Scotty (PEI), Sarah (NS) and Daniel (NFLD) Youth Reps!
The Nova Scotia area, Antigonish to be exact, has been keeping things upbeat.
This past week at ST.FX University students held a Sustainability Week with lots of presentations, booths and activities for students and the townspeople of Antigonish to get out and be informed at and to learn about what are the growing concerns today and what we need to work towards to improve our environment.
Each day held a different topic, Development and Peace helped out with Tuesday March 22nd BOTTLED WATER FREE Day!!!
Getting the word out about our initiatives, what exactly we do as D&P and how we as a community can help to conserve water and stop using bottled water.
Here is just a quick glance of what the week entailed:
Monday, March 21 (Sustainability)
9:00 -11:00 am (Outside the library): Fair Trade Coffee & Sustainability Giveaways
5:00 – 6:00 pm (93.3 CFXU): Radio Ada
Tune in to “Radio Ada” at 93.3 CFXU THE FOX for a special talk on “Sustainability & Climate Change”.
7:00 – 9:00 pm A Panel Discussion: “Do Canada’s oil sands contribute to building a sustainable society”?
Tuesday, March 22 (Water)
March 22 is International Water Day, so the day’s events will be themed around good ol’ H2O.
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Learn – “Local Water Issues” with the Antigonish Harbour Watershed Association (AHWA).
From 12-2pm: browse some displays from community and campus groups, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE WILL BE ON SITE!
With a fair trade coffee/tea and lunch, before and after the Lunch & Learn
7:00 – 9:00 pm FILM – “Blue Gold: World Water Wars”:Hosted by StFX Chapter of Cinema Politica: This documentary examines environmental and political implications of the planet’s dwindling water supply and asserts that wars in the future will be fought over water. Blue Gold also highlights some success stories of water activists around the world, and makes a strong case for community action.
Wednesday, March 23 (Food):
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Learn – “Local & Global Food Security” From 12-2pm: browse some displays from community and campus groups with a fair trade coffee/tea and lunch, before and after the Lunch & Learn!
7:00 – 9:00 pm FILM – “The Garden”
This is the story of the now demolished South Central Farm; a community garden and urban farm located in Los Angeles, California. It details the plight of the farmers who organized and worked on the farm. The owner of the lot decided he didn’t want to allow the farmers to use it anymore, and had the garden bulldozed.
Thursday, March 24 (Justice):
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Learn – “Global Partnerships & Sustainability” With Wyanne Sandler, Breaking the Silence
From 12-2pm: Browse some displays from community and campus groups with a fair trade coffee/tea and lunch, before and after the Lunch & Learn!
7:00 pm (SUB Cafeteria) “Green Gig Coffee House” Off-Campus is hosting the Second Annual “Green Gig Coffee House,” where you can sip some java, listen to some LIVE Local Music, and have a wondrous time on a Thursday evening.
Saturday, March 26 (Earth Hour):
8:30-9:30 pm (Everywhere!) EARTH HOUR: Join St. Francis Xavier University and millions of people around the world in turning off your lights to demand action on climate change.
Another Update as D&P rolls on in the East Coast:
This Monday March 28th, a presentation will be given to a local high school in Antigonish in two grade 12 classes, Sarah Cavan, Danny Gillis and Ann Cooke will be presenting the role D&P plays in Canada and what youth/students/communities and people in general can do to help with our topic this year…WATER FOR ALL.
The first class is an IB Global Issues Class, the second class is a combination of 3 classes (there will be about 40ish in total) two global history classes and one global geography class. We want to give youth the opportunity to brainstorm and show them how much they can do to help D&P in the future, to show students it’s the little things such as not buying bottled water that can help, a little goes a long way!
Agenda for our talk is as follows:
Introduction and Consumer Perspective
The Journey of Bottled Water Group activity (adapted from a 2011 THINKfast activity)
Ethical Examination
Action (Change for the future) and Ideas/Questions
Keeping the word spreading is just what we are doing on the East; D&P is working hard to making things happen. Keep up the great work everyone!!!
This week is D and P Makes a Difference week! March 10 – March 20 is your chance to make a difference with Development and Peace.
This special week is an initiative of D & P with the Canadian Catholic Student Assocation – and there are events across the country!
Vancouver, Corpus Christi and St. Mark’s College at UBC: THINKfast on March 26‐27
Victoria, University of Victoria: UVic THINKfast on March 12th
Edmonton, St. Joseph’s College: Launch of Share Lent campaign by Development and Peace on March 19‐20
Regina, Campion College: Bottled Water Free Day on March 10 AND
Regina, Campion College:THINKfast on March 13th
Saskatoon, St. Thomas More College: St. Patrick’s Day pub sponsored by the D and P Just Youth group on March 17th
Winnipeg, St. Paul’s College @ University of Manitoba: THINKfast on March 11th
London, King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario: Social Justice Coffee House by King’s Development and Peace Group on March 15th
Ottawa, Carleton University: THINKfast & Opening Prayer with Saint Paul’s University on March 11‐12th
Ottawa, Carleton University: Development and Peace table Bottled Water Free Zone on March 15th
Ottawa, Université Saint‐Paul/Saint Paul University: Opening Liturgy co‐led with Carleton University RCC followed by THINKfast on March 11th
Toronto, University of St. Michael’s College: Bottled Water Free campaign throughout the week
Waterloo, St. Jerome’s University: Bottle Water Free Day on March 10th
Fredericton, St. Thomas University: Development and Peace lecture on March 21st
Fredericton, St. Thomas University:THINKfast on March 19th
Charlottetown UPEI: Bottled Water Free Day on March 10
Word from the Nelson Youth Justice Rally – February 25, 26 & 27, 2011
The Nelson Youth Rally rocked, shocked, and stirred us all weekend, galvanizing everyone into agents of social action in Nelson and the wider world.
Little did I know what was waiting for me when I set out from Victoria on a snowy Thursday morning to begin the epic journey to Nelson through oceans, mountains, and a multitude of Dairy Queens. Smooth traveling is often preferred, but a total absence of friction on ice-covered roads is a step too far. My intrepid travel companion, Julia, and myself gritted our teeth and slid over the many passes (with names such as “Anarchist” to sooth the nerves!) before descending in ecstatic relief into the little mountain town of Nelson.
The arctic winds were still blowing when the busload (and extra van required en route for overspill) of high school students arrived at St Jo’s school, Nelson, late on Friday. The delays and looks of bus-induced fatigue showed that they suffered in the smae fate on the roads.
However, undeterred, the rally began and energy levels bounced back with the start of Penticton’s finest worship band leading us in high-energy, fist pumping, song and dance. We launched straight into the rally’s theme of “Water for all – Let justice flow!” with an improvised skit, ‘Out of Order’, that was as funny as it was disorganized.
Yet, there was no missing the obvious points made about our perceptions of bottled water – clean, attractive, and convenient – and the contrasting reality – unregulated, unsustainable, and exploitative. Armed with our shiny new re-useable aluminum water bottles, we all returned to our respective territories on classroom floors for a refreshing sleep.
The following morning, a volunteer awoke me by prying the table, which I had taken refuge under for the night, from my grasp. The shock was hers when she found me curled under it, but negotiations over its imminent use for breakfast convinced me to it let go. Semi awake, but well fed, we got organized for the day’s mission: a citywide bottle drive to raise money for the local food bank.
As we set off in our groups, it soon became apparent that serious endurance was required to deal with the pain of freezing extremities and avoid hypothermia in the -15 degree winds. But the effort was well worth it. People greeted us warmly, fully backed our campaign to go “back to the tap,” and heaped empty cans and bottles on our backs so that we ended up shuffling through the snow looking like Sherpas.
The result… over $550 raised for the food bank and 80 participants delighted to defrost and refuel once back indoors.
Later that afternoon we were transformed into little communities spread across lush fields and desert plains in order to simulate the challenges faced in the equitable distribution of water.
Poor families in “Desertia” ended up with high debts, illness, death and still faced water shortages, while others in “Watopia,” by virtue of their good fortune of being located amidst plenty of water, accumulated more wealth and water than they needed. Hearing the different families share their experiences afterwards brought home how complex it can be share equitably, even when everyone is doing their best.
The day ended with a closer look at what Development and Peace is – a member-led international development organization founded by the Canadian Catholic Conference of Bishops – and how it tries to address challenges, such as those we encountered in our simulation game, through fundraising and education in Canada in order to support partners in the Global South who promote alternatives to unfair social, political and economic structures.
We also heard some personal stories from the leaders about their journeys into social justice activity. Juilio even rocked the house with his freestyle rap!
Before heading back home, after an eventful and thought provoking weekend, we considered how we could bring the ideas and action experienced in Nelson back to our own communities, i.e. how to share the love?!
Without going into details, the journey home for poor Julia and I made the one to Nelson seem like a Sunday afternoon stroll on a sunny day. I am still thanking God that we survived! But on reflection, there is nothing I would rather risk my life for, than quality time with great friends, working to alleviate poverty any way, big or small, and the sense of fun and fullness that is still lasting today.
A BIG shout out to everyone there, all who organized it, and you for checking this out! Peace.
What can we do to make a splash on (or around) Bottled Water Free Day???
How about having a public event to announce that your municipality, university, school, parish or other public institution is going bottled water free?
Or planning a meeting with decision makers to help make that happen?
Or building a sculpture – a monster, a waterfall, a giant water tap – from empty water bottles and displaying it somewhere public and visible?
Or creating a big, public display of signed pledge cards and getting lots of other people to sign on?
Your school, university, college, parish, community group etc. can endorse Bottled Water Free Day
Happy New Year! With the amazing fundraising and advocacy we accomplished in 2010… I can’t wait to see what else we can do together!
Just before Christmas our 2011 THINKfast kits filled Canada Post mailboxes east and west. Thanks to Natalie, our Youth Programs Intern from the fall, and the whole THINKfast team here in Toronto we are thrilled to be sharing with you our newest THINKfast in print and online!
WHAT’S NEW?
THE LOOK:
A new coiled book format
Revamped directions and planning tools
THE RESOURCES:
New or transformed resources on our campaign WATER FOR ALL!
Alternative activities uploaded online
Extra resources on your DVD
THE FUNDRAISING:
THINKfast online fundraising right here on the blog
This past year we showed the world the meaning of generous – Canadians raised 20 MILLION for emergency relief and reconstruction in Haiti and 7 MILLION for the same in Pakistan. 1 MILLION of this came from schools and school boards: elementary, high schools, colleges and universities.
AMAZING. And then, thanks to your THINKfast efforts, we raised over $200,000 in much needed funds for justice and peace in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon hosted its 10th Annual Lunch Box Auction in support of Development and Peace on May 13th.
Classes prepared lunches which were then auctioned off and purchased by students. Each lunch had a themeincluding a Medieval Feast for 12, an Avatar party for 10, a Tailgating party for 8 and even a Pork Roast for 30. In all there were 23 meals. The goal in bidding on a lunch is to pay the highest price for a meal, not to get the best deal!
One of the most coveted meals is the Staff Room Lunch. Each year the Grade 12 class competes with the staff to purchase a lunch which is then served in the school staff room. This year the students won it again. For the privilege of eating in the hallowed staff room the students paid over $17,000! The generosity of our student body is overwhelming.
The total amount raised was $31,037.35. The auction is a great project for developing a spirit of solidarity among our students and with others in the Global South.
Just Youth Group – Holy Cross High School
- Michelle Dinter-Lipinski
Ever wondered how the Box Lunch Auction got so big and did so well? A small committee starts it off every year until the entire school is involved. Here’s their how-to video!
On June 10th 2010 we will be hosting an evening of fun, awareness, and raise money for Haiti; all taking place at Lula Lounge – 1585 Dundas St W. in Toronto. Doors open at 8pm.
Our aim is to increase youth awareness about the work of Development & Peace and to raise money for our emergency relief fund for Haiti – currently close to 20 Million dollars.
Dj Busty C.E.O of Bold Productions has offered to spin top 40 for us all night, with a guest performance by Dubbs.
For the first time they will be performing their single written for Development and Peace called “We will never surrender”.
This all ages event (drinking for 19+) is going to be an awesome night for young people to come together and help make a change.
Come support Development and Peace, friends, family members, and even strangers are all welcome. Max capacity is 250 so make sure you are there early to ensure you get in. If you would like to confirm in advance I have 50 spots available on a guest list.
Last week I was privileged to be a part of an incredible board wide initiative organized by local volunteer members in the beautiful city of Sault Ste Marie.
After a day full of presentations at St Thomas Aquinas C.S.S I made the 7 hour journey to the “soo” without any real idea as to what was laying ahead of me the next morning. I was given the opportunity to meet with wonderful local, hard working D&P members that participated in this initiative. I was taken in and treated as if I was family and welcomed everywhere I went with open arms, for that I am always great full.
St Basil’s C.S.S were instrumental in making this wonderful day happen; Justice Walk 2010.
With promotional videos made, posters of truth, and an already burning desire to make a difference we hit the street; with a very special grade 12 class leading the way. As we walked to MP Tony Martin’s office with a solid 200 strong we met up with a few classes from the partnering high school down the road St Mary’s. With us were students carrying a thousand plus signatures supporting our campaign on food sovereignty. Mr. Martin so graciously met us outside and spoke to the students, quoting Martin Luther King Jr’s speech on politician, labeling this generation of youth now “changing the course of the wind”.
I was completely blown away as I watched this day fall into place. After walking back to the school unsure of what was next I learned about a prayer service, but first we had to pick up a large group of elementary school students from down the road to join us.
These young students came walking out of their school with smiles as big as I have ever seen, waving Afghanistan flags (each elementary school chose I country and learned about the work D&P is doing in that country) and singing this year’s theme song; waving flag by K’naan. As we walked back I was so ecstatic I had to run ahead through the school to watch the students walk out together. As the approached the back doors of the school to walk through the honor guard I could hear them without seeing them; singing together “when I get older, I will be stronger, they’ll call me freedom, just like a waving flag”.
Now I am blown away. I was honored to be able to say a few words of thanks and begin the prayer service with the opening prayer. As pictures were taken and thanks of gratitude all around I sat back just trying to soak in everything that had happened in the span of 3 or 4 hours. Wow.
After eating a lovely lunch at the water front, I went to the school board to meet some very influential people in setting up this project. After being introduced and saying a quick thanks to everyone I joined them in watching the promotional video. Then came time for the directors to walk for peace and justice; I of course had to join even for a few moments; this was really special. I was then given the opportunity to speak in a classroom at St Mary’s high school and talk a little bit further about D&P and our campaign for this year. Finishing the evening off I was graciously welcomed into the home of the chaplain of St Basil’s C.S.S to join her and her family for a wonderful meal. The morning was welcomed with a sad good bye to such a great community but full of inspiration and a new challenge for me when I returned home. All that is left to say is THANK YOU to everyone in the “soo” for all their hard work and for making me feel at home; even for one day.
“To act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with God” – Micah 6:8
Accomplished by H.S.C.D.S.B on April 28th 2010.
God Bless,
Daniel Schultheis
Click here and here for more information about the Justice Walk.
Join our group which is travelling to the G8 Summit in Huntsville Ontario on June 24th – June 26th.
This is going to be a great experience and a chance to be a voice for so many people who don’t share the same luxury’s that we are so fortunate to have.
The plan is to camp out at Arrowhead Provincial Park a few short miles from the G8. There is guaranteed to be plenty of great outdoor activities as well as evening campfires; which I know everyone enjoys!
Join us for an amazing trip and an opportunity to make a change! If you are interested or have any questions you can contact either myself or Luke Stocking via Facebook or E-mail.
On February 18th, 2010, Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School kicked off its annual 25 hour Thinkfast!
Over 40 students participated in the fast, raised money and awareness. The event was filled with education, community, enthusiasm and an important display of solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the Global South!
Students were very busy being farmers and CEO’s with our guest speaker Julie, from Development and Peace.
An awesome justice-themed Amazing Race game was held later in the evening. We then learned about the multi-national food industry with a screening of “Food Inc.” The second day of the fast was aimed at bringing awareness to the school community. Students were given the D&P postcards and petitions for their fellow classmates to fill out; all of them were! Our fast closed with a liturgy filled with song and a strong sense of community.
The final fundraising count will be finished shortly. We will post an update once the final numbers are in!
March 22 is International Water Day, so the day’s events will be themed around good ol’ H2O.
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Learn – “Global Partnerships & Sustainability” With Wyanne Sandler, Breaking the Silence 
Just before Christmas our 2011 THINKfast kits filled Canada Post mailboxes east and west. Thanks to Natalie, our Youth Programs Intern from the fall, and the whole THINKfast team here in Toronto we are thrilled to be sharing with you our newest THINKfast in print and online!
Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon hosted its 10th Annual Lunch Box Auction in support of Development and Peace on May 13th. 
On June 10th 2010 we will be hosting an evening of fun, awareness, and raise money for Haiti; all taking place at Lula Lounge – 1585 Dundas St W. in Toronto. Doors open at 8pm.
Last week I was privileged to be a part of an incredible board wide initiative organized by local volunteer members in the beautiful city of Sault Ste Marie.
I was completely blown away as I watched this day fall into place. After walking back to the school unsure of what was next I learned about a prayer service, but first we had to pick up a large group of elementary school students from down the road to join us.
