Social Economy Centre Symposium

Posted from Ontario Co-op News, April 30, 2007

The second annual Social Economy Symposium, held April 26-27, 2007, brought together researchers, academics and community partners to discuss cutting-edge research issues facing the social economy. Sessions included Mapping the Social Economy in Ontario (including presentations on the On Co-op co-operative and credit union census), The Impact of the Co-operative Model on Minority Francophones, Ontario's Mandatory Community Service Program and its Impact in Introducing Students to the Social Economy, and The Ontario We Want and the Role of the Social Economy in Building It. To learn more about the role of co-ops and credit unions in the Social Economy, or to find out more about the Symposium, visit http://socialeconomy.utoronto.ca

Edmonton tax dollars to fund social enterprises

Edmonton City Council agreed last week to bankroll a fund that would lend money to businesses whose profits go to worthy social causes. Council will give $1.8 million to the Social Enterprise Fund this year, with the possibility for another $1.8 million next year. The city's seed financing will be matched by the Edmonton Community Foundation, The Edmonton Real Estate Board has also promised to invest money. The fund will establish a $10.5-million endowment to finance socially beneficial businesses that might not qualify for loans from banks. For more information, visit: http://www.edmonton.ca

The Social Economy Centre (OISE/UT) Lunchbox Speakers' Series: Corporate Social Responsibility. Wednesday, April 25th, 2007 at 12:00 noon

Corporate Social Responsibility: The Paths Taken by Two Ontario Credit Unions

Panel: Scott Windsor, Meridian Credit Union and Kimberley Ney, Alterna Savings
Moderator: Denyse Guy, Executive Director, Ontario Co-operative Association
Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm.
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto
252 Bloor St. West, Toronto
Room 12-199

Scott Windsor of Meridian Credit Union and Kimberley Ney of Alterna Savings and Credit Union discuss Corporate Responsibility from their credit union perspectives. Scott will discuss the challenges of implementing a new CSR program following his organization's corporate merger. He will focus on the development of Meridian's Good Neighbour Program and the formation and implementation of the credit union's CSR, sponsorship and donation programs. Kimberley will present Alterna Savings' initiatives in community economic development and its role in shaping financial literacy, corporate accountability and environmental sustainability programs. She will share Alterna's perspective on philanthropy, including some unique "twists." Denyse Guy, Executive Director of the Ontario Cooperative Association, will moderate the session.

This event will be webcast and we will accept questions via e-mail from remote participants. Go to the following webpage for detailed instructions to set up for and view the webcast:

Bring your lunch and a mug; coffee, tea and water will be provided. To RSVP, or for more information, go to or contact Sherap Winn at or (416) 923-6641, extension 2087

Mark you calendars, other sessions will include: May 16 - Fair Trade
For more information, visit http://sec.oise.utoronto.ca/english/lectures.php.

The role of community-based green co-operatives in advancing sustainable development and energy literacy: Tuesday April 10, 2007

Community Development Collaborative Program (UT), Transformative Learning Centre, Social Economy Centre and Adult Education and Community Development Program (OISE/UT) present:

‘Part of the Solution’ The role of community-based green co-operatives in advancing sustainable development and energy literacy

Fiona Duguid, Ph.D.

WindShare Co-operative and OISE/University of Toronto

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

12.00-1.30 pm

OISE/UT, 252 Bloor St West, Room 7-162

After five years of development, WindShare Co-operative in Toronto, Ontario became the first urban wind turbine in North America and the first co-operatively owned and operated wind turbine in Canada. The development of WindShare Co-operative has spurred the growth of a green energy co-operative sector in Ontario. This presentation, which draws on 27 interviews and a focus group with members of WindShare Co-operative, focuses on the roles of community-based green energy co-operatives in advancing sustainable energy development and energy literacy. Members of WindShare expressed resounding feelings of pride, efficacy and understanding of WindShare’s role in sustainable energy. WindShare Co-operative provided the structure whereby members felt a part of the solution in terms of sustainable energy development. From this study it was found that policies and practices at all levels of government should encourage the advancement of green energy co-operatives to support Canada’s efforts at public involvement in addressing climate change.

Fiona Duguid has completed her Ph.D. in the Adult Education department at the Ontario Institute for the Study of Education, University of Toronto. Her research looks at sustainable energy development through green energy co-operatives. She is working with WindShare Co-operative and with the Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative

Social Economy Centre half-day workshops for social economy organizations

OISE Workshop – May 29, morning seminar
The Mentors Circle, Clear your path to growth
Learn this new model to collaborate with others in a co-mentoring program. This half-day session will introduce key templates and exercises that help you to grow your organization. You will gather new ideas and resources to help clear your path.

Elizabeth Verwey, from Small Office Mentors will facilitate this half-day session. Elizabeth was the founding Director of New Development for Performers for Literacy. She will share information, resources and encourage groups to collaborate in new and innovative ways.

Material from The Mentors Circle will be used in this session. www.mentorscircle.com

For more information, send an email to sec@oise.utoronto.ca