A PUBLICATION OF THE ALBERTA COUNCIL FOR GLOBAL COOPERATION
WINTER 2015
Changing Times: Optimism for the Road Ahead Welcome to the Winter 2015 issue of the ACGC Connect member newsletter! The last few months have seen many significant events take place that have enormous impact on our sector. One of these, of course, was the ratification of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also called the Global Goals, at the UN Summit for Sustainable Development at the end of September. We discussed these in depth at our Annual Conference that took place in Canmore in September, where it was great to see and connect with so many members. The SDGs will provide an important roadmap for civil society and world leaders over the next 15 years to work towards progress on a broad range of sustainable development issues. An 18-month calendar highlighting each of the SDGs is being produced by the Inter-Council Network (ICN) now to help build awareness for our members. You can read more about the SDGs and where the process is at now inside this issue. Our own ACGC staff member Noelle Jaipaul, in the newly created role of Government Relations and Community Outreach Coordinator, attended the UN Summit as part of an ICN youth delegation. She will be presenting information on the SDGs with me at an upcoming workshop for Government of Alberta staff, and she has already delivered presentations on the topic to DFATD and community groups, at member events, and during our recent webinar update for members. During the webinar, I also updated members on our advocacy efforts moving forward with provincial and federal levels of government. If you missed it, the presentation is available online at https://icn.adobeconnect.com/p2uuquq3iag/. Some of the major changes we’ve seen politically provincially and federally will have definite impacts on our sector. Provincially, we’ve now seen a budget from the new NDP government, and some announcements honouring their election promises. For example, the popular Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) was reinstated, and a new Job Creation Incentive Program will provide Alberta employers with grants of up to $5,000 for each new job. And although the former Community Spirit Program was not reinstated, and funding for the Community Initiatives Program remains at $687,500, there are emergency response funds available that can be accessed if a disaster strikes in a region your organization is working in. ACGC will be meeting with Culture Minister David Eggen in December in order to introduce ourselves and the work of our members. As you know, we’ve also experienced a significant change in government at the federal level with a new majority Liberal government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A new cabinet was appointed in early November, at which time Marie-Claude Bibeau was named Minister of International Development and La Francophonie. We also learned that the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) will be renamed Global Affairs Canada. Similar to our work on the provincial level, we as ACGC and as part of the ICN will be introducing ourselves to the new federal government, and have done so already through letters to Mr. Trudeau and Ms. Bibeau. We were delighted to see the recent open Ministerial letter from Mr. Trudeau to Ms. Bibeau placing a clear importance on implementing the SDGs and reforming programs like Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) funding to be inclusive of reproductive rights and support. We certainly feel that there are many promising directions taken by the new federal government already.
ACGC Executive Director Heather McPherson in Ottawa after launching BCCIC’s SDG Report with the Inter-Council Network.
CONTENTS: Winter 2015 Issue
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Report from ACGC’s 2015 Annual Conference Get Social on Social Media
Update on Agenda 2030 International Development Week 2016
ACGC in Pictures Current Membership
As for what lies ahead, we’re now turning our focus to the upcoming annual International Development Week, a DFATD-led initiative that this year takes place February 7 to 13, 2016. We’ve been busy gearing up for our annual Top 30 Under 30 Magazine and have received a large number of nominations from across the province, including many from our members. Learn more about the upcoming Top 30 Under 30 Magazine Launch and other IDW events in this issue, and as always, please keep us in the loop of how you’ll be recognizing IDW this year. We’ll help you promote your activities, and we love attending our member events too. We look forward to the celebrations! Heather McPherson, ACGC Executive Director
Report from ACGC’s 2015 Annual Conference ACGC held its Annual Conference this past September 19 and 20, 2015 in Canmore, Alberta. The theme this year was “What Works? Making Transformative Change Happen,” and brought together members, youth, and guests to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), universality, our relationship and allyship with Indigenous Peoples, and youth engagement.
Above and right: Participants at ACGC’s 2015 Annual Conference at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
The Annual Conference provided an opportunity for members and guests to discuss, collaborate, and deliberate on key issues that affect the work we do in international development. Workshops included a session on the relationship between civil society organizations and the government, providing a venue to discuss the most effective ways for us to engage and seek opportunities in the new political climate provincially and federally. We held a session on youth engagement and climate justice with some of our younger members who will be attending the Paris Climate Conference. We also were joined by Kairos Canada, who guided us through a very moving and eye-opening exercise called the Blanket Activity. It was a visual representation of the colonization of Canada, the relationship of the first settlers and the Indigenous Peoples who inhabited this land, and the after-effects that continue to this day.
Cooperation. The panelists helped us to navigate the SDGs, as well as to consider how the work our members do in international development can be done while simultaneously being mindful of the development work that still needs to be done in our own communities. Our keynote presentation was given by Danika Littlechild, a Cree lawyer and Vice-President of the Canadian Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) from Maskwacis, Alberta. Ms. Littlechild shared with us her work on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and on the drafting of the SDGs. Ms. Littlechild’s inspirational story helped to challenge us to consider the ways we engage with our Indigenous partners, and work towards being better allies to Indigenous peoples in Canada and in communities abroad. We were also joined by Mr. Cam Westhead, MLA for BanffCochrane, who brought us greetings from Minister for Culture and Tourism and Minister for Education David Eggen. ACGC staff and board members sought to provide conference attendees with opportunities to learn, network, and create. The feedback was very positive, and we hope that all attendees came away from the Conference feeling invigorated, empowered, and more knowledgeable about the collective work we will need to undertake in the coming months and years to achieve the incredible potential of the Sustainable Development Goals, both in Canada, and in the larger global community. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to our shared learning and collaboration.
Our opening panel “Universality in the Post-2015 Agenda” brought together international development practitioners to discuss the role of civil society organizations at home and abroad in implementing the SDGs. We were honoured to be joined by Shannon Kindornay from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa, Suresh Shrestha from Tamakoshi Sewa Samiti, the oldest non-governmental organization in the Ramechhap District in Nepal, Mike Simpson from the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation, and Tiffany Stratchan, a youth from the Saskatchewan Council for International
Get Social on Social Media Somewhat surprisingly, 23% of our members are not on Facebook, Twitter, or any type of social media at all
A scan of ACGC member social media accounts in 2015 brought up some interesting statistics: 72% of our member organizations are on Facebook, 66% of members are on Twitter, and 36% are on YouTube, with a few also on LinkedIn, Vimeo, Instagram, and Pinterest. 60% of ACGC members are using both Facebook and Twitter, the most common social media platforms. Compared to recent surveys on North American non-profits, which show that 98% of organizations are on Facebook, and 70% are on both Facebook and Twitter, our membership as a whole seems to be behind the norm. Somewhat surprisingly, 23% of our members are not on Facebook, Twitter, or any type of social media at all. Some members have started social media accounts, but months or years go by without an update. A quick glance at the social media tools behind each nonprofit sometimes correlates with the size of the organization and their human resources overall – it is understandable that a larger organization with staff who are dedicated to managing social media and communications would be able to take on more of such a task than a small non-profit that is primarily run by volunteers. However, becoming active – and staying active – on social media doesn’t need to involve a lot of time or human resources, and the payoffs of getting involved can be huge. It is free to
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sign up for and use, requires minimal time or special knowhow to post an update, and can be a valuable tool for growing your network of supporters. Getting involved on social media keeps you in the loop on what’s happening with your partners, similar organizations, and the sector in general; ACGC also posts a lot of important content on our Facebook and Twitter accounts that is missed by the 23% of members who are not on social media at all. Ultimately, look at what you think your organization can reasonably take on and what will have the greatest pay-off for the time investment. The best thing to do is familiarize yourself with each of these tools and think about which ones could most benefit your goals. For example, for those who have already mastered Facebook and Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest are increasing in popularity and are starting to be used by several non-profits, especially those targeting a younger demographic. An organization called NonProfit Tech for Good offers regular free webinars that are extremely helpful for non-profits that are either just starting out or who are already active on social media but looking to improve their content and strategy; check out their website at http://www.nptechforgood.com/. You can also contact our Communications Officer Kelly Parkatti at communications@acgc.ca to learn more.
Update on Agenda 2030 On September 25, 2015 in New York City, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were ratified by 193 countries. These 17 goals, also called Global Goals, set a plan of action for the next 15 years to take action on inequality, poverty, and climate change. The 17 Global Goals and their corresponding 169 targets comprise a highly ambitious, aspirational agenda, and build on the Millennium Development Goals that expired in 2015. The goals address the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental. The process of drafting the SDGs was the most consultative process in the history of the United Nations. Over 7.3 million people contributed their thoughts and views on their most pressing needs, and civil society groups in over 70 countries voiced their demands for a progressive, transformative global agenda. The sheer scope and ambition of Agenda 2030 is remarkable. Implementing the global goals in every nation will take an incredible amount of collaboration between national and subnational governments, civil society, and the private sector. Yet, the adoption of these goals as a formal United Nations declaration signals that the common global consciousness has realized that inequality, poverty, and climate change can no longer be ignored. The boldness of these SDGs is necessary, as it is an implicit acknowledgement that sustainability comes in many forms, and needs to be addressed in many facets. The Prime Minister states that Canadian policy must support the implementation of Agenda 2030
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has inherited Agenda 2030, and does not seem to be taking it lightly. In his Ministerial Mandate Letter to International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, the Prime Minister states that Canadian policy must support the implementation of Agenda 2030. Further, Prime Minister Trudeau has voiced strong
SDG Calendars: Coming Soon!
commitment to tackling climate change with a pan-Canadian framework. At the end of November, Mr. Trudeau, along with the Premiers, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna, and other highlevel officials will attend the 21st Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 21) Climate Conference in Paris. So much is contingent upon this conference, as the outcomes will have universal applicability and be legally binding to all signatory countries. In addition to contributing to substantive and meaningful global policy at the Paris Climate Conference, we expect the Government of Canada to ensure that the Global Goals are integrated into Canadian policy, through all the federal departments, with a vision of both improving the lives of those around the world, as well as those within our borders. Universality is an important principle of Agenda 2030, calling on us to support and empower not only those in the Global South, but our own neighbours and communities. In Canada, we need to ensure that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are protected, and that clean water, healthy food, and safe accommodation are available to all. The universality of Agenda 2030 implores us to recognize that our development work is no longer solely international, but rather, requires us to look within and occur in tandem with development work in our own cities.
ACGC’s Noelle Jaipaul attended the UN Summit in New York as part of an ICN youth delegation.
ACGC, along with the Inter-Council Network (ICN) of provincial and regional councils for international cooperation across Canada, has been putting together an 18-month calendar highlighting each of the 17 new Sustainable Development Goals. The calendar will feature illustrations from the recent SDG report published by the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC) and launched in Ottawa in September. Calendars will be ready in December, and are intended to help raise awareness among members about the new SDGs. Watch for more details on how to receive your calendar soon!
International Development Week 2016 International Development Week (IDW) takes place this year from February 7 to 13, 2016, and along with many other people across the country, ACGC is getting ready to celebrate! The week is intended to encourage Canadians – and especially youth – to learn more about and contribute towards international development activities, and to highlight the efforts people are making to reduce poverty and make this a better world. IDW began in 1991 and is led by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD). You can read more about IDW on the DFATD website at http://www.international.gc.ca. For the last five years, ACGC’s primary IDW activity is publishing our Top 30 Under 30 Magazine. The magazine shines a light on thirty youth, selected through a competitive nomination process, who are either from Alberta or working with a global partner of one of our member organizations to make a difference in communities locally or globally. Nominations for the magazine closed earlier in November, and we will be announcing the youth who have been selected
throughout January on Facebook and Twitter. The magazine will be distributed in January as well, and available at our IDW events. The selected youth will also be recognized at a Top 30 Under 30 Magazine Launch event that will be taking place in Edmonton this year. Watch for more details to be sent to you soon on dates and locations for the Magazine Launch and our other IDW public talks and appearances, including our participation in the University of Alberta’s International Week (I-Week) in the last week of January. Please also remember to let us know of any events you organize for International Development Week – we would love to help you promote these and provide support in any way we can. We have a summary of ideas on ways you can get involved on our website under the “IDW” section, on a page called “Ideas for Members.” Our IDW Coordinator this year will again be Chelsea Donelon, who is starting in December; please contact her at idw@acgc.ca with your questions about IDW.
The week is intended to encourage Canadians to learn more about and contribute towards international development activities.
To keep informed of all upcoming ACGC events, as well as the events and activities of our members, subscribe to our biweekly e-Bulletin newsletter from the top of our homepage: www.acgc.ca.
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ACGC in Action At ACGC, we’re always on the move! Here are some photos of our activities over the past few months. If you would like us to join you at a future activity or event, please let us know at membership@acgc.ca. Left: Change Your World youth participants in South Africa, July 2015. Centre: CYW youth present at Edmonton Development Drinks, October 2015. Right: Minister Paradis meets with ICN youth delegates at the UN Summit. Left: Calgary Development Drinks, October 2015. Centre: Frank Flaman receives ACGC’s Award of Excellence. Right: International Day of Peace and launch of YEG Peace Fest at Edmonton City Hall.
ACGC members, staff and board at the 2015 Annual Conference in Canmore.
All photos by ACGC staff, unless otherwise noted.
ACGC Connect is published by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation with the financial assistance of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD). The Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC) is a coalition of voluntary sector organizations located in Alberta, working locally and globally to achieve sustainable human development. We are committed to international cooperation that is people-centred, democratic, just, inclusive, and respectful of the environment and indigenous cultures.
Suite 205, 10816A - 82 Avenue Edmonton, AB T6E 2B3 Tel: 780.988.0200 | Fax: 780.988.0211 Email: admin@acgc.ca Visit our website: www.acgc.ca @ACGCNow facebook.com/ACGCNow youtube.com/ACGCNow Program undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
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Affaires étrangères, Commerce et Développement Canada
ACGC CURRENT MEMBERSHIP NOVEMBER 2015 Action International Ministries • Ainembabazi Children’s Project • Alberta Teachers’ Association • Altamas for Peace and Development • Bridges of Hope International Network of Dev Agencies • Calgary Board of Education • Canada World Youth • Canadian Association for Participatory Development (CAPD) • Canadian Humanitarian • Canadian Moravian Mission Society • Canadian Peacemakers International • Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan • Canadians Reaching Out (CARO) • CAUSE Canada • CAWST • CEIBA Association • Centre for Global Citizenship Education and Research • Change For Children Association • D. Keith MacDonald Foundation • Development and Peace • Edmonton Public School Board • energy4everyone • Engineers Without Borders Calgary City Chapter • Engineers Without Borders, U of A Chapter • Four Worlds Centre for Development Learning • Ghost River Rediscovery • Global Education Program, University of Alberta • Human Development Foundation • John Humphrey Centre • Keiskamma Canada Foundation • Light Up the World Foundation • Maharashtra Seva Samiti Org • Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace • Marda Loop Justice Film Festival • Mennonite Central Committee Alberta • Micah Centre, King’s University College • Mission of Mercy • Nafasi Opportunity Society • One Child’s Village • One! International Poverty Relief • Operation Eyesight Universal • Optometry Giving Sight • Oxfam Canada • Rainbow for the Future • Rainbow of Hope for Children • Read Africa • Rotary Club of Edmonton • Sahakarini • Samaritan’s Purse- Canada • SCERDO • SEEDS • Sinkunia Community Development Organization • Sombrilla Refugee Support Society • Stop TB • Tools for Schools Africa Foundation • Trebi Foundation • True Vision Ghana • United Nations Association in Canada • Women’s Empowerment International Foundation