VSTA > Social & Eco-Justice

Key to achieving a sustainable society is tackling inequality which is bad for people, society and the environment. Join community activists, union members, educators and others in a day-long exploration of why inequality is the biggest barrier to sustainability. Well-known Canadian author and journalist, Linda McQuaig, will lead the discussion with a keynote address drawing ideas from her latest book, The Trouble with Billionaires: Why too much money at the top is bad for everyone. The day will also involve local presenters leading roundtable discussions on the topic. There will be plenty of time to discuss issues and develop ideas for the future.

As part of the day's event we are organizing a special opportunity for young people to have a session with Linda McQuaig. During the lunch break, Linda will give an introduction to the economics of inequality, followed by questions and discussion.

SPARC BC will also be offering an activity at their booth to explore economic issues, inequality and decision-making in a fun, interactive way. Throughout the day, we will give the young people the opportunity to speak their mind about inequality and sustainability (through video), and what topics should be given more voice. This session is hosted by SPARC BC & PeerNetBC. Young people with little or no income can pay as much as they can afford - no one will be turned away.

For more info: http://www.langara.bc.ca/social-cultural/summer-school/

Cick here for poster.

Solaris, Education for Sustainability

Solaris (Education for Sustainability 11) is an off-timetable 4-credit elective course that combines aspects of science, social studies and leadership. This course, which has been approved by the Vancouver Board of Education, will enable students to:

understand the issues of sustainability, and their impacts;
examine solutions; and
develop a self-directed action project

This course will also enable students from various Vancouver schools to learn from experts in the field of sustainability, and then put this knowledge into practice in their home school or community.

For further information, email solaris@vsb.bc.ca

Click here for more information and for an application form.

Eco Trek Tours
Eco Trek Tours is a volunteer-based organization connecting community environmental initiatives with schools through interactive field trips. Our affordable bundled trips are designed to showcase innovative concepts developing in our communities in areas of agriculture, waste management, alternative energy, and ecosystems. Our tours offer a unique learning experience while creating a sense of place for students that complements classroom learning. For more information, please visit us as www.ecotrektours.com or contact Jessica, Executive Director, at 778-840-8600.

Bridge to a Cool Planet - featuring live video clips of scientist David Suzuki and Mayor Gregor Robertson urging us to act on Climate Change issues as well as a report on the Cambie Bridge Protest Rally, Sat Oct 24 http://www.bridgecoolplanet.ca/en/

Voters Taking Action on Climate Change. At this site, one can sign the Kyoto Plus petition to Stephen Harper. http://www.vtacc.org/vtacc_template.php?content=home

Greenpeace Canada and the Countdown to Copenhagen - Kyoto Plus campaign.
At this site, one can sign the Kyoto Plus petition to the federal government. http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/campaigns/kyotoplus

Western Canada Wilderness Committee - shows the Banner that was draped over Cambie Street Bridge on Sat Oct 24 http://wildernesscommittee.org/
From there one can access the "Gateway to What" campaign or link on this website address:
http://wildernesscommittee.org/gateway_what_photo_petition