently an under graduate of the university of calabar, calabar Nigeria department of marketing, am in 400 levels. I am currently the project manager of life care organization(LICON) and l am incharge of projects, our area of work focus is on sustainable livelihoods, gender equality and Hiv/Aids awareness programme. What inspired me to work with an NGOis the passion l have for the poor, needy and the voiceless in the rural communities.

Agbor Solomon Achai Rural Women and Youth Development Initiative (RWAYDI)
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My name is Agbor Solomon Achu, l work for Rural women and youth Development Initiative(RWAYDI). Anon governmental organization that is in Ikom Local government of Cross River State, Nigeria.l hold a post graduate diploma in environmental education(PGDEE).Currently lam the programme coordinator for my organization. Our area of work focus are on : health, education, gender, environment, sustainable livelihood. Our target group are mostly women,,youth and orphans. Poverty is the driving force of my work, knowing that l have felt poverty, tested and seen it, my heart feels for the poor, the orphans and the street children. Our work with this group have exposed us to the fact that there is still a lot of gap, and so we network with other organization to bridge this gap, we hope and look forward to working with othe network and oranisation to team this monster called poverty.

Stella Ayam Odey Fadama III
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My name is Stella Ayam Odey, a Nigerian from Cross River State. I hold a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences. Professionally, I have carried out group trainings in communities, taken part in several gender related research projects, worked for the Canadian NGO One Sky as a Gender Advisor, developed a gender mainstreaming handbook aimed at providing practical guidelines for development agents, facilitated the formulation of gender workplace policies for some environmental NGOS in the State. Currently, she works as a Community Facilitator for FADAMA III development programme, assisted by the World Bank and aimed at reducing rural poverty. I carry out sensitization and mobilization, conduct participatory rural appraisals, assist in the preparation of local development plans. My visions is to work on people’s mindsets, especially the marginalized to see breakthroughs beyond their challenges. I have passion for development work especially on gender issues because I was a victim of gender discrimination. My right to education was almost denied me just because I am a woman.

Mercy Sunday Ekpo Center for Secure Health and Environment Development (SHED Africa)
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My name is Mercy Sunday Ekpo, a native of Uyo in Uyo Local Government Area, Awa Ibom State, Nigeria. I am a development worker with Centre for Secure Health and Environment Development (SHED Africa). I hold a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Protection and Resource Management from the University of Calabar. As a finance and administration officer to SHED Africa, my roles and responsibilities are as follows: to manage the office, produce materials for the office use in some cases field work, develop proposals for approved projects, review and revise strategic planning documents, disburse materials and funds to field officers, handle all correspondence, raise requisition for project and to funders, and contribute to proposal development. SHED Africa’s vision is for all a Nigerian communities to have improved health and liveolihood security. In pursurance of our vision, we partner with EU-MPP6, Hope Wide World and Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) has been able to provide developmental projects such as classroom block, water and sanitation facilitites, support of Orphans and Vulnerable children, and train community members on alternative livelihoods practices. Profile: I have 10 years working experience in community development in Cross River State, Nigeria, as a volunteer and an employee. I have extensive experience in research and documentation, community mobilization, and needs assessment, monitoring and project management. I also possess a strong background in action research, behavioral change and communications and facilitation of outreach programmes. I have carried out many institutional building training and participatory researches in communities across the state. My experience with the Canadian NGO One Sky, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), on gender and HIV/AIDS and sustainable livelihood funded projects as a team member demonstrates my capacity and training skills. I aim to be the best, committed to carving out an enviable niche for myself as an excellent staff, epitomized by quality performance and contributions to my organization. Finally, as a leader my purpose in life is to have positive influence on everyone that come across my path, by helping people grow and empowering them.

Godwin Umimke Ugah Council for Renewable Energy in Nigeria (CREN)
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Ugah Godwin Unimke is the national program Director of the council for Renewable Energy in Nigeria( CREN), the largest renewable energy in Nigeria with a membership of over 400, spanning from government, academia, students, professionalsand end user of renewable energy technologies. Mr. Ugah has held several leadership positions, some of which are: president of Aiesec in calabar( an international student exchange program) where he facilitated the training and development of students and volunteers,the vice president ,polytechnic of calabar association against the spread of HIV/Aids, e.t.c Mr. Ugah is an environmentalist, with a strong technical and environmental background, with a diploma in science laboratory technology and a first degree in environmental protection and resource management from the university of calabar in Nigeria.He work as a volunteer staff with onesky in 2006,in the CIDA funded project in cross River state, Nigeria. Currntly, he is saddle with the responsibility of planning and designing programs aimed at achieving the vision of CREN.These programs include; the creation of awareness about renewable energy in rural communities, fostering partnerships necessary to achieve the large scale implementation of renewable e\nergy in Nigeria, establishing strong membership with the use of internet, newsletters and personal contacts, fund raising,project implementation i.e improved wood stove. Introduction to forest communities e.t.c.
In summary mr. Ugah is committed to achieving set targets and his vision is that Nigeria becomes the leader in the renewable energy deployment in Africa.
Formore information or registration, visit http://www.renewablenigeria.org
Email: godwin@renewablenigeria.org
Or call 07068541079

Awuken Obaji U
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My name is Awuken Obaji l work for We- Women Network (NGO) in Calabar, Nigeria. Hold diploma and B.SC. in social Work from the University of Calabar. Iam a project Co-ordinator with We-women Network, supervise projects, personel and review reports.
My work focuses on gender equality, health, human rights and sustainable livelihood. My responsibilities are Advocacy and networking, especially on women issues. My work includes civic education, gender and human right in HIV/AIDS intervention, targeting prison communities e.g prison workers and their wives, inmates and its environs. Others include violence against women and reproductive health, specifically family planning, with support from Global Rights, Cedpa,CENGOs, SACA and Pathfinder. My society is patriarchal and my work has enhanced enhanced women’s knowledge and involvement in governance and decision making. More women can now negotiate safe sex, exercise their voting rights, and acquire sustainable livelihood skills through vocational training and, above all, have access to inheritance.

Edwin Eyang Usang NGOCE
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I am Edwin Usang from the rainforest zone of the Cross River state, Nigeria. I work for NGO coalition for the Environment (NGOCE) as a program Director. Iam a B.SC. candidate in Environmental Biochemistry. I hold a post graduate diploma in Applied Biochemistry and another post graduate diploma in environmental management. Two of my research work were published in a scientific journal in 2006. My responsiblities include effective coordination of all the departmentsand caucuse in NGOCE to ensure yhat projects are implemented on schedule. I also liase with other ENGOs to seeks for areas of cooperation and collaboration of joint initiatives. Our focus is on forest conservation and protection, natural Resource management, assisting forest communities in alternative livelihoods practices and the provision of Resource centre for Reseach purposes. We also do policy Advocacy to bring our forestry laws to conform with nation and internation standard.

Robert Bassey Umera Youth Know Thyself Organization
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I am Robert Umera Jr. and the founder of youth know thyself oganisation. I hold a bachelor degree in Applied geophysics. Not long ago l found a strong passion in humanitarian work. So l decided to form “youth know thyself”. Our oranisation focus on youth development. We belief that for the youth in our society to appreciate the environment and reach out for goals, they is need for them to have a good mind set and an attitudinal change about their society. So here we groom youths to be patriotic citizens and help put them back on track with a focus on what they can give to the society that they have gain so much from. So if you are out there and you see the youth as agent of change in the society ,then you need to help us make them who there should be. They need to be trained on leadership perspective and empower to change their world. It can be done

Enwongo-Abasi Okon Reach-out Enterprise Development Initiative
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Enwongo-Abasi is a 37 year old mother of 3 boys who has a passion to see that positive change takes place in our communities, nation, continent, and the globe as a whole. She is an accountant and a pastor and she has a passion for developing entrepreneurial skills in people. She believes that the big corporations of the world started small and that everybody has the right to live a comfortable life. Enwongo-Abasi represents Reach-Out Enterprise Development Initiative as its Executive Director. The organization’s primary focus is on entrepreneurial development of women and youths in our community with emphasis on sustainable livelihood. She is responsible for the overall direction of the organization. She does the planning, research, and training of staff and development workers. In the organization, she has found out during field work that people in her community do not know how to keep records of their trading activities and need help in these areas. She loves to talk a lot to people about issues and hopes to be a country director in an international organization that concerns itself with development and sustainable livelihood.

Uket Uket Bassey Anebara-Agibara (Women Arise)
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My name is Uket Uket, I work for Anebana Gibera. I hold a certificate in Environment health and safety and a degree in environmental Resource management. I work as a project officer and some of my responsibilities are implementing the programmes of the organization through education on the right of the women and children, conduct trainings and workshops on sustainable livelihood alternatives, Assist women in Business plan development and providing support for start up business, coordinate educational outreaches in school class. Our areas of focus are vulnerable children and child right, Gender and women empowerment, sustainable livelihood and environment. We educate the women on their right and providing alternative source of livelihood by assisting them to state up business to make them independent. We also bring out the vulnerable children or street children out of the street by accommodating, training and providing vocational skills for them. We have also carried out or research in the area of gender and violence, snail farming, grasscutter farming and child crime. Our challenges are funds to set up a vocational centre, how to change the perception of the men and women, necessary skills to keep the work going, get more groups to work with in this area.

Ejibwa Onagha Irek Organization for Rural & Community Development (RUCODEV)
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I am Ejibwa Irek from Obudu in Cross River State, Nigeria. I am the Project Coordinator of Organization for Rural and Community Development (RUCODEV, formerly Grassroots Development Organization, GRADO). I hold M.Ed. (Educational Psychology), B.Sc. (Ed). And Higher Certificate in Environment and Community Development. Our passion for environmental justice and upliftment of rural women and youth informed the formation of this organization my Mrs. Gloria Monn and myself in 1996. Our projects have enabled 97,500 access to safe water and sanitation and good hygiene practices, 3 networks on reporting sanction of human rights abuses, 120 women in alterative livelihoods in animal production, micro credit to 76 people living with AIDS and physically challenged, and 820 women access to income generating skills. Commitment and passion is my driving force. I thank Concern Universal, GFW, AWDF, ED, Kinder Mission Work for assistance. Equipment of our vocational center and IT competency for rural women in urgently needed.

Jerry Akparawa CERCOPAN
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Jerry Akparawa is an environmental educator with CERCOPAN (http://www.cercopan.org). He has been working for 12 years. With onlky a diploma in Environmental Educatino, I reach out to our 4,000 students of ages 12-16 at an average of 80 per class, in 50 secondary schools annually. For visitors to CERCOPAN primate rehabilitation center, I talk to over 20,000 visitors, inclduign tourist and students. Some of my major messages include shy monkeys are not good pets and the need to protect them and their forest habitat. Since 2002, I have been organizing activities for the World Environment Day that brings together over 3000 participants involving school children, market women, government officials, and university lecturers and ENGOs. My work has attracted recognition from Disney Animal Kingdom and I was the International Primatological Society’s Conservation Education Commitment Award winner for 2007. My present vision is to use these students to plant 5000 trees before 5th June, 2009 and annually to tackle global warming and prepare for a low carbon economy.

Blessing Bassey Family Development Initiative
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I am Blessing. B.Oboh working with Family Development Initiative. I had a B.SC.degree in Accountancy,the finance/ Admin. Manager
Focus on rural women and youths ( in and out school) mobilization towards behavioural change. We have reached out to 782 students on Hiv/Aids awareness creation, formation of peer health educator’s clubs and conservationclubs, provide palm seedlings andbush mangoto communities,organize skills acquisition training and construction of health centres, boleholes,school blocks and distribution of pesticide treated net to communities.carried out research on forest issues,conduct basline survey on water and sanitation, carried out need assessment in rural communities before projects execution, conducting trainings on participatory Rural Appraisals.
Email: Oble200boh@yahoo.com.

Michael Arong Ekpe CERCOPAN
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Michael Ekpe is my name. I work for CERCOPAN (Centre for Ecuation, Research and Conservation of Primates and Nature). I have a background in geography and environmental education “A” level. My current role is Community Liaison and Education Officer (CLEO) based in Iko Esai village, Rhoko forest site. My responsibilities are to create education awareness both formal and informal on conservation issues as it relates to behavior within the local communities, schools, churches, to effect a positive change. I also stand as a go-between the organization CERCOPAN and the village of Iko Esai (our host community) to promote mutual understanding and congenial relationship that will foster positive results for the project and the community at large. My main areas of work are Education and Community Relations. I am interested and happy doing my work because I love nature and I have passion for the environment. My interest was rekindled when I graduated from the University where I studied environmental education. I discovered the negative impact man have caused to the environment in terms of deforestation, wildlife extinction, and pollution. I had a vision to conserve the remaining environment around me for the sake of my children yet unborn. What triggered my vision was that my children at some point in the future will grow up never to enjoy or see the aesthetics of nature and also may never study related courses on the environment. Now I have four kids and all desire nature. I appeal to those of you out there to support my project and vision and for more details log onto http://www.cercopan.org. Cheers.

Obio Owai Obio CERCOPAN
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I was bone into the family of late Evangelist and Mrs. Christain Owai Obio. I am a native of lko Esai in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State in Nigeria. I started my service with CERCOPAN as a labourer in 1999 and l was later employed into the position of education Assistant in the year 2000. After serving CERCOPAN for one year, l decided to further my education and l was successfully completed my studies in school. My graduation from the teriary institution as well as my good reputation with CERCOPAN resulted in my promotion to the position Assistant operations manager were l am working presently.

James Olabi Odey Development in Nigeria
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James Olabi Odey. Project Director of the non-governmental organization Development in Nigeria (DIN) by the African Research Association. Education: B.Sc. Geography and Regional Planning form University of Calabar, diploma in computer programming, Eraser computers, Calabar. James is an experienced natural resource management specialist with an interdisciplinary background and knowledge in areas including natural resource management and poverty reduction through environmental management and conservation in Nigeria. He is a conscientious and determined individual with significant experience working in rural areas in Nigeria in community development and natural resource management. Being Project Director of DIN, James is responsible for the day to day management of DIN’s programmes, including training programmes for staff, ensuring sustainable funding base for the organization, carrying out project monitoring and evaluation as part of project management, advise project coordinators on field and administrative matters, prepare donor narrative reports, monitor and evaluat annual work plans and strategic plan, prepare annual reports as well as networking with governemtn agencies and other civil society organizations. I am responsible for 26 local staff based in 5 offices working in 30 rural communities across Cross River State. Before joining DIN, James had more than four years of managerial position in one of the fast growing private secondary schools in the northern senatorial district of Cross River State. He has attended a number of leadership trainings including: Environmental Capacity Programme (ENCAP), organizaed by Associates for Rural Development, USA, International workshop on fundraising, capital campaigns and stewardship for tertiary institutions, NGOS and religious groups, organized by Ken Nnamani Centre for Leadership, as well as the current program Leading From Within-Integral Leadership for Sustainable Development organized by One Sky, Canada. James has aspiration to lead in an International Organization such as the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

Mary Awhobiwom Undebe Development in Nigeria
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Mary Ukpanyang is a lawyer, gender equity activist and an environmentalist from Cross River State in Nigeria. Currently she is the Coordinator of Radiant Women Association (RAWAS), a rights-based not-for-profit, non-religious, non-partisan political and non-governmental organization, which she co-founded and registered in Cross River State in 2005. RAWAS vision is a world where women and men are equal partners at all levels of decision making. Currently RAWAS is a catalyst that sparks rapid development by empowering rural community women to have voice in policies that infringe on their environment, dignity, sustainable livelihood and economic independence. RAWAS therefore focuses on: women’s rights and advocacy, women’s environmental, including water, sanitation, hygiene and their livelihood, peace building and conflict resolution, and TB and HIV/AIDS. Very recently RAWAS sprearheaded the drafting and signing into law the rights of women in Cross River State to inherit and own property thus stopping the obnoxious cultural practice of girl-child disinheritance.

Juliet Olory Development in Nigeria
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Juliet Olory comes from a small forest surrounded village called Old Ekuri in Nigeria, with a degree in Agric. Economics and Extension. Juliet has passion to conserve the forest, protect the enveronment and rural development. She works with development in Nigeria, a non governmental organization whose core values are forest conservation, natual resources management and poverty alleviation. As a project coordinator, Juliet in the last five years has work with various communities groups in fifteen communities across her state of origin she has trained six women’s groups in bee keeping and domestication of non-timber forest products, increasing their economic status and reducing pressure on available ones in the forest. She has trained three hundred and ninety cocoa farmers in a participatory learning farming field school, keeping them reduce their dependence on use of chemicals and producing better quality cocoa. She is currently working on a project funded by the International Union for the Conservation Nature (IUCN) focused on conserving the Mbe Mountain forest. Her dream is to be involved in global environment and development issues, being a voice for the rural poor and seeking a balance between the two.

Gregory Agam Action for Rural Development
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See a video clip of Gregory

Okon Efiong Enemi Green Vision Movement
See a video clip of Okon

See a video clip of Okon's vision

My name is Elder Okon E. Enemi, project Director Green Vision Movement, I have first degree in 2004 in policy studies and administration, Masters in policy studies and administration currently doing another masters in industrial sociology. My role in green Vision- project Director, planner, organizer and coordinator of programmes. Areas of focus are: water, sanitation/hygiene promotion health and worked actively on gender directed violence, empowerment of the less privilege e.g. women, youths and Bakassi returnees.
Presently Green Vision is working is working in two states in Nigeria –Cross River and Akaw Ibam .As well as 20 communities in the two state affecting communities dwellers positively in those areas of focused. Target groups are women, youths, Bakassi Returnees men and policy makers. Methodology adopted: intervention, education Advocacy.

In Canada, the car sharing movement includes 19 car share organizations, 2,285 vehicles and 67,526 members.

The first two car sharing organizations (CSOs) in BC were among the first in North America. The Victoria Car Share Cooperative, established in 1996, has 400 members sharing 19 vehicles. The Cooperative Auto Network (CAN) in Vancouver was established in 1997 and over the past 13 years it has grown steadily to reach a current membership of 6,300 sharing 230 cars.

The most significant success story as far as the Smithers car share is concerned, however, is the thriving Nelson Carshare Cooperative with branches in Revelstoke, Kaslo, Kimberley, and Fernie.

In the eight years it has been operational, the Nelson car share has expanded to five communities with a total of 180 members and 18 vehicles. In Nelson, the largest of the five, there are 90 members sharing nine vehicles. Revelstoke, with a population very similar to that of Smithers, has three vehicles shared between 20-25 members.

To learn more, visit:

Cooperative Auto Network

Victoria Car Share Cooperative

Nelson Car Share Cooperative

How successful is car sharing?

Car sharing is attracting increasing numbers of members worldwide and is on the rise in North America; between 2007 and 2009 car sharing in North America grew by 117 per cent. From major metropolitan centres to small rural towns, it’s a transportation option that makes sense for many people: it offers the convenience and flexibility of cooperatively owning a vehicle at a fraction of the cost of private vehicle ownership. It makes it possible for households to use several vehicles without the associated costs of fuel, insurance, maintenance and repairs.

Car sharing can also lead to reduced overall driving; studies show that car share members often become healthier as they chose walking and cycling more often when there isn’t a car sitting in the driveway. In the Cooperative Auto Network’s Social and Environmental Report 2008, 39 per cent of the Coop’s members reported they are overall more active since joining CAN.

Car share members are also likely to forego the purchase of a first or second vehicle; this can translate into up to 20 fewer private vehicles on the road per car share vehicle.

Car sharing's popularity is a testament to the financial benefits it provides in the face of rising fuel costs and a struggling economy. It also reflects changing attitudes towards personal needs and an increased willingness to embrace cooperative vehicle ownership – especially when that vehicle is needed only on an occasional basis. If this sounds good to you, give us a call today: (250) 877-6030 or email us.

Flying to Vancouver or Victoria and need a car while you're there?

GO₂ Carshare is pleased to announce that it has signed reciprocal use arrangements with Vancouver's Cooperative Auto Network and the Victoria Car Share Cooperative! This means that GO₂ members can use those car share vehicles and pay carshare rates instead of the more costly option of renting a vehicle when they visit Vancouver or Victoria for work or pleasure.

Find out more about the Victoria Car Share Co-operative.

And here's Vancouver's Co-operative Auto Network.

If you are a GO₂ Carshare member interested in booking a Vancouver or Victoria Car Share vehicle, call or email us. Not a GO₂ member? Become one today!

The GO₂ Carshare Cooperative also aims to help reduce GHG emissions in the Bulkley Valley.

Personal vehicle emissions from cars, trucks, and SUV's are responsible for 35 per cent of all of Smithers' GHG emissions (Community Energy & Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, 2009). These emissions contribute to particulate matter that reduce air quality in the community. By establishing a car share in Smithers, we hope to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, along with increasing the community's sustainable transportation options and providing financial benefits for our members.

We hope to reduce vehicle emissions in a few ways:

• By encouraging residents to join the cooperative instead of purchasing a second vehicle (that may only be used occasionally);
• By encouraging those who don't own a vehicle to join the cooperative instead of purchasing a vehicle;
• By encouraging residents with high-emissions vehicles to join the cooperative so that they can access a lower-emissions vehicle for longer trips; and
• Finally, we hope to reduce the number of single trips people make in their vehicles. By combining mulitple errands into a single trips, members will drive more efficiently and reduce the overall number of vehicle trips they will make.

A low-use GO₂ member who drives a co-op vehicle 10 kms in two hours to run errands around town will pay: $8.14

• Hourly Rate: 2 hours * $1.50/hour = $3.00
• Mileage: 10 kms * $0.40/km = $4.00
• Additional Fees: 10 kms * $0.027/km = $0.27

Subtotal: $7.27

• Taxes (GST, PST): $0.87

Total: $8.14

Remember gas, insurance, maintenance, cleaning and repairs are all included

A high-use GO₂ member who books a co-op vehicle for a weekend trip to and around Prince George will pay: $137.40

• Daily Rate (Saturday, Sunday): 2 days * $60/day = $120
• Taxes (GST, PST): $14.40
• PVRT: 2 days * $1.50/day = $3.00

Total: $137.40

The daily rate does not include the cost of gas but does include insurance, maintenance, cleaning and repairs

Curious to know how much your trip may cost? Please call us at (250) 877-6030 or email us with your trip details and we'd be happy to prepare a quote.

• As of July 1, 2010, HST will be charged at the current rate of 12% on all relevant charges.
• Bookings longer than eight (8) consecutive hours are subject to the Passenger Vehicle Rental Tax (PVRT) of $1.50/day.

The car share has a few additional fees that will help the cooperative accomplish some of its long-term goals. These include:

• $0.002 / km for a Carbon Offset Fund, which will be used to purchase carbon offsets to counter the co-op vehicles' emissions.
• $0.025 / km for an Emergency Reserve Fund, to be used for unforeseen circumstances.

In order to ensure the co-op runs smoothly for the benefit of all its members, additional fees will be charged for a member's mis-use of a co-op vehicle or for violating the co-op's Rules, Policies, Procedures or the Membership Manual. This could include things like: late vehicle return, losing a key, or returning a vehicle with excessive mess and / or dirt.

For more details, please consult our Price List (pdf).

There will be a monthly administration fee for each member who uses a co-op vehicle in any given month. To reflect the level of administrative work involved each month, the fee will vary based on the mileage driven in any one month.

• $5 if you drive 100 kilometres or less in a month
• $10 if you drive between 101 and 300 kilometres in a month
• $35 if you drive more than 300 kilometres in a month

If you do not drive a vehicle in any given month, you will not pay an administration fee.

GO₂'s mileage rates vary based on the distance driven in any one month. You will pay:

• $0.40 / km if you drive 100 kilometres or less a month
• $0.35 / km if you drive between 101 and 300 kilometres a month
• $0.25 / km if you drive more than 300 kilometres a month

For trips involving a long distance, it you may want to consider paying the flat daily rate of $60. Even though this rate does not include the cost of gas, it may still be a cheaper option than paying the hourly and mileage rates. Call us at (250) 877-6030 to discuss your options!

The hourly charge for booking co-op vehicles is $1.50. Please note:

• There is a minimum booking of 30 minutes ($0.75); after that the vehicles can be booked in additional increments of 30 minutes.
• After a booking of eight consecutive hours, the hourly rate drops to $0.50.
• After a booking of eight consecutive hours, the booking becomes subject to the Passenger Vehicle Rental Tax (PVRT) of $1.50 a day. (The PVRT is charged by the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue)
• There is no charge for the vehicle between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when booking by the hour.
• For longer bookings, you may want to consider booking the vehicle for the daily rate of $60, but please note the daily rate does not include the cost of gas.

Membership shares keep the co-op running and allow it to provide great service to its members. A GO₂ memberships share is a life-time purchase and is fully refundable.

The membership share for individuals to be a Full Member is $500. Additional individuals residing in the same household as a Full Member may join as an Associate Member for $250. Corporate memberships are also available; the corporate membership share is $750 and includes four drivers.

A monthly payment plan is available for our individual members so please contact GO₂ to discuss this option.

Membership fees can be paid by cheque or cash, and are fully refundable you ever choose to leave the co-op. If you leave, you might like to consider keeping your share invested in the co-op, to allow it to continue to provide its great service to its members and the community. You might also like to donate your share to a less-fortunate member of the community who would otherwise not be able to afford to join the co-op.

We encourage you to give careful consideration to joining the car share. To minimize our administration costs, members cannot redeem shares within the first six months of joining GO₂. After that time, member shares are redeemable upon written request.

"On a personal level, the more efficient you can be with your own vehicle, the better. Do you have a full car load of people? Are we driving our car for a one kilometer trip to the store when we could be walking or biking? Those kinds of actions collectively do have a big impact." - Dr. Michael Brauer, School of Environmental Health, UBC

Flying to Vancouver or Victoria over the holiday season?  Carshare members have access to Vancouver's Cooperative Auto Network and the Victoria carshare too!  There's a car for you there when you need one -- email us for details!

To be a GO₂ member, you:

• Are 19 or older;
• Have a clean driving record for three or more years.

To become a GO₂ member, you:

• Attend an orientation session;
• Submit an application form and proof of your driving record;
• Become a member of the cooperative and purchase a membership share (which is fully refundable should you ever leave the cooperative);
• Agree to bide by the terms and policies of Membership Manual and other car share polices.

To sign up for an orientation session, please email GO₂ Carshare or call us at (250) 877-6030.

The membership share for individuals to be a Full Member is $500. Any additional individuals residing in the same household as the Full Member may join as an Associate Member. A Associate Membership share is $250. Membership shares can be paid by cheque or cash, and a payment plan is available, so please feel free to talk to us about this option.

Download an application form (pdf), or call (250) 877-6030 or email GO₂ Carshare to request one.

As part of your application form, you must provide proof of your BC Driver’s License and a Driver’s Abstract of your driving record for the past three years. You can obtain a Driver’s Abstract by calling 1-800-663-3051, or visiting the Government Agent's office at 1020 Murray Street, Smithers, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

You may submit an application form and purchase your membership share before attending an orientation session but you will not become an official GO₂ member and be able to book the vehicle(s) until you have attended the orientation session and your application has been approved.

The GO₂ Carshare Cooperative could provide substantial savings in your employees’ work-related travel expenses.

The car share's initial vehicle, a 2010 Toyota Prius, is ideal for highway trips to branch offices or to visit clients and the cooperative’s rates could be less than the current Treasury Board of Canada reimbursement rates.

The Benefits:

• The costs include gas, insurance, maintenance, cleaning and repairs;
• Your cooperative shares are fully refundable;
• Your corporate membership automatically includes four drivers;
• You receive one monthly invoice from the car share cooperative instead of separate expense claims from your employees; 
• Your employees do not have to absorb the costs of depreciation and wear and tear on their personal vehicles while using them for work; and
• Your membership includes a reciprocal arrangement with the Victoria Car Share Cooperative and the Cooperative Auto Network in Vancouver. This means you can use those car share vehicles and pay our car share rates instead of the more costly option of renting a vehicle when you are doing business in Victoria and Vancouver.

The Numbers:

• There are three billing packages, based on high, medium and low usage of the vehicles.
• Your monthly invoice is adjusted automatically to reflect the vehicle usage – if your employee usage falls into the low use plan, then you pay those rates. If usage is higher the next month, then you are billed accordingly with the medium or high use plan rate.
• A daily rate of $60.00 is also available and it may also be booked for overnight travel. (Please note the daily rate does not include the cost of gas.)

How it works:

• We conduct an on-site information / orientation session for you and your employees.
• Your company / organization joins the cooperative with a one-time purchase of fully-refundable shares worth $750.
• Each of the primary drivers submits an application form, proof of their valid B.C. driver's license and their clean driving record (driver's abstract).
• Additional drivers can be added to your membership with the purchase of one additional share ($250) per driver.
• Once the administrative details are confirmed, your employees can begin booking and using the car for their work-related travel.
• You receive one monthly invoice with all travel and trip details fully documented.

To join, please call (250) 877-6030 or email GO₂ today.

Rideshare Week is October 4-8, 2010. Pledge to carpool this week to save money and prevent harmful emissions. There are many great resources out there, including information on how to set up a carpool for your workplace. For more ideas, and a chance to win great prizes, visit Jack Bell Ride-Share for BC.

The goal of Carpool.ca's Annual Carpool Week Campaign is to increase program awareness and encourage commuters to try carpooling. Carpool.ca holds a variety of promotions in towns and cities across Canada. There are also a lot of great carpooling ideas and resources, including savings calculators, on carpool.ca's website.

In the "Other Things We Think are Cool" category...check out BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation). BEST also runs an "AutoObesity" program, which encourages car owners to get "Auto Fit".

From humble European beginnings over twenty years ago, car sharing has become a fast-growing global movement. Car sharing organizations (CSOs) owe their popularity to the convenience and financial benefits they offer individuals and households needing only occasional access to a vehicle, as well as to the multiple environmental and community benefits they provide.

Car shares offer flexible access to a vehicle for people who:

• Are concerned about the environmental impacts of vehicles and are actively seeking ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and ecological footprint;
• Would like to save a significant portion of the $10,700 a year it costs the average Canadian household to own and operate a vehicle*;
• Occasionally need different types of vehicles for different types of tasks; and
• Embrace the spirit of co-ownership.

Unlike car rental agencies, the cooperative structure of car sharing allows members to become part owners of a multipurpose fleet of vehicles that they can reserve and use on an as-needed basis. As such, the cooperative is governed by a board of directors, and run democratically with each member having equal voting rights at the cooperative’s Annual General Meetings.

The model provides the benefits of private vehicle ownership while diffusing ownership and operating costs and tasks. Combined with other sustainable transportation modes – biking, bussing and ridesharing – car shares add to a range of possibilities, enabling members to choose the optimal form of transportation for a given situation.

The benefits of car sharing are far reaching, ranging from financial rewards for individual members to environmental benefits that are global in scope. Individuals, especially those in lower income brackets, benefit from new opportunities to save the time and money associated with owning and maintaining a vehicle. Communities benefit from improved air quality along with increased transportation options and improved mobility for residents. Reduced automobile usage can reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to pressing global issues such as climate change and global warming.

The GO₂ Carshare Cooperative aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the Bulkley Valley.

Personal transportation (cars, trucks, and SUV's) accounts for 35% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Bulkley Valley, and residents who are interested in reducing their GHG gas emissions are encouraged to join the car share cooperative. By cooperatively owning a vehicle, co-op members have the convenience of using a vehicle without the associated costs of maintenance, repairs, insurance and fuel, and have the satisfaction of knowing that the emissions from the vehicle will be countered through the purchase of carbon offsets.

Car sharing organizations (CSOs) owe their popularity to the convenience and financial benefits they offer to households needing only occasional access to a first or second vehicle, as well as to the multiple environmental and community benefits they provide.

Car shares offer flexible access to a vehicle for people who:

• are concerned about the environmental impacts of vehicles and are actively seeking ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and ecological footprint;
• would like to save a significant portion of the $10,700 it costs the average household to own and operate a vehicle each year (figure taken from CAA’s “Driving Costs”, 2009);
• occasionally need different types of vehicles for different types of tasks; and
• embrace the spirit of co-ownership.

Unlike car rental agencies, the cooperative structure of car sharing allows members to become part owners of a multipurpose fleet of vehicles that they can reserve and use on an as-needed basis. The system provides the benefits of private vehicle ownership while diffusing ownership costs and maintenance tasks. Combined with other sustainable transportation modes – biking, taking the bus and car-pooling – car shares add to a range of possibilities, enabling members to choose the optimal form of transportation for a given situation.

Want to learn more?

Give us a call at (250) 877-6030 or email GO₂.

Want to get involved?

We are currently recruiting board members and volunteers. Get in touch with GO₂ to sign-up or if you have any questions. Or, come visit us at the One Sky office at 3768 2nd Avenue, Smithers.

This project received funding from Environment Canada's EcoAction Community Funding Program.
GO₂ also acknowledges the support of One Sky - Canadian Institute of Sustainable Living, enterprising non-profits (enp), Vancity Community Foundation, and the Bulkley Valley Research Centre.

As a GO₂ co-op member, you can enjoy all the benefits of using a vehicle without any of the headaches associated with owning one.

To be a GO₂ member, you:

• Are 19 or older;
• Have had a clean driving record for three or more years.

To join GO₂, you:

• Attend an orientation session;
• Submit an application form and proof of your driving record;
• Become a member of the cooperative and purchase a membership share (which is fully refundable should you ever leave the cooperative);
• Agree to bide by the terms and policies of Membership Manual and other car share polices.

To sign up for an orientation session, please email GO₂ Carshare or call us at (250) 877-6030.

The membership share for individuals is $500. Any additional individuals residing in the same household as the Full Member may join as an Associate Member. An Associate Membership share is $250. Membership shares can be paid by cheque or cash, and a payment plan is available, so please contact us to discuss this option.

Download an application form (pdf), or call (250) 877-6030 or email GO₂ Carshare to request one.

As part of your application form, you must provide proof of your BC Driver’s License and a Driver’s Abstract of your driving record for the past three years. You can obtain a Driver’s Abstract by calling 1-888-715-7775 or by visiting the Government Agent's office at 1020 Murray Street, Smithers, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

You may submit an application form and purchase your membership share before attending an orientation session but you will not become an official GO₂ member and be able to book the vehicle(s) until you have attended the orientation session and your application has been approved.

Corporate members are also welcome. Find out more.

According to the Canadian Automobile Association's 2009 "Driving Costs" brochure, Canadians spend a average of $10,700 a year on the ownership and operating costs of their vehicles. GO₂ members can pay a fraction of that amount.

• The Cooperative Auto Network in Vancouver estimates its members spend $1,400 per year, for annual savings of approximately $8,400.
• Nelson Carshare Co-op members spend $750-$2,400 per year, depending on their rate of use, so they save anywhere from $7,400 to $9,050 per year.

The industry rule of thumb is that if you drive less than 13,000 kms a year, or need to use a car less than five days a week, car sharing may be right for you.

The GO₂ fee structure is based on the industry norm of combining an hourly usage fee with a per kilometre fee. While our hourly rate is fixed at $1.50/hour, our mileage rates vary based on whether you are a low, medium or high use member. Members also pay a monthly administration fee, which again will vary based on your month-to-month use of the vehicles.

Our fees include the costs of fuel, insurance, maintenance and repairs! And if you do not use a vehicle one month, you are not charged any fees.

For longer trips, we also offer a daily rate of $60, but this rate does not include the costs of gas.

There are five different types of fees associated with being a GO₂ member:

• Membership Share
• Hourly Rate
• Mileage Rates
• Administration Fees
• Additional Fees

Unfortunately, there are also taxes…but remember, you do not pay for fuel, insurance, maintenance or repairs!

In order to ensure the co-op runs smoothly for the benefit of all its members, additional fees may also be charged for misuse such as: late vehicle return, losing a key, returning the vehicle with excessive mess or dirt, etc.

On-line booking is now available to our members! To see if your requested date and time are available, you can check the June and July booking schedules (pdf) here.

Please read the instructions below before booking on-line for the first time.

You can also book the vehicle the old-fashioned way: Members can email or call the GO₂ Carshare at (250) 877-6030 with their requests.

Not a member?

Join the GO₂ Carshare Cooperative so you can book a car share vehicle and start saving money and reducing your carbon footprint. Call or email us today!

As a Smithers GO₂ Carshare Cooperative member, you use the vehicle whenever you need it, for as long as you need it.

Head Office:
3768 2nd Ave., Box 3352
Smithers, B.C. British Columbia
Canada V0J 2N0 1-(250)-877-6030