All posts by stephanie

Really interesting preview of an upcoming book. I have always liked the donut model for development – it seems to sum up nicely for me both the bottom and the top edges of what sustainability looks like in the real world.
Definitely worth reading the summary below for what the author mentions about Monopoly (the game.) I’ve never been nearly enough of a hard-core capitalist to “win” at Monopoly. However, based on what is being said about the original rules, I think I was just playing with the wrong rules the whole time. 🙂
So, how about if we all start playing Monopoly with the socialist/equalizing rules instead of the capitalist/winner-takes-all rules and see what difference that makes in life. 🙂
Anybody else agree with me? 🙂
SJM

Kate Raworth’s book, Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist is published next Thursday. I loved it , and I’ll review it properly then, but here are three excerpts to whet your appetite: On the importance of diagrams: ‘Think, then, of the circles, parabolas, lines and curves that make up the…

via Doughnut Economics is published next week. Here’s why you should be excited — From Poverty to Power

Interesting thoughts on the relationship between fact and emotion in terms of changing social norms. I think that the discussion also likely applies to how to move forward on critical action for climate change etc.
Thoughts?

Earlier this week I spent a day with Oxfam’s biggest cheeses, discussing how we should react to the rising tide of nationalism and populism (if you think that’s a Northern concern, take a look at what is going on in India or the Philippines). One of the themes that emerged in the discussions was how…

via What do aid agencies need to do to get serious on changing social norms? — From Poverty to Power

What will it take for the federal government to seriously prioritize equality in budget and other key issues? Perhaps greater public pressure is needed on the government to push for greater reform on budgets, electoral systems, sustainability etc.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-budget-equlity-1.4036031

Just came across this article – looks like they are doing some great work that is worth supporting. 🙂
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/teen-vegan-network-no-meat-dairy-products-before-20-social-media-network-summer-camp-vegetarians-a7639916.html

As many, in my circles at least, continue to push back strongly against the unfair banning of our Muslim and Middle Eastern friends, among others, that is taking place in the US, here is a strong reminder of where the challenges in Canada actually lie and what we need to do to maintain a strong, welcoming, diverse society. Read and share! 🙂
Simple truth is that white men are Canada’s mass shooters: Opinion
http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/canadian-mass-murders-1.3958772
Shared via the CBC News Android App

http://www.canadianmennonite.org/stories/egyptian-radiologist-seeks-help-salam-medical-centre
Thanks to Dick Benner for all of your help. Hopefully there will be many more years of great connections between SMC and Mennos! 🙂
(FYI – The article is also in the CM issue that just came out.)
For more details, go to www.smcegypt.org. 

https://oxfamblogs.org/fp2p/on-webinars-prayer-and-transformational-development-an-hour-with-world-vision/
Wondering about how cake and maps fit into development? Interesting reflections on how international NGOs engage both with local partners and local communities. How do power dynamics affect processes? How can things be improved? Worth reading. 🙂

https://www.greenparty.ca/en/the-real-questions
Alternate electoral reform survey – very short and simple. Fill it in and spread the word. Thanks!

The Guardian: Egypt: three days of mourning declared after 25 people killed in Cairo bomb. http://google.com/newsstand/s/CBIww4zk8zA
It’s a sad day for Egypt today. The need for peacebuilding and cooperation seems greater every day, especially on days like this.

CBC News: Portland to raise taxes on companies where CEO earns 100 times what workers do. http://google.com/newsstand/s/CBIwybPa7DA
Great idea! Makes me wonder if this has been done anywhere else in the past. It’s a pretty concrete way to make a statement on financial inequality.  I’d love to see it become much more common. 🙂