Announcing the first ever searchable database of Ontario co-ops, credit unions and caisses populaires

On Co-op launches first-ever online and searchable directory of co-ops, credit unions and caisses populaires operating in Ontario. We're calling it the e-directory.

Check it out at http://www.coopsontario.com .

The e-directory is publicly accessible and fully searchable by name, city, keyword and postal code. It features basic contact information and detailed descriptions. A handy feature is the ability to display a Google map for each location. E-mail addresses are never revealed, which helps eliminate spamming - instead a contact window appears, and a security code must be entered.

Government, the public and academics can use the e-directory to see what co-ops are in their community, what products or services are provided by co-ops, and to contact a co-op if they choose. The co-op sector, credit union system and co-operative champions can use the e-directory to find out more about their "co-op cousins".

We recommend every co-op, credit union and caisse populaire check its own listing as soon as possible, as well as search for other co-ops by city, keyword or name to understand how the e-directory works. We anticipate the directory will very quickly evolve into a central hub for accessing co-op information and we would like to ensure the best possible experience for anyone looking for co-op information.

*** PLEASE CHECK YOUR LISTING(s) FOR...

1. Contact information. Are the correct co-op name, address, phone (local and toll-free) and fax numbers displayed? Check to make sure the e-mail address and website links are valid and go to the correct person/department in your organization. Verify that the Google mapping function correctly identifies your address. If you have more than one location, check each one for accuracy.

2. Description. The keyword search looks here, as well as at your name. Words core to your business should be here (examples - fair trade, banking services, organic, dairy, housing, energy, child care, etc). This isn't a listing of all of your products, but allows people who view the description a useful glimpse into your business. The description field is 50 words maximum and must be in sentence/paragraph format.

3. Category. Confirm that your organization is listed in the correct category(s).

UPDATING THE INFORMATION...

1. INCOMPLETE, MISSING OR INCORRECT INFORMATION; ORGANIZATION NOT LISTED (INCLUDING MAIN, BRANCH OR SATELLITE OFFICES); OR ORGANIZATION TO BE REMOVED FROM THE LISTING: Click on the "Contact Us" button. One of the choices available from that screen is to update your information. Please provide us with all the details, including what should be changed. We will receive the message, confirm the information and make the changes to our database, generally within 1-2 business days. On Co-op has an e-directory review board to review each addition/deletion/change before it is uploaded to the e-directory to ensure we are adding the correct information.

2. If you have questions or suggestions about the e-directory program/interface itself, send your thoughts to us using the "Contact Us" button. We will continue to enhance the look and functionality of the e-directory over the next few weeks, and your input is important.

3. Where did the information initially come from? We've been updating our records for the last few months, and been checking other publicly available sources to make sure we haven't missed listing any co-operative, credit union or caisse populaire that is based in, or operates in, Ontario. IF WE HAVE, PLEASE LET US KNOW!!

On Co-op has created, and will operate and maintain the e-directory. As each co-op reviews and updates its information, the e-directory will become larger and even more accurate. Remember that there is no one organization or government agency in Ontario that has ever compiled this type of information on ALL of Ontario's co-operatives, credit unions and caisses populaires in one place before.

SPREAD THE WORD...

• Please forward this e-mail to others in your networks, and include the information in your print and electronic communications. The more people and organizations that know about the e-directory, the larger and more accurate it can become.

• Associations, federations and alliances are encouraged to send this message to all of their members so that as many individuals and organizations as possible can verify the directory information. If you operate an intranet, blog or RSS feed, consider placing a link to the e-directory there.

• Please include a link to the e-directory on your website (perhaps on your home page or co-op contacts/links page). You may use this text, or feel free to create your own:

Ontario is home to more than 1,300 credit unions, caisses populaires and co-operatives, operating in over 1,900 locations throughout the province. The Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op) maintains a searchable electronic database of Ontario's co-operatives, credit unions and caisses populaires at www.coopsontario.com.

NEXT STEPS

The co-op sector will have about a week to review and verify the information before the information goes to the media. We will be sending a press release to all major media, scheduled for the week of March 17th. At that time, we expect a great deal of interest from the public, including academics, government and others.

Visit www.coopsontario.com to access the e-directory. Please review your listing as soon as you can.

** Please forward to others in your network... including your board, staff, committee members, champions, supporters and friends. Co-operative information is best shared! If this message didn't come directly from On Co-op, you may be added to our e-newsletter distribution list by sending your contact information to Mark Ventry mventry@ontario.coop If you'd like to receive our printed mailings (sent January and September), please send us your mailing address.

Online Articles of Interest

Journal of Gender Studies, Volume 17 Issue 1 2007
One college campus's need for a safe zone: a case study
71 – 74
Authors: Sandy D. Alvarez; Jeffrey Schneider
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/section?content=a790359447&fulltext=713240928

European Journal of Industrial Relations 2008
Torgeir Aarvaag Stokke
The Anatomy of Two-tier Bargaining Models
14: 7-24

http://ejd.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/14/1/7

Review of Radical Political Economics, Winter 2008, Volume 40, No. 1
Mara Fridell, Ian Hudson, and Mark Hudson
With Friends Like These: The Corporate Response to Fair Trade Coffee

http://rrp.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/40/1/8

Gender, Work & Organization, Volume 15 Issue 2 Page 202-225, March 2008
'Why Do All the Women Disappear?' Gendering Processes in a Political Science Department
Johanna Kantola

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1468-0432.2007.00376.x

Local Economy, Volume 22 Issue 4 2007
Enterprise, Diversity and Inclusion: A New Model of Community-based Enterprise
Development
Author: Tony Swash
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/ftinterface~content=a788291536~fulltext=713240928

Sociological Spectrum Mid-South Sociological Association, Volume 28 Issue 2 2008
THE FADING DREAM OF RETIREMENT: SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AFFECTING THE RETIREMENT DECISION
Author: John Markert
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/ftinterface~content=a790243300~fulltext=713240928

Gender & Society 2008 22: 31-55
Hava Rachel Gordon
Gendered Paths to Teenage Political Participation: Parental Power, Civic Mobility, and Youth Activism

http://gas.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/22/1/31

Studies in Continuing Education, Volume 30 Issue 1 2008
Theories and methods for research on informal learning and work: towards cross-fertilization
Author: Peter H. Sawchuk
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/ftinterface~content=a790044537~fulltext=713240928

American Behavioral Scientist, Vol. 51, No. 6, 721-736 (2008)
Understanding the Impact of Homelessness on Children: Challenges and Future Research
Directions
John C. Buckner

http://abs.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/51/6/721

Call for papers - Canadian Association for Studies in Co-operation (CASC)

ANNUAL MEETING
JUNE 5 - 7, 2008
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

Cooperative Renewal: Cooperatives in the Twenty-First Century

Cooperatives and theories of cooperation have successfully adjusted to extensive social, economic, and political challenges over the more than a century and a half of since the writings of Robert Owen and others influenced the founding of the Rochdale Cooperative in 1844.

In fact, renewal could be seen to be an essential feature of cooperative study and practice. However, it could also be argued that the combinations of forces confronting cooperatives and theories of cooperation in the twenty-first century pose the most serious challenge yet to their relevance and continued survival. This conference encourages scholars, practitioners, and "fellow travellers" of cooperation to participate in discussing frankly the necessity for, forms of, and challenges to, cooperative renewal as well as the adjustments required (if at all) for cooperation to survive and thrive throughout the upcoming century in Canada and the wider world.

Call for papers is available here: http://www.coopresearch.coop/?page_id=31

Thinking Beyond Borders: Ideas, Values and Concerns of Food in a Global World

The 2008 Canadian Association for Food Studies Conference and AGM
University of British Columbia in Vancouver on 31 May – 1 June 2008

Come to the beautiful University of British Columbia campus located on the Point Grey Peninsula and in one of the most livable cities in the world: Vancouver, British Columbia. Here, daytime temperatures in late May allow for dresses, shorts and short-sleeved shirts!

Following two successful meetings in 2006 and 2007, which demonstrated the impressive breadth and depth of research being undertaken by Canadian food scholars, the Canadian Association for Food Studies (CAFS) would like to welcome you to its third annual conference and annual general meeting. CAFS promotes critical, interdisciplinary scholarship in the broad area of food systems, including production, distribution, and consumption.

During the conference, delegates will have the opportunity to share with colleagues from across Canada the latest research, education, programs and policy development relevant to food studies. There will also be additional learning and social opportunities, including a full day of pre-conference tours and a reception following the Saturday conference sessions, hosted by UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems.

Food Tours: Friday 30 May 2008

Each tour is priced at $25 and includes a light meal as well as public transportation. The tours will be coordinated so that it will be possible to attend more than one tour.

Tour 1) Food Unfair: where a city block separates two vastly different food landscapes

Friday morning
We will walk down Hastings Street into the Downtown Eastside and discuss the food access challenges faced by some of Vancouver's most vulnerable population groups. Then step into a different world. Only a block away, we find plentiful Pender Street with Chinatown and its rich selection of foods and fresh produce. How can two such distinct food landscapes exist in one neighborhood? Learn how Vancouver is using its food policy mandate, in combination with neighborhood revitalization strategies to address a range of urban challenges.

Tour 2) Growing in Vancouver: a half-day tour through a selection of the many exciting examples of urban agriculture in Metro Vancouver.

Friday afternoon
As Metro Vancouver prepares to host the 2010 winter Olympics urban agriculturalists are working hard to fulfill the motion passed by city councilors to build 2010 new community garden plots. Find out what is happening in the city: from roof top gardens, to school and community gardens. Come see the city growing!

Tour 3) The Green Table Network: Can eating out be sustainable?

Friday evening
On this tour you will be introduced to the Green Table Network and see examples of how progressive restaurants and catering companies in Vancouver are taking steps to tread more lightly on the earth. You will hear and see how participating businesses are reducing waste, increasing recycling, conserving energy and water, using local foods and adopting other eco-friendly practices. At the end of the tour a light meal will be provided by one of the participating restaurants or caterers.

To register: http://www.fedcan.ca/congress2008/registration/delegates.html (early bird deadline 31 March 2008)

For further information about CAFS, the conference, and Call for Papers, visit: http://www.foodstudies.ca

For further information about the Conference location:
- City of Vancouver: http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/
- Super, Natural British Columbia: http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/default.htm
- UBC Campus map and driving directions: http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index.php

See you in Vancouver!

CALL FOR PAPERS (DEADLINE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008): THIRD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION FOR FOOD STUDIES

31 MAY – 1 JUNE 2008

“THINKING BEYOND BORDERS: IDEAS, VALUES AND CONCERNS OF FOOD IN A GLOBAL WORLD”

Following two successful meetings in 2006 and 2007, which demonstrated the impressive breadth and depth of research being undertaken by Canadian Food Scholars, the Canadian Association for Food Studies (CAFS) will host its third annual general meeting at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver on 31 May – 1 June 2008. Founded in 2005, CAFS promotes critical, interdisciplinary scholarship in the broad area of food systems: production, distribution, and consumption.

CAFS recognizes the need for coordinated interdisciplinary research efforts not only in academia, but in response to societal needs for informing policy makers, assessing the outcomes of community-based work, and demonstrating the environmental and social impacts of changes affecting food systems and food policies. To encourage interdisciplinarity, and to reflect the broad range of important work happening in this field, we encourage academics and/or community members to submit proposals for either sessions or individual papers related to this year’s theme.

The 2008 CAFS conference theme, which reflects the Congress theme, is “Thinking Beyond Borders: Ideas, Values and Concerns of Food in a Global World”. We invite session proposals and individual paper proposals dealing with aspects of societal ideas, values and concerns related to food in an increasingly ‘global’ world. Submissions dealing with crossing borders, either actual or metaphorical, to create food communities are particularly welcome. However, submissions are not restricted to this theme. The conference also encourages proposals dealing with issues such as curriculum and program development and evaluation, research priorities, methodological issues, policy and funding priorities in food studies.

SESSION PROPOSALS: Please send the session title, name and organizational affiliation of the session organizer(s). Please also include the authors’ names, affiliations, and abstracts (150 words) of each paper to be included in the session. If you suggest a chair for the sessions, please include this as well. If possible, we appreciate it if submissions are in both English and French. The program committee will work with session organizers to ensure disciplinary diversity and content compatibility.

PAPER PROPOSALS: Please send a brief abstract (150 words), along with your paper title, and name(s) and affiliation(s) of the author(s). If possible, we appreciate it if submissions are in both English and French. The program committee will work to ensure disciplinary diversity and content compatibility when placing individual papers within sessions.

The deadline for proposals is: Friday, February 1, 2008

Organisers will aim to include some papers in a special issue journal or an edited collection; we will also aim to create conference proceedings. Therefore, please ensure all papers are formatted in Chicago style.

CAFS members are drawn from an array of disciplines including (but not limited to) adult education, agriculture, anthropology, economics, environmental studies, health studies, home economics, human nutrition, geography, literature, psychology, philosophy, policy studies, public health, rural studies, sociology, social work and urban planning. CAFS membership is open to academics, students, policy makers, community workers, professionals, practitioners and others interested in food studies research. CAFS encourages research that promotes local, regional, national, and global food security, but does not advocate or endorse specific policies or political platforms.

All proposals should be sent as a rich text (.rtf) or Word (.doc) document and sent to:

Patty Williams (email: Patty.Williams@msvu.ca)

Further information is available at:
Canadian Association for Food Studies: http://www.foodstudies.ca
Canadian Federation of the Humanities and Social Sciences: http://www.fedcan.ca


____________________________


Appel de communications

Troisième assemblée générale annuelle de
l’Association canadienne des études alimentaires

31 mai-1er juin 2008

« Penser sans frontières : idées, valeurs et préoccupations en alimentation
dans un contexte de mondialisation »

Suite à deux rencontres couronnées de succès en 2006 et 2007 qui ont démontré l’étendue et la profondeur des recherches entreprises par les chercheurs universitaires canadiens en alimentation, l’Association canadienne des études alimentaires tiendra sa troisième assemblée générale annuelle à University of British Columbia, Vancouver, les 31 mai et 1er juin 2008. Fondée en 2005, l'Association (CAFS) promeut des études savantes critiques et interdisciplinaires dans le vaste domaine des systèmes alimentaires que sont la production, la distribution et la consommation.

La CAFS reconnaît le besoin de coordonner ses efforts de recherche interdisciplinaire non seulement du point de vue académique, mais aussi en réponse aux besoins sociétaux afin d’informer les dirigeants politiques, d'évaluer les effets des actions communautaires, et de démontrer l’impact environnemental et social des changements affectant les systèmes alimentaires et les politiques alimentaires. Afin d’encourager l’interdisciplinarité, et refléter la gamme des travaux d’importance dans ce domaine, nous encourageons les membres de la communauté universitaire et/ou communautaire à soumettre des propositions soit de colloques scientifiques soit de communications individuelles reliées au thème de cette année.

Le thème de la conférence 2008 du CAFS, qui reflète celui de la Fédération canadienne des sciences humaines qui nous accueille, est celui-ci : « Penser sans frontières : idées, valeurs et préoccupations en alimentation dans un contexte de mondialisation ». Les colloques scientifiques, ou la présentation de communications individuelles, traitant d’idées, de valeurs et de préoccupations sociétales en lien avec l'alimentation des populations dans un contexte de plus en plus de mondialisation sont sollicités pour cette conférence. Les soumissions au carrefour de frontières (sens concret ou métaphorique), dans une optique de création de communautés bien alimentées, sont tout particulièrement bienvenues. Cependant, les soumissions ne se restreignent pas à ce thème. La conférence encourage aussi les propositions traitant de questions de développement de programmes et d’évaluation, de priorités de recherche, de questions méthodologiques, de politiques, et de priorités de financement des études alimentaires.

Proposition de colloques scientifiques : Faites nous parvenir le titre du colloque scientifique, le nom et l’affiliation des organisateurs du colloque. Aussi, inclure les noms des auteurs, les affiliations ainsi qu’un résumé (150 mots) de chacune des communications qui seront présentées au colloque. Si vous voulez suggérer un président de session pour le colloque, l’inclure aussi. Si possible, nous apprécierions que les soumissions soient présentées en français et en anglais. Le comité du programme travaillera avec les organisateurs des colloques afin de s’assurer de la diversité disciplinaire et de la compatibilité du contenu.

Proposition de communications : Veuillez envoyer un bref résumé (150 mots) avec le titre, ainsi que le(s) nom(s) et affiliation(s) de l’auteur ou des auteurs. Si possible, nous apprécierions que les soumissions soient présentées en français et en anglais. Le comité du programme travaillera ave les organisateurs pour s’assurer de la diversité disciplinaire et de la compatibilité de contenu en situant les communications individuelles dans les colloques scientifiques appropriés.

La date butoir de réception des propositions est fixée le vendredi 1er février 2008.

Les organisateurs souhaitent inclure quelques publications dans une édition spéciale d’un journal ou dans une collection éditée; nous prévoyons aussi préparer les actes de la conférence. En ce sens, nous recommandons de vous assurer que tous les écrits soient conformes au style Chicago.

Les membres de la CAFS proviennent d’une variété de disciplines incluant (mais ne s’y limitant pas) l’éducation aux adultes, l’agriculture, l’anthropologie, l’économie, les sciences environnementales, les sciences de la santé, l’économie familiale, la nutrition humaine, la géographie, la littérature, la psychologie, la philosophie, les sciences politiques, la santé publique, les études rurales, la sociologie, le travail social et l’urbanisme. Peuvent devenir membres, les étudiants, les enseignants, ceux qui rédigent des politiques, les travailleurs sociaux, les professionnels, les praticiens et autres personnes intéressés par les recherches en alimentation. La CAFS encourage la recherche qui promeut la sécurité alimentaire au niveau local, régional, national et globale, mais ne recommande pas ou n’endosse pas de politiques spécifiques ni de plate-formes politiques.

Toutes les propositions doivent être envoyées par courriel dans un document en format (.rtf) ou Word (.doc) à :

Patty Williams (email: Patty.Williams@msvu.ca)

De plus amples informations sont disponibles sur les sites Internet suivants :
Further information is available at:
Canadian Association for Food Studies: http://www.foodstudies.ca
Canadian Federation of the Humanities and Social Sciences: http://www.fedcan.ca