When you are starting fresh, despite your brazen front, you are full of insecurities. Some you know, some you don't. And those insecurities can weigh you down, undercut your imagination and restrict your actions. More than you realize. Especially … Read More
Blog posts by Al
Putting the Social in Infrastructure
Federal Government infrastructure spending in response to our economic crisis is expected to produce multiple wins: jump-start the economy, provide employment, repair our aging sewers, roads and bridges and expand transit services. Given that the Federal Government's budget for infrastructure … Read More
Uploading versus Downloading – Tips for Solution Based Advocacy (49)
What we need is a new model of citizenship based on the act of participation itself, not on some quality or thought or right enjoyed by its possessor. This participatory citizenship doesn't simply demand action from existing citizens; it makes … Read More
Hallelujah – The Gifts of a Unique Artist – Michelle Amerie
Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas? And a good reason to avoid the malls? Check out our talented artist friend, Michelle Amerie's silk art. Ties (these will get worn!) framed prints, scarves (so will these) and beautiful clothing (for … Read More
20 Stories Down – The Ascent of Stephanie Cadieux
She rappels down the sides of tall buildings, wheelchair and all. This may be all you need to know about Stephanie Cadieux, British Columbia's first ever Cabinet Minister with a spinal cord injury. A short clip is worth a thousand … Read More
A Wise and Tender Heart – Jean Vanier’s letter to Parliamentary Committee on Palliative Care
There is an all Party Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care engaged in consultations across Canada. They are preparing policy recommendations on palliative care, suicide prevention, elder abuse and disability issues related to health care. Jean Vanier is the founder … Read More
Imagine – John Lennon and the soundtracks of our llives
Have a look at this rollicking, endearing tribute to John Lennon. Can you count the number of Beatle and Lennon songs and references? So what is the soundtrack for your rebellious nature? An informal survey of a younger generation yielded … Read More
Adapting the Social Finance Task Force Recommendations to Your Sector -Tips for Solution Based Advocacy (48)
Many leaders within British Columbia's disability sector are promoting and adapting a social finance strategy that parallels the seven recommendations of the Canadian Task Force on Social Finance released on November 30th.They are doing it because they: realize the days … Read More
The Time Has Come the Walrus said to ‘Do’ Public Policy Ourselves and establish a Social Finance Task Force – Tips for Solution Based Advocacy(47)
Sean Moore, the wise and big hearted walrus of public policy first remarked this several years ago. Most government departments have either eliminated or pared to the bare bones their policy development arms. This means there are few staff dedicated … Read More
Powerful Strangers on the Way to Maybe
While in Toronto I had a chance to introduce two friends, Frances Westley from the University of Waterloo (SiG at Waterloo) and Leighton Jay from the School of Management, Curtin University, Perth Australia. Both are activists and academics with a … Read More