Author Archives: Al Etmanski

Behind successful change-makers are people: who bubble with enthusiasm for the idea you want to explore who say, “Why not?” and offer another dozen reasons why you should try it who see the majesty in what you are proposing who … Read More

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing what happens when non-profit and social change-oriented groups hook up with artists on specific projects. The results include: New perspectives on challenges that have resisted previous efforts Solutions people wouldn’t have otherwise have thought … Read More

Take two geniuses. The one, Bob Williams, who many consider to be the “social, environmental and economic architect” of modern British Columbia. The other, internationally renowned architect, Bing Thom. Present them with a high-rise mall in decline in an area … Read More

What worked in the past won’t necessarily work in the present. What works in the present won’t necessarily work in the future. What will work in the future depends on the past. EH! An obsession with ‘present mindedness’ wipes out concerns … Read More

That’s a quote from a recent Margaret Atwood interview. She then went on to propose a qualifier to that famous Margaret Mead quote. You know the one “Never doubt that a small group of people…” Here is Ms. Atwood’s proviso: … Read More

Momentum is building to reduce poverty. Multiple strands and strategies are evident: fair wage, minimum wage, welfare reform, financial literacy, Cities Reducing Poverty When Mayors Lead, affordable housing, economic development, enshrining social and economic rights in our Charter and more… … Read More

Here’s a story about cultural impact that too few people know about. The “Eve” Supreme Court ruling which is on a par with the original, “Persons” case. Imagine being a young woman who society moves swiftly by. A society, if it … Read More