Get Involved

15 Days of Giving

2010-12-06T11:23:00.008-05:00

Yes, there are 12 days of Christmas, but why not 15 days of giving?! Check out this list for all the simple actions you can take to help out others in need this year - you'll even find some GREAT gifts for those hard to buys on your list!

December 10th: Kick off this holiday month right by checking out Oxfam Unwrapped - the fab site that lets you buy bikes, chickens, safe water and all sorts of great things for villages in need!

December 11th: Give the gift of your wisdom! That's right, there's are loads of kidlets out there just waiting to hear all the amazing advice you have on clothes, boys, coffee, well pretty much life! Kids.now provides you with everything you need to become a fantastic mentor!

December 12th: Grab a gift card from Just Give for a friend and they can redeem it to donate to a charity of their choice.

December 13th: Bring home a furry friend. Or find a mate for a friend and head to your nearest adoption to centre to bring a little buddy home just in time for the holidays.
December 14th: Buy (Red) Products for everyone! There's cute tees, rings and candles for

your girlfriends, wicked headphones for your beau and even Penguin Classic books for that hard to buy boss - all helping to eliminate AIDS in Africa.

December 15th: Help Abused Women. Mimi + You is a fantastic handmade jewelry company that makes gorgeous and statement necklace pieces - all their proceeds from their Celebrate

Courage line goes to support abused womens' shelter.
December 16th: Find an Elegant Gift with Charity Buzz. Your cousin that loves Lady Gaga -

no problem bid on VIP tickets! Your mom that ohs and ahs over the sexy Ralph Lauren - get her a trip to meet him in person! And the best part is, all the proceeds from these extravagant gifts go

directly to charity!

December 17th: Feed a Hungry Kid in South Africa through the Lunchbox Fund - or get a gift for your family by sponsoring a child for a whole year for only $80!

December 18th: Get Your Colleagues cute office slippers from TOMS. For each pair sold, another pair is sent to a child in a developing country.

December 19th: Keep Mosquitos away. Every 30 seconds a child in Africa dies from Malaria.

Send two mosquito safety nets through World Vision in honor of pretty much anyone on your Christmas list.

December 20th: Become Worldly. With jewelry, skirts, rings, and shoes from all over the world - you can get your girlfriends, mom, or even yourself ;) a fabulous gift from Live Worldly that supports local charities in the artisans' home countries.

December 21st: Support Learning! What about getting your little cousins, nieces and nephews a cool, totally gross gift that their parents' won't hate you for! Check out Elephant Thoughts and all their great eco-friendly gifts for the science nerd in everyone!

December 22nd: Give Cuddles to kids who need it the most. Noah's Ark helps abused children through amazing pet therapy - your donation helps pays for the basics like dog food (they go through 800 pounds a year), new clothing and toys.

December 23rd: Make a Wish come true by buying a wrapped toy and delivering it

straight to the many drop offs for the Chum Christmas Wish.

December 24th: Indulge in the gorgeous handmade jewelry by the female Ugandan artisans of Beads for Life. Not only are the colors and patterns stunning, buteach purchase is helping to end poverty in Ugandan villages.

December 25th: Make this holiday the best. Take a moment today to look around you at all the amazing things life has given you. Great friends, great food, great gifts, great family (even if they're insane!) and okay, great wine. Appreciate what you have, and then vow to make things

better for others - even if it's as simple as these actions - buying a funky gift, clicking and learning more, or making a tiny donation - YOU ARE making a difference!

* A big thank you to GLAMOUR Magazine for giving me the idea for this article - if you get a chance check out this month's "31 Days Giving" Article - it's all American charities, but it's really great!

Show Us your Mo!

2010-11-26T16:41:00.000-05:00

It would be pretty hard not to notice the thousands of men walking the streets sporting some ridiculous mustaches. If you don't already know, this month has been crowned "Movember" - a month that encourages men to grow their most outrageous, hideous and hairy mustache in support of research, funding and awareness of prostate cancer. It's a great campaign - that has been catching fire ever since it was created by a group of hard partying Australians in 2003. Last year's Canadian campaign alone raised over 7.8 million dollars for Prostate Cancer Canada - and raised awareness worldwide as male CEOs, NHL players, golfers, newscasters and movie stars alike wore their facial hair with pride.

So we know you've been growing proudly over the last few weeks and we'd love to see your MO! Send us pictures for our blog and we'll send you a free tee! Email us your pics at caitied@getinvolved.ca - or simply attached them to your comments below!

For inspiration check out some 'stache hall-of-famers:

The Spirit of Giving

2010-11-26T16:38:00.002-05:00

Looking for something festive to do with your kids this weekend? How about giving them a one of a kind experience where they get to help other children AND charity support charities? Well look no further! Jake's Gigantic Give is happening this weekend (November 27th & 28th) - an event that will turn your whole family into a group of giving santas!

It all starts with a group of volunteers have transformed a massive warehouse into a magical toy shop, where your kids can roam about and find the perfect toy to give away. Once selected, the toy is taken to the gift wrapping centre to be wrapped JUST right. Then - and possibly the most magical part of the give, your kids get to take their gift directly to a representative of the charity they choose to support (among some of the charities at the event are Children’s Aid, Jewish Family and Child Services, Chum City Xmas Wish, Starlight/Starbright, Jean Tweed Centre and Chai Lifeline) - so they get to see the immediate response to giving.

And Jacob's Gigantic Give has pretty much thought of everything to make this experience easy, fun and festive. Adults can either join their children in the store or kick back in Jake’s Lounge where entertainment, food, drinks, giveaways, gifts, surprise guests and much more will be happening throughout each day - while their kids are taken on the giving journey with "kids-at-heart" volunteers.

To learn more please head to the Jacob's Gigantic Give and get into the amazing spirit of giving!

How Will Your Remember?

2010-11-11T11:34:00.004-05:00

John Russell Drewery. He had a fantastic moustache, a wicked sense of humor, the best luck at poker, a great ability at telling stories, and an uncanny knack for kicking ass at Scrabble. He was my grandfather. And when he was 18, he left home, and prepared himself to die for his country.

I am lucky enough to have gotten to know my grandfather. He survived his time as an aimer in a Lancaster Bomber in the RAF. He never talked about it, and when I was younger, I always wondered why. He spent two years flying in a plane that has now become an icon of the war, a plane that was first class in a technology that had only been developed a decade before. At 8 (when I still had dreams of be coming a pilot, traveling with my pet unicorn of course), I thought this would have been the most exciting adventure in the world. And when he enrolled in the RAF, a young, handsome, innocent, 17 year old (he lied about his age) - he thought much in the same way I did (without the unicorn I would assume) - as did so many young Canadian men - they thought they were off on an adventure.

Several years ago, my dad and I travelled to Normandy to shoot a documentary and found ourselves on Juno Beach, on a cold, windy and damp day. The beach is huge (massive to be exact), the water is ice cold and dark, and there is an enormous ridge shadowing the beach about 50 yards away - there is no cover, no place to hide, no hope to make it up and over the hulking ridge. And suddenly I knew, I understood - my grandfather's time in the RAF was a huge part of who he was, but he did it so it wouldn't be a huge part of who I am. His experiences in those 3 years, were all so that he could protect me and my generation from every experiencing the same thing. Of course he wouldn't talk about it, he was fighting so we would never have to.

Thank you John. Thank you for my freedom, thank you for wicked sense of humor, thank you for the memories. We miss you.

So use Remembrance Day to remember however and whoever you want. Take a moment today and say thank you.

Check out Much Music Veteran's Week site - a great example of how to harness social media to remember, share, discuss and keep Remembrance Day alive.

Hey What Happened to the UNICEF Halloween Donation Boxes?!

2010-10-29T13:18:00.005-04:00

This year, don't worry about having a bowl of change next to your trick-or-treats, UNICEF is doing things a little bit differently now.

I have vague (but very fond) memories of stumbling around in my mushroom costume (that's

right, when other girls were dressing up as princesses and figure skater, I was desperate to be a pizza topping) going around collecting yummy chocolate, and adding to my exceedingly weighty UNICEF box. UNICEF boxes were so popular that kids would not only compete for the most chocolate bars, but also the heaviest orange and black box. And what a great idea it was! Even at 7, bundled up in my green stem and giant mushroom-top hat, I knew that I was doing something good for kids who maybe couldn't go out and trick-or-treat - it was a great way to teach kids about those less fortunate, in a fun, engaging way.

Well it seems UNCIEF has really honed on to the educationally part of Halloween donations - while the Halloween box donations were a great way to get kids involved, the donations of pennies and nickels (plus the complexities and organization involved in getting those weighty donations to their head offices) usually didn't amount to that much. But much in the

way sugar highs pass by November 1st, so to do the excitement and interest in international development.

This year, UNICEF has declared October 31st as National UNICEF day! Instead of the donation boxes, UNICEF provides people with Halloween fundraising tool kits - allowing people to fundraise in their own way. UNICEF provides ideas for fundraising events at work, at school, in your community, or at a party! You can even create a personalized online fundraising page - so instead of your party goers handing over cash, they can go online and donate directly to UNICEF with debit, VISA or Amex.

But don't worry, UNICEF hasn't lost their fun kids' stuff either. There are tons of online tools and helpful ideas to get kids engaged. Teachers can download teaching plans to organize parties, games and lectures all focused around learning about third world countries and how to give back. And kids can learn on their own too - UNICEF provides them with online games about accessing clean water, helping disaster zones and a quiz show on UNCIEF itself.

A great place to stop for last minute party ideas for Saturday and Sunday, or sit down and play a game with your kid while learning about those in need. And for those of you who LOVE Halloween (like myself), start planning your massive fundraising BASH for next year!!

Charity Buzz - How to Do Good and Live Well

2010-10-29T13:15:00.001-04:00

While doing some research for our Think Pink Month piece (more to come), I stumbled across one of the most innovative, interesting and fun fundraising sites I have seen in a long while.

The concept is relatively simple - people like auctions and people like donating money (in theory)...what if you could not only donate money - and in fairly large amounts - which also buys you something that is completely unusual, fabulous and frivolous? The answer is CharityBuzz.

CharityBuzz showcases a collection of super rare items being sold on auction, with the proceeds going to the seller's charity of choice. All the items are completely unique trips and experiences, like a tour by Ralph Lauren himself of his world famous car collection, an opportunity to star in a new horror movie, or VIP backstage pass tickets to Lady Gaga - each one of which support a great cause!

These auction items are in some cases ridiculously expensive - a dinner reservation at NY's Rao restaurant is currently going for $7500....and that's just for the table, not the food! - but some of the items are the perfect gift for those tough-to-buys, or the best way to spoil yourself.

With causes and organizations like the Ralph Lauren Pink Pony, the Lollipop Theatre Network, and the World Wildlife Fund it's definitely worth a peek at all the drool-worthy items on sale.

What's Not to LOVE about Ted Talks?

2010-10-01T12:29:00.005-04:00

Ted Talk's tagline ran continually through my head as I sat listening yesterday at Tedx Toronto - "ideas worth sharing"......which definitely are the perfect words to encompass all that Ted is about. Because that's what it is - ideas. Ideas from innovators, authors, poets, creators, buisnessmen - all coming together over a love of knowledge.

Speakers are given 20 minutes, just 20 minutes, to inspire you, challenge you and teach you...or sometimes, even turn your world upsidedown.

As I sat in a conference room at MaRS, full of people drinking cans of pop and clutching their Tim Hortons, frantically typing into their blackberries and ipads (yes, this is the universe of nerdom, but cool nerds), trying to keep in touch with the offices they have left for the day to spend at TED. I thought to myself, that this sight proves that knowledge is power. Not in the traditional sense, but that knowledge has power. It has the power to make you think for days, the power to start conversation, the power to change your views, the power to bring people together, and possibly the power to create peace.

Okay, okay, I've gotten a little hyperbolic, but if you've seen a TED talk that's stuck with you, then you know what I am talking about. If you haven't, then see one NOW, at the very least, it will give you something to talk about at your next cocktail party.

Run for the Cure - This Weekend!

2010-09-27T15:22:00.003-04:00

It must be fall - CIBC's Run for the Cure is this Saturday, October 3rd. This annual run is the largest, single day fundraiser dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research, and education and awareness programs. Last year, 170,000 Canadians participated in the run throughout the country, raising an amazing $26.5 million for breast cancer funding, research and programs. The run is unbelievably successful, and a great show of our power to unite in the fight against cancer. So whether you want to lace up, donate, shop or volunteer there are lots of ways to help out this week!

Lace up and join the run this Saturday, there is still room for last minute entries - and don't worry if jogging is not your thing, grab a few girls and walk it!

You can make an individual one-time donation, or make a donation to someone you know participating!

Volunteer at the Run event - there's still jobs to help out at tables, and be supporters.

Or show your support by going Pink! Stores all over Canada are selling special limited edition "pink" products, with proceeds supporting the Breast Cancer Foundation:
- LUSH's Think Pink Bath bomb is only 3.95 has a fierce vanilla scent with a bite!
- Ahava's dead sea salts come in pink packaging this month, with donations made for every purchase.
- A cute pink zip-up fleece by New Balance will keep you warm during the fall months.
- A super fashionable and eco-friendly metal water bottle by Lolita.

Either way, there's lots of ways to show your pink support and be a part of this amazing moment in history, where we beat cancer in our lifetime!

Become a Hero for your charity, your community or just yourself!

2010-09-15T13:55:00.002-04:00

Ever sold magazines, girl guide cookies, or coupon books to help raise money for the charity you love and support? Ever done it in the rain, or the snow, or the blistering cold? What if you could fundraise and raise awareness right from your computer?

Well that's exactly what actor Edward Norton decided needed to be done. He created Crowdrise, a hot new site that's already raised over $250,000 for organizations all over the world - and it was only launched in May! Crowdrise is hip, sassy and fun - and what would you expect from a site that's tagline is "if you don't give back no one will like you". Ed has even recruited some of his famous friends to join the site, so Crowdrise becomes a place where stars and volunteers alike can mingle and shmooze over the causes they love!

The best part is it's easy to raise money, give money, or even just learn about different organizations and causes. You can support Sophia Bush's and her Run for the Gulf, or you can learn all about Alzheimer's with Seth Rogen, or even give puppies a great big hug with Kristen Bell.

It's got a competitive aspect as well, so Get Involved would recommend checking out this list of organizations to support and start fundraising for them on Crowdrise, because "volunteering and raising money for charity is the most fun in the world!"

Film Possible - the Contest that's Bringing Visibility to Disability

2010-08-27T15:53:00.003-04:00

Holland Bloorview, the Kids Rehabilitation Hospital launched a contest last week called Film Possible.

The Film Possible contest has called on all Canadians, across a spectrum of ages and abilities to create short videos (under 2 minutes) with the theme of "bringing visibility to disability". The general public votes, and then the chosen jury selects their top 3 favorite - overall 6 winners will be chosen, with the first place winner receiving $5000! The jury is composed of some well-known faces, including MuchMusic star Trevor Boris, funny-gal Nikki Payne, and Allen Braude of TIFF.

And what a great way to make the world a better and more understanging place for children with disbaialities, then showing the public that people are not defined by their disabilities. The videos are funny, heart-warming and at times extremely touching. Check them out and vote for your favorite!

Rock Out to Pitch In

2010-08-16T10:42:00.004-04:00

By: Jinny Wong

Next month you’ll have more than good music as an excuse to rock out! Steam Whistle Brewing is producing an ongoing concert series to raise money for AHCF.

Unsigned exhibits Canada’s musical talent while helping to develop its future. Each edition of Unsigned features three Canadian artists and a DJ. 100% of the ticket sales from each show will be going to the Artists’ Health Centre Foundation.

Ever wonder how many times a week the dancer leaping from one side of the stage to the other needs to visit a physiotherapist? Or what sort of conditioning the guitarist in the indie alt-rock band needs?

Most of the time, independent artists just don't receive the treatment they need due to a lack of resources and money.

That’s why the Artists’ Health Centre Foundation was created. The impetus for the project was a unanimous frustration with the cost and lack of appropriate health care for artists.

The AHCF helped create and continues to work in support of the Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre at Toronto Western Hospital and their research initiatives.

A 1995 survey conducted in Toronto, London, The Hague, and New York (other known artists’ clinics) confirmed the need for an integration of complementary and conventional medical health services, as well as research in the field of artists' health care, and subsidies for alternative therapies.

AHCF is involved in outreach, education and prevention services for over 20,000 professional artists who live in the Toronto area. Their mission is to raise the standard of health care, educational resources, and quality of life. They are dedicated to presenting ongoing workshops and seminars, and raising funds through theJovanne Sidimus Subsidy Fund to subsidize health care for artists in need.

The concert will be held at The Roundhouse on Friday, September 10th. Don’t miss out!

Check out a video from Unsigned 2009.

Every Cat Deserves a Home

2010-08-10T10:27:00.002-04:00

By: Jinny Wong

Imagine seeing your family drive away and leave you behind.

That’s what many furry little friends go through everyday as families move, or are no longer able to care for their pets.

Some cats are found in dumpsters with frostbites, worms and poisoned by humans who see them as a nuisances.

At North Toronto Cat Rescue, their mission is to provide a safe and caring environment for all cats and kittens. They provide veterinary care and support during recovery, and help to find the cats a “forever home”.

They are unique because they not only support a no-kill policy, but also a no-cage policy. That means the felines they take in are free to run around and play, leading a lifestyle as close to a real home as possible.

The NRTC is also apart of a community project where school children can come in to gain hands on experience caring for animals. This type of community service provides a valuable learning environment for both the children and the cats, adjusting to their new surroundings.

Visit the NRTC website for a complete listing of their adoptees, fun bumper stickers, and for more information on their volunteer/donation programs. They are currently in urgent need of a grant letter writer, and people to join the shelter team.

The NRTC annual fundraiser will be held at Simeon Park on Sunday, August 15th from 10am-6pm. This event is open to the public and is sponsored by Magna International Inc.

Tapping into Something Good

2010-08-04T14:48:00.003-04:00

4,200 children die every day from water-related diseases.

Just $1 can provide a child with safe drinking water for 40 days.

UNICEF has improved the access of safe drinking water to 1.2 billion people, and educated another 1.2 billion on safe sanitation practices in over 100 countries.

But 900 million people worldwide continue to lack access to safe drinking water.

By 2015, UNICEF aims to cut that number in half.

In 2007 the “Tap Project” was officially launched. New York city restaurant patrons were asked to pay $1 or more for tap water—an item typically offered to them for free. The money was donated to UNICEF to support their effort in providing clean drinking water to countries in need.

The “Tap Project 2010” puts a new twist on the campaign by placing a Dirty Water vending machine in the middle of Manhattan. Thirsty pedestrians are invited to purchase one of the eight “flavours” of bottled water that represent common diseases that affect the global poor: Malaria, Cholera, Typhoid, Dengue, Hepatitis, Dysentery, Salmonella, and Yellow Fever. Consumers are also encouraged to offer a one time $5 donation by texting “TAP” to UNICEF (864233).

All money raised through the 2010 UNICEF Tap Project will be allocated to the countries and areas UNICEF has identified as among the most in need. Those countries include Togo, Central African Republic, Vietnam, Guatemala and, of course, Haiti.

$1.5 million has been raised so far, but there is still plenty left to do. Join the many celebrities, corporations, restaurants and local government supporters by donating to the cause, and providing millions of children with safe drinking water. You can even donate by selling items on ebay!

Calling all Young Filmmakers!

2010-07-20T10:19:00.002-04:00

HEY YOU! Interested in getting involved with the filmmaking biz? Presenting Our Vision (POV) is a registered charity, located in Toronto, dedicated to assisting economically disadvantaged youth gain the skills and experience needed to secure employment in film, television, and commercial production.

POV provides youth with three different programs to get involved in the biz; the Filmmaking Program, the Internship Program, and the Alumni Working Group. The Internship program provides students who have completed the Filmmaking Program with a 4 month PAID internship and the Alumni Workshop provides a youth-mentoring-youth experience for POV students who want to work on their own film projects.

In addition to learning business and technical skills, students also learn invaluable social skills: the teamwork required to be part of a crew, the importance of clear communication and reliability.

And POV has a brand new project in the works! Alongside Schools Without Borders and Manifesto Community Projects, this year's students are creating a documentary on Manifesto's live (and free!) hip-hop concert happening this September! Not only will this project support and help promote the POV's program itself but it hopes to inspire youth culture and showcase urban living.

The heart of the film will celebrate the power of youth culture and the endless potential young people have when they collaborate. The doc will mix behind-the-scenes footage of Manifesto's incredible undertaking of the festival, with footage of the festival itself - including its national breakdance competition, massive art exhibition, and free outdoor concert. The energy and the creativity of the arts events will be used to underscore these characteristics in the individuals who put this festival together and the youth movement at large.

But of course - doing all these amazing things could never be FREE - so the POV organization has enter into the Pepsi Refresh Project, in hopes of receiving a grant of $100,000 to help fund the project. They are currently in 24th place SO VOTE NOW and support the youth filmmaking movement!

Pepsi Refresh Project - Giving Away Millions to Canadians!

2010-07-15T12:06:00.005-04:00

Got a great idea? Want to support the things you care about? Check out the Pepsi Refresh Project, Pepsi's new campaign to provide funding to individuals and organizations that want to make positive change in their community.

Interested in supporting a cause/idea? Head HERE to vote for your favorite submission that you think should get the grant!

Have an idea of your own - OR want to get funding for the organization you support? With 6 different communities like "arts and culture", "health" and "education"there's room for any kind of idea/organization! Put in your application NOW and do it fast, because the submissions deadline is August 31st.

Finalist will be announced the day after voted has been completed on September 1st. The top 4 fabulous individuals will receive $5,000 to help get an idea off the ground, 3 small groups will be awarded $10,000 to begin their organization/idea, 2 companies or grass-roots organizations will be given $25,000 to help their ideas come to light AND 1 $100,000 will be given to an organization that can dedicate lots of time and resources to their plans.

Turning a house into a home

2010-07-12T16:53:00.003-04:00

By: Jinny Wong

An abused woman is beaten an average of 33 times before she makes her first attempt to leave her violent home. When she finally escapes clutching her children, she is left with little more than the clothes on her back.

Even though social services will do all they can to help find this woman a new living environment and shelter, she is often left with no chairs to sit on, no bed to sleep in, and no dishes to eat with.

These are the people that the Furniture Bank has been helping for over 12 years.

Founders Sister Anne Schenck CSJ, Hugh Morris Q.C., and Ann Manuel have been striving to turn a house into a home for thousands of families. They have been able to achieve this by providing used furniture donated by generous families and corporations. Monetary donations are used to assist in on-going costs such as telephone lines, and heating bills.

Furniture Bank makes it possible for families leaving difficult situations re-establish a home. The families in need are referred to them by community agencies such as shelters and refugee centres.

Find out how you can help out by visiting Furniture Banks.

Taking care of business: 8 tactics to change the world while you work

2010-06-25T15:56:00.003-04:00

Written and Edited by Lisa Borden, idea girl + owner of Borden Communications + Design Inc.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Do you remember when you were a kid and you thought you could do anything? You still can. Despite your age, or where you fall on the eco-spectrum, your actions have an impact, so make it positive for all of us that share your world. Whether you’re the boss or the employee, whether you sit at a desk, stand in a store or stay at home, you can change the world while you work (which, consequently, is truly, impressive multitasking).

Your office might have already gone “green” or you may still be waiting to be given the “green” light – regardless, you have the power to be a catalyst for more change. Even though your days are cluttered and perhaps even overwhelming, if you focus on the below 8 tactics, you will change the world while you take care of business. As a bonus (which we all deserve), you will save time, save money and save your health.

1. Lighten your commute. We spend five to seven percent of our lives in transit. If you have to travel to work, make your commute easier – on you, your wallet and our environment. Don't drive if you don't have to. The cheapest litre of gas is the one you don’t buy and you’ll save on parking too.

2. Make your own + take your own. Whoa. Where to start? Perhaps it’s as simple as making your own coffee at home in a reusable travel mug. If you do choose to stop at your local café and get a snack, refuse the napkin (ok, now you really have to eat carefully and avoiding driving seems to make even more sense), don’t take the bag that becomes garbage immediately, or take your own reusable “baggie”. Stash reusable cutlery in your desk drawer, tote a high quality stainless steel water bottle around (refill with tap often), take your own lunch, and if you do takeout, skip the ketchup packet, straw and paper napkin. And, take your own containers. Really. People might stare, but I guarantee, you’ll start a trend pretty quickly. If you are saving money, saving time, eating healthier and helping the planet, how can you lose? Exactly.

Resources: TakeOut WithOut Campaign and Healthy Lunches Guide

3. Boycott something. Your consumer decisions matter. Every single one of them. Decide to ban something - perhaps disposable coffee cups or paper clips. Take a stand, stay strong, and leverage the power of people to spark a workplace revolution.

4. Smile at Someone. Do you believe that smiling makes you feel good, provides stress relief, and leads to good health? It sounds hokey, but it’s actually backed by some serious research. We spend so much time staring at our computer screens and handheld gizmos that we need to look at other people more and make them smile too.

5. Demand less supply. Why do you need an entire box of toxic pens? Try keeping 3 pens in your possession at a time. I have found that I keep track of them more and the mystery of the vanishing pen no longer is a daily occurrence. Encourage your office to order only what is required, and, purchase from responsible companies making responsible products. Paper made from post-consumer waste (although the more you do online the better), ink cartridges that are recycled, pvc-free pens and stapleless staplers among other supplies all make a big difference when we all choose to use (or not use) them.

6. Trash The Can. When you throw things away, where do you think "away" is? There is no such place. Reuse what you can and CUT BACK. If you looked at the overflowing city garbage cans you may have noted that it was mostly individual or fast food packaging, coffee cups, straws, paper bags and drink bottles – all of which we can use less of for ourselves and our world. Choose to use small trash cans in your office and encourage smart recycling and composting policies and procedures.

7. Turn it off. Sure, we all work hard, but why are all of those office building lights still on at 3am? Your cell phone charger that is plugged in (that is warm even when not charging), the wireless printer that is always on (we see the glowing light) and that computer you never shut down are all offenders in the perpetual energy (and bank account) drain. Unplug, people! Get power strips with an on/off switch, and turn it off when you turn off.

8. Find a champion…or be one. Inspire your workplace to institute policies. Take action to reform the food served, and the way food is brought into the office or meetings. A passionate, informed, persuasive and committed champion can be an effective cheerleader and major force in creating healthier and happier workplaces.

Your “greener” workday will mean a healthier, more focused and more confident you. Your workplace will be a more pleasant and productive environment to spend your days, which will only be good for everyone around you and will likely, positively, affect the bottom line also. So, don’t hide under your desk. The world needs a raise, and likely you do too.

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc., is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, fun, engaging and inspiring ways.

Want to learn more about Lisa Borden and Borden Communications? Check out our Get Involved episode!

Penny for your jokes

2010-06-14T15:57:00.003-04:00

By Jinny Wong

If you thought that a honed sense of humour was just good for a few laughs, think again.

Early this month, Gulf Restoration Network official Aaron Viles was pleasantly surprised to find that someone tweeting as @BPGlobalPRdeposited $10,000 into the organization’s Paypal account. The donator refuses to be named publicly but calls himself “Leroy Stick (aka a guy in his boxer shorts)”.

The money was raised by selling T-shirts simply decorated in dripping black paint with the words “bp cares”—a direct satire about the way BP has been handling the disaster.

He told the Huffington Post that he “started @BPGlobalPR, because the oil spill had been going on for almost a month and all BP had to offer were bullshit PR statements. No solutions, no urgency, no sincerity, no nothing. That’s why I decided to relate to the public for them.”

@BPGlobalPR began with just a few followers and a guy with a knack for jokes. As his popularity grew to the thousands—he decided that this would be a greatway to raise money for an organization that is actually doing something to help out this catastrophe.

Order your very own “bp cares” tee

To find out more about Leroy Stick and the amusing back-story to that name, visit: http://streetgiant.com/2010/06/02/leroy-stick-the-man-behind-bpglobalpr/

Donate directly to the Gulf Restoration Network, or to send a message to BP calling on them clean up their mess.

This is a great example of how someone can utilize social media to make a difference. To do the same for your cause, please visit:http://blog.powerofthehour.ca/2010/01/social-media-and-the-common-good/

Well of Change - new ideas for fundraising!

2010-06-10T17:19:00.003-04:00

In 2009 Christine Ho and Kevin Tsoi recognized a common issue, people love to support their favorite charities, but often can not provide financial support on a regular basis. So they created Well of Change, an online platform where people can use their skills, hobbies and abilities to raise money for their charity of choice.

To kick off their new site, Well of Change hosted an event in the middle of NetChange week at MaRS Discovery Center. And this wasn't any old launch event - Well of Change hosted a "skills drive" so we as participants, could see how valuable this online platform truly is. We were to think about our skills, write them down and give them a price, and then go shopping for the things skills offered we wanted from the other participants!

Well, shopping I am VERY good at - but I learned offering your time and skills for a charity you support is just as much fun! My list included things like "car wash", "planning a children's birthday party" and "bar-tending an event" - all little skills I've picked up throughout my life that I LOVE to do. Once we started shopping, we were able to pick the offers we wanted and the money we spent went directly to the charity the "skills donor" had chosen. (I bought a "puppy and you" Yoga session for a girlfriend's birthday coming up, and my money went to a women's shelter, something you can DEFINITELY NOT find in the Eaton's Center.)

With Well of Change you can post a service, or find a service - and either way your support goes to a fantastic not-for-profit in need! Check it out now and get shopping - and I promise, you will find exactly what you are looking for!

Cancer is Hard, Walking Isn't.

2010-05-31T13:26:00.004-04:00

The Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend to End Women's Cancer is a 60 km or 40 mile walk over 2 days to raise money for research, clinical enhancements and survivorship.

During one amazing weekend, September 11-12, 2010, thousands will join together to walk in the battle against all women’s cancers. It’s a massive undertaking, and that’s why your

participation is more critical than ever. The Weekend was built upon the courageous efforts of people just like you, transforming a small grassroots effort into one of Canada’s biggest difference-making endeavours for all women.

Your support will fund the critical work of Princess Margaret Hospital and their efforts to end breast and gynecologic cancers, diseases that one in seven Canadian women will be diagnosed with in her lifetime.

CP24's Wear it PINK campaign even invited viewers and supporters alike to join them down at the studios for a BBQ fundraiser last Thursday (May 27th), which raised more then $9,000! CP24 has created their own walking team for the event and are looking for more walkers! The first 40 people who sign up for our team and raise a minimum of $1,250 for the one-day walk or $2,000 for the two-day walk will get a special-edition pair of shoes from the Lace up for the Cure collection ($140 value). Fundraisers will also be eligible for a series of other prizes, and will benefit from fundraising assistance at a series of Team CP24 events. They will also be privy to our weekly training tips to help prepare for the big event. SIGN UP now!

Funding Opportunity for Small Charities

2010-05-27T14:51:00.004-04:00

AtlasCare's Care to Share program provides local initiatives and organizations with an opportunity to receive $1,000, as well as promotion through Atlas Care's many media tools (ie website, press releases, ect).

There are many worthwhile causes doing important work. The Care to Share program includes not only the larger, better-known charities, but also the smaller local causes that can include fundraising and charity events in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, or anyplace within the AtlasCare service area. This opportunity is available every month and even volunteers can nominate the charity they work with. Winners are selected by a random draw and not based on the quality of the submission. Our donation program can make a difference for your charity. Apply today!

Volunteer Abroad!

2010-05-25T17:19:00.005-04:00

Check out Cross-Cultural Solutions - the leading organization in the field of international volunteering. Think of it like a travel vacation, to some of the most beautiful and remote places in the world, with a purpose!

With Cross-Cultural Solutions, you’ll volunteer side-by-side with local people and experience another culture like never before. The CCS experience also includes cultural activities and learning experiences, so that you can learn about the local culture. These include an in-depth orientation, language training, guest speakers and more. There is also plenty of free time to relax, reflect, or explore the community.

The Experience:

Volunteer Abroad is available in 12 countries - Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa,Tanzania and Thailand.

You can pick to stay anywhere between 1 week and 12 weeks.

CCS volunteers work in orphanages and child care centers, schools, health clinics and hospitals, homes for the elderly, centers for the disabled, and other communityorganizations.

We believe that free time is important so you can get to know the community and people in your own way. That’s why you’ll always have some afternoons, most evenings, and every weekend all to yourself. Whether alone or with fellow volunteers, this is your chance to visit local attractions, take the path less traveled, or simply take time to rest and reflect.

There is also a great opportunity for teens 15 to 17 - Teen Volunteer Abroad. The teen program runs much like their other programs, however their is 24 hour security, supervision and protection, so you know your teen is safe!

Head to their website and learn everything you need to know to get you started on a life changing trip!

Amanda's Lemonade Stand

2010-05-13T11:47:00.003-04:00

Looking for a way to spend this beautiful Sunday (May 16th) with your kids, friends or family? How about enjoying a cool glass of lemonade, munching some cookies, meeting sports celebs and supporting the Heart and Stroke Foundation all at the same time!? Head to Amanda's Lemonade Stand from 11-2pm located at 33 Post Road. There will be loads going on - appearances by Dora the Explorer, Pinball Clemons, Dan the Music Man, as well as tasty snacks and pony rides! LEARN MORE!

ALL PROCEEDS are donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, in support of the pediatric program at Sick Kids. Not only is the event amazing, but the founder, 12 Amanda Belzowski is an amazing story herself! This year she hopes to raise a total of $200,000 for the foundation! Check out our Season 1 video on the volunteer extraordinaire herself!

The Robin Hood Tax

2010-05-11T15:48:00.004-04:00

Around the world, momentum is building behind a tiny tax on bankers that could generate billions of dollars to help with problems at home and overseas.

It has been given different names in different countries – the ‘Robin Hood’ tax in the United Kingdom and ‘ steuergegenarmut’ or ‘tax against poverty’ in Germany, but we are all talking about the same thing. A tiny tax on the transactions of big banks that could deliver billions of dollars to help ordinary people and fight poverty around the world.

It is estimated a levy of only around 0.05% on financial transactions could generate between $200-$700 billion worldwide. Campaigners in the UK, France, Germany and elsewhere propose the revenue be spent on:

- domestic public services supporting ordinary people who have been badly affected by the recent crisis, 

- world poverty reduction

- helping poor countries to adapt to climate change.

Put another way, this tax could help solve most of the world’s major problems, without costing ordinary citizens a penny.

The Robin Hood site features videos, blogs, facts and even a live voting calculator to see the results of these actions (current tally: YES: 83974 votes NO: 7934 votes)

Ways to Take Action and Spread the Word:

Check out an event coming up in downtown Toronto!

Join the Robin Hood facebook group to get instant details about the votes and the progress of the tax.

Oxfam's spreading the word too! Check out their page on the Robin Hood tax!

And check out the events page to find out ways you can take action and join their band of merry (wo)men. http://robinhoodtax.org.uk/category/action/1-current-actions/?catno=27

Power of the Hour Campaign Featured in Strategy Magazine!

2010-05-06T12:30:00.007-04:00

Check out Strategy Magazine's article on the Power of the Hour Campaign, in this month's (May) issue! The article features interviews from business heavy hitters like Ferg Devins of Molson CoorsCanada, Tara Smith of UPS Canada, Paulette Minard of Home Depot Canada - and of course the exectuive producer and series creator of Get Involved, our very own Dorothy Engelman! Read the article, and learn about the power of corporate volunteering!

Become a facebook fan of Get Involved!

2010-05-03T12:21:00.003-04:00

Get Involved now has a brand new facebook fan page! Receive live updates of current volunteer postings, get links to our newest videos and blogs, and check out volunteer events and fundraisers that are happening around Canada! Our fan page is a great way to stay updated and get involved with opportunities that work for you! With facebook fan page's you will receive notifications on your home page, so you don't get bogged down with emails and notifications!

Become a fan now!!

Become a mentor with Kids.now!

2010-04-26T12:31:00.002-04:00

If you knew that donating just 1.5 hours of the 168 hours you have available per week, could change 10 kids' lives forever, would you do it?

Kids.now is Canada's national charity for youth development, that provides programs for children in grade 7 and 8. This is a time when children are turning into teenagers, and experiencing many new and difficult challenges, which means it's a very important time for growth development.

Kids.now programs build life-success skills that: improve family and peer relationships; provide youth with tools to make positive choices and turn away from risky behaviour; enhance self-esteem and encourage healthy thinking, leading to a more productive and rewarding life. These after-school programs are provided to the children free of charge, so kids.now is always looking for new volunteer mentors.

When you volunteer your time as a kids.now coach-mentor, you become a positive influence during a critical developmental period in a child's life - grades seven and eight. It's a time when kids make choices that can change the course of their lives forever. Mentors help kids make positive choices.What's Involved?

One six-hour training session with other coach-mentors (The six-hour training session takes place on a Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., generally a couple of weeks before the start of the program.)

Weekly 1.5 hour program sessions for 12 weeks (fall or spring programs)

Half-hour prep time each week for 12 weeks

The kids.now program takes place in school, afterschool and runs between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m. on one weekday evening for 12 weeks during either the fall or spring.

Kids are self-selected - they choose to sign up — so they're in the program because they want to be there, which enhances the experience for both kids and coaches. This program attracts kids from all walks of life, which adds diversity and value to the program, as each participant shares his or her own life experiences and perspectives.

Fill out your application to be a part of this life-changing (for both you and the children) volunteer opportunity NOW!

12 year old Fundraiser Extraordinare & CEO hit up Bay Street for Volunteer Hours

2010-04-16T15:55:00.005-04:00

Mike Tierney, President of UPS Canada and Chair of the Corporate Council on Volunteering and 12 year-old volunteer dynamo and Power of the HourAmbassador Amanda Belzowski hit the streets, with a "guerilla celebration" to promote volunteering. With balloons in hand, and chocolate to give out to hungry Bay Street lunchers; volunteers from Canadian Blood Services, CARD, UPS Canada, Investors Group, Amanda's Lemonade Stand, Habitat for HumanityToronto and Volunteer Canada came together to celebrate National Volunteer Week and ask the public "How do you volunteer?"

AND it worked! The volunteer team received 25,000 pledged volunteer hours from the public!

“Having Amanda alongside powerful CEOs is a great way to drive home the important role that we all play in community building. I encourage the rest of Canada to pledge and track their hours 24-7 online at www.getinvolved.ca/power,” said Dorothy Engelman, Founder, Power of the Hour.

Join us and celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 19th-25th), by pledging your volunteer hours with Power of the Hour!

“Over 46 percent of Canadians volunteer for not-for-profit organizations in their communities and across the country,” said Ruth MacKenzie, President and CEO, Volunteer Canada. “National Volunteer Week, this country’s largest celebration of volunteers, is a time to recognize their tremendous contribution. The week-long event also prompts Canadians to think about how they can roll up their sleeves, share their skills, and better their communities and the lives of others.”

We Make a Living by What We Get, We Make a Life By What We Give - Churchill

2010-04-13T16:38:00.003-04:00

If you've been caught up in the Oscar buzz and after-math, you've seen a glowing Sandra Bullock accept the award for the critically acclaimed film "The Blind Side". "The Blind Side" is a beautiful and uplifting story about a woman who takes in an under-privileged child, and helps him realize his dreams. When Bullock's character is told that she is changing this child's life, she replies with a shake of her head that he changing hers. And that's what mentoring a child is really all about. Together you grow and lean new things about yourself. While helping a child find his/her confidence and footing, you find your own. And this is exactly what happened to mentor superstar Donna Dow at the KidStart Program.

The KidStart Program provides trained and screened adult mentors for children 6 through 18. Refereed to as a prevention program for youth, KidStart aims to develop positive mentoring relationships, with kids who have had difficulties in their lives. They may be doing poorly in school, or come from an impoverished family. Mentors engage their mentees in activities that promote learning, and encourages success, positive feedback and achievement.

Donna Dow is a one to one mentor with an 11 year old girl. Most mentors spend roughly 3 hours a week with their mentees, but Donna's charge has become an important part of her life. Together they do all sorts of exciting activities - activities they decide on together, picking activities that both will be able to learn from and be inspired by. Donna even encourages the young girl in her future, as she collects money that her mentee has made doing odd jobs for Donna and her friends - saving the funds for the girl's dream - to own a horse.

Donna's "little buddy's" improvement in her social life can be seen quite clearly. When Donna and her mentee first met, the girl had few opportunities available to her. Her step-mom is diagnosed with MS and her father is frequently out of town She struggled in school both socially and academically. But to Donna's utter delight, her little buddy has made some remarkable strides, becoming more confident and independent - Donna even finds herself re-scheduling her appointments with her little buddy to make room for birthday parties and sleep-overs (and Donna couldn't be happier!) “I had a wonderful time with (my mentee) as usual and my spirits were uplifted in a way only a child can do. I look forward to our next week of card making. Such a simple act that brings so much happiness into the life of a child, wonderful”!

Learn more - or become a mentor at KidStart!

Profile provided by: Volunteer BC

"While There's Tea There's Hope"

2010-04-11T19:09:00.004-04:00

For generations, tea has made a difference in people's lives by providing warmth and inspiration. In fact, Arthur W. Pinero, a famous British dramatist once said, "While there's tea, there's hope."

Now, Red Rose tea is bringing some of that hope to children in Canada and around the world through the Reach Out With Red Rose program – an active sponsorship that includes a $250,000 contribution to ONEXONE and the chance for Canadians to win a volunteer experience with a ONEXONE partner.

ONEXONE’s partnership with Red Rose is unique and extraordinary. Not only are they helping the cause with their donation, but they are also providing fantastic and inspiring “volunteer vacation” opportunities for Canadians.

"The Reach Out with Red Rose program will help spread the word about the important work we and our charity partners are doing to support, preserve and improve the lives of children in Canada and around the world," said Joey Adler, ONEXONE founder and president of Diesel Canada. "ONEXONE focuses on five pillars– clean water, hunger, education, health care and play – and sponsors like Red Rose help ONEXONE continue to make projects like wells for clean water in Ethiopia and breakfast programs for Canadian kids a reality."

The Contest

The third contest of this year is launching April 5th.

To enter, submit a short 200-word essay and photo that shows what you are doing to change the world.

Then invite your friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, dentist, and so forth to vote for you so that you can make it into our top 10. Round one of voting will begin after the submission deadline. If you make it into the top 10, you will have one last chance to rally your community - and all of Canada – to vote for you as you compete to get into our top three.

From there, our judging panel will select one lucky person, who will win a once-in-a-lifetime volunteer vacation: a seven-day, all expenses-paid trip for two to live and work in Africa on a ONEXONE partner project! Footage from these once-in-a-lifetime trips may be used to create a compelling documentary that is currently scheduled to be shown at the ONEXONE Gala during the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival!

Read Rebecca Tremblay's story - Reach Out with Red Rose's first contest winner! She wrote a beautiful blog about her experiences - get inspired and watch her video!

Power of the Hour Reaches 2 000 000 Hours!!

2010-03-26T17:08:00.002-04:00

On the morning of March 25th, the Power of the Hour campaign hit 2,202,342 hours! Our goal was to encourage volunteering, by challenging Canadian businesses, individuals and organizations to pledge their volunteer hours for 2010 - and we hit our 2 million hour goal three months into our campaign! That's means that Canadians are doing amazing work engaging their communities and participating in volunteering all over the country! How many volunteer hours do we as Canadians really do a year?!

Volunteer Canada has pulled together facts and statistics on Canadian volunteering - and we see some fabulous numbers. Virtually all Canadians (95%) engage in at least one form of social support. 71% of businesses either support or accommodate employee volunteering. 12% of the population are "top-volunteers" - they contribute 78% of all Canadian volunteer hours! And with Power of the Hour we can see and track this explosion of social commitment and change!

Thanks to our devoted, engaged and involved members of Power of the Hour and Get Involved we know that over 2,000,000 hours are going to be spent creating social good in the year 2010. But what does the number 2,000,000 really mean - it's such a huge number that it can be hard to grasp how much these hours will make a difference.

For starters, there is only 8,760 hours in a year. For one individual to complete 2 million hours of volunteer service by themselves it would take 228 years. But look at what we can do collectively, we are making this contribution in a single year!

2 000 000 hours is enough time to build 1,300 Habitat for Humanity Homes.

It takes 28 hours to fly from New York to Australia - you could fly back and forth 71,428 times!

BUT 2 million dollars would only buy you half a Lear Jet Airplane.

Thanks to all of our amazing organizations, businesses and individuals who are working so hard, and helping their communities, our country and the world! Collectively we are a force that IS making a difference.

Water Education 101

2010-03-22T12:26:00.004-04:00

“Is water a commercial good like running shoes or Coca-Cola? Or is water a human right like air”? This is the question proposed by Maude Barlow in “Water on the Table” (airing Wednesday, March 24 at 10pm on TVO).

When the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted over 50 years ago, water was not included in the list of protected rights. The rationale was simple. Water, like air, was considered so fundamental to life that naming a right to it would have been redundant.

However in more recent years, there has been pressure to privatize water in developing countries. Water Privatization is an issue in constant debate - having both negative and positive side effects. Originally, water privatization provided hope that there could be better distribution, less waste and more realistic pricing, but protesters and debaters everywhere think this will only result in rate increases, decreases in water quality, and loss of accountability.

Maude Barlow is the leader of this movement to end water privatization. Commonly known as the "Water Warrior", she sees water privatization as a loss of one of our basic human rights: “Water must be declared a public trust and a human right that belongs to the people, the ecosystem and the future, and preserved for all time and practice in law. Clean water must be delivered as a public service, not a profitable commodity.” And it is the Third World countries that have suffered the most from water privatization, “12 percent of the world’s population uses 85 percent of its water, and these 12 percent do not live in the Third World.” It is the Third World that struggles the most with severe water shortages. Just take a look at these statistics:

Roughly 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to clean water
Most of the world's people must walk at least three hours to fetch water
1.8 million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation. This amounts to around 5000 deaths a day.
The water and sanitation crisis claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns.

And as times goes by, these statistics will get worse. With our rapid population growth, the percentage of people without access to clean water is expected to double. There are arguments for both sides, but one thing that can not be argued is that something MUST be done. Either way, water should be safe, affordable, and accessible to everyone – not just those who can afford to pay.

Learn more about the Water Warrior and her plight to end water privatization in the new Canadian documentary, "Water on the Table" airing March 24th at 10pm on TVO's Water Week.

Want to know more? Check out these other great resources:

The Blue Planet Project, a initiative created by Barlow - discusees the issues raised by water privatizations and provides alternatives. There is also several options for individuals to take action.

Food and Water Watch - an extremely informative tracking site and a non-profit organization working with grassroots organizations around the world to create an economically and environmentally viable future. It's mandate states “We have the right to know where our food comes from with accurate labeling and we have the right to clean, affordable, publicly owned water.” Consumer tools and action tools provides readers with useful knowledge and easy ways to get involved.

The Program on Water Issues - a discussion forum that provides readers to learn, express, or even jump in on the collaborative research

Water Week On TVO (March 21-27)

2010-03-18T10:37:00.003-04:00

2.5 billion people in the world don't have access to adequate sanitation - that's two fifths of the entire world's population!
97.5% of the earth's water is saltwater. If the world's water could fit into a bucket, only one teaspoon would be drinkable.
A person can live a month without food, but only about a week without water.

Makes you think doesn't it?

Monday March 22 is World Water Day and UN-Water has chosen “Communicating Water Quality Challenges and Opportunities” as its theme. To mark the day, TVO will air a week of water-themed programming featuring the world premiere of the Canadian documentary Water on the Table, and encores of films that examine political, economic and environmental issues dealing with water quality and availability. Get Involved is partnering with TVO to support this fantastic endeavor to spread water education.

Check out TVO's Water Week schedule here:

Water on the Table

March 24th at 10pm (repeated March 28th at 10:30pm)

Is water a human right, or a commodity to be bought and sold like gold and oil? That’s the question at the heart of this timely new documentary by filmmaker Liz Marshall. Over the course of a year in Canada and the United States, the film follows Canadian activist Maude Barlow as she campaigns against the privatization of water and tries to bring attention to how industry is polluting the water table.

A World Without Water

March 21st at 8pm

Filmmaker Brian Woods examines the dramatic impact of the battle for water ownership on the lives of four disparate groups of people in Bolivia, India, Tanzania and the heart of the planet’s richest nation, the United States.

Toxic Trespass

March 21st at 10:30pm

Filmmaker Barri Cohen investigates the effects of the chemicals all around us, beginning with her 10-year-old daughter, whose blood carries carcinogens like benzene and the long-banned DDT. She heads to Windsor and Sarnia, Ontario, identified as Canadian toxic hotspots, with startling clusters of deadly diseases.

Strait Through the Ice

March 24th at 7pm

Scientists and explorers weigh in on how the melting of Arctic polar ice, opening up the Northwest Passage, can be both an ecological catastrophe and a commercial godsend.

National Geographic's Extreme Ice

March 27th at 7pm

Photojournalist James Balog and his team conduct the largest photographic study of the cryosphere (the portions of the Earth’s surface where water is in solid form and ground is frozen) ever attempted – in order to assess the rapid glacier melt and its implications on the future environment of our planet.

Learn more at TVO's Facebook Page or reading the Water Week Press Release!

Digital U hits NetChange Week!

2010-02-25T11:15:00.002-05:00

GetInvolved.ca's series about digital and social media literacy heads to NetChange for

Internet Week!

Net Change is a week-long forum dedicated to exploring the intersection between social technology and social change.

We're going to be interviewing some fantastic people throughout the week, like Beth Kanter, CEO Zoetica and author of Beth's Blogs: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media, Jeremy Heimans, CEO of Purpose and Dr Ann Cavoukian, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

All great interviews for our second season of Digital U, a series that explores how social media is affecting social change.

Season one of the Digital U podcasts include interviews from Mitch Joel, Twist Image, Jason Mogus, Communicopia, Meghan Warby, Hill & Knowlton Canada, Beka Economopoulos, Fission Strategy, Craig Heintzman , World Wide Web Foundation, Christopher Berry, Critical Mass, and Sacha Chua, IBM. ALL of the 8 episodes are on Get Involved HERE or check out a full schedule and descriptions.

Topics covered range from explaining the crowdsourcing phenomenon and how to create an effective online persona, to online activism and how consumers are being empowered through social technology. You’ll also hear about people’s favourite digital media tools and how not to be overwhelmed by information, but instead how to manage its flow.

Digital U has made learning easy, and if you want to find out even more about social media, listen to our 20+ full length podcasts and become an expert yourself!

Digital U Podcasts

2010-02-25T11:11:00.003-05:00

Okay so you get social media. You're on facebook, you've YouTubed and you've even tweeted. Ready to become an expert? Sit back, relax and listen to the advice of fabulous social media experts like; Mitch Joel, Twist Image,Jason Mogus, Communicopia, Meghan Warby, Hill & Knowlton Canada, Beka Economopoulos, Fission Strategy, Craig Heintzman , World Wide Web Foundation, Christopher Berry, Critical Mass, and Sacha Chua, IBM.

Check out the schedule below and watch the ones you are interested in! In no time you'll be creating widgets and expanding your online social network.

Mitch Joel - President, Twist Image and Author of "Six Pixels of Separation": WATCH

Ryan Taylor - Goldsmith, The Fair Trade Jewellery Co: WATCH

Craig Heintzman - Development Associate, World Wide Web Foundation: WATCH

Deanna Zandt - Media Technologist and Author of "Share This!": WATCH

Ryan Coleman - Facilitator & Information Designer: WATCH

Donnie Claudino - Marketing Manager, TechSoup Canada: WATCH

Meghan Warby - Senior Consultant, Argyle Comm.: WATCH

Jason Mogus - CEO, Communicopia: WATCH

Lisa Torjman - Associate, SiG@MaRS: WATCH

Sarah Prevette - Founder & CEO, Sprouter: WATCH

Beka Economopoulos - Vice President, Fission Strategy: WATCH

Sacha Chua - Enterprise 2.0 Consultant, IBM: WATCH

Christopher Berry - Group Marketing Science Director, Critical Mass: WATCH

Tamera Kremer - Founder and Chief Strategist, Wildfire Strategic Marketing: WATCH

Phillip Djwa - Principal, Agentic Communications: WATCH

Roz Lemieux - Partner, Fission Strategy: WATCH

Monica Hamburg - Writer & Social Media Evangelist: WATCH

Sam Dorman - Technology Strategist: WATCH

Marco Campana - Online Capacity, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI): WATCH

Samer Rabadi - Senior Campaign Manager, Care2.com: WATCH

Don Tapscott - Chairman of nGenera Insight: Coming Soon

OR WATCH Digital U - the Series!

One Gold Medal and Two Heroes

2010-02-23T09:56:00.002-05:00

It took only 23.17 seconds for Alex Bilodeau to become Canada's first "golden" boy of the Olympics. The world watched in great anticipation on Sunday night, as the Men's Moguls finales went by in a blur of stumbles and sprays of snow. A fantastic run; clean, fast and high difficulty on the jumps gave Alex a total score of 26.75, and Alex became the first Canadian EVER to win an Olympic gold medal on Canadian soil. Interview requests poured in from all over the world, for both Alex and his older brother Frederic.

That's right, there are two heroes in this Olympic story. One can fly over moguls at warp speed, and the other can barely walk. Frederic Bilodeau has cerebral palsy, and spends most of his time confined to his wheelchair. Yet, Frederic is Alex's inspiration - and was all Alex could talk about when he found he had won gold. "When he wakes up in the morning, he's got that big smile," said Alex, 22. "He goes to bed, and he's got that big smile...You look at him, and he's got all the right to complain. How many times do we complain in a day? I don't think I can even count mine."

Despite Frederic's physical limitations, his is by no-means "disabled" - he still skis from time to time, he knows everything about Roman history and he loves to oil paint."It's incredible what he can do," Serge Bilodeau said. "We have paintings of Alex doing a backflip and Beatrice in the moguls."

And seeing the TV images of the brothers joyfully embracing near the bottom of the moguls run was a magical moment for many with this condition that frequently doesn't receive as much attention as other disbalities. Joanne Hutchinson, a volunteer for the Halifax Regional Cerebral Palsy Association who was born with the condition points out that many people with cerebral palsy avoid going out in public, especially if they have a noticeable disability or uncontrolled muscle movements or spasms."They don't know much about us, they don't have an understanding and there's a lot of (public) misconceptions," added Hutchinson, who hopes the focus on Frederic Bilodeau's no-holds-barred support of his brother will help raise awareness of the condition they share."When you saw that embrace at the end, it was just two brothers sharing that moment. And you didn't see the disability."

Want to learn more or volunteer? Check out:

Cerebral Palsy Support Foundation of Canada, Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta, Cerebral Palsy Association of Quebec and Cerebral Palsy Foundation Saint John

Or give you support by donating used clothing or joining the Facebook Challegne: donate $26.75 (Alex’s winning score) to the Cerebral palsy Foundation through Canada Helps.

Articles: Always Smiling Brother... by Vicki Hall - the Vancouver Sun and Bilodeau's Esteem for Brother... by Sheryl Ubelacker - The Canadian Press

Volunteering Olympians

2010-02-19T09:51:00.006-05:00

The volunteering experience at Whistler is certainly a great, and life changing one. Over 30,000 volunteers are needed to help run the Olympic games. Among the hundreds of different jobs as an Olympic volunteer are community relations, food & beverage (which frequently includes meeting the athletes!), assisting with the events (including performer support, costumes, flowers and props) and even helping with the medal ceremonies! All these exciting opportunities were certainly enough to get77,000 people to apply for these Vancouver Games. Most of these volunteers have paid for their transportation and accommodations – the compensation is the thrill of being there. Read one volunteer’s journey through her fantastic blog the 2010 Winter Olympic Games: A Volunteer’s Olympic Odyssey: http://olympicvolunteer.wordpress.com/. The London Games in 2012 will need up to 70,000 volunteers to help run the Olympic and Paralympic Games. With even more opportunities available there will be lots to do! Apply to be a volunteer in 2012 now!

Teens Becoming the Generation of Social Change

2010-02-05T17:05:00.001-05:00

Mackenzie Investments is looking for Canada’s Top Teen Philanthropist!

The Mackenzie awards celebrate an entire generation of youth that are giving back, donating their time and money, and inspiring others to create change - not just change in a few years - change NOW!

Mackenzie Investments realized Canadian teens were a powerhouse of giving, after they commissoned a 2007 philanthropy survey (check it out) of Canadians aged 13-19 to measure their giving and volunteering beliefs, actions and trends.

The astounding key findings include:

1) 93% of Canadian teens have been involved in philanthropic activity

2) With their own money (ie from part time jobs or allowance) the 3 million teens in Canada donate an average of $293 a year, just below the $400 Canadian adults donate

3) On average teens raise $516 per year through fundraising efforts

4) 84% of teens donate at least 5 hours a year to charitable causes

THE AWARDS:

-The winner receives a prize of $5,000 to go to their charity of choice and $1,000 in cash for themselves, to help invest into their future.

-The five runners-ups receive $500 each for their charity of choice.

-The deadline for entries is in November, 2010.

Are you active in your community and interested in applying?! Celebrate all the great things you do - and help out your favorite charity at the same time! Check out guidelines and the application for the awards HERE

Check out the Winner and Runner-Up's Profiles!

Great Turnout for Power of the Hour Launch!

2010-01-15T15:43:00.002-05:00

We had 200 guests, 10 CEOS and executives from their not-for-profit partners, all show up yesterday (1/13/10) at the TSX for the launch of Power of the Hour and the Corporate Council on Volunteering's pledge of 814,900 employee volunteer hours over the next year! We're now well on our way to our goal of 2,000,000 volunteer hours for 2010. Executive Producer (and q media Senior Partner) Dorothy Engelman, TVO CEO Lisa De Wilde and Volunteer Canada President Ruth MacKenzie all were on hand. Link here view BNN's live coverage of the event.

Get Your Children Engaged in Volunteering

2010-01-04T16:28:00.003-05:00

Check out TVO's fantastic article on how to teach your kids to contribute to society and donate to a worthy cause! You will be surprised by how passionate kids can become when they get involved. There's lots of fun opportunities too, volunteering is no longer about simply stuffing envelopes. It's a great way to give back this holiday season and an even better bonding experience for you and you family.

TVO Parents: Engaged Philanthropy and Power of the Hour.

Need extra help getting your family inspired? Check out this great video on Ryan Hreljac, the seventeen year old creator of the Ryan's Well Foundation - which has provided clean water to over 580 000 people around the world. CLICK HERE

Check out our other videos on superstar volunteer teens: Quinn Runkle, Bilaal Rajan, Amanda Belzowski and Abbey Simbrow.

Get Involved's Digital U Schedule

2010-01-04T16:25:00.004-05:00

Do you want to know more about Facebook, Twitter and the power of social media? Getinvolved.ca presents Digital U a series that explores how social media is affecting social change. Digital U begins January 24th on TVO.

The pieces spotlight interviews with over 20 social media experts including; Mitch Joel, Twist Image, Jason Mogus, Communicopia, Meghan Warby, Hill & Knowlton Canada, Beka Economopoulos, Fission Strategy, Craig Heintzman , World Wide Web Foundation, Christopher Berry, Critical Mass, and Sacha Chua, IBM.

Check out Get Involved's airing schedule of all 8 episodes, so you won't miss a thing! Every new episode will be aired here on the stated date.

Episode 1 - Online Activism: An Overview: WATCH

Episode 2 - Transparency: Tell No Lies: WATCH

Episode 3 - The Power of the Citizen: Politics 2.0 - January 19th

Episode 4 - The Power of the Consumers: Consumers Pumping Up the Volume - January 26th

Episode 5 - Twitter and Micro-messaging - February 2nd

Episode 6 - Crowdsourcing: The Wisdom of the Masses - February 9th

Episode 7 - A Virtual Printing Press - February 16th

Episode 8 - A Loss of Privacy? - February 23rd

reConnect December 2009

2009-12-21T10:36:00.006-05:00

Happy Holidays from GetInvolved.ca!

The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived just in time for New Year's resolutions. Power of the Hour is a brand new online volunteer tracking tool that allows Get Involved users to collectively pool their hours towards a cause. Already we've had over 1 million hours pledged by individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations. Share your volunteer goal on Power of the Hour for a chance to win one of 3 iPod Touches given away every 250,000 hours pledged. Help us meet our goal of 2 million hours and commit to making a difference in 2010.

New Features

Power of the Hour

Power of the Hour has a variety of new features to help you make a difference and track your volunteer progress. You can use your Get Involved account to sign in and easily pledge your volunteer goal for the New Year. Challenge your friends and family by creating a group so that you can collectively track your hours. Search for your favourite non-profit and donate your hours to the cause of your choice. Get inspired by browsing our list of existing actions to build your own personal action list. We give you the tools to engage, motivate and inform your community about all the ways you can make a difference.

This Month

Act:

Featured Challenge - Power of the Hour

Encourage others to sign up and add their hours by sharing your actions and progress with your community. Whether it’s helping out on a school field trip, coaching, mentoring or running for a cure— your hours add up quickly. Take action and pledge your volunteer goal today!

Watch:

Over the Fall we invited our members to be apart of our national campaign to promote volunteering. Featuring individuals, businesses and non-profits, these spots encourage volunteers to take action. The campaign has been airing on TVO, and we also have them featured throughout the Watch section of GetInvolved.ca. You can also see the promos live on q media solution's new website. Special congratulations to featured campaign BeautifulCity.ca whose youth-led advocacy campaign just passed in City Council this month creating millions of dollars in new funds for the arts.

Connect:

At Get Involved there are tons of volunteer opportunities constantly being posted:

CAMH is looking for Drum Circle Volunteers for their mental health programs

Warden Woods Community Center needs Family Sponsors for the Christmas holidays

Kids.now is looking for a Communications and Development Coordinator (internship position) for January 2010

Check out over 1000 more opportunities!

New Tool for Get Involved - POWER of the HOUR!

2009-11-19T15:50:00.006-05:00

Wellspring is doing it.
WWOOF Canada has announced 10 000 hours!
Youth Without Shelter is standing up and being counted.

All these great organizations have announced their volunteer hour goal for 2010 at Power of the Hour!!

Power of the Hour is an application tool brought to you by Get Involved that is designed to promote and celebrate volunteer hours.

Help us reach our goal of 2 000 000 000 volunteer hours!

As tool for non-profits, Power of the Hour will allow you to track your volunteer hours, and help you develop relationships with potential volunteers, other organizations and corporations with a strong social responsibility statement. And best of all - it's free! So pre-register your organization now at wwww.powerofthehour.ca.

Individuals can use the free Power of the Hour application as well! Not only will you be able to track your yearly hours, you will get a chance to be recognized and celebrated for all the fantastic time and skills you devote to important and meaningful causes! Power of the Hour's Power Tools page will provide you with all the information you need to find new and rewarding opportunities in your area. Take the Power of the Hour Challenge.

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED NOW!

Micro-Volunteering

2009-11-09T11:10:00.002-05:00

Looking to give back but don't have the time? What about all the time you spend waiting in line at the post office? During subway delays? Avoiding work on Facebook? What if you could turn these dull drum moments into volunteering success?

With the Extraordinaries micro-volunteering opportunities you could be volunteering for the Library of Congress with just a click of a button! Originally created for the iPhone, The Extraordinaries provides a database of simple opportunities that can be done on your phone, or on your computer. The Extraordinaries harnesses the power of crowdsourcing by aggregating thousands of micro-actions dedicated to over 20 different organizations including the Smithsonian Institute.

Click to try it out live!

Beautitfulcity.ca Volunteer Sedina

2009-11-02T16:47:00.008-05:00

Sedina Fiati volunteers with the Beautiful City Alliance, a collective of over 29 community organizations from across the Greater Toronto Area which are lobbying to create a billboard fee which will go towards supporting youth arts initiatives. Originally known as the Beautiful City Billboard Fee (BCBF), the collective of organizations that have come together of the years are as diverse as its mandate, encompassing a wide variety of voices, from the Art Gallery of Ontario to the Grassroots Youth Collaborative. According to a recently conducted Pollara poll 66% of Torontonians support the idea of charging a fee to billboard advertisers to fund more public art. Together the alliance aims to raise over 6 million dollars annually in order to support public art. Sedina fits into the collective naturally, with a background in youth engagement and theatre. Sedina works professionally as the outreach coordinator / rAiz'n developer for b current.

1.) Why did you decide to Get Involved?

I have volunteered for most of life starting with Girl Guides when I was younger and continuing until now with my involvement with various arts and youth organizations. As human beings, I believe we are here to serve each other and volunteerism is one of the many ways that we create a better world.

2.) How many hours do you devote to your cause a week?

2 - 3 hours

3.) Pick one word or a sentence that describes what volunteering means to you.

It's a gift to be able to help.

4.) Why is your cause so important to you?

Support of art and youth is a major part of the work I do. As a local independent artist, we need support to continue to our work which sometimes goes unnoticed by the general public. If we can bring attention to our art and continue to push that corporations who use art as a medium to sell products, give back and allow art for arts sake, we can continue to create art that the public sees and connects to.

Mitch Joel's Tips on Managing Social Media

2009-10-30T12:18:00.005-04:00

Digital marketing guru Mitch Joel sat down with Digital U to discuss his take on social media trends. A committed blogger, entrepreneur and heavy metal music lover, the president of digital marketing firm Twist Image lives and breathes social media. To him it’s effortless, and he controls it, not the other way around.

Having just published his first book, Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone, he continues to promote the marketing tome, while doing everything he's always done - blogging, public speaking, a weekly podcast, and work with clients in Twist Image offices in Toronto and Montreal.

Joel's book is a primer for every business on how it needs to strategize to be successful in the digital age. According to Joel: "The truth is, we no longer live in a world of six degrees of separation. In fact, we're now down to only six pixels of separation, which changes everything we know about doing business."

Among the themes Joel discusses with Digital U is transparency - to him transparency is easy, credibility is hard. And being a marketer, Joel gives insight on the conversation between consumers and brands. Joel notes consumers don't have control, but they do have volume.

View the podcast in full.

TVO Launches podcasts and shorts for new series Digital U

2009-10-30T12:16:00.005-04:00

Do you want to know more about RSS feeds but are afraid to ask? Are you on Facebook, but balk at the idea of twittering? Getinvolved.ca is launching a new series – Digital U – and it’s aimed at helping people navigate and understand the latest trends and concepts in social media.

Beginning in December, TVO will be rolling out eight different three-minute shorts, the first one is Micromessaging and Twitter, click here for a sneak preview. The pieces involve interviews with over 20 social media experts including: Mitch Joel, Twist Image, Jason Mogus, Communicopia, Meghan Warby, Hill & Knowlton Canada, Beka Economopoulos, Fission Strategy, Craig Heintzman, World Wide Web Foundation, Christopher Berry, Critical Mass, and Sacha Chua, IBM.

Topics covered range from explaining the phenomenon known as crowdsourcing and how to create an effective online persona, to online activism and how consumers are being empowered through social technology. You’ll also hear about people’s favourite tools and how not to be overwhelmed by information, but instead how to manage its flow.

Digital U has made learning easy, and if you want to find out even more about social media, full audio and video podcasts of each interview subject will be available online at Digital U, airing once a week, starting in December.

Google to Give $10 Million Funding for Organizations

2009-10-28T14:28:00.007-04:00

Do you know of an organization that might be able to help implement one of Google's Project 10^100 ideas? If so, they could be eligible for the $10 million that Google has committed to help fund up to five of the best ideas. Project 10^100 looked to the general public for ideas to change the world by helping as may people as possible. And the response to the call was overwhelming - thousands of people from over 170 countries submitted more than 150 000 ideas.

Here are the final 16 ideas:

1) Make government more transparent - Create a website that enables people from any country or municipality to easily learn about the workings of their government, and rally their fellow citizens to take action to improve it.
2) Provide quality education to African students
3) Help social entrepreneurs drive change
4) Create real-time natural crisis tracking system - Make rapid-response crisis-mapping data available to help policymakers better coordinate response efforts during hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters.
5) Build better banking tools for everyone
6) Collect and organize the world's urban data - Information about the urban planet is ever more invaluable in helping understand humanity's impact on our surroundings, thus empowering citizens and helping leaders make better-informed decisions.
7) Work toward socially conscious tax policies
8) Encourage positive media depictions of engineers and scientists
9) Enhance science and engineering education
10) Create real-world issue reporting system
11) Promote health monitoring and data analysis
12) Create genocide monitoring and alert system
13) Drive innovation in public transport - Develop new transportation technologies to help move more people with less energy, greater efficiency and fewer casualties.
14) Make educational content available online for free
15) Build real-time, user-reported news service
16) Create more efficient landmine removal programs - There are an estimated 110 million landmines still active in 70 countries; they have been blamed for over 5,000 casualties annually, ~70% of which are civilians, and nearly half of those are children.* (www.icbl.org)

Awe-inspiring Knowledge

2009-10-19T12:09:00.006-04:00

In this age of social media and social responsibility WE have become a society hungry for knowledge! And with new advances in technology, knowledge has become easily accessible. Through Facebook you can learn through photos of your friends' trips around Europe, through Twitter you can discover fantastic world-wide organizations, and through YouTube you can watch the TED talks - amazing lectures and presentations from some of the top minds around the world.

And thanks to the center of fun and accessible knowledge, I spent my Saturday learning about the heart and the amazing system that is our body. Body Worlds is back again at the Science Center, and is definitely something everybody needs to see. In a world where technology draws us together and shortens distances between us - Body Worlds uses "the story of the heart" to prove that we really are all connected.

Body Worlds will surprise and astound you, as you suddenly find yourself exclaiming "Look how big our aorta is!" or "Look at our complex nervous system". Within this exhibit you will be surrounded by people hungry for knowledge (and I do mean surrounded, the exhibit was packed), but you are all drawn together by a common sensation of awe. Underneath skin and hair, we all look the same, we all work the same, and we are all truly beautiful.

The exhibit will no doubt inspire you. Whether you are inspired to help those suffering from poverty because you realize all human beings truly are the same and therefore deserve the same opportunities, whether you are astounded by the sheer size and complexity of our brain and declare that nothing can stop a machine that advanced from making a difference, or if it's simply the display on obesity that motivates you to get up and get out to one of our fabulous city parks. Body Worlds makes our bodies into works of art - and if art can open discussions, motivate individuals and instill emotions, then so can we.

Get your tickets and get inspired here

Technology Meets Sustainability

2009-10-05T11:30:00.007-04:00

Here at Get Involved we are passionate about technology as a tool for social change. As social media evolves, more and more the opportunities for global collaboration for sustainability multiply as we are able to share our solutions for a better world. Recently Microsoft commissioned Seattle studio Oh, Hello to produce their vision of a sustainable future in 2019, conceptualizing how sustainability and technology will merge. Get inspired and feel free to post your comments on how you believe what future directions new technology will bring in producing sustainable solutions for the future!

reConnect - September 2009

2009-09-28T12:31:00.011-04:00

Watch out for the new season of Get Involved launching October 4th on TVO. Our new profiles on social innovators and activists will be rolling out, along with a series of promos for our new web application and series Power of the Hour featuring you the volunteers. Thank you to everyone who came out for the open shoot and keep your eyes peeled on TVO to see yourself featured, or check them out online . Also, thank you to everyone who tuned into our 30 minute special this month on TVO. We appreciate your continued support!

New Features

Power of the Hour - http://www.powerofthehour.ca

In an effort to support NGOs, businesses, groups and individuals dedicated to volunteerism, Get Involved is proud to launch Power of the Hour in partnership with Volunteer Canada and the Corporate Council on Volunteering. Power of the Hour will give everyone the chance to stand up and BE COUNTED, and pledge the POWER OF their volunteer HOURS. From Frankland Public School to Ryan’s Well Foundation, to Home Depot, this is an opportunity for Canadians to beat their breasts and proudly declare their contributions in a fun and engaging way.

This Month

Act:
September's Featured Challenge - Power of the Hour

Get Involved is challenging everyone - from businesses big and small, individuals, schools, and community groups - to stand up and be counted and pledge the power of their volunteer hours. Launching this fall, the Power of the Hour application can help engage employees, assist not-for-profit organizations in tracking volunteer hours and activities, and connect dedicated individuals with others who share their passion to Get Involved! Sign up at www.powerofthehour.ca and let us know how you are making a difference!

Watch:

Starting October 4th, TVO will be premiering a series of 25 new Get Involved documentary profiles showcasing a new generation of activists, innovators and entrepreneurs, all of whom have found unique ways to improve the world around them while adding dimension to their own lives. Featured stories include:

Environmentalist, corporate whistle-blower and Founder of ForestEthics TZEPORAH BERMAN: Upon returning home to B.C. one summer during university, she was moved to act when she realized she had no idea where she was. She resolved to spend the rest of her life campaigning businesses to adapt responsible and sustainable practices to help protect Canada’s remaining forests. Since then she has been able to protect over 7,000,000 acres of forest in B.C. and Chile.

Feminist and activist grandmother, CAROL HOLMES of Oomama’s, a member group of The Stephen Lewis Foundation’s “Grandmothers to Grandmothers” campaign. The group raises awareness and money for the thousands of destitute grandmothers in Africa who are often the only means of support for their AIDS-orphaned grandchildren.

Eleven year-old BILAAL RIJAN; social activist, U.N. Ambassador, author and motivational speaker. Motivated at the age of four to help raise funds to assist victims of an earthquake, Bilaal has since devoted most of his after-school hours to raising awareness of and money for children in need throughout the world.

Connect:

It's been a whirlwind of activity this month and there are so many amazing opportunities to connect and get involved! Looking for an excuse to get outdoors? Volunteer abroad at the Love Kids Orphanage Building project or jump on your bike to support Ottawa's Ride for Refugees. Interested in getting involved with promoting eHealth? Princess Margaret Hospital invites you to help patients with their new Computerized Distress Screening . Also, don't miss Volunteer Toronto's Fun Day at the Toronto Zoo on Tuesday, September 29 from 7:30am to 12 noon! Don't forget to post your skills to find the perfect volunteer match.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

2009-09-23T18:23:00.021-04:00

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women.
In 2009, an estimated 22,700 women in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer. On average, that is about 437 women diagnosed every week.

An estimated 5,400 women and 50 men will die from breast cancer in Canada.

One in nine (11%) Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime (this means by age 90).

But with early detection, women diagnosed with breast cancer have a 95% chance of surviving. That's right, 95%. The key to early detection is being "breast aware", and there are 5 easy steps to follow:

1. Know how your breasts normally look and feel.
2. Know what changes to look for.
3. Look and feel for changes.
4. Report any changes to a doctor.
5. Go for a free mammogram. By finding breast abnormalities in the early stages, mammograms can save lives. Women at the appropriate age can get a free mammogram through their regional breast screening program .

Check out Elizabeth Hurley's "breast aware" advice here.

Learn more at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation website.

Let's make Breast Cancer history - how you can help:

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading national volunteer-based organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Through fundraising (annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure) special events and donations, the CBCF has raised millions of dollars for research, programs and services.

By choosing to support the Foundation, you can help invest in all their great programs that improve and save the lives of those who have been touched by breast cancer, and those at risk of developing the disease. You can donate, participate or volunteer!

In fact, supporting breast cancer research can be as easy as shopping! There's are tons of stores and companies offer special PINK edition products this month, with a large percentage of the proceeds going to breast cancer research. Products range from jewelery to clothing to Kitchen Aid supplies! Check out some of these fabulous products - treat yourself and support the cause!

Breast Cancer Foundation Shopping

The Pin k Ribbon Shop

CIBC's Pink Products

Cancer Awareness Jewelery

The Breast Cancer Site

International Peace Day causes ripples around the world.

2009-09-22T15:21:00.010-04:00

Peace One Day looks to engage all sectors of society, including governments, organizations under the UN, and individuals through a worldwide ceasefire in an attempt to create a united and sustainable world.

The creator, Jeremy Gilley set out to create a film about peace, when he realized there was no fixed date in our calendar for an international day without violence or war. This became his mission and the focus of his truly amazing and inspiring film: The Day After Peace.

The film follows Jeremy's 10 year struggle to create and promote Peace Day. First, he hopes to develop a fixed international Peace Day. In 2001, the member states of the United Nations (UN) unanimously adopted September 21st as the official Peace Day. However, Jeremy's battles is far from complete. He needs corporate sponsorship to continue filming, and he quickly learns that so many other things are happening in the world (the official UN announcement of Peace Day occurs in New York, on the morning of September 11, 2001 and is of course overshadowed) that it will be difficult to get Peace Day the coverage it needs to spread the word.

But he gets support from all the right kind of people; a press conference with Angelina Jolie, a concert with Annie Lennox, and a trip to Afghanistan with Jude Law, get the press and the interest Jeremy needs. The trip to Afghanistan is the most inspiring, when in 2006, Jude Law and Jeremy receive ceasefire agreements from the Afghan government, NATO, and the Taliban. These agreements allowed the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Ministry of Public Health to enter areas of the country that were otherwise inaccessible and to provide 1.4 million children with polio vaccinations.

By 2007, Star Syringe, manufacturers of a non-reusable, auto-disabling syringe, provided safe immunization camps in 20 locations where thousands of children in countries such as India, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Uganda were vaccinated against measles, diphtheria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and whopping cough.

This year, the war in Afghanistan saw a complete ceasefire, enforced by a written statement from President Hamid Karzai, announcing "I hope this day becomes the beginning of enduring peace in our country and the world." (link to statement) Oxfam organized kite flying, music concerts, sport events and public hearings in Kabul and remote parts of Afghanistan, and Habitat for Humanity began huge building efforts in India and South Africa. Peace Day even brought feuding brothers together when the makers of Adidas and Puma buried a 61 year old grudge by playing soccer in their home town in support of Peace Day's One Day One Goal football match campaign.

The film is definitely worth a watch: it makes you think, it makes you cry, it makes you WANT to action. To view his film click here or find out how you can take action!

Social Media Revolution

2009-09-14T19:36:00.003-04:00

US Department of Labor Releases List of Slave-Made Goods

2009-09-14T10:43:00.003-04:00

Popular website Change.org celebrates a victory for the online movement for Corporate Social Responsibility. Over 6,000 members recently petitioned for the release of a confidential report listing products produced by child labour across the globe. The US Department of Labor gave in to public pressure and released the document this week:

"This list was mandated by anti-trafficking legislation back in 2005, but the Bush administration dragged their feet for years. Now, thanks to your voices and the hard work of our friends at Polaris Project and other NGOs such as the International Labor Rights Forum, it's finally available. This list is a huge boon for consumers who want to choose slave-free products, and for organizations working to pressure companies and countries to end the use of child labor."

This list is not only useful for American consumers but can help people around the world to boycott companies and products that use child labour. Together we can make a difference!

"The ultimate brain spa" Tedx TO 2009

2009-09-09T16:07:00.012-04:00

How do you cram Canada's up and coming world thinkers, doers, creators and innovators all in room? Hold a TED! TED is an annual event where great minds come together to speak about what they are most passionate about. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design - all 3 subjects which are constantly evolving and advancing as we move into our future.

TEDx TO is occurring here in Toronto, tomorrow afternoon (Thursday, September 10th). This year's theme challenges both audience members and keynote speakers as they look at "What's Next?" in our world. What new ideas, projects, technologies, and people are shaping our tomorrow? Speakers are challenged to bring only new ideas to the stage; that means no pitches and no familiar speeches.

The event itself occurs in the small Theatre Passe Muraille, but because the space is limited, inquiring minds themselves had to be innovative; they created a way to share the conference's events - live webcasts airing in spaces around the city.

With 13 keynote speakers, ranging from playwrights (Waawaate Fobister - a recipient of six Dora awards) to architects (Michael McClelland - the lead architect for the AGO, ROM and Distillery District) there is something to nurture and inspire every mind! Click here to learn more about TED or check out a live webcast tommorrow and get creative!

View YouTube's highlights of TEDGlobal 09 here

Drop us a line at info@getinvolved.ca - blog about your experience watching the event, comment on some of the ideas or propose concepts of your own and we will pick the most creative and innovative blog to posted publicly right here next week!

reConnect - August 2009

2009-08-25T23:13:00.002-04:00

This is the perfect opportunity to promote your volunteers and your organization! Over the next two weeks we’re shooting a campaign for TVO to promote the power of volunteering. We want to celebrate committed volunteers from across Ontario who are passionate about their contributions. Nominate yourself or pick one of your most active volunteers to feature. If you are interested in taking part send us a message at gh@getinvolved.ca or DM us on Twitter at Twitter.com/GetInvolvedca. See below for more info on how you can #GetInvolved

New Features

#GetInvolved Hashtag!

Last month GetInvolved.ca took the dive and joined Twitter. We've loved the opportunity to promote your causes and talents. To celebrate our new Twitter presence we've started a #GetInvolved hashtag. According to hashtags.org, "Hashtags are a community-driven convention for adding additional context and metadata to your tweets. They’re like tags on Flickr, only added inline to your post." Every time you use #GetInvolved in your tweets we will retweet you and you enter for a chance to be featured on our new TVO campaign! See some examples below:

GreenROM: How to #GetInvolved? I #GetInvolved by communicating the importance of environmental conservation! http://www.getinvolved.ca
josue: How do you #GetInvolved? I #GetInvolved by working on the online presence of Manifesto Community Projects http://themanifesto.ca
sufc: @GetInvolvedca Speak Up for Change is looking for youth writers to contribute to our blog! http://bit.ly/Ribja #GetInvolved

This Month

Act:

August's Featured Challenge - THE GREAT PINE PURGE

Studies around the world show that in many cases where invasive alien species have not been controlled, native plants and animals are entirely eliminated from a region and the economic costs of trying to control and re-establish native populations are extremely prohibitive. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has been working hard to identify and control these types of unwanted visitors on our properties. Help out and join the fight!

Watch:

Get Involved features stories of everyday citizens passionate about social change. Season One of Get Involved has been airing throughout the summer on TVO. If you didn't get a chance to catch them be sure to watch out for our Get Involved half hour promo airing September 15th at 7pm. This special episode features 18 of the seasons' profiles rolled into one. Be sure to tune in and tap into the inspiration to see how you can get involved and give back!

Connect:

Interested in volunteering at your local farmers market? Want to raise eco-awareness in your school? Want to put your media skills to work for social change? Whatever your passion is, we have a match for you! Browse our offers and needs according to pillars to find the perfect volunteer opportunity. This month Manifesto Community Projects is looking for skilled trade volunteers. Check out how you can get involved today!

Pedal 4 Pasos

2009-08-17T12:14:00.002-04:00

In June 2009 Gus, Anne, Cody and Genevieve started their 3 month, 6200km journey from Edmonton Alberta Canada, to Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Their sole method of travel was their bicycles. Traveling between 60-80km per day rain or shine and all in the effort to raise money for a clinic at their final destination. Primeros Pasos is a free clinic to anyone under 18 that provides health care, medication, and health education providing over 500 health education workshops every year.

After the conception of the trip the group started a non profit and in four short months have already raised nearly half of the clinic's annual budget. They will continue to raise funds for the clinic through donations, and are hoping to get sponsors per kilometer. For more information on how you can get involved visit their Facebook group and YouTube channel for intimate stories from along their journey. To support their work donate to the clinic online at primerospasos.org.

reConnect - July 2009

2009-07-31T11:12:00.005-04:00

Recently we have started using Twitter, a micro-blogging tool that has made the news most recently as a popular online tool for social change. Follow us at Twitter.com/GetInvolvedca to get more information on how you can give back to your community, and don't forget to join our Facebook Group ! We're continuing to develop our site so please stay tune for new features coming soon. We always appreciate your feedback!

New Features

Keep up to date with your favourite users and organizations!

With so much activity on GetInvolved.ca it sometimes can be hard to keep track of anything. Fear not, the follow feature is to the rescue. Following your favourite organizations and users is a great way to stay in the loop about what they're up to. Once you click the follow button their updates will post directly to your MyGi page.

Free advertising for Canadian NGOs!

If you are a non-profit looking to advertise your services GetInvolved.ca has free ads for Canadian NGOs. We offer banner ad space, as well as PSA spots as venues for supporting your cause. We currently feature ads from a variety of non-profits including Journalists for Human Rights, Share-IT, and Apathy is Boring. For full details about sizing and format please email us and get your organization featured today!

This Month

Act:

July's Featured Challenge - IT'S TIME TO EAT LOCAL!

Simply Change and Inspire Community from Nelson, BC challenges you to take advantage of the summer months and eat local! Each meal you make using local produce will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 0.5Kgs. Check out the challenge to learn more about how the 100 mile diet can transform your health and our environment.

Watch:

Season One of Get Involved is now available on YouTube for optimal full screen viewing, comments, sharing and embedding. Share your favourite Get Involved videos through your social networks and spread the inspiration! Embedding our content on your blogs is now easier than ever and we hope that you will take the time to post our content and reflect on the work of our featured agents for social change.

Connect:

Feeling like throwing yourself into a new project this summer? Check out Youth Assisting Youth, a non-profit charitable organization that provides a peer mentoring service to improve life prospects for at risk and newcomer children. YAY matches children aged 6-15 with trained and dedicated Youth Volunteers aged 16-29 who act as positive role models. Check out their profile on GetInvolved.ca, and be sure to browse our other organizations to see how you can Get Involved today!

Volunteer Canada Launches NEW SITE to promote Corporate Volunteerism!

2009-07-14T19:33:00.006-04:00

Volunteer Canada Launches NEW SITE to promote Corporate Volunteerism!
In 2007 Canadian volunteers gave over 2.1 billion hours of their time - a 4.2% increase from 2004 report Statistics Canada. And increasingly much of the credit for this impressive stat is thanks to companies across the country who have been stepping up and establishing employee volunteering programs.

In an effort to encourage and grow the contribution of the corporate sector Volunteer Canada, in co-operation with the Canadian Corporate Council on Volunteering, is launching the Centre for Excellence in Corporate Community Involvement.

This site brings together Canada’s nonprofits and businesses to explore and further promote the practice of employer-supported volunteerism.

Businesses and nonprofits from across the country are joining the nationwide membership of Volunteer Canada in an effort to better communicate and work together in partnership. This process will be facilitated by the Centre for Excellence’s social networking tool hosted to exchange ideas, best practices, tools and resources.

To register, please visit www.corporatevolunteering.ca

Donate a car - make a wish come true!

2009-07-09T15:07:00.002-04:00

When it gets warm enough to walk (and the air quality is smoggy enough to start thinking about the environment without trying to think about the environment!) it starts feeling like a better and better idea to get rid of your gas guzzler and find a better way to get around. How about a better way to get rid of that gas-guzzler?

The Toronto & Central Ontario Make-A-Wish organization wants you to know that if you or someone you know has a car that is no longer safe to drive, or the vehicle repairs are too expensive, you could choose to donate your old clunker hassle-free to Make-A-Wish® Toronto & Central Ontario through 1877 End of Life Vehicles.

By donating your old car through 1877 End of Life Vehicles you will be helping a child with a life-threatening illness have their wish come true. For more than 10 years now, Make-A-Wish has been granting personalized and unique wish experiences to kids living with life-threatening medical conditions. 100% of the car’s value will be donated to Make-A-Wish ®.

Donating is easy, there is an online form that you fill out and 1877 End of Life Vehicles or Charity Cars will even come and pick up the vehicle for free. 1877 End of Life Vehicles and Charity Cars practice “Green Vehicle Recycling” meaning any salvageable parts will be kept and the rest of your car will go to a steel mill to be recycled.

For more information on donating your car for Make-A-Wish® please visit End of Life Vehicles’ website.

Boys and Girls Clubs want to help your kids get active!

2009-06-30T23:06:00.006-04:00

Did you know that many Canadian kids’ after-school programs are at serious risk? According to studies, some 250,000 children are excluded from after-school activities because of low incomes or lack of access.

One of the results is a growing concern about our children’s health; without programs that would address the growing problem of inactivity and the resultant issues of poor nutrition and obesity, children – particularly those in disadvantaged communities – need our support.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is working with Today’s Parent Magazine to highlight the problem and raise awareness with our legislators that parents want more healthy, active, after-school programs for kids.

Want to help? Send a letter to your MP! Click here to cut and paste a letter directly into an email to your own MP (or compose one of your own) and let your feelings be known!

Get Involved is getting involved by making this a featured challenge this month. Click here to sign-up on-site.

And check out the Boys and Girls Club website to find out all about childrens programs now available in your community. There are so many opportunities and so much fun to be had. Boys and Girls Clubs offer programs that support healthy physical, educational and social development programs to 200,000 children and youth annually, after-school and at other times when children are not in school. Sign up for the newsletter to receive regular updates on club activities and how you can help!

Get Green by Going off the Grid!

2009-06-25T15:15:00.015-04:00

Green is the new hot color these days, and new eco-friendly

inventions are popping up all over the place. But what if you could take your house almost entirely off the municipal grid? No more heating, electricity or water bills to pay and no more pesky garbage strikes to deal with! Toronto uses over 1.4 billion liters of water everyday, much of which is wasted and flushed.

Our featured video this month introduces Rolf Paloheimo; who decided his Toronto home would not fall into these wasteful trends. As an inventor and a builder, Rolf created a water filtration process that recycles and purifies rainwater, composed his floors out of composted glass particles and blue box materials and designed a solar panel system that provides electricity for the entire family. Watch the video to take a look at his unique and fabulous downtown Toronto home.

New Features on Getinvolved.ca!

2009-06-15T15:12:00.010-04:00

Hey Get Involved Users and Organizations!

We'd like to thank you for all your comments and suggestions. Based on your feedback we have re-vamped Getinvolved.ca to make it more user-friendly and more active! Log In to check it out!

Our new homepage includes quick links that connect you with the latest and most relevant postings, making it easier for organizations to promote their cause and upcoming events!

The new My GI page allows you to tweet your news and life with a status update, and a live news-feed keeps you up to date with upcoming events!

Tell us what you think of the new features - we appreciate all your thoughts and comments!

There's more to come in the next few months - including better matching tools and geographic filtering.

Little actions = BIG results!

2009-06-15T10:44:00.007-04:00

This month on Get Involved on TVO, you’ll be meeting Paul Edney – a guy who helped start a movement in Canada to help change the world, one small action at a time.
You don’t think small actions make a difference? It’s the sum total of all those small things, multiplied by the number of people doing them that translate into BIG ACTIONS.
It’s just simple math!
And it’s simple to get started! Here are 7 little things for you to do…
1. First, watch Paul’s video on Get Involved
2. Check out his website “We Are What We Do”
3 Select one of the 130 small things you can do to make a difference
4. Add your results to the actions of others
5. Tell a friend, to tell a friend, to tell a friend…
6. See how it all adds up!
7. Congratulate yourself – you’re helping to change the world!

Celebrate Recreation and Parks Month this June

2009-05-31T13:32:00.009-04:00

You CAN feel it now – summer is more than a rumour. It’s graduated to distinct possibility and soon… a full-on fact! How can you take best advantage of that fact this month? How about by celebrating Recreation and Parks Month – with an absolutely jam-packed menu of events and fun.
Parks and Recreation Ontario, the Ontario Parks Association, and the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association chose June as the month to draw attention to the value of recreation and to encourage people to get out there and “Live it everyday”. Frankly, I’ve always known the value of recreation (!) but even I could use a comprehensive listing of all the terrific events planned for June.
Check out the Calendar and click on any day. (Or all of them!) You’ll find a ton of listings with ideas and activities for everyone in your family. Here’s a small sampling of what’s on offer this month: swimming, tennis workshops, family rollerblading events, beach volleyball tournaments, community barbecues, walks, fitness boot camps and even a teddy bear’s picnic for grandparents and kids.
If you represent an organization and would like to get your event listed, go to the JRPM Ambassador page and register – then download your event onto the calendar to let everyone know how you’re celebrating this month.

June is National ALS month

2009-05-30T20:30:00.005-04:00

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that causes those living with the diagnosis to become progressively and irreversibly paralyzed. At this time ALS has no known cure or effective treatment and within 2-5 years, 80% of people with ALS will die.
We must come together to learn more and help fund research towards a cure. Will you help out?
Why not begin by familiarizing yourself with a little background information - the ALS Society of Canada is a terrific source of facts, figures and stories.
If you’d like to get more hands-on with your help (or “feet-on” to be more accurate!) throughout June there will be dozens of Walks for ALS scheduled across Canada, with many local walks organized in multiple Ontario communities.
For a listing of Walks for ALS check out this location and date index. ALS WALKS.
C’mon – get on your sneakers, get out and walk… Get Involved!

Come see the centre!

2009-05-30T18:06:00.008-04:00

Make this June the month you check out the Centre for Social Innovation.
Toronto’s CSI is a fantastic space in the city’s downtown (215 Spadina, just north of Queen) where the latest (and greatest) and most innovative social, environmental, economic, and cultural ideas come to life on a daily basis.
Whether as a unique workplace, or a social innovation meeting space, the Centre is on the cutting edge of meaningful discussion, planning and change.
Take a look at some of the June events CSI is talking about here: CSI June.
From a tour of the uplifting space itself on June 4th (Get Involved liked it so much we held the launch of our TVO doc series and website there!) to a series of workshops, meetings and presentations around town (an interactive workshop on gauging the feasibility of your social enterprise idea at George Brown… a discussion of the secrets of green manufacturing at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre…or Tech Soup’s Social Innovation reception at MaRS) CSI is in the centre of things – and in the know. And it's a place you should know too. Make this the month you do!

May 31st - The lemonade stand to end ALL lemonade stands...

2009-05-12T14:12:00.001-04:00

Amanda is at it again! May 31st, from 11 to 2 at 10 Brian Cliff Drive (Lawrence and Leslie area) 11 and ¾ year old Amanda Belzowski will be bringing back her lemonade stand to raise even MORE money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
If you haven’t seen her Get Involved profile, check it out now – it’s the amazing story of the little girl who has already raised $102,000 dollars for Heart and Stroke! There’s all the inspiration you could ever want – why she became committed to the organization, where it all began, who supported her – and how it’s taken off to become one of the most extraordinary fund-raising events of the year.
And this year, her little brother is getting involved – 3 year old Joshie will be launching his own “Cookie Counter” to help his big sister reach their new goal of $200,000 to help Pediatric Heart and Stroke research at Sick Kids.
Check out Amanda's website for more information - There’ll be music, games, pony rides – and lots of lemonade and cookies. C’mon – everyone is going to be there… you should too!

Put on your sneakers and Walk for a Cure!

2009-05-11T12:50:00.002-04:00

Canadians have a special connection to Cystic Fibrosis (the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting young Canadians) as in 1989 it was Canadian researchers who discovered the gene responsible for CF, and since then research for a cure has continued on in leaps and bounds.

A multi-organ disease affecting primarily the lungs and the digestive system that causes severe breathing problems, in 1960 a child born with Cystic Fibrosis rarely lived beyond 4 years. Today half of all Canadians with CF are expected to live into their late-thirties and beyond. It’s a wonderful improvement – but so important to do even more!

In Ontario, the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF) is encouraging us all to take part in the “Great Strides” campaign – one of CF’s biggest fundraising events of the year - this May 31^st. There are walks scheduled all over the province with the goal this year of raising 2 million dollars.

Check out Great Strides to find a walk taking place near you and all the info you’ll need to register, collect pledges and take part! Put on your sneakers, call all your friends and join in with the walk to find a cure.

National Aboriginal Awareness Week - May 19 - 22

2009-05-04T13:33:00.002-04:00

May 19 – 22 is honoured in Canada as National Aboriginal Awareness Week.
So what can you do to increase your knowledge of Aboriginal issues and become more aware?
You could click here to go to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to discover all sorts of facts, figures and relevant articles. Did you know that this year we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the creation of Nunavut? Or that June 21st (which is also incidentally the beginning of the Summer Solstice) is National Aboriginal Day?
And did you know that Get Involved has a story debuting in May about a fascinating teacher who focuses much of his time, energy and passion in more than 100 First Nation communities?
Get ready to meet Jeremy Rhodes – Dr. Germ to his students, creator of Elephant Thoughts (an educational not-for-profit organization based out of Collingwood Ontario) which raises money for and provides extracurricular science and technology programs to students all over Ontario. Watch a preview here – and look for his story on TVO… maybe then we can find out what that lizard lurking behind him is up to!

Save the day: May 3 - Walk for Kids Help Phone!

2009-04-30T12:30:00.009-04:00

Sunday May 3rd is the annual Walk for Kids Help Phone (check out their profile here on Get Involved) Canada’s only toll free, 24 hour bilingual and anonymous phone counseling and internet service for youth and children. Every single day, professional counselors provide immediate, caring support to young people in urban and rural communities across the country.
But times are tough and Kid’s Help Phone is a charity – and there have been times when some web posts aren’t answered because there simply aren’t enough counselors available to answer. Please help out – and help us make sure the web never has to be closed again!

There are many ways to help with the Walk – you can…
1. Raise pledges and walk with your friends. There are walks in over 55 cities in Canada. Click here to find out more…
2. Click here to volunteer to help with the walk in your community…
3. If there’s no walk in your community, you can pledge the counselors walk by clicking here.
Kid’s Help Phone has more than 10,000 volunteers across the country, including about 1,700 youth volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact your local kids Help Phone Chapter. Check here for details.

Join the Walk for Kids Help Phone. C'mon - Get Involved!

Volunteer Appreciation Week: April 19 - 25

2009-04-08T17:46:00.009-04:00

Now more than ever, the work of the volunteer is essential work. National Volunteer Week (NVW) pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who donate their time and energy – it’s the biggest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism this country has and Volunteer Canada is taking the lead on the celebrations again this year. Volunteers are on the front lines of all of our community services – community health care, heritage and arts, maintenance of green space, disaster relief, volunteer firefighting, minor sports – the list goes on and on.
The 2009 campaign was developed to help organizations and individuals from coast to coast to coast deliver their own NVW celebrations the week of April 19 to April 25. To help you say ‘thank you’ to volunteers, Volunteer Canada has developed a wealth of resources and products. If it’s posters, postcards, volunteer recognition materials or free downloads you’re looking for, or if you simply need some tips in event planning or promoting NVW locally through media – it’s all available through this one-stop-shop website: National Volunteer Week We are also inviting Canadians – from individuals to organizations that work with volunteers – to submit their photos and videos that recognize volunteerism as being an essential part of who we are.
Go on – help celebrate National Volunteer Week, just to show you care!

Coping With Cancer With Cottage Dreams

2009-03-31T13:40:00.008-04:00

Coping With Cancer With Cottage Dreams.
Imagine an organization that provides beautiful cottages free of charge to families battling cancer. A place to get away - to relax, to rest, to reconnect with one another - and to create beautiful family memories during a deeply challenging time. Good idea? Seana O'Neill thought so too. So she created Cottage Dreams

Seana realized that there was a wealth of opportunity that needed only generosity of spirit (though lots of it!) and organization (just a ton or so) to make Cottage Dreams a reality. Since 2003, more than 2500 people have benefited from the organization. Cottage Dreams is an idea that helps families on both sides of the equation, as giving can be every bit as heart-warming, satisfying and meaningful as receiving. For everyone involved - it's a gift.

How can you get involved? There are many ways to help!
1. You can make a cash donation to Cottage Dreams at CanadaHelps
2. Got some corporate contacts? There are many marvelous corporate sponsorship opportunities
3. Volunteer your time at one of the many fun fund raising events organized to assist the ongoing operation of Cottage dreams
4. Donate a week at your cottage

From now until September there are lots of opportunities to take part and find out more about Cottage Dreams. Check out Cottage Dreams Events for a complete listing.
If you live in the Ottawa area, Cottage Dreams will be represented at the Cottage and Backyard Show April 9-11th.

And Seana is one of our Get Involved profilees for the month of April. Look for her profile on TVO and on our "Watch" page. Her story is more than inspiring and hopeful - it's immensely helpful (and moving) too!

Share with Share IT

2009-03-31T13:10:00.007-04:00

Share IT is the inspiration turned to action of Ranjana Mitra, another of our Get Involved profilees appearing this month on TVO (and in the "Watch" section of our website.) Her commitment to what she does is as unmistakable as is her passion. We asked her for an update on her doings and received the following reply:

"As for Share IT, in our effort to strive to foster more of reduce and reuse of used electronics, we are gearing up to take the program to the next level and create a pool of "Share It kiosks" so the model can be set-up at community/neighbourhood/city level. Also, per our passion, we would like to help those families near the e-waste dumps in China, India and Africa with protective gears and education. I know its a big undertaking --but I believe unless we touch their lives we are really not addressing the social and environmental injustice happening worldwide -- specially in marginalized communities -- most importantly with women and children who are in the most vulnerable zone in those communities. Being a mom, I feel a sense of guilt as well as a sense of responsibility towards them ! -- I guess I'm getting emotional again !!!"

It's that kind of "emotion" that moves others to take part in the Share IT program - a program that helps so many people who wouldn't otherwise be able to take part in the computerized e-world so many of us take for granted. Ranjana describes it like this:

"Every used computer and peripherals donated to the Share IT program opens up a new world for a less privileged family/child/youth/senior in our community while helping to protect our environment and the planet. If each one of us act now and demonstrate our global citizenship and responsibility, together we can touch many lives by caring for those who urgently needs our attention, empathy and helping help. This is how we express the Share IT spirit in our workshops."

Here's how a few recipients express their "Share-IT" spirit in their own words:

"Thank you for the donation the computer... As a mother of 5 children, the cost of a computer is not feasible for me. I am constantly sending the children to the library to use theirs. (With a 30 minute time limit there.) The rest of this winter holds promise for us because of this kind donation. You have made a difference."

"We are thankful for the computer that is donated by you which would be very good used by my family. We are an immigrant family that came to Canada in 2008 and we are in the process to learn English. The computer will be used by our children to their school's assignments and to us, my wife and I to learn English. Thank you very much."

If you've got used computer equipment and/or peripherals that you could donate, please check out Share IT at Share IT. Can you imagine a better fate for that old computer or printer? To donate used equipment, please call 905-463-9941 to schedule a drop-off time. Donations are accepted at Share IT's facility at 222 Advance Blvd. Unit 7, Brampton. Please click here: Donation Form for all the details.

APRIL IS CANCER MONTH

2009-03-31T11:15:00.007-04:00

APRIL IS CANCER MONTH!!
Their motto is: "The stuff you no longer need will help fund the cure for breast cancer". And what could be better than a yard sale to make that dream come true?

This April on TVO and getinvolved.ca we're featuring stories on cancer survivors and some of the innovative and exciting things they're doing to help others - and to help find a cure.

Like Rachael Smith who started Yard Sale for the Cure. It's an idea so effective, you have to ask yourself why no one thought of it before! Yard Sale for the Cure raises money for Breast Cancer research and treatment by holding a massive series of Yard Sales in selected neighbourhoods across Canada. In 2005, the inaugural event was held in the Toronto Beaches. It was a huge success, raised $45 000 and brought people together with a great sense of community and purpose. Now a growing number of people from across Canada are taking on this idea and Yard Sale for the Cure will be launched in markets across the country. To date Yard Sale for the Cure has raised over $450,000!!!!

The event is to be held Saturday May 30th this year - so you'll have plenty of time to prepare - and plenty of information to help you get going on Rachael's website Yard Sale For the Cure where you'll find information packages, kits and clear straightforward instructions on how to hold your own yard sale.

Yard Sale for the Cure will be widely publicized and advertised in each of the communities, so lots of people will be attracted to shop at your Yard Sale. In fact, in 2006, $3.2 million dollars of PR and over $200 thousand in free media was secured to help promote the one event. You can donate all or a portion of your proceeds to Yard Sale for the Cure and choose our national charity (The Canadian cancer Society) or a local treatment centre as the recipient of your donation. 100% of all donations are directed to the recipient charities.

Oh - and don't forget: you can also participate simply by shopping! Just look for the posters and pink balloons that will adorn all official "Yard Sales for the Cure".

Update from TUNAHAKI

2009-03-17T21:45:00.007-04:00

Leora Eisen and her family returned from Tanzania with some amazing stories. And thanks to many GI members they received musical instruments and art supplies with them to Tunahaki Orphanage. Leora send this note along with some pictures to tell the story. Seeing my guitar in the hands of these kids put a huge smile on my face.

Note from Leora to everyone"
Asanta sana means "thank you very much" in Swahili...and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of the kids at Tunahaki. They were really excited and touched by your generosity. As you can see from the photos, music is indeed a universal language. These kids absolutely love being able to express themselves through music, and can now experience the joy playing an instrument can bring. Thanks for the guitar, fabulous percussion instruments , and all your interest and compassion.
Best Leora , Rob , Jaime and Lauren

To find out more about TUNAHAKI or to donate to this amazing organization. Check out the story on our WATCH PAGE or check out their profile.

THE LAUNCH OF Getinvolved! NEWS

2009-03-09T20:56:00.006-04:00

CHECK OUT the first installment of Getinvolved! News.
On Feb. 27th we attended the launch of USNOW a film about the power of Web2.0 to drive social and political change. The event hosted by Volunteer Toronto and whiz Celina Agaton was a sold out success. Curious minds from the not-for-profit sector including rabble.ca, taking it global, united way, and techno guru Don Tapscott all attended and spoke to our roaming reporter Anastasia Trofimova.
I encourage you go to our WATCH site and check out the video. I think it will fuel your interest in this exciting wiki WEB2.0 world.

WORLD WATER DAY - March 22nd, 2009

2009-03-03T00:47:00.005-05:00

WORLD WATER DAY The United Nations has declared March 22nd of each year as World Water Day, recognizing that access to clean water and sanitation is vital to human health, promotes gender equality, supports primary education and generates economic benefits, yet according to studies, 2.5 billion people have no place to go and nearly one billion don’t have access to safe water.
Our friends at Taking IT Global TIG are taking part in the WaterCan initiative, the National Toilet Seat Petition, uniting the voices of concerned Canadians from coast to coast.
This is how they put it:
“The Sanitation and Water Action Network Canada (SWAN), of which WaterCan is a member, has launched a National Toilet Seat Petition to make a stink about this ongoing crisis in the developing world! On World Water Day 2009 Parliament Hill will be filled with signed toilet seats calling on the government of Canada to make water and sanitation a foreign aid priority! Help us meet our goal by taking part in this campaign. Start a toilet seat petition and spread the word. Now is our chance to make an impact.”
I’ll say! For more information on how to create your own Toilet Seat Petition to send in, please click here: WATERCAN

Join the Call, Toilets for All!

Plan to celebrate - March 8th is International Women's Day!

2009-03-03T00:25:00.006-05:00

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY Impossible as it may seem, since the early 1900’s even before women got the vote, they were celebrating International Women’s Day. (Though they probably had to provide all the food and amusements, serve and clean up afterward…)
But the spirit of the movement that responded to the oppression and inequality women experienced over a hundred years ago still goes on today. In fact in some countries it’s a national holiday. (Not now in North America… but maybe someday!) On March 8th thousands of events are planned all over the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. (In fact in the US, the entire month is “Women’s History Month”. Don’t worry if you’re not an American – you can celebrate every day too.) So think globally and act locally. The theme for this year according to the United Nations is: “women and men united to end violence against women and girls”. Personally, I like it – but feel free to celebrate in any you feel is right.
Check out: IWD EVENTS and click on “Events” in the navigation bar, which will take you to an events page that by selecting first “Canada” and then your region (I went to “Toronto”) you’ll find dozens of events in which to take part. I like the sound of this event: TORONTO IWD which is actually taking place March 3rd in Toronto – the theme is: “Advancing Your Career During an Economic Downturn”. But pick what you like – there’s something for everyone!

March is Canadian Red Cross Month!

2009-03-03T00:19:00.006-05:00

RED CROSS IS 100!! 2009 is a banner year for the Red Cross as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. The organization which focuses on delivering humanitarian assistance and improving the lives of vulnerable people right across our country and around the world, is an enormous force for good – and good health. From blood donation to disaster relief and from teaching people about CPR, first aid, and boating and swimming safety to being the on the ground responders to disasters ranging from floods to fires to Tsunamis, the Canadian Red Cross moves in providing food, shelter, clothing, first aid, emotional support and family reunification.
Did you know all Red Cross assistance is provided free of charge? It’s made possible because of the generosity of financial donors and the volunteers who provide time and their own expertise.
So there’s loads of ways for you to get involved. Click here to find out how you can donate: Red Cross Donors
Check out this link to find out where Red Cross Swimming and Boating safety and First Aid course are taking place in your area. RED CROSS COURSES
Or how you can donate your time: Volunteer
Here's a wonderful quote from the Canadian Red Cross Volunteer Page:
“A pessimist, they say, sees a glass of water as being half empty; an optimist sees the same glass as half full. But a giving person sees a glass of water and starts looking for someone who might be thirsty.” G. Donald Gale
Makes you think, eh?

LIVE GREEN TORONTO- Great Resource

2009-02-24T14:32:00.013-05:00

LIVE GREEN TORONTO

The City of Toronto has a terrific website dedicated to sharing information and great and innovative ideas for living green – and friendly! Check it out here: Green Toronto There are tips for conserving energy and recycling in your home… great ideas for alternatives to traditional transportation… and ways and means for getting your community involved in “green” and healthy projects. You can ask advice from experts or share your own thoughts and tips.
You’ll also find rebates for taking simple steps, grants to apply for to turn your community ideas into reality, and awards offered for people who are doing their part – and more – to help Toronto to become part of a healthier planet.
Current deadlines:
February 27th: get your nominations in for the 2009 Green Toronto Awards. The awards honour excellence and celebrate individuals and organizations walking the walk to make Toronto a greener, cleaner and more liveable city for all of us.
If you know someone who is making a difference, nominate them now. Hurry – nominations are closing in just a few days! Click here to find at more and fill in the on-line nomination form: Green Toronto Awards
March 2nd is the deadline for applying for grants for community projects in the City of Toronto through the Live Green Toronto Program. Grantees can receive human and financial resources to undertake collective action on climate change, clean air and sustainable energy.
Click here: Live Green Grants for more information and links to the program guidelines, eligibility requirements and online applications.

How Does Your Organization Connect?

2009-02-17T23:05:00.004-05:00

NFP's tell your story about how the web has helped your organization!
CanadaHelps is seeking workshop abstracts for oral presentations at the MyCharityConnects Conference, June 8-9, 2009 in Toronto. The conference, targeted at small and medium sized charities, will provide a series of workshops on best practices for various online tools that enable increased fundraising and awareness. CanadaHelps is looking for speakers on a variety of topics. Preference will be given to presentations by charities, and those submissions that use case studies and/or best practices with clear ROI indicators for attendees. Submissions should include: Presenter(s) name, title, organization, phone and email; proposed title of session, topics covered, description (max: 200 words), target audience, and "take aways"; and any materials or AV equipment requirements. Please also include previous workshops conducted. Abstracts should be sent to: carlo@canadahelps.org by February 20, 2009.

February is Black History Month

2009-02-02T19:57:00.006-05:00

Did you know that Elijah McCoy, born in 1843 in Colchester Ontario, the child of runaway slaves who arrived in Canada by the Underground Railroad, is the source of the expression “The Real McCoy”? As an engineer, he was awarded over 50 patents for mechanical inventions so superior, builders and engineers asked for them by name. They wanted “the real McCoy”. Or, that hired in 1987, Andrea Elaine Lawrence was the first black female to become a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police? These are just two individuals who are part of a rich history of accomplishments and contributions made by African Canadians to their home: Canada.

February is Black History Month– the perfect time to reflect upon the history of African Canadians, well established but little known, who’ve been making that history here in Ontario for more than 400 years. Check out Black History Society a treasure trove of information and the personal histories of some of our country’s most fascinating, unsung heroes and discover some of the profiles, places and accomplishments that have enriched the history of all Canadians. You can also find out more about one of the most famous sites of the Underground Railroad, as told in the anti-slavery novel based on the life of the Reverend Josiah Henson, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe, set right here in Ontario, to learn more check out this link.

Or take part in some of the many celebrations taking place this month - – where you’ll find events around Ontario and the GTA planned to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Black History Month.

Take Part in Family DAY

2009-01-27T22:34:00.008-05:00

The new Civic holiday, Family Day falls on February 16th this year and to celebrate families in all there diverse shapes and sizes Family Service Toronto, a United Way Member agency is sponsoring a great campaign.

They are encouraging people to post their family photos and stories on line .

If you support the idea of family as...

Two or more people, related by blood, marriage, adoption or commitment to care for one another.

You can endorse their definition of family on their site.

THIS WEEK: Get Involved by Thinking about what you Buy

2009-01-17T07:55:00.005-05:00

FairtradeCertified has a channel on YouTube that is producing some wonderful content that not only informs you about the impact of buying fair trade products but show you the impact in a clear and compelling way.
Take a look at the videos in our video bar to the right we have a sampling of their videos for you to easily preview. Or go directly to their channel and subscribe.

To find out where you can buy fairtrade goods across Canada go to Transfair Canada

OBAMA'S CALL TO SERVICE

2009-01-12T17:05:00.007-05:00

Obama just keeps delivering on his promise to engage citizens to GET INVOLVED.
Check out this video from Michelle calling people to action.

They've created a site for people to find out how they can Get Involved in their community and it features a brilliant list of events for individuals across America and it's got a great mixture of charities and lots of everyday individuals.

Go to CALL TO SERVICE and try searching for an event. It's truly inspirational. Try typing in a state and a date and you'll find lots of amazing grassroots postings from the thousands of Americans they connected with over the course of the campaign. I searched California and there was everything from Bone Marrow Registration, to clothing drives at people's homes, to food drives at local variety stores. Brilliant at harnassing the power of the internet to get people active and engaged in a variety of ways.

We need a Canadian politician to take up the call and do the same!!!

Corporate Volunteers Connect with CAMH

2009-01-09T15:12:00.001-05:00

In November Jim Davey from CAMH talked to us about the how to post corporate volunteer requests. We had a great chat about the challenges that organizations like CAMH have in getting their message out and I told him that we hoped Get Involved could help in some way.
Jim posted a request for corporate volunteers in November-- they needed to get 10-15 volunteers out to an holiday event. James Temple saw the request to help out and he got his teammates at Direct Energy together to take part.

According Jim Davey a CAHM coordinator it was a huge success. Everyone from our GI team was touched that Jim took the time to write us a note and let us know the event was a success. It's these kind of connections that we are hoping to facilitate. A snippet from his note...

"I want to let you know how happy I am that I am able to promote CAMH and the Corporate Volunteer program on the ‘Get Involved” website. As a result of this opportunity James Temple the Manager of Corporate Responsibility for Direct Energy contacted me about one of the events that I was recruiting for. James and his 14 colleagues from Direct Energy agreed to be a part of the CAMH Client Holiday Party on December 17. .. The Direct Energy volunteers after an orientation to CAMH joined the Recreation Therapy staff in helping dish out the dinner to the patients, helped out as greeters, engaged clients in some art activities, served punch and interacted and danced with the patients and staff. Their generous donation of gift certificates provided door prizes for spot light dances. I was extremely impressed at how seamless their interactions were with the patients and staff. Their natural approach and efforts at making everyone they engaged feel comfortable. The group displayed compassion and focused on the person and not the illness. This is truly impressive for a community group who has not had any front line exposure in a mental health setting. I could not have asked for a better group to be a part of the CAMH Client Holiday party. The Discipline Chief for the Recreation Therapy program commented “It was wonderful to see these volunteers interact with the clients and work at breaking down barriers. Once again I strongly believe that the volunteers got as much out of the event as our clients and staff did.”
Again I thank you and I look forward to making more wonderful connections through this great website.

Thanks to Jim for sharing his experience and kudos to James Temple and his team at Direct Energy for GETTING INVOLVED!!!

What's New at GetInvolved.ca

2009-01-08T15:36:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year from Get Involved! We recently launched a few navigation enhancements to the site, including easier access to deep sections of the site via a dropdown navigation bar, and improved the Watch section interface. We would love to hear what you think!

Back to Africa

2008-12-20T12:36:00.003-05:00

Last year,when our family went to Tanzania to climb Mt. Kiliminjaro and volunteer at an orphanage, we had no idea how much it would change our lives. Now we're leaving for Africa again on the 24th and climbing a different kind of mountain -- mile high mounds of donated clothes, musical instruments, art supplies. dental supplies and xmas presents for the kids at the TunaHAKI Centre for Child Development. The generosity of not only our friends but people we've never met is astounding. A classroom of students at Claude Watson School for the Arts have handpicked gifts for each individual child at the orphanage. Someone who saw us on Get Involved donated sketchbooks for every child. We're touched by how eager people are to give to vulnerable children on the other side of the world. And we're so excited to go back to Tanzania and see the kids once again. We'll fill you in when we return from our trip!
The Eisens

Get Involved in Government

2008-12-15T22:15:00.005-05:00

You must check out this site USNOW There is incredible stories about people using the power of the web to transform the political process.
Steven Harper and Iggy need to educate themselves on what's going on. I received a note from Michael Ignatieff and was sorely disappointed. They asked for ideas, volunteers or money. I clicked on idea started typing and at 50 words was cut off. Don't engage people in democracy if you aren't prepared to interact. The past few weeks prove that people want to discuss politics and definately have opinions. Voices want to be heard and the net allows people to quickly disseminate their ideas so quickly -- and the current political strategists here in Cananda are way behind the times. Check out what Obama is doing at change.gov it's amazing and inspiring. join in the conversation write to your local politicians and Get Involved....

Dorothy

An Award (Blush)

2008-12-10T21:53:00.004-05:00

Some great news today we found out that we won a 2008 Applied Arts Interactive award in the Social Networking category. The March issue will feature some images and a credit list of all the deserving folks who have toiled over the past few months on this baby.

Mike (call him Jesus) Hytinnen of Bluenotion the Man who guided us and developed this from the ground up...
Peter ( call him Genius) Quinsey the code-meister who always confounds me...
Jon ( call him Tonto) Sharkey
Simone (call her assistant to Jesus)
Ray ( call him design diva)
Jane W ( call her cheerleader extrordinaire)
Jane L ( call her the brain)
Charlotte ( call her the animator)

And the entire q media team.

Back to the Blog!

2008-11-27T23:28:00.003-05:00

Just caught up with the latest GI posts... Dorothy's right - somehow amidst all the fuss and feathers of work and launch and site struggles and new stories and old stories, and... and... stuff... the blog fell right off the radar! Who'd believe it?
So as our intrepid senior producer gives you the big BIG picture, here's a small sampling of what you've missed over the past few months...
1. We have a new intern - James. He's absolutely enormous - but very fit. Not so long ago a bigtime football player, now he's learning the production ropes. He digitalizes tapes ("diging" with a soft "g") he edits stories, he copies dvd's - he does it all - and for such a tower of a man, he does it all very quietly and elegantly and smoothly. You'd hardly know he was there sometimes. (I, on the other hand am 5'2 and 3/4" and it's virtually impossible to be unaware of my presence for even a moment... how is that possible???) So a big welcome to James!
2. We launched our broadcast! Back on October 26th - the first story ran on TVO (8:47 P.M. preceisely I'm pretty sure) and it was as exhiliarating as I'd hoped. To see the first of our wonderful stories (Blake Goldring and Canada Company; they started the first challenge too - to make every DAY of November "Remembrance Day" or "Remembrance Month as Dorothy puts it.) It was immensely gratifying, and if you haven't seen any of our stories yet, go immediately to the "Watch" page and check out Blake's story, or Mark Cutrara's story, or the journey of the amazing Eisens. Each is totally different (totally!) yet you'll be amazed at what's the same: the spirit of following a passion. It makes people glow. You'll be inspired - I promise! Or check out the debut of our next story on TVO this Sunday. You're in for a treat.
And - 3. We had our launch party and launched the whole kit and caboodle - show, website - the lot!!!! We invited all our profilees and held it at the Centre for Social Innovation - threw in a little wine, a little cheese, a little fruit - and a room full of the most amazing people you could EVER meet. Honestly? it was an honour to be there. And you could feel the energy in the room - it was extraordinary. There was Canada's most decorated soldier... next to volunteer (and 70-plus fabulous dame) Dorothy Creaser... next to Geri Berholz of Future Possibilities (and her equally inspiring husband Harry) who stood next Tonya Surman of CSI... who stood next to Dan Tisch of SVP... who stood next to the head of TVO... who stood next to Dennis and Denise Harrison (whose amazing story about the transformation of their farm includes the transformation of their family... and Denise brought that transformation - baby Olivia (!) who was born just weeks after we shot the story) who stood side by side with Dorothy Engelman - who started this whole project and deserved every bit of congratulations she recieved for not just pulling it off (and believe me, I was there: this was a FEAT) but presenting profiles and stories of such exceptional quality and depth, that people continue to be deeply moved and inspired. It was nosiy and funny and serious and special - and altogether the best evening I can remember.
Wish you were ALL there - maybe next time...!

Yes We Can

2008-11-27T21:59:00.008-05:00

Well, it's been a long time posting. We have been so busy chasing our tail trying to figure out how to work in this new space we forgot to blog. As the team leader of the Get Involved initiative it's been a 24 month gestation. It all started innocently enough.

My business partner and husband and I run a production company doing what we can to keep busy, creative and ensure the salary of a few exceptionally talented and loyal team members. And it's been a long, meandering journey over the past 10 years. Along the way we acquired the "means of production" and could offer our edit suites to a fundraiser for cancer, or a location for friends' short feature film. Then we got more edit bays and cameras, sound, lighting and lots of production toys. And so when not-for-profits came knocking it seems easy to say "yes we can." Since then we have done work for cost, for reduced rates, for free, given advice, directed live shows, consulted with a variety of NFP's. We've produced everything from Wellspring PSA's to exercise videos for MS suffers with Toronto Rehab; from website tours for Settlement.org to commercials and videos for SickKids and Princess Margaret Hospital.

How did it happen? It was highly unplanned, but not unwanted. It was a friend of a friend who would ask for our time, or a business contact or a stranger on the end of the line. With all the production riches at our disposal how could we refuse? It was always "yes we can."

Along the way we met amazing people who inspired us to ask ourselves how can we do more?
That was 2 years ago and since then it's been a whole lot of doubt, confusion, worry, concern over can we pull this off? The television series we were confident we could pull off since that was our specialty-- but we wanted it to be exceptional.

The website started with an idea... let's do a game for change... and then it took so many twists and turns after looking at other sites, talking to people, doing focus groups I don't actually know the route that got us here. But HERE is really we are at the start of something. An idea that all of us can say "yes we can" to. Yes we can do more. Yes we want to do more.

How do we get there? We're hoping that the next year with all of you will help us build something that is accessible and fun, thoughtful and meaningful, inspirational and interactive. It's just an idea. An idea that a website can connect us to thinking about how to Get Involved. How we take our skills and expertise and marry it to the things we care about a make change together?

Small actions count. Dollars count. Time counts. Advice counts. Giving away stuff to those that need it counts. Join us in exploring this new movement of engaged everyday people struggling to figure out how to Get Involved.

Corporate Karma

2008-07-23T11:43:00.000-04:00

Okay – just one more little bit about Corporate Karma.

I just received an email blog from Nick Foster in Uganda. Check it out:

“We continued on with all three projects. Work at the computer lab involved finishing up the wiring for the computers. We are now ready when the internet installation happens. Computer classes progressed and the team did a great job making the topics interesting.

The team that went to teen town, aka African Child in Need set out to buy a new stove. The current stove is a large clay pot - how Betty cooks for 20 or more is a mystery. For $16 they were able to get a tire rim that had been outfitted with legs and a surface for your pots. In to this you put pieces of coal. It took less than ten minutes to get water boiling for lunch so it works!

It is a real lesson in the differences between the expectations we have for the "always there” www and what much of the rest of the world deals with. And, the benefit that students of the OCA computer centre will get once it is live - running this is the best long term thing we can do. One of our team talked to a 20 year old mother of two who was passionate about learning because this was her way of getting a job that would support her and her kids getting out of poverty.

The quote of the day goes to Milton who runs Teen Town who said, " Before you got here we were surviving. Now we are Living!” And we are conscious that our days are numbered here in Uganda. How do we sustain the things we have begun?

Be thankful for the small things. Regular electricity, a hot shower, the garbage that gets sorted and recycled. A regular income and friends to rely on. We tend to worry the small stuff and get really worked up when things don't happen when we expect them to. A cold shower in the dark puts things in perspective.
I will say goodnight there!
Hug someone for me,
Nick”

So that’s how Corporate Karma works. Pretty amazing eh?

Off to Greece!

2008-07-21T11:43:00.000-04:00

We bade farewell to the senior producer and her husband today. (Dorothy and Richard own q media – the production company producing the Get Involved series.) They are off with friends to spend a couple of weeks in Greece. I envy them so – but there’s so much to do here, we took barely a moment to reflect before diving back in.

I know Dorothy is stressed at the thought of leaving her beloved project behind – so much to do, such tight deadlines! – but we’re on a roll here and barring any hiccups or glitches (you can pretty much count on those) we will be fine getting the job done… getting the stories edited and packaged and getting the web site up and running.

There’s just so much detail! Stories timed to the second, music chosen, text selected, release forms signed, organizations signed up to take part in the beta site… and don’t ask me about the technical details! Mike Hyttinen sits in his little glass cubicle positively sending up clouds of steam as he works out the million and one details involved in creating a social networking site. It honestly boggles the mind.

The good thing is, anything that goes wrong, turns out we can fix (so far – fingers crossed!) so while Dorothy may be worrying herself silly in Greece (she’s sworn not to phone, email or open the Blackberry.. so why did she bring it you might well ask…) she should really sit back, relax, soak up the sun and have another sip of Ouzo.

All will be well