February 15, 2001, carnegie newsletter

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FREE donations accepted.

401 ~ a i n k t r e e tVancouver. , V6A 2T7 (604) 665-2289

Meetings: Pros and Cons A Framework For Action is the title of a fairly comprchcnsive report authored by Don MacPherson.

He is the first Drug Policy Coordinator hired by the City of Vancouver and gives a synopsis, a brief overview, as the traveling roadshow attends at differentplaces throughout the city.

There was a meeting at the Central Library, one in Kerrisdalc, one in the East End, one in Canlegie and one at the Board of Trade. The panel had exponents of prevention, treatment, enforcement and harm reduction, each to expand on the concepts and respond to questions and conullents from the public.

'The alecling at Carnegie on February 5~ was pretty calm. Donald wcnt through the concepts, giving the goals and strategies, the interlocking responsibilities of *e tluee levels of govenuwnt and touched on how each of the Four Pillars was essential to having a plan that could work.

There are 3 1 recommendations in the paper, and include Prevention: Massive and ongoing education on drugs, then long term eflects, effects on lifestyle and phvsical. mental. emotional and econonlic aspects of living. Awareness and realistic info start in school and at home. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a prime example of corollary elTects and similar drug ell'ccts on family and children need fair forums.

Treatment: Total abstinence is an option for a limited number of people, depending on the extent of the addiction. so many treatment models are involved.

Detox and direct access, halfway houses and out-ofarea options, as well as methadone and substitutes for narcotics. Medical and health pros can work with peers in counselling, addiction relief and reduction of dependency Enforcement: Non-addicted dealers and those selling quantities of narcotics remain the targets of police.

Addiction is a health issue, and dealing is a criminal issue. The expansion of treatment options and detox beds, women's services and easy access to same is the ckar example of how enforcement is able to focus on criminal behaviour, rather than jailing ili people. Increased services for the homeless, mental health consumers, sobering centres, the choice between treatment and jail are all linked to policing

nting Globalization Demanding Democracy

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and safety.

The VPD can't support 3 of 3 1 recommendations: % ,-+ injection Sites would require a change in the Criminal Code of Canada before police could accept them as legal; -1'rescriptioiz Heroin needs administration 1 support of health officials and documentation of success. It was touted as a 'down-the-road' . . .

-Police lesfing ofslreel tlr1rg.s to determine potency and purity because of the liability involved. Any testing and subsequent release of a drug's 'score' on any rating system would make the tester legally responsible.

Harm Reduction: This is the aspect that people find most contentious, but recogmtion of its essential inclusion lies behind the success of projects and workable drug policies worldwide. 'This makes the Alliance wannabees squirnl because it is implicit that users and addicts are people and have the same rights as all. The denionization of those trapped by drugs is a fonn of self-delusion.

Oka)., that's a skeletal as possible without being dust-to-dust. The so-called Comnlunity Alliance had members in attendance at Camegie, but they didn't speak. Of those who did, comnlents include -anger and frustration over the inclusion of marijuana offences in the Framework's recommendation on establishing Drug Courts. Pot smokers "choose" a non-toxic substance and shouldn't be forced into "treatment"; -treatment has to include housing and recognition of poverty as a contributing factor; fears of single parents and youth of stigma attached to cntering detos - loss of children or income or both

-the City has to void the Show Cause process and go directly for management and owners of run dew and criminal premises in order to have safe and decent housing; stability is essential for recovery; -safe injection sites are crucial, but the mixing of drugs and alcohol lulls more than drugs alone; -Native culture and healing and addiction treatment is very sparsely represented in the Framework aand can't be included as only an 'alterthought'; -The Street - a plaj, about drugs - had many d e r show forums to discuss aspects of drugs. A strong request Ibr more treatment and detox options; -abstinence is the only solution for addicts; any program involving continued use is a joke -residents and local people have to be involved in planning and control of local programs; -locals have been involved in several planning processes - on housing and land use and treatment only to have the final report disappear or be ignored.

Hope and cymcisni go hand-in-hand.

11 can get confusing, and differences of opinion can get ugly. 'I'his is a sad rendering of a 78-page document, but give me a break. The whole thing can be obtained fron~City Hall, 453 W. 12' Ave, Vancouver or Goni MacPherson's ofice at 20 1- 1 1 1 Water St., Vancouver V6B IA7. www.~ity.vancouver.bc.ca There are survey questions on all aspects of the Framework For Action in the last several pages, and a presentation in the Vancouver Sun also solicited feedback.

This is # 1 (FLASH) for the ('nrnegie Newletter

velopment Permit Pr At the monthly men~bershipmeeting of DERA, held in Canlegie on February 9', the second stage of the drug strategy was the main topic - the 5-prong

proposal discussed briefly in the last issue.

Reps of 3 governments plus the Health Board plus 3 the police plus Carnegie outlined the reasonmg and actual project-by-project permits sought.

The pre-meeting was a bit onerous as proponents sought to swamp the mccting and all mcmbcrs ol'tlic audience with literature and videos and pet~tions The concerns of staff seemed to be accurate as several people saw the 'gauntlet' of flym and just lefl. People can make up their own minds . .

The interlocking suggestions have the strcct outsrdc.

Carnegie changing to reduce the open-air drug market and to makc activities more di\ m e , W ~ t h this is the opening of a 24-hour Contact Centre I I I the 1" floor of the Roosevelt Hotel next door. ~ ~ t h safety, health services, referrals, and basic nmds mct for the street and addicted population. Downto\vr~ Health Clinic now at 4 12 E.Cordova will rclocatc to

the 500-block of Powell and have expanded scr\ rcc< including those for both addicts and non-add~cts. women-only hours and health related programs no1 possible in its present location. At the Cordo~asrtc will be a Life Skills centre with classes. a trarrungkitchen, counsell~ngand opportunities for users to reintegrate into community hfe. 'fhc fiflh project involves moving the methadone clinic in Blood Alley to the old Pender Street Detox. to haw methadone, health services and detox beds back Questions and comments focused on the Scar that many feel now in just being outside, in passmg or being confronted by users and dealers, of ha1 mg f i x safe places to go and the seeming lncurslon of addicts and crinlinal behaviour into -people's homes .

The response \\as to not see this proposal as a 'magic bullet' or the end to drugs or add~ctwn It d ~ d have the combined support of health and pol~cear~d harm reduction sen.ic& and hopes to be real beginning In dealing w ~ t hthe current sltuatron DEKA has buildings near 2 of thc s~tcsa d r i ~ ~ d c ~ ~ t s

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are as concerned as others throughout the area.

It's one thing to work Ibr a long-tenn solution but commitnlent can be tempered if you are afraid to walk the streets or go to your conmunity centre.

FLASH!! Both the Framework for Action article and the report on the 5-prong Developnlent Permit Proposal - and for you intrepid readers who follow the Newsletter - give a viewpoint. What this is now is to ask you to write in to the Camegie Neivslettcr, 401 Main St, Van V6A 2T7, or E n d us at and give your opinion on any aspect of this issue. If you 'wax eloquent' and go on for pages, it will be shortened for clarity or space, but lets make this an open forum. If you think something needs more work or less talk and more action, say so.

PAULR TAYLOR, Editor.

DRUG STRATEGY FOR T H E DES The 5-part Health and City drug slrategy lor the Downlown Eastside goes to public hearing on Monday, February 19, from 3:00 to I0:OO pni at the Plaza 500 Hotel (across from City Hall). A second day for the Hearing is also set for Wednesday, February 2 1 at 3:OO pm.

This plan includes: *A 24 hour Health Contact Centre near the comer of Main and Hastings that helps people with addictions meet their immediate needs, and is a point of entry into other services in the community; *A redesign of the comer of Main and Hastings to reduce the level of open dmg actik ity at Carnegie's entrance and to create out-door space for Camegie patrons that is secure and sheltered *Expansion of detox and treatment services *Provision of life shills, volunteer and ealploymcnt training opportunities (training and jobs were the top priorities for people with addictions surveyed a1 the comer of Main and Hastings).

This is not just a plan for the Downtown Eastside.

It includes the development of services for pcoplc

with addictions in the community health centres throughout the City. People will not need to come to the DES for methadone, needle-exchanges or for other counseling and trcatnient services.

This plan is [he Grst step in a comprehensive health and safety approach for people with addictions and for the general public in the DES. Support from the community is vital lbr it to succeed.

To speak: Call Carole Hubbard at the City of Vancouver: 873-7409 To send a letter of sup~ort:Fax Rick Michaels, Development Services, City: 873-7 100.

To COPV Citv Council: Fax Mayor Philip Owen: 873-7685. Fax Councillors: 873-7750 Want to attend the Hcarinp on February 19?Take the Camegie Seniors' Bus leaving the building at 2:40 pm.

For more information: Muggs Sigurgeirson, Camcgie Association Vice President (665-2289) or Michael Clague, Camegie Director (665-330 1 ).

Free Jean-Marie!

Jean- Marie

they say two hundred filly people gathered on that day to break bombless bread and give voice to our will afler n~egaphonespeeches we nailed a plaque to the wall then we painted up our call give the pcople what they need!

Jean-Marie, you spoke passionately for better housing in the Downtown Eastside, and. along with hundreds of others, you painted a daisy on the Woodward's building.

The police arrested you, the gentlest of people, and the cty went up "Free Jean-Marie."

Shawn wrote a poem about it and you were so proud.

Your eves flashed with your vision of the beloved community and you said, "We have to fight for our homes and for our friends."

I said, "Your words are strong Jean-Marie, and they are beautiful."

And you said, "My health is not so good, and sometimes I am tired"

the media filmed footage the cops took photos too lined up across abbott street was a stolid line in blue then folks started leaving but some trouble had broke out when somebody raised the call to free Jean Marie! we marched to mainstreet station and searched the wagon windows then we gave a badgering to the cop what made the call Jean Marie there was no sight of but the message became clear when in spraypaint on the wall Free Jean Marie! again the coppers came to bust but we were all too strong they could only take our paint because our arms were linhed we answered lo their questioning in chanting and in song the one voice of US all to free jean Marie!

Jean Marie Boileau Jean Marie I never knew you I never knew you for seven years Yet you were always the same A polite and friendly bonjour (I practiced my high school French and you indulged me)

On Carnegie Newsletter day S you would come to get your paper, specially folded just for you.

No one knew better the meaning of that nemslettcr No one had a better analys~s of injustice.

0. Jean-Marie I'd give a milhon words to have you here, but then you are here In ever) gentle act In every caring thought In every cry ol'outragc againsl the violence hurting those most 111. mosl powerless.

We'll grieve together. with you Jcan-Marie. and ponder that wh~ch1s and ought to be.

Wc'll let our lonclincss join hands, and we'll dedicate ourscli c.5 once more to that sweet vlsron that was in your sn~ilc Rest easy, Jean-Mane.

We'll take it from hcrc

You were the guy who stood up You were the bwy who stood out At the Woodward's Protest I never suspected you were political Artistic yes and diplomatic ~ c c e ~ t ithe & mGad moods of many manic members Not judging A steady influence in your department A rough one One I had rehsed Jean Marie I never knew you I wish I had some justification Some way of saying.. .what Jean Marie I will miss you Jean Marie I grieve fbr you W ilhelniina

Sandy, Cameron

Theatre Workshops at Carnegie Every Friday Afternoon, I pm to 3 pm Third Iloor, ('l:~ssroor~r #2 At Carnegle Comrnuri~tfCentre 401 fvla~nStreet i@ Hasl~ngsSt )

Become F a i n ~ l ~w a r~ t hthe Nuts and Bolts of Theatre

Drop In

Excluding And Vilifying People Makes Things Worse The Community Alliance of business interests in the Downtown Eastside and Gastown opposes more social housing in the Downtown Eastside. It also opposes social programs aimed at reducing the street drug scene and the damage it does to both povertystricken drug users and the community at large.

These Alliance policies will only help to phase out our low income community as gentrification advances, and they will increase homelessness and despair for low income residents.

Also, the busincss Alliance refuses to talk to the low income residents who make up the great majority of the peoplc who live in the Downtown Eastside. 'We will deal only with direct policy makers. ..We will not be drawn into trying to solve the problems,' the Alhance said 'Our demands are not negotiable. ' ( I ) In its rally on September 30,2000, the business

Alliance protested new services for some of the poorest and sickest people in our conununity - those addicted to drugs with nowhere to go but the street.

People in Lhe rally had been stirred up to a pitch of fear and hate rarely seen in our conmiunity. They screamed at residents who supported new services for the most alienated of our citizens, and they shouted insults at lonely, ill, drug users as though these desperate people could be discarded like trash.

'They condemned people they had never tallied to, and their fears unwittingly supported the anibitions of calculating men and women who have another agenda: complete gentrification of the Downtown Eastside. Surely the murderous history of the 20th century has taught us about the profound evil that occurs when we treat others as less than human.

To reject poor people, to exclude ill people, and to ask the police to throw sick people in jail are violent acts that can only result in more illness, more exclusion, more hated and more violence. The violence of the street drug scene, the despair of homelessness, the anguish of unemployment in a disappearing labour market,the humiliation of food banks and the brutality of a hostile welfare system all reflect the violence of Canadian society and the violence 01 a global econonly that pits workers in different countries against each other in a downward spiral of competitive impoverishment.

Too many people are dying emotionally and physically because of their exclusion from a decent, stable life. ORen they feel desperately lonely. They see themselves as nothing, as someone who has died, as someone who has been murdered. Thoughts of death as a way out are never far from a person living in anguish. Alienated peoplc on the street feel shame, humiliation, abandonment, rejection, and sometimes enormous rage. The corporate media and business profiteers reinforce these negative feelings with their constant vilification of the low income residents of the Downtown Eastside. Shame on them, and praise to those, like the people in the Carnegie Street Program, who try to build a caring community in spite of evcry thing.

BJ, SANDY CAMERON I ) "1,obby group doesn't get it -Coinmunity Alliancc rcfuses to deal with 1)owntowi Eastside's real problems by Rob& Swli. ~'ctticouver 1)t:cernher 28, 2000.

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"Living Footprints"

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Project An Historical Marker Program in the I>ownlo\\n Eastside: February 200 I

Disturbing Whose Peace People minding their business Bothering no one in a public place On a sidewalk - a citizens' space Gastown location. tourist attraction'?

Peacefully lined up for a bowl of soup, a crust of bread, a drop of tea...

Some suits don't appreciate this High up above in their ivory tower They make a call to the City's Finest?

Blue uniforms arrive as if in an instant First Class service for so-called community leaders?

Are thcy pillars of society or masters of destruction'?

Nonetheless the powers-that-be Provide these moneyed gentry The absolutc maximum of Lhcir wishes They pay higher rents and property taxes (and are generous tippers to the right kind of pcoplc) They also believe they are the ruling class and everyone they perceive to be beneath them - the mass unwashed, the peasants of society.

On their sterling, gleaming social registcr - we are the tarnish and politicians, the powerful, proper authorities Should be at their beck-n-call, twenQ-four-seven.

So break up our peaceful gathering if you dare, However, not with our permission.

You will be met with o w stubborn resistance We exercise o w fundamental human rights.

If you thinL we are going to lay down and die for you, or passivelj wander ofl'into the wilderness of' skyscrapers, be forewarned: you've got another thing coming Wave aller wave of us rolling in always.

We will never bc denicd, ever, by you and your inconsiderate cronies. -ya dig'?

Rob!m

Through the Carnegie Community Centre Asstxiation, thc Carnegie Street Program will be coosd~nating and implementing a project called "Living Footprints" through the winter months of 200 1 I'hc Street Program works with the Street population In the Downtown Eastside. It operates 6 days a w c h . 6 hours a day, at the comer of Main and Hastmgs Streets.

Living Footprints is a project focused on recrumng. training and employing local Street people in thc development of an historical marker program. 'I'hc program is to develop an historical walking tour of the area using original, permanent art and history installations. The tour will relundle interest in and raise awareness of, the rich social, economic, and cultural history of the area.

This program will provide an opportunity to help Strcct pcoplc to rcgain sclf-confidcncc and more control over their lives through low key life slolls. pre-employment training, and p e r s d health management attached to constructing h e markers It W I11 also be an opportunity for business and commwiliq groups to collaborate in promoting h e walh ing ttwr for residents of all ages, and for tourists.

The Carnegie Street Program has made deep connections with the Street population. It provides lirstaid, dormation and referral, drug-use educal~on. recreation and cultural programming and lilerac?, oducalion. A recent survey of h e Street populal~or~ revealed that the majority desire education. etnplo~ment and volunteer opportunities in order to ma~~agc their lives eff'ectively, and to contribute to the community.

The footprints project will begin with a small number of historical markers, with the ability to expand as adltional resources become ava~lablc Funding for the program has been prov~dedby Western Diversification, Canada O w street program will continue workmg on thc corner as usual. The program will continue its regular scheduled activities with the add~tiono r conunencing the creation ol'comnunity banrwh

U ELP

These banners will be created again by local street people in collaboration with the staff and artists and will be installed on lamp-posts complementing the historical tour.

For more information: Sandy MacKeigan (665-33 17 or 830-2544) and Bob Moss (665-3318 or 84 1-250 1).

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Help in the Downtown Eastside has recently been updated and released in its 2 4 edition. ~ It contains information b r lonwtime residents, people new to the area, transients, even tourists.

Copies are available m Engljsh, French (Le Petit Bottin) and Spanish (Ayuda en el Downtown Eastside) and may be found id most of the agencies and organisations listed.

They are free. If you want 50 or 100 or more, and you are part of a group or organisation that has an ofice supplies line in its budget (assuming you have some money) please make a donation to help with the cost of printing. If you and yours are broke or without funds, ask anyway.

Thanks to the Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security for providing partial M n g , as well as thanks to the Legal Services Society for their ongoing support. Thc Carncgie Association has always made up any shortfall.

PRT [*PRIDE (listed under 'Employment') is open to a n y unemployed person, not just welfare recipients]

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SHELTER & HOUSING ...............................

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HEALTH & MEDICAL SERVICES ...........4.

COUNSELLING, SUPPORT, INFO............6.

LEGAL SERVICES.......................................9.

ADVOCACY RESOlJRCE LIST ................10.

FREE O R LOW-COST GOODS..

EMPLOYMENT~LANGUAGE, LEARNING.....11.

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INFO, YOUTH SERVICES........................14.

OTHER SERVICES, RECYCLING ...........15.

SOCIAL, DROP-IN, RECREATION

humanities storefront

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February

feb.2 1 ...dara culhane.. . professor s h . . . the bridge project

feb.28.. .glen clak.. .former premier of bc.. . globalisation. ..

free university education Wednesdays @ 7pm 40 West Hastings

ELP, WHOA, COALITIONS

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AIDS I HIV+ ; Immigrant Services .................17.

MAP

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CARNEGIE NEWSLETTER 665-2289

FREE

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donations a c c e p t e d .

Thanks for fundina, past & present: Camegie Assoc., First United Church, PLURA, Four Sisters Co-op, DERA, Legal Services Society, Rotary Club of Chinatown, Vancity Ministry of Human Resources, Dr. Soma

Missing Sex Trade Workers Missing Persons

.I"..I...IIIIIIIIIIIII~IIIIIII.IIIIIIII

Listening Post 382 Mam; Share space for med~tat~on, listenmg, prayer, sp~ritualpract~ce 12-7,M-F, 4-8 Sun. V l I m I I I I m I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I r l I I m ~ I

"If certain preconditions ure necessary for the use of magic, those preconditions will inevitably arrange themselves. " - Stephen King

Elaine ALLENBAC'H Cindy Louise BECK Andrea Fay BORHAVEN Lmda Jean COOMBES 1,occiled Marcella Helen CREISON Sarah Jean DEVRJES Sheila Catherine EGAN Marnie Lee FREY Catherine Louise GONZALEZ Michelle GURNEY lnga Monique HALL Helen Mae HALLMARK Janet Gail HENRY Tanya Mario HOLYK Rose Ann Jansen l,occ~led Angela Rebecca JARDINE Catherine Maureen KNIGHT Kerry Lynn KOSKI Stephanie Marie LANE Jacquilene Michelle McDONELL Diana MELNICK Jacqueline Maria M URDOCK Patricia Gay PERKINS 1,ocnrcd Sherry Lynn RAIL Karen Ann SMITH 1,ocnted Ingrid SOET Dorothy Anne SPENCE Kathleen Dale WATTLEY Olivia Gale WILLIAMS Teressa Ann WILLIAMS Julie Louise YOUNG

ATTENTION POETS!!

Have you noticed the placards in the buses that feature poetry'? You also may have your poetry featured in a bus.

The criteria is that you must have published a poem in a book. It doesn't have to be a published book of only your poetry - it may also contain other people's pocms. (Remember the booklet published in the late 80's1?- Downtown Eastside Poets ) Contact the Association of Book Publishers of BC (684-0228) They will be selecting pocms this Spring, 200 1.

Anita Stevens

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MUIIC win i (LIVE r t R A Y CONDO

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My Dear Son I look into his beautiful eyes The love between us and the bond that ties Time is wasting My little one but 1'11 always love you when all is said and done They want to take you away from me but I won't let it happen Oh can't you see My love is like a butterfly Full and Free You've changed my life You've let me be me.

I love you Levi Love Mommy

VALENTINE DAY

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CarnegieCommunityCentre

Dad, this is a spccial day and mc and my sister are growing up and we all needed and we do care about you and our mother vely much. Everytime she shouted at me how 1 talked or the way of my personality she think of you. she worried about you.

I don't know what those things can give that we cannot. We love you and need you very much.

You still can be our friend. You are a good father to me and nly sister. Whatever is happened in past try to forget it. The future, we have care of you.

Please Dad come back home. I am sure we will be happy together.

Nahid Nasirabadi

Dearest Bill

What is Love?

What is love'?

Is it warm and h e ?

Is it energetic and happy'?

Would I like to be me?

Does it niake you feel strong in the night?

Does it make you cowardly'?

Or docs it make you fight:) Does it niake you Anow who you can be'?

What is this love that I can't see'?

Please introduce me I'd like to know I hear it's good and it makes you grow.

As I stare into your deep blue eyes I think of all the days gone by The laughter, the joy and the love we shared 1 always knew in my heart you corcd The bad times that hurt your soul Can bring us together Till we grow old I wanna lcll you how sorry 1 am and ask you to forgive me Iryou can.

1 Love You.

Leah Centanni /

CENTRE ASSOCIATION

The 10 suggestions Thou shouldn't tell other critters how to run their lives.

Thou shouldn't make lists that insist they are commandments from god.

Thou shouldn't pretend God, whatever that is, is on your side.

Thou shouldn't expect that anything you believe has anything to do with reality.

Thou shouldn't attempt to control critters you only suspect exist.

Thou shouldn't attempt to control acts of physics no one understands.

Thou shouldn't assume that some bozos sitting in a cave 2000 years ago knew more about God than you.

Thou shouldn't think reality can be understood from your perspective.

Thou shouldn't think so-called experts are experts just because they say so.

Thou shouldn't think that anyone has the answers you're looking for because no one really knows what that is.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17,2001 1:00 PM AUDITORlllM

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THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING IS ' P O APPROVE A NEW CONSTITUTION ANI) BY-LAWS FOR THE ASSOCIATION The present by-laws were last revlsed in 1488 updating has been done to meet current requtrements under the Society Act and the requirements of the BC Gaming Commission, from whom the Association derives some grant income.

Copies of the present constitution and by-laws and of the proposed constitution and by-laws may be obtained at the reception desk in the program office, third floor.

For information: Peter Fairchild, Chair, By-Laws Committee, or Michael Clague, Director.

Refreshments will he served

Snoopy, the tie-dyed mascot

YOUR SUPPORT IS 1MPORT.iN'I':

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D o ~ ~ l O W SNT 0 CLlMC 219 Main; Monday Friday, 10 a.m. 6 p.m.

EASTSIDE NEEDLE EXCWWGE 221 Main; 0 3 0 a.m. 8 p.ln. every day YOUTH NEEDLE EXCHANGE VAN 3 Roules City 5:45 p.m. 11:45 p.m.

ACTIVITJES Overnigh1 12:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.

SOCIETY Downlown Eastslde 5 3 0 p.m. 1:30 a.m.

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21100 DONATlONS Libby D.-$55 Sam R.-$40 Nancy W.-S 20 Eve E.-f 20 M q a r t t D.430 Shyrmslr G.418 Joy T.430 Val A.f 36 Wm 0-S20

llcarhcr S.-S I1I John S-$50

Y I I ~ ~ -s ~ lo O VEDC -525 Paddy -WJ R ~ k i o g g 430 ~ y ~ Peggy -$25 ' Margaret D -530Anonymous - $71

for next issue

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It j u s t don't cut it.

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A machete is an amazing tool in the hands of a ' professional. You can build a house with it, or practically comb your hair. It's so simple - no attachments and nothing to plug in. But for an apprentice mrrchelero, you can spend more time worrying about cutting off your foot than in doing productivc work. And when you're clearing land, look out for those snakes!

There are eight of us from the Enviromnental Youth Alliance (EYA) here in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, working with local fanners and biologists, trying to figurc out ways to save the high-altitude cloud forest from being logged, Actually, we're doing some logging ourselves. But it's selective logging of bamboo for building materials - a long way from the B.C. style industry. For starters, you have to bushwhack your way into the jungle - no comfy bus lo take you up on a logging road. Then you bash away with a machete at the three-storey baniboo, without the help of power saws. ARer that, you have to cany the stuff out on your back. There's no mechanized equipment here.

And to fine-finish the wood, it's back to the machete. Forget about power tools.

We're building a "model fami" to find ways of grokving organic crops like bananas. coff'ce and veggies, plus pigs, cows and even fish, in sniall arcas on the steep slopcs. If it's succcssful, it will show fanners they can make a living without ha to cut down trees to create big pastures. They're willing to try it, but they want proof first.

Thc cloud forest is a unique place. It has more plant and animal spccies than anywhere else on earth. But they arc threatened by human encroachment.

Several types of snakes live around here, some poisonous. We have to keep an eye out for them when we're working the land. This is personal for me, because my gandmother was killed by a snake lliore than 80 years ago while doing similar type of work in Brazil.

We're so far out in the bush that we hard11 I\no\\ what5shappening in the rest of the count0 N c Ircilr that the Ecuadorian government has declared a starc of emergency and suspcndcd parts of thc conslrlution because of hassles with the indigenous pcopic There have been roadblocks, protest marchcs. occupations. Some people have all the fun!

Have to go. I hear my machete calling Rcgards lo eveqone at Carnegic. See you at the end of March Roberto Sart~

k a r ~ sWings .

Last lights of LA die So diliicult Lo keep the glow Still happening in our lives Like a Lover tugging at me This way, and that way 'Trying not to get lost again 1 keep the avocado plant and The candle sol1 burning lla~ne At dill'erent ends of the table How one can hill the other Run by streets censored secrets A poet twisting public thinking Convincing as Skid Road Splcs Proud, selling something so phonJ Grasp the truth cleverly conccalcd TObe as beauliful as whitc marble Carved by Michelangelo while So many battles with the Vatican Standing by a parking meter, spy Every facet of the diamond caught Quicken in liont ol'a P i ~ 4 aparlor The secret is to dance very quickly A shot of light into the Dark tunncl That Love, winds and as collnected As all the stars up in Galaxies spun The wings lcarus fly,melt getting Closer to the sun, it is Revelation.

Daniel Rajala

WARMING OF THE HEARTS Youth Focus Groups On Saturday January 20' a hugely successful winter gathering Warming of the Hearts was celebrated at the Strathcona Conimunity Centre. The Conimunity Directions Child and Youth Issues group, a new coalition of Downtown Eastside-Strathcona resident families and workers, hosted the event in the hopes

of raising awareness and providing some fun for kids during these dark days.

It was a cold rainy day, excellent conditions for an indoor Carnival. Thanks to Melinda from Crabtree and Kate from the Neighbourhood Safcty office, each kid got a helium balloon at the door. Over 350 people ate delicious Chinese food prepared by Nigel and the Strathcona seniors and perfect bannock baked at the Women's Centre while being enlertained by the Stralhcona pre-teen hip hop team. Aner lunch, there was a very f m y clown named LALA, Bingo for all ages, games for the children, karaoke, a conlniuriity collage crafi table and a speaker's corner with a live Camcorder. David Ng and his teen group cheerfully served the food, orchestrated the kids' activities and cleaned up. MC Haedy was in the house to keep things rolling on schedule and as planned. Except Ibr the tears when little ones' balloons llew to the ceiling, everyone seenicd to have a good time.

As well as having furl, there was another purpose to this event. 'Ihe newly formed Child and Youth Issues group at C'otnmunity Directions was lacking direction. Parents and workers have lots of dilrering opinions about what young people want and n d .

One resident mother, Karen Wolfchild, wisely suggested at one of the fall nieetings that we ask the youth. So Karen and 1 held three separate focus groups with 29 eight-to-twelve year olds. The children were given nainetags with green, gold or silver stars according lo which group they were in. Then they marked heir residences with corresponding stars on a big map of the Downtown EastsideStrathcona area. Alniost half of the kids were from the Four Sisters Coop and the rest lived south of Strathcona school below Prior. The children were asked to fill out queslionnaires answering I . What do you like about living in this neighbourhood?

2. What don't you like about living in this neighbourhood'?

3. How do you think our neighbourhood could be a safer and more fun place to live'?

We then discussed the topics in a circle. Each group made a poster representing heir thoughts.

From the 29 written responses, 17 kids reported that they liked living in this neighbourhood because their friends are here and 10 liked living close to their

school. Others enjoyed living by the fire station, police station, GM Place, Chinatown and the city.

Eight children wrote that it was 'hendly', 'nice', 'a conmlunity', where 'people cared for others'. One boy felt that it was 'safer than living out further'.

'I'en children wrote that they didn't like drug dealers or 'druggies' in the neighbourhood, eight responded that there was too much violence and seven thought that the streets are too dirty and four didn't like 'strangers'. Other dislikes listed included homelessness, kidnappers, 'gore and depressingness', crime, yelling, 'bad sluff, hookers, smokers; loud neighbours, needles and condoms.

Lest I Forget I say lots of prayers, but mostly for the loser.., the failure.. .the last in the race And I've the same words for the street worker down on her luck...the guy with nowhere to lay his head...the native "left out in the cold.". . . And 1 can't forget the brow beaten, forsaken who no longer lift up their eyes.

Sam Roddan

As for ho\v the ne~ghbourhoodcould be a salcr arrd more run place lo h e , seven ch~ldrenwrote thal here should be more pol~cepresence, SIX \\anlcd to get r ~ dof drug dealers and five thought there should be more parks Four ch~ldrensuggested that u c d have a cleaner env~ronrnent~fthere were lnorc garbage cans Other reconunendat~ons~ncludedgctlr~ig the homeless homes, a swlnunlng pool, an aquar~unl a 'toys place' and another comniunlt? center One boy suggested 'gettmg the people a place to go or s o n ~ e h ~ ntogdo so they bon't act so strange' In the c~rcledmuss~ongroups we bra~nstorrnedthc third question f'urther. The children really \\ant 10 help the less fortunate. A few children thought ~c should try to raise money for thc earthquake \ ictrr~~s in EL Salvador. One little girl asked in a frustralcd voice' Why can't we find honnls for the honlelcss~'!

Another girl said it would be more fun here if the Gri~zlieswon more games. We a g e d to work or1 that one. A few ol' the children rcconrmendd 'marc fun activities' and 'parties like this one..

This event was the first one that most Four Sislcrs Coop kids had attended at the Strathcona ('oni~nunity Centre. Strath is thought of as a comniunrt! center more for the Asian population. Since thc Carnegie Centre has become virtually ~naccessrblcto families with children, Four Sisters kids hasen't had anywhere to play on rainy days. There were I'our Sisters' representatives in all three focus groups 'I'heir concerns were a bit different than thc others Being close to their school wasn't mentioned as a 'plus. They didn't lihe 'never being able to go out without a grownup'. And the majority ol'lhern would really like a schoolbus to pick them up and bring them home. But as we walked back to thc Coop, I heard them say that 'the party was cool' The map, the posters and the original transcripts arc available for viewing at the Conununity Directrons oflice. Special thanks to Bill Hamilton from VSH Strathcona and Edna Cho lion1 Com~nurut~~ Directions for heir support and assislance ~ i t the h focus youps.

And a very special thanks to all the volunteers that llladc the celebration happen. Hopefully Wrrrmlt7~of (he Hrrrrts will beconie an annual ' J a n u q doldrurns chaser'.

By 1,EIl'H HAKKIS

Beginnings Jenny Kwan is the Minister of Comniunily Developnienl, Cooperatives and Volunteers. She announced goverrunent funding for two initiatives in the Downtow Eastside at Camegie on Feb 12'h.

Save Our Living Environment (SOLE) is the society started some years ago by Ken Lyoticr. It has since been at the base of United We Can, the major recycling depot and inst.run~entalin providing work for over a hundred people in recyding, lane cleaning and gralliti/poster cleaning. Binners come from all over Vancouver and thcir recycling led directly to the expansion of this work throughout the Lower Mainland.

The new Portland Hotel at 40 W. Hastings has a kitchen/cafeleria on its main floor. The idea is to get local people, include residents in the buildmg, slart a business that can at least break even, make meals, connect with Farm FolWCity Folk, begin with providing nourishing and whole foods to residents and expand to being open to the public like other restaurants. There can be training and food handling illslruction, as well as providing paying jobs and skills to those working.

Jenny spoke of how this kind of project builds con~~nunity by providing incentive for pcoplc to participate. She presentcd Wendy Pedersen, the coordinator/niover/shaker,with a $25,000 cheque.

Thc cafeteria will be open to residents at 40 West Haslings on April 1 and Lhe public on May 1.

The second initiative grew out of a dan~ageddrum.

First Nations tradition involve having a eeren~onial drum for gatherings and events. One originally brought here by Arrows to Freedom was damaged, and it highlighted the need to have many people in h e corllrnunity and other co~~lrnunities learn how to make a drum, and the history and traditions of its use. It includes going to schools and other centres and teaching people of First Nations values and strengths.

Margaret Prevost sought to bring some laughter ("Here's my kip to Mexico!") as she thanked Jenny for govemncnt support. Tom Oleman spoke of the need for non-Aboriginals to learn of the deep strength of First Nations and the real historq of both failed colonization and failed assimilation and join

on the path of healing. Jenny presented a cheque for $15,000 to aid in the creation of two drums and the sharing of its message.

By PAULK TAYLOR

T h e Crossroads Shuffle Crossing the intersection As yet, no safe injccl~ons Jumping the curb Will 1 be disturbed'?

Please leave me alone I just want to use the phone Nothing serious at all Just wanta make a call So you can put away your candy I'vc only got a quarter handy No big mess, no big fuss, No man I'm not waitin for a bus.

Step aside please, get out of my way, makin a scene, it just don-t pay.

I climb the steps to return a book, Thcn 1 stcp outside to take a look.

1 first peek right and then glance left, The coast is clear..you h o w the rest Navigating the maze is a dally task Just be polite to me is all I ask.