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  • rehearsal-2

    Teaching empathy

    Empathy is teachable skill, and one that is key to a flexible, problem-solving citizenry

    1,077 views
  • future-of-college-2-2

    Disruptive innovation in higher education

    Rethinking the mission, delivery and cost of advanced learning in the 21st century

    760 views
  • intel_thumb

    She Will Innovate

    Technology Enriching the Lives of Girls

    5,998 views
  • BCIdeas_campaign_thumb

    BC Ideas

    Solutions for stronger communities

    11,448 views
  • ccny_comp_thumb

    Partnering for Excellence

    Innovations in Science + Technology + Engineering + Math (STEM) Education

    441 views
  • comp_empathy_thumb

    Activating Empathy

    Transforming Schools to Teach What Matters

    2,822 views
  • monitor_thumb

    Make Change

    Ashoka Changemakers and the Christian Science Monitor share a vision for change. Make Change on Empathy.

    4,839 views
  • hers_thumb

    2012 ChangemakeHERS

    Celebrating International Women’s Day Centennial

    778 views
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About this Competition

Welcome to the Idea Centre where you can learn more about the incredible work British Columbians are doing to find solutions to BC's toughest challenges. Be sure to check out the BC Ideas community of action designed to identify, convene and invest in the best social innovations BC has to offer.
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Speak Up

Ask a Media Expert!

Ask a Media Expert!

Learn the tips and tricks of the trade with our media experts! Experts will give advice on how to utilize social media to further your impact, how to tell your story and more...

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Thats great HamZa, you should check out www.changemakers.com to learn about more comeptitions focused on technology! [...]

    182 days ago

  • HamZa Kkhan

    good evening to all , i am studying in mechanical engineering and i have many ideas to became a entrepreneur but my fav [...]

    186 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Thats great! I can't wait to follow! [...]

    196 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Thank you for such great advice! I have started a Pinterest account. Check it out here: https://pinterest.com/localmarke [...]

    200 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Thats totally makes sense Bianca, thank you for your advice! [...]

    201 days ago

  • Bianca Bartz

    Sonia -- I think it's amazing to create compelling social media content for your audience to keep them engaged, inspired [...]

    201 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Great discussion so far! Thank you Bianca. Just wondering, do you have any tips or tricks you'd like to share with our f [...]

    202 days ago

  • Nabeel Shakeel Ahmed

    There is no one 'best' social media tool, but what you can do is identify where your community is (ie LinkedIn, Twitter, [...]

    206 days ago

  • Bianca Bartz

    My pleasure! [...]

    207 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Thank you Bianca. I will follow through with all of your suggestions. I have never heard of Hootsuite. I think the best [...]

    209 days ago

  • Bianca Bartz

    Regarding Our Local Markets, did you know all your responses on this forum are being pushed to your Twitter feed? I thin [...]

    209 days ago

  • Bianca Bartz

    Jessica, those are some great resources! Thanks for sharing those. [...]

    209 days ago

  • Bianca Bartz

    Take a look at the link I just sent Melissa below -- does that help at all? [...]

    210 days ago

  • Bianca Bartz

    April, are you trying to create dialogue among a community? What type of conversations do you want your customers to be [...]

    210 days ago

  • Bianca Bartz

    Hi Melissa! There's a great article on using social media before you launch here: http://ow.ly/eKr1v -- hopefully this a [...]

    210 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I think that my audience would appreciate local news. Maybe I should write reports about local people or local food or w [...]

    210 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    I find that social media can be frustrating if it feels like someone is posting for the sake of it, or going for numbers [...]

    210 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    Good questions that I think are very relevant for BC Ideas entrants. And helpful responses, Bianca - thank you both! I f [...]

    210 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    We have a website now too but it needs some cosmetic changes -- less colour and no stripes. We are aiming for something [...]

    210 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Here's the FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Our-Local-Markets/471429672881846?ref=ts&fref=ts and here's the [...]

    210 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    What is the best use of social media strategies to announce the launch of a project or new initiative? [...]

    210 days ago

  • Melissa Durand

    I am curious what and how you would suggest posting on social media, for an innovation that you have not yet launched. W [...]

    210 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    What is the best social media tool to facilitate interactions between your customers? ie. How can customer-customer inte [...]

    210 days ago

  • Bianca Bartz

    Those sound like amazing ideas! Try a few different approaches, and watch closely to see how your fans respond. If you'r [...]

    210 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Great tip to keep in mind Bianca thank you! Later this week we'll be featuring a piece by Bianca on some excellent ways [...]

    210 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Thank you for your excellent response Bianca. It makes perfect sense. The things that interest me will probably (hopeful [...]

    211 days ago

  • Bianca Bartz

    Whenever you're using social media, ask yourself if you're creating value for your fans through interesting, engaging c [...]

    211 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I find it difficult to tell our story. We're on Twitter and Facebook. We also have a weekly newpaper blog and a separate [...]

    211 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Welcome Innovators! This week we're discussing 'How to Engage with the Media'. Our experts are here to help you learn th [...]

    212 days ago
Join the dialog
Strengthening Communities Through Poverty Reduction and Housing

Strengthening Communities Through Poverty Reduction and Housing

Communities across BC are addressing the issues of poverty and homelessness in different and innovative always. Join this week to learn about new approaches to this important issue.

Join the conversation and learn about innovative approaches to this issue from across BC!

  • David McKale

    I do have a permanent solution to end all poverty, but as usual I am reluctant to share it with people because of lack o [...]

    205 days ago

  • Moladi Formwork

    Discovering better ways to solve today's social problems we need new innovative solutions http://forbesindia.com/blog/th [...]

    212 days ago

  • Moladi Formwork

    Discovering better ways to solve today's social problems we need new innovative solutions - Forbes India http://forbesin [...]

    212 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    Rupert - thanks for the response. :) [...]

    212 days ago

  • Rupert Downing

    Hi Nicole, the Sunshine Coast is a special place for me, having worked there some years ago. I dont have a current cont [...]

    213 days ago

  • Devin Coverdale

    Its great to hear about high quality food going to the people who need it the most. Having acces to nutrient rich food [...]

    214 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    Hi Rupert! Do you have any likeminded contacts on the Sunshine Coast? I know there are quite a few organizations here d [...]

    216 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Thanks for adding so much clarity to what we're doing Jessica. I like what you're doing too Rupert. [...]

    216 days ago

  • Rupert Downing

    Excellent project. Here in Victoria we are partnered with St. Vincent de Paul and Fairways to redirect healthy food fro [...]

    217 days ago

  • Rupert Downing

    Thanks Jessica, yes Surrey has an excellent plan. I have heard of some work going on in the Kootenays as well...anyone [...]

    217 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    Interesting example of several intersecting social benefits! Access to healthy and affordable food, inclusion of those w [...]

    217 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    Thanks for sharing, Rupert. Both social enterprise and living wage employers are great engines to increase living standa [...]

    217 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    We have established an excellent working relationship with the Canadian Mental Health Association by providing marketing [...]

    218 days ago

  • Rupert Downing

    One of the issues we're trying to deal with is youth unemployment and underemployment...they have the highest poverty le [...]

    218 days ago

  • Rupert Downing

    The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (www.ccednet-rcdec.ca) and the Vibrant Communities Network (http://t [...]

    218 days ago

  • Rupert Downing

    Here in the Capital Region we have developed a Community Action Plan on Poverty (www.caponpoverty.ca) that emphasizes co [...]

    218 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    An interesting article - The Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness released the results of its f [...]

    219 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    Top-down charitable giving is a necessary part of service provision for homeless and low-income individuals, but this ap [...]

    219 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    Those struggling with homelessness, unstable housing, and poverty are some of the most vulnerable members of our communi [...]

    219 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Hello Social Innovators! This week we're focusing our discussion on Strengthening Communities through Poverty Reduction. [...]

    219 days ago
Join the dialog
From Idea to Action!

From Idea to Action!

New and innovative ideas need the chance to be heard! We at BC Ideas believe that these innovations at the starting phase need lots of feedback, mentor-ship and encouragement. This week we will focus our efforts entirely on showcasing and mentoring ideas phased concepts from around BC. Join us and share your expertise with these emerging changemakers!

Come and share with us your experience and advice on how to get new ideas [...]

  • Homepage

    ... [Trackback]... [...] Read More here: pulse.changemakers.com/leaders/2012/10/the-ideas-phase/ [...] [...]

    185 days ago

  • Lovetta Weymouth

    Whispering Misty... So sorry you can expect to miss the workshop!... [...]

    198 days ago

  • Lynne MacFadgen

    It is heartening to read about your project work and your ability to establish a cooperative (and to tap into the the so [...]

    218 days ago

  • Dustin Paisley

    I am glad to see that BC is excelling in social entrepreneurship. I am from Calgary, Alberta, where the sector is not ye [...]

    219 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    OurLocalMarkets - that was also my personal reservation against going with the Co-op model. But my project is a for pr [...]

    222 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I like the idea of co-ops but do you ever find that too many cooks in the kitchen sometimes spoils the soup? [...]

    223 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    a lot of the online content I've been reading lately from business sources puts a lot of emphasis on CONTEXT....this can [...]

    223 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Oops! It bugs me when I make spelling mistakes. I should check over my messages better before posting them. [...]

    223 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I found a good template (Micrososft) online then just started to fill in the blanks. Google and I are good friends -- it [...]

    223 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    A very good point, Susan. Did you use any resources to help you through the process of putting together a business plan? [...]

    223 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Great story Kevin, so inspiring to read about how your group has utilized such a great tool! [...]

    223 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Some wonderful resources you've listed here Nicole! Thank you for contributing. I find especially with web related tools [...]

    223 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    A great sugstion Susan! Just the act of putting pen to paper and structuring your thoughts can lead you to some great id [...]

    223 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    i imagine another bonus of the Cooperative model is the peer support. The Canadian Cooperatives Association is well est [...]

    224 days ago

  • Kevin Harding

    I should note that cooperatives are amazing ways to build stronger communities - because they're directly controlled by [...]

    224 days ago

  • Kevin Harding

    A number of colleagues and I had an idea to collaborate together and support nonprofit, grassroots, membership, advocacy [...]

    224 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    1. pick yourself up a blog (tumblr, blogger, wordpress) 2. start putting your thought and ideas into text and photos (t [...]

    224 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    It's not east getting new ideas off the ground. The one thing that holds most people back is a lack of money. It’s our [...]

    224 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    For me, it was a matter of putting my ideas together in a business plan and thinking through each area in the most logic [...]

    224 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Thank you for your fantastic advice Melissa! I'm glad we could be one of your attainable goals this week! I love that id [...]

    224 days ago

  • Melissa Durand

    VISION....PASSION.....PERSEVERANCE Of course you have vision, that is how all ideas start. I am sure your vision has [...]

    225 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Welcome Innovators! This week we're talking about making your idea a reality. Does anyone have any advice about how to p [...]

    225 days ago
Join the dialog
Community Consultation

Community Consultation

This week we will be turning the discussion and content over to our online community. We want to hear from you the topics you would like covered in the coming weeks. What information do you need to help make your idea a success?

Tell us what information you would like to see in our Ideas Centre!

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Thanks for the great discussion everyone, we'll keep this forum open and check back for more great topic ideas! [...]

    223 days ago

  • Winifride Nyirahirwa

    hey Sonia, Here i mean using ICT in all our Businesses, means Information Technolgy in general, i base my idea on what [...]

    231 days ago

  • Winifride Nyirahirwa

    thank you too Sonia to focus on this SOCIAL as key word in our discussion for Change makers Followers, indeed this will [...]

    231 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Hi Zeeshan, That's a great point! Community building and connectedness is a foundational element of supporting social ch [...]

    231 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Another great suggestion! This will definietly be a focus coming up! Thanks [...]

    231 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Hi Winifride, thanks so much for the suggestion! When you mention Information Communication Technology are you refering [...]

    231 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Great suggestion Susan! We'll make sure to include this topic in November! [...]

    231 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Hi Zeeshan! Thanks for your great suggestion. I will make sure we find a way of encorporating it in the future. I think [...]

    231 days ago

  • Winifride Nyirahirwa

    Can you differentiate and show us the meaning of what you call SOCIAL Business and what Business is not Social, Here i c [...]

    232 days ago

  • Winifride Nyirahirwa

    How information Communication Technology is crucial to your priorities and how people should focus on it in order to imp [...]

    232 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    One can determine if a business is profitable simply by looking at their financial statements. What about a business tha [...]

    232 days ago

  • Zeeshan Shah

    Since my project scope was revolving the "Connect and Engage" issue of Vancouver, I would probably be very interested in [...]

    232 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Welcome BC Ideas Online Community! We want to hear from you this week! What sort of topics are important to you? Who do [...]

    233 days ago
Join the dialog
Values-Based Leadership

Values-Based Leadership

Exercising your moral compass, social mission, and empathetic leadership. What do social innovation leaders look like? What skills will equip youth to lead with integrity as future CEOs, entrepreneurs?

Join our Open Dialogue on Values-Based Leadership!

  • URL

    ... [Trackback]... [...] There you will find 72729 more Infos: pulse.changemakers.com/leaders/2012/09/ [...]

    194 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Hello Clau- I would be happy to introduce you! Could you send me an email to adutheil@changemakers.com Thanks! [...]

    231 days ago

  • Winifride Nyirahirwa

    Basing on many Scholars theoretical facts and on field realities, WE, Human resources Managers, as many Managers base t [...]

    232 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Great conversation everyone! I will leave this page open so you can continue to brainstorm, debate and continue the conv [...]

    233 days ago

  • Ryan Bowen

    Thanks for sharing your story Clau. It sounds like the step of identifying your values was one of the most empowering s [...]

    235 days ago

  • Clau Port

    For me over the course of my career choice and later my experience, I felt a sense of unnatural and unhappy feeling in m [...]

    235 days ago

  • Clau Port

    I second that! [...]

    235 days ago

  • Clau Port

    Congratulations Mark, it sounds like Luck Companies is committed as an organization. Cheers! [...]

    235 days ago

  • Clau Port

    Wanda, indeed the process is overwhelming and scary when those feelings emerge as we evaluate our honesty compass. Howev [...]

    235 days ago

  • Renee Lindstrom

    I am thinking it is a process, as any, and that the pitfalls would be self realization and taking personal responsibilit [...]

    236 days ago

  • Wanda Ortwine

    Hello Everyone! It's been great to read through the robust dialogue, and now following up with a very intriguing questi [...]

    236 days ago

  • Mark Fernandes

    Renee, your body of work on Values Based Learning is very inspiring. I'd really like an opportunity to understand more a [...]

    236 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Happy Friday friends! As we reflect on the week's discussion, I ask this question, what are the potential pitfalls of va [...]

    236 days ago

  • Renee Lindstrom

    I enjoy reading how the process of implementing this culture into your organization as it gives me as a reader a tangibl [...]

    236 days ago

  • Mark Fernandes

    Excellent commentary from Bonnie, Ryan and Charlie around values in action throughout the entire organization. Because w [...]

    237 days ago

  • Ryan Bowen

    Charles is spot on here. The real litmus test of VBL is whether or not you can ask someone, anyone, in the group if the [...]

    237 days ago

  • Ryan Bowen

    I truly struggle with this question. Mark Fernades touches on this topic a bit above, as well, where he states that the [...]

    237 days ago

  • Ryan Bowen

    Bonnie, I love the reframing of a "systems-thinker" to a "systems-changer". This tension that you speak of between work [...]

    237 days ago

  • Bonnie Foley-Wong

    The new proof will be through experience. How do I know what values are upheld by my collaborators? How do I know thei [...]

    237 days ago

  • Bonnie Foley-Wong

    Hi Judy, Mark, Ryan. Great to read your comments in this discussion! I like this thread on _systems_. Entrepreneurs i [...]

    237 days ago

  • Charles Samuel Luck IV

    We have been on this VBL journey in a formal way at our Company for ten years. In the early days people said "it is a fa [...]

    237 days ago

  • Renee Lindstrom

    I have just found a video of Gregg sharing his introduction into empathy and taking it into his office as CEO - more @ h [...]

    237 days ago

  • Renee Lindstrom

    In August of 2007 I supported a 7 day intensive that brought 4 Trainers of Dr. Rosenberg's to Victoria to focus on needs [...]

    237 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    What about PROOF? What would be some compelling evidence that Values Based Leadership is being practiced in an organizat [...]

    237 days ago

  • Renee Lindstrom

    I am joining late into this conversation coming from a perspective of focusing on bringing value based learning into our [...]

    237 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    We've been talking a lot about values, but how did these values originate? For a leadership style that is based on value [...]

    237 days ago

  • Thomas Epperson

    If you want to know what your core values are, think back to the last time you experienced a strong emotion. Happy, Sa [...]

    237 days ago

  • Mark Fernandes

    There will alway be disparate values whenever two or more people are involved and at times, conflict can occur. It's imp [...]

    238 days ago

  • Ezra Fishman

    To me, leadership is all about helping people maximize their own potential. Values-based leadership, then, should be all [...]

    238 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    think all leaders should have an unwavering and powerful sense of integrity. Integrity and trust go hand in hand. Leader [...]

    238 days ago

  • Ryan Bowen

    I think you are both are right on track with systems thinking. I particularly want to reiterate what Judy said about sy [...]

    238 days ago

  • Ryan Bowen

    I would tend to agree about the openness as a value that leaders should share. But that leads me to think whether or no [...]

    238 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Good morning April. I think leaders should place a high value on “openness" when values of leaders conflict. I have al [...]

    238 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Good morning friends! Wednesday's values-based leadership question is about conflict. What happens when values of leader [...]

    238 days ago

  • Mark Fernandes

    Judy, thank you for sharing your wise insights on systems thinking. Any and all leaders today and into the future will n [...]

    239 days ago

  • Mark Fernandes

    Quite an inspiring dialogue and all the references to authenticity, consciousness, transparency, empathy, reflection, un [...]

    239 days ago

  • Mark Fernandes

    Karin, your references to transparency and consciousness are so well placed. Transparency activates trust and consciousn [...]

    239 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    Values based leaders will need to embrace change and see it as an opportunity for creating a better, more sustainable wo [...]

    239 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Great answer Ryan! This leads perfectly to my next question: What challenges will leaders be facing in the future as a r [...]

    239 days ago

  • Ryan Bowen

    I don't think young people need any "new" leadership qualities as I believe these different strategies have been used ti [...]

    239 days ago

  • Ryan Bowen

    I would totally agree. It is important to respect differences because it is in dissonance that innovation occurs. Bein [...]

    239 days ago

  • Karin Pinter

    Values based leadership fosters a higher sense of value and self worth in every individual. And that... is priceless. [...]

    239 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    We really are in this together. I like what this competition has brought out in me. It has challenged me to give conside [...]

    239 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    Young people are on the front lines of social change and leading us all into the future. Viewed as collaborators, we all [...]

    239 days ago

  • Sharon Amoss

    For future leaders "the ability to understand others–to empathize, to connect, to build relationships, to inspire–ba [...]

    239 days ago

  • Bonnie Foley-Wong

    As I read through the comments, I feel like even this dialogue demonstrates different forms of leadership... each commen [...]

    240 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Thank you for your kind words Mark. [...]

    240 days ago

  • Bonnie Foley-Wong

    This comment really resonates with me "... values-based leaders know themselves well... really well..." Alludes to self [...]

    240 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I agree with you Thomas that experience is a great teacher. Although difficult at the time, being a part of a dysfunctio [...]

    240 days ago

  • Thomas Epperson

    Leaders in the future . . . young, not so young, and in-between . . .will first need self awareness--knowing what their [...]

    240 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    My next question is, what new leadership quality do young people need to learn to equip them as future leaders? What big [...]

    240 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    Values-based leadership is where we share our authentic selves and put our values into action. It comes down to knowing [...]

    240 days ago

  • Ryan Bowen

    Leading with values is one of the most effective methods of leadership, in my opinion. The alignment of actions with va [...]

    240 days ago

  • Mark Whitfield

    I'm inspired by the statement in the open dialogue that leading with values means placing "the people's best interests" [...]

    240 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    This is a good discussion. Over the years, I have given this subject much thought. I think that value-based leaders know [...]

    240 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    To me, leading with values means placing "the people's best interests" at the top of my priority list. It means staying [...]

    240 days ago

  • Ian Benoit

    Okay. I will weigh in on this. I would have a lot of difficulty arguing that anyone can offer value free leadership. To [...]

    240 days ago

  • Tracy Peay

    Hi April! To piggy-back off of Bonnie, I couldn't agree with you more. I have experienced all types of leaders but for [...]

    240 days ago

  • Bonnie Foley-Wong

    Hi April, I'm looking forward to this dialogue. I've definitely experienced different types and forms of leadership in [...]

    240 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Good morning! My name is April Dutheil and I'm a community mobilizer for BC Ideas. My question is, what does it mean to [...]

    240 days ago
Join the dialog
Socially Responsible Investing

Socially Responsible Investing

Social venture capitalism, ethical funding, social impact bonds. How can community foundations, banks and individuals invest for economic growth and social good?

Join our open dialogue on Socially Responsible Investing!

  • April Dutheil

    Thanks Rupert. I will add this to my reading list. [...]

    233 days ago

  • Timothy Nash

    Hi Zeeshan. The specific indicators are proprietary, but Vancity's IA Clarington funds describe the social criteria the [...]

    240 days ago

  • Zeeshan Shah

    Great read for a new comer like myself! Out of curiosity: Is there a way I can find the ESG criteria in detail? For exam [...]

    242 days ago

  • Rupert Downing

    Thanks Timothy, that's a great resource. Our preference is equity but we are looking at both models. Our favourite exam [...]

    243 days ago

  • Rupert Downing

    The report mainly deals with community social services, however the general analysis and some of the examples are releva [...]

    243 days ago

  • Rupert Downing

    Hi there, April. The link to our draft report is here http://www.communitycouncil.ca/pdf/Toward_a_Community_Benefit_Mod [...]

    243 days ago

  • Timothy Nash

    CSI has recently launched http://communitybonds.ca/ which is full of great resources. However, I think Rupert is buildi [...]

    244 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Check out Tim Nash's blog in the BC Ideas - Ideas Center! http://pulse.changemakers.com/competitions/education/2012/ [...]

    244 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Hi Rupert- Do you have some examples or literature to share on this model? Thanks! [...]

    245 days ago

  • Rupert Downing

    We're advocating for a "community benefit" model of procurement with the Federation of Community Social Services of BC. [...]

    245 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Northern BC is booming with capital investment of more than $60 billion projected to hit the area in coming years. What [...]

    246 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Welcome Timothy! [...]

    247 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Have you looked at the Centre for Social Innovation's success with building a community investment fund? They're based i [...]

    247 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    What role can business play in building community? http://www.vancouversun.com/Opinion/Op-Ed/Opinion+Engaging+buildin [...]

    247 days ago

  • Timothy Nash

    Looks like a great initiative, Rupert! I've seen a few similar models here in Ontario, but I know the rules are differe [...]

    247 days ago

  • Rupert Downing

    We're working on a "community investment fund" model here in the Capital Region (http://www.communitycouncil.ca/initiati [...]

    247 days ago

  • Timothy Nash

    Hi Everyone! A big thanks to Sonia and everyone at BC Ideas for creating this space. I look forward to this discussi [...]

    247 days ago

  • Donna Morton

    The role of governments ought to be to offer more rewards, tax benefits, supports to people and companies who invest in [...]

    247 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Welcome to this weeks discussion on Socially Responsible Investing. We will be joined by Bob Walker of NEI Investments, [...]

    247 days ago
Join the dialog
Venture Structures

Venture Structures

Know the difference between an NGO and a charity? Ever wonder what a B Corp is? Join our Open Dialogue Series and find out what structure is the best fit for your community changing idea!

Non-profit, charity, b-corp, co-op, for profit, business incentives for social good, hybrid models, social enterprises. What venture structures exist in BC? How can they be leveraged? What new structures could be created?

  • Shelly

    Shelly... This is a message to the admin. I came to your page via Google but it was hard to find as yo [...]

    102 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Thanks again Sheila for your contributions to this important, and of course, foundational, discussion. [...]

    248 days ago

  • Ashley Overholser

    That is fantastic! Tell me a little bit more about how you have structured your community changing idea. [...]

    248 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Thank you all for participating in this discussion - I hope it was helpful! If anyone has any further questions for me, [...]

    250 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Hi Elias - Thanks for your comments, and best of luck in your new venture. I tried opening the link you shared, but it d [...]

    250 days ago

  • Elias Arjan

    Sorry shortened the URL. View it here: http://bit.ly/NPOBusiness [...]

    250 days ago

  • Elias Arjan

    Greetings all. I transitioned from the corporate world to the non-profit world three years ago. I realized that the prof [...]

    250 days ago

  • Elizabeth Lougheed Green

    Hi Feja - great question. I think each business plan will have a unique development plan depending on what you're trying [...]

    250 days ago

  • Elizabeth Lougheed Green

    This is such an interesting thread and so important to the social venture development discussion. The reality for social [...]

    251 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Thanks for your lovely comment - and thank you so much for your thoughtful and insightful participation in this forum. I [...]

    251 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Yes it is - my apologies - it is the Community Contribution Company. We are waiting for the regulations to come out to f [...]

    251 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I really appreciate what you do Sheila. [...]

    251 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Is this the proposed legislation: http://www.leg.bc.ca/39th4th/1st_read/gov23-1.htm [...]

    251 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    It will be interesting to see the legislation for the Community Impact Corporation. I'll have to search and see if I can [...]

    251 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Also for more information on social enterprises, as well as excellent resource material, please visit the Enterprising N [...]

    252 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    My apologies - typo - I meant, that the new form of corporation be the "Community INTEREST Corporation". [...]

    252 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    A word about B Corporations - At this time, BC DOES NOT have a form of for-profit company that compares to the Benefit-C [...]

    252 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Hi Sarah, and others - to answer your question, below is a (very basic) rundown of the kinds of venture structures avail [...]

    252 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Hi Sarah, That's a great suggestion. I will put together a short "glossary" describing some of the venture structures av [...]

    252 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Part II: http://pulse.changemakers.com/competitions/education/2012/05/bc-ideas/#/all/2012/09/money-vs-mission-analysis-c [...]

    252 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Part 1: http://pulse.changemakers.com/competitions/education/2012/05/bc-ideas/#/all/2012/09/beyond-the-money-vs-mission- [...]

    252 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Hi Sarah, Thanks for following the conversation! I'd suggest you start by checking out Shelia Evani's 2 blog posts on Ve [...]

    252 days ago

  • Sarah Eden

    I'm really interested in this discussion - primarily because of the great questions and answers below, but I'm feeling a [...]

    253 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    @ALO - so glad to hear about your new project. There is a HUGE need in the community benefit sector for this kind of adv [...]

    253 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    As a follow-up comment - their is also a distinction between the people (community) that your venture intends to serve, [...]

    253 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    I fully agree with both of the above statements! [...]

    253 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    So far, all profit has gone towards start-up costs. When we are fully operational and making a profit we will be directi [...]

    253 days ago

  • Alo Vancouver

    The Non Profit and Charities Legal Outreach makes summary legal advice available to any group of folks considering whate [...]

    253 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Good question April. I was thinking along the same line as you. Good response too. Thanks Sheila. I am glad that the doo [...]

    253 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    How do you balance Our Local Market's social mission with it's profit model? Have there been instances where you've had [...]

    253 days ago

  • Alo Vancouver

    1. Putting the structure ahead of the people and purpose. 2. Incorporating before you are ready (or even whether your [...]

    253 days ago

  • Alo Vancouver

    1. Putting the structure ahead of the people and purpose. [...]

    253 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    It is a good article. The timing is right for B-Corporations. People would rather support a business that has gone throu [...]

    253 days ago

  • Alo Vancouver

    Jordan: Peer support in film and video is critical. Check out the Women in Film and Video Producers Workbook. You may [...]

    253 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I couldn't agree with you more Ashley. Our business plan includes serving remote communities on the west coast of Vancou [...]

    253 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    We decided to go with a for-profit business structure. Originally, I asked a non-profit organization if they were intere [...]

    253 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Yes it is possible to revise a company's articles of incorporation/charter documents to include social purposes down the [...]

    253 days ago

  • Ashley Overholser

    What really connects the non-profit, charity, b-corp, co-op, for profit, social enterprise, and hybrid business is passi [...]

    253 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Hi Jordan - thanks for your question. I just watched the vid you posted on the 2012 - Suicide Prevention Walk. Very comp [...]

    253 days ago

  • Jordan Konek

    Hi my name is Jordan Konek from Arviat Nunavut. I am working on a film project with youth to re-tell Inuit history and c [...]

    253 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    What structure do you have for your venture? And how did you go about choosing it? [...]

    253 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Is it possible to begin as a for profit company in the start-up phase then change your venture's organization to a B Cor [...]

    253 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Here is a fantastic article from the Huffington Post Canada, on the increasing number of Canadian companies that are bec [...]

    254 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Hi April - There are many reasons I can see Canadian companies being slow to embrace the B Corp phenomenon that we are s [...]

    254 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Why are there so few B Corps in Canada? [...]

    254 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I noticed that I should clarify a statement above. When I said "they" at the start of the second sentence, I should have [...]

    254 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I think the number one mistake people make when deciding on the structure of their new venture is they often think that [...]

    254 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    What is the number one mistake people make when choosing a structure for their venture? [...]

    254 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Check out Shelia's blog part I here: http://pulse.changemakers.com/competitions/education/2012/05/bc-ideas/#/all/201 [...]

    254 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Hi Freya - that's a great question. My expertise is not really in the business planning/assessment/feasbility review pro [...]

    254 days ago

  • Freja McGetrick

    Sorry for the typos! [...]

    254 days ago

  • Freja McGetrick

    Hello! My name is Freja, and I am a Masters student in Public Health a the University of Alberta. I am wondering, if you [...]

    254 days ago

  • Sheila Evani

    Hi Sonia and Liz. It's an honour to be asked to participate in this discussion. I look forward to hearing from our onlin [...]

    254 days ago

  • Elizabeth Lougheed Green

    Thanks Sonia. I'm looking forward to hearing from social enterprise operators and future operators and to sharing ideas [...]

    254 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Welcome Innovators! We're joined this week by Shelia Evani from Medha Legal and Liz Lougheed Green from VanCity. Sha [...]

    255 days ago
Join the dialog
You're invited!
Education

Education

Have a project or an idea that focuses on education? Join our conversation to discuss innovations in literacy, lifelong learning and more!

Join our Open Dialogue Series to discuss opportunities, challenges and trends affecting education and literacy in communities across BC.

  • Kate Harrison Whiteside

    Plain language is user-oriented. Readers help define the content, design, and are part of the testing process. This ensu [...]

    257 days ago

  • Leona Gadsby

    People learn all the time in the course of their day to day lives - but we can be more conscious of this and intentional [...]

    258 days ago

  • Leona Gadsby

    In most literacy programs in BC, practitioners consider problem solving, analysis, computer skills, oral communication a [...]

    258 days ago

  • Leona Gadsby

    Hi Laurent, It is interesting how quickly young people learn about using technology. In BC, there is a group called Re [...]

    258 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Thanks for sharing Kate, sounds like a really interesting project. Can you explain a bit about what 'Plain Language' is [...]

    258 days ago

  • Kate Harrison Whiteside

    I am getting my Putting Plain Language to Work training session ready for literacy leaders in the region. We are going t [...]

    259 days ago

  • Laurent Imbault

    On a recent trip to India, I had the privilege of meeting with the wonderful people at YUVA (www.yuvaindia.org), a learn [...]

    259 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    Being able to read and gain knowledge/information, and write to communicate thoughts--these are what we think of when we [...]

    259 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Thanks for joining us Leona! You've worked on a variety of literacy projects, can you tell us a little bit about 2nd sec [...]

    259 days ago

  • Leona Gadsby

    BC Ideas is an opportunity for literacy practitioners to talk about the wonderful work going on in communities across th [...]

    259 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Welcome Innovators! Tell us about your work, what have been some of your interesting lessons learned? Any advice for com [...]

    260 days ago
Join the dialog
Youth Engagement

Youth Engagement

Join this weeks discussion on how to engage youth and foster the next generation of Changemakers!

  • Wendy Morin

    I have worked with youth in my community for over 15 years, and am constantly inspired by their courage, vulnerability a [...]

    214 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    Through storytelling, we can connect with others more directly because we are telling a story, not reading from a script [...]

    264 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    Storytelling allows us to autentically express our experiences. It is powerful and we all have stories to tell. Lots of [...]

    264 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    Bridging generations is so important because we are all in this together. As a baby boomer, I see it as my responsibilit [...]

    264 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    When we run events, such as the annual YesBC Youth Climate Action Summit and Off the Grid Festival, we have youth planni [...]

    264 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    This is something incorporated into YesBC programming and as a presenter with Al Gore's Climate Reality project. It's em [...]

    264 days ago

  • Moses Olaoke

    we are tryng to make a beter life for people in nigeria,to give a very lucrative furniture design,that can be scaterd a [...]

    264 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Hi Tarek, thank you for sharing your work with us. BC Ideas is focused on projects that are based in British Columbia Ca [...]

    264 days ago

  • Tarek Alsaleh

    Hello. We are working since 2007 in Syria with street children's, in refugee Camps etc. and have registered a Charit [...]

    265 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    A really great sentiment Judy, thank you for sharing. I totally agree, support is key, when someone believes in you its [...]

    265 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    looking through the lens of the challenges of different generations working together, we can also look at the specific c [...]

    265 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    Hi All, [...]

    265 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Hi Kate, thanks for sharing your work. What sort of strategies do you use to build community with your group of young en [...]

    265 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Judy, the media and popular culture often talk about youth apathy in the political and social realm of North America. Ho [...]

    265 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Margaret- In your work, how do you use history to guide the direction of your project? For those who don't know, Margare [...]

    265 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    I've found storytelling very useful for bringing down these barriers. Storytelling helps one to expose and communicate t [...]

    265 days ago

  • Kate Fleming

    At Community Micro Lending we run a program called Launch! A twelve week crash course on how to start your own business. [...]

    265 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    How have I stayed motivated to engage youth? I get inspiration and hope from this work. Given opportunities and suppor [...]

    266 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    By way of introduction, I am Founder and Exec Director of YesBC (Youth for Environmental Stewardship), a non profit gras [...]

    266 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    It is critical that we engage youth in the political process. Students entering grade nine/ten this fall will be voting [...]

    266 days ago

  • Judy Fainstein

    Hi April, sorry for delay in jumping into the conversation - we have just returned from a wonderful family vacation. Ju [...]

    266 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Thanks so much for sharing Kevin. I love the breadth of topics you are interested in engaging youth on. I really love yo [...]

    266 days ago

  • Margaret Naylor

    Hi April, I agree that health depends on the understanding and appreciation of history - our own and others. Sharing tr [...]

    267 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Hi Margaret, I've been working with Inuit youth and Elders from Arviat Nunavut on the Nanisiniq Arviat History Project- [...]

    267 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Hi Kevin! Are you going to PowerShift in Ottawa? https://www.facebook.com/PowerShiftCanada?ref=ts [...]

    267 days ago

  • Margaret Naylor

    There are so many benefits of different generations working together. Developing understanding and appreciation of perso [...]

    267 days ago

  • Kevin Millsip

    I'm the Sustainability Coordinator with the Vancouver School Board where I focus mainly on school food systems. I also r [...]

    268 days ago

  • Kevin Millsip

    Hi. I'm curious what people see are the key benefits and/or challenges of different generations working together to tack [...]

    268 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Welcome to our online discussion space! Please tell us about your work. What challenges, opportunities, pitfalls and obs [...]

    268 days ago
Join the dialog
Environment & Energy

Environment & Energy

Join this week’s Open Dialogue to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities for environmental and energy projects across British Columbia!

  • Matt Dickson

    While I think it impossible to pinpoint just one environmental problem in BC from the long list of many, I would suggest [...]

    272 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    What is the most pressing environmental challenge in BC right now? And--what group or individual is seeking solutions to [...]

    273 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Really interesting article Susan and integral question, how can we hold private businesses accountable? Can communities [...]

    273 days ago

  • Jessica Hannon

    Better & more widespread bike infrastructure--including more separated bike lanes. In the suburbs and smaller towns, [...]

    273 days ago

  • Susan Bazilli

    What can we do about this??? http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/ Feds+walk+away+from+environmental+ assessments+alm [...]

    273 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Really great question Darian! That's such an issues, especially in Vancouver as you mentioned. I'd love to hear some peo [...]

    275 days ago

  • Darian Kovacs

    How do you think we could get more cars off the road? [...]

    278 days ago

  • Darian Kovacs

    What are ways to help the fact that Vancouver is the second worst congested city for traffic in North America? [...]

    278 days ago
Join the dialog
Health & Well-being

Health & Well-being

Join this week’s Open Dialogue to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities faced by people working to promote health, well-being and care.

  • Duane Marinero

    The Silent Shard... This tends to probably be really handy for some of one's jobs I decide to do not o [...]

    244 days ago

  • Miyoko Serie

    Whispering Misty... So sorry you can expect to pass up the workshop!... [...]

    244 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Thanks for the post. I wanted to answer your question about which venture structure is best to choose. Starting Septembe [...]

    265 days ago

  • Jacquie Cutts

    The organization I run, Safe Mothers, Safe Babies, has been working in rural Uganda to improve maternal and neonatal hea [...]

    281 days ago

  • Riun Blackwell

    Hi Kids from Riun in Squamish I'm progressing with my food service with cooperation of the New Hope Kitchen. I will be [...]

    281 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Here is a good report about the local health (Vancouver Island Health Authority -- Alberni Region): http://www.viha.ca/ [...]

    281 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I think people are beginning to understand that healthy food is a prescription for good health. I see people looking for [...]

    281 days ago

  • Sarah Mintz

    Welcome Community Builders! Please tell us about your work. What are the trends, challenges and opportunities that you a [...]

    282 days ago
Join the dialog
Aboriginal Communities

Aboriginal Communities

Join this week’s Open Dialogue to discuss the issues and opportunities faced by Aboriginal Communities.

  • Alaa Sadik

    I have developed a new video sharing network, called PresentationTube [http://presentationtube.net] to encourage teache [...]

    276 days ago

  • Sarah Mintz

    The discussion is not over yet! This dialogue will remain active, so please continue sharing comments with the greater c [...]

    282 days ago

  • Megan Read

    I'm interested in Aboriginal place names as a way to reconnect and provide intercultural connections in BC. [...]

    285 days ago

  • Sarah Mintz

    Thanks for sharing, Swan Bay, and congratulations on being an early investment recipient! I am curious if you think a p [...]

    285 days ago

  • Kathy Waddell

    The Huu-ay-aht First Nation is a self-governing treaty nation. One of the biggest challenges for us has been to help pe [...]

    287 days ago

  • Swan Bay Rediscovery

    Swan Bay Rediscovery Program's "Canoe Journeys" is facilitated out of Skidegate, in remote Haida Gwaii. The program targ [...]

    288 days ago

  • Alia Noelle Lamaadar

    The CleanTech Community Gateway (www.ctcg.org) is a non-profit that helps rural and remote communities to transition tow [...]

    289 days ago

  • Sarah Mintz

    Welcome Community Builders! Please tell us about your work. What are the trends, challenges and opportunities that you a [...]

    290 days ago
Join the dialog
Strengthening Communities

Strengthening Communities

Join this week’s Open Dialogue to describe how you are strengthening your community and to learn from others who are doing the same.

  • fsgb80v7cbwe

    Great website... please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from [...]

    150 days ago

  • Chulanee Attanayake

    The Organization I work with is a part of a network called "Active Citizens for Development Network". Our primary concer [...]

    279 days ago

  • Mathew Peake

    Hi Perry, I've been looking at the Embers website (http://embersvancouver.vcn.bc.ca) and you guys do a fantastic job. C [...]

    290 days ago

  • Alia Noelle Lamaadar

    Hi Karen, what organization are you with? At the CleanTech Community Gateway (www.ctcg.org) we help rural and remote [...]

    292 days ago

  • Ted Barton

    Hi Karen, thank you for your comments. It is true that technology has greatly impacted information sharing but it is not [...]

    292 days ago

  • Karen Mason-Bennett

    We work in northeastern BC from Dawson Creek to the Yukon border, so distance is really a challenge. Utilizing technolog [...]

    293 days ago

  • Mathew Peake

    Hi Ted, Thanks so much for your comment. Text messaging is an excellent medium to encourage active community discuss [...]

    294 days ago

  • Ted Barton

    Hi Mathew, there are so many web based communication tools that many of our sport organizations use it is hard to keep t [...]

    294 days ago

  • Mathew Peake

    Mathew Peake from MiCasa here. We use technology to help build communities in condo buildings. Internally we refer to [...]

    295 days ago

  • Perry Stein

    Hi there, this is Perry from EMBERS Staffing Solutions. Our biggest challenge as a social enterprise (and opportunit [...]

    296 days ago

  • Sarah Mintz

    Welcome Community Builders! Please tell us about your work. What are the trends, challenges and opportunities that you a [...]

    297 days ago
Join the dialog
Fundraising & Capacity Building

Fundraising & Capacity Building

Have reservations about how to raise funds to make your innovative idea for social change a reality? Join our discussion and ask those burning fundraising questions to our group of local experts. From grants to new forms of crowd sourcing they have experienced it all!

Ask a fundraiser! Join our discussion and learn from our group of local experts who are here to share their experience about raising funds!

  • Homepage

    ... [Trackback]... [...] Read More: pulse.changemakers.com/leaders/2012/07/fundraising-capacity-buildi [...]

    80 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Andy's blog "It’s 8:30am. Do you know where your donors are?" can be found here: http://is.gd/Ni3ycG In case you a [...]

    287 days ago

  • Taylor Conroy

    Good call by Bonnie there. I looked up what you guys do, and (at a glance) I believe the transition will be a lot easier [...]

    296 days ago

  • Taylor Conroy

    Hey Carmen, how much experience do you have with interns? They are a fantastic win-win in that they provide excellent wo [...]

    296 days ago

  • Taylor Conroy

    Good luck!!! [...]

    296 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Great discussion everyone! Check back later this week to discuss finding your funder with Andy Price! This space will re [...]

    296 days ago

  • Andy Price

    I absolutely agree with Esther. The people who are closest to you are the most likely to support you with a gift. If you [...]

    299 days ago

  • Esther Jang

    Hi Sonia - Generally the case for support is developed by the leadership team. In LIFT's case, the core messaging was b [...]

    299 days ago

  • Esther Jang

    Hi Shawna Finding funding for an organization getting starting comes back to having a very strong case for support. Yo [...]

    300 days ago

  • Bonnie Foley-Wong

    Hi Karen, I often remind people that nothing is actually free - someone, somewhere is paying for it. Transparency and h [...]

    300 days ago

  • Bonnie Foley-Wong

    Hi Carmen, expanding activities and new developments sometimes require extra funds to get them started. In the for-prof [...]

    300 days ago

  • Bonnie Foley-Wong

    Awesome - I can't wait to hear more about your venture as it develops :-) [...]

    300 days ago

  • Shawna Louise

    Where do you find core funding for an organization just getting off the ground???? [...]

    300 days ago

  • Karen Mason-Bennett

    I work for a non-profit that has been lucky enough to not have to do much fundraising over the past 20 years - we had ju [...]

    300 days ago

  • Carmen Moreira

    Hello Everyone. I've been in touch with April from Ashoka regarding our non-profit, SQx Danza, and are definitely faci [...]

    300 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Thanks for the great information so far! I had a question regarding Writing a Case for Support. What are the logisti [...]

    300 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Thank you for your comments Taylor and Bonnie. Both of you have provided much food for thought. Once we get past the st [...]

    301 days ago

  • Bonnie Foley-Wong

    Here's the link to my blog post about how Lean Startup methods worked for me http://bonnie.foleywong.com/leanstartup-soc [...]

    301 days ago

  • Bonnie Foley-Wong

    Hi Sarah, What you're talking about has hints of a crowdfunding campaign. I want to connect you to friends of mine, Ma [...]

    301 days ago

  • Bonnie Foley-Wong

    Hi "Our Local Markets"! Don't worry so much about legal structures and labels for social enterprises - everything is [...]

    301 days ago

  • Taylor Conroy

    oops - here is the TED: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/ dan_gilbert_researches_happiness.html [...]

    302 days ago

  • Taylor Conroy

    Specific. Hands down. Even if there are choices with specific amounts, do not leave it open. The people that want to lea [...]

    302 days ago

  • Taylor Conroy

    There are a lot of challenges for social enterprises for sure... though there are way more benefits than challenges if y [...]

    302 days ago

  • Sarah Mintz

    Thanks for the blog post, Taylor. It's a good reminder of the power of campaigns. I have a non-profit that does educatio [...]

    302 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    This is a tough issue to address. We applied for a government grant to help cover start-up costs however since we are a [...]

    303 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Hi Innovators! Have questions about how to find funding to make your great idea a reality? Post them here and all week o [...]

    303 days ago
Join the dialog
Agriculture & Food Security

Agriculture & Food Security

This week we'll explore opportunities, barriers, trends and more surrounding farmers’ markets, sustainable agriculture, resource management, food systems & jobs, innovative farming tools, etc.

We are kicking off our series of week-long Idea Centre discussion topics with a conversation on Agriculture & Food Security.

  • penis traction

    penis traction... Merely wanna tell that this is handy , Thanks for taking your time to write this.... [...]

    14 days ago

  • fsgb80v7cbwe

    Excellent website... the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the... [...]

    135 days ago

  • Devin Coverdale

    Food security is only as strong as the farms that grow the food and most farms are not able to produce crops without wat [...]

    217 days ago

  • Lisa Giroday

    My name is Lisa Giroday and I am one of the founders at Victory Gardens. Our mandate is to help people grow food. It [...]

    218 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Current Trends Media reports focusing on problems with the food industry have served to raise consumer's awareness [...]

    276 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    The Problem My name is Wayne Smith. I am Susan Roth's partner in Our Local Markets. As a farmer and businessman, I wo [...]

    287 days ago

  • Susan Roth

    Here's an excellent article on "sustainability." http://www.iasc-culture.org/THR/THR_article_2012_Summer_Yates.php [...]

    295 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Now that we've figured out how to use the Internet to strengthen the local economy through supporting the local food mov [...]

    297 days ago

  • Sarah Mintz

    Thanks to all the Agriculture & Food Security participants! This conversation will stay live for another 3-4 weeks, so [...]

    303 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I like the idea of leasing infrastructure for food security, especially when it comes to land and equipment. However our [...]

    303 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    The way I see it, agriculture is one of the most important foundations of a community. If your agriculture sector is str [...]

    303 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Ha ha sorry I was going to talk about my experience in the forest industry in my previous post but then decided not to a [...]

    307 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I really like the accountability that comes with B corporations. It is how a business that claims to have a social impac [...]

    307 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    “Never complain, never explain, get the thing done and let them howl.” ― Nellie McClung [...]

    307 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    Whether it be overtly through progressive business models and innovative technologies or subversively through aggressive [...]

    307 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    The economic climate is reawakening people to the usefulness of growing their own food. Plus there are many folks, like [...]

    307 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    A couple months ago, a woman I had connected with over Facebook about the Nicoles Farm project sent me a PM, offhandedly [...]

    307 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    (sorry...typing on an iPhone...having some troubles with format). Cont'd. Along the lines of what Nicole at Faires Far [...]

    307 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    Newspaper, followed by leaves, followed by grass clipplings followed by whatever soil you have on hand. Add raw vegetabl [...]

    307 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    *m [...]

    307 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    Honestly, while I understand the premise behind the B corp model from my perspective it is a branding mechanism more tha [...]

    307 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Maybe leasing of infrastructure could serve as a better profit model for food security start-ups, similar to what's happ [...]

    307 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    You can structure a B Corp in Canada- but it is still a small and little known solution. There are less than 30 B Corps [...]

    307 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I would be proud to bring this idea into a political arena. [...]

    307 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Is Canada working towards legislation for Certified B Corporations? I have a close connection to a local provincial poli [...]

    307 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I really like what you're doing Nicole. It fits so well with what we're doing. I also really like your advice: "Find you [...]

    307 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    HI Nicole. Thank you for your kind comment. What do you mean by "scalability?" [...]

    307 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I love it! I have never heard of it before. Certified B Corporations are a new type of corporation which uses the power [...]

    307 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I think BC communities should better organize themselves in cyberspace. Where I live, the focus seems to be on trying to [...]

    307 days ago

  • Matt Dickson

    Energy and nutrients, in whatever form they come in, are vital to farming. While farmers may have opportunities to reduc [...]

    307 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Community gardens have received significant attention in recent years, but still seem to play a small role in terms of i [...]

    307 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    *thoughts [...]

    307 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Hi Susan and Nicole- What are your thoguths on the B Corporation model as a hybrid solution to integrating the mission-d [...]

    307 days ago

  • Nicole Faires

    There is definitely land that is better for farming than others, but all that is really truly needed to make something s [...]

    308 days ago

  • Philip Be'er

    Hi Sarah, In response to the teaser that you put out: Peak Oil and Climate Change are defining how we will grow food an [...]

    308 days ago

  • Sarah Mintz

    Hi all, I have some questions about farming/ag tools and systems. What are examples of systems that improve farming and [...]

    308 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    Our Local Markets - ditto on the For Profit challenges. An extension of that is the belief that sustainable agriculture [...]

    309 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    Hi Our Local Markets! What a fantastic idea! Have you explored the scalability of your platform? [...]

    309 days ago

  • Nicole Huska

    Nicole’s Farm develops precisely modelled, year round, sustainable farms on small acreages to help rural communities c [...]

    309 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    I have found some problems being that we are a for-profit venture. Grants are available to non-profit and public agencie [...]

    310 days ago

  • Sonia Bianchi

    Food security and agriculture are such big issues in BC. What are the biggest obstacles you face in developing your idea [...]

    310 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    When I first got the idea for Our Local Markets I talked about it on an locally-based online discussion forum and listen [...]

    310 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Thank you for sharing the link. I really like "Vermont Food Education Every Day." It is a great idea and something that [...]

    310 days ago

  • Tito Llantada

    Hi Sarah and BC Ideas community -- I'm not an expert in this field, but the competition that Changemakers ran in partner [...]

    310 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Thank you Sarah. The response has been overwhelming. We have had many food producers approach us with different needs an [...]

    310 days ago

  • Sarah Mintz

    Thanks Our Local Markets, and congratulations on being an early entry investment recipient. Your model sounds fantastic [...]

    311 days ago

  • Our Local Markets

    Hi Sarah.... Our idea coordinates our local food sector online. It's about improving overall health. Too many people are [...]

    311 days ago

  • Sarah Mintz

    Hi BC Innovators! I am looking forward to this week's discussion. I've already seen a lot of strong entries and ideas us [...]

    311 days ago
Join the dialog

This is a space to ask the Changemakers team questions about the Competition entry process

  • April Dutheil

    Question: How will prize winners be selected? Answer: Three $15,000 prizes will be allocated by people's choice (o [...]

    232 days ago

  • April Dutheil

    Question from Nelson BC: How to publish an entry Answer: Once logged into www.bcideas.ca, place your cursor over y [...]

    258 days ago
Join the dialog

Social Media Mashup

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