Here's my first parent mentor, Joan Lawrence. You might not notice the steely determination in her eyes. It is still there and did it ever enrapture me, mere months after my daughter was born with the label of Down syndrome. … Read More
Blog posts by Al
Stirring it Up – a multi sector mix for social change
A bold announcement to build 1000 new units of supportive housing in Vancouver was made this week. One commentator called it the biggest drive to build social housing in a generation.The details are of course important but how it came … Read More
Laura Bush loves her husband – Tips for Solution Based Advocacy (15)
Laura Bush has a new book out, Spoken From the Heart and she reveals herself to be more complex than we observed when she lived at the White House. She appears as a passionate advocate for a number of causes, … Read More
When the Centre Cannot Hold – Tips for Solution Based Advocacy (14)
What happens when a political leader has lost his/her credibility or moral authority? When a leader is so far down in the polls there are rumours about a leadership change? Prevailing wisdom suggests in these circumstances the politicians are so … Read More
Natural Care – Playing Teeter Totter with an Elephant (2)
In my last post I attempted to differentiate between natural care and paid care. As well, I offered some unromantic texture to what it means to take care of people who are dependent on us. I ended by stating natural … Read More
Natural Care – Playing Teeter Totter with an Elephant (1)
Care, caring, and caregiver are words used to describe those who take care of family members or friends out of love. These terms are also used by those who are paid to help and support others. This is confusing on … Read More
Look! Who’s Talking? – Tips for Solution Based Advocacy (13)
The Cabinet Minister you have an appointment with may: love flying; play the trumpet in a marching band; volunteer building homes in South America; or have just been diagnosed with prostrate cancer. They may even keep a letter of resignation … Read More
Abundant Community
I was in San Francisco last week with John McKnight, Peter Block, Angeles Arrien and a number of old and new friends. I will write later on the topic of our deeply satisfying discussions. By coincidence, I was on hand … Read More
Love the One You’re With – Tips for Solution Based Advocacy (12)
I am encountering more and more people who are frustrated with our current elected political leadership (either federal or provincial) and are considering 'downing tools' and abandoning any effort to make contact with those Governments including contacts with Cabinet Ministers. … Read More