Newsletter #18
Sierra Club - Chebucto Group
In this issue:
- Nova Nada & Sierra Club in the news!
- HELP WANTED with fund raising!
- Sierra Cape Breton on the road to Georgia!
- holiday idea - Sierra Club *gift* membership
- Sierra Youth Coalition Job Postings
- Sierra Club of Canada Sustainability Initiative
- activist bulletin from Newfoundland
- *** Chebucto Group leaders contact info ***
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no new EVENTS to list ... most of us are busy with exams/holidays, etc
but watch this space in 1998!!
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Monday, Dec 8 be watching the National on CBC TV to see Doreen Huybers --
our new Conservation Chair -- in the National's special on Nova Nada!
For anyone interested in getting involved with Chebucto Group's
Conservation activities, Doreen can be reached at 422-4956
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1998 Sierra Club BABY ANIMAL *calendars* have arrived ... to find out how
you can get one contact Lola (aka Outings Leader!) doucetl@is2.dal.ca
*** we also need help selling the calendars at the Halifax Farmers' Market
and other venues ... please contact Lola if you can help
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From: Frances Morrison fran.morrison@ns.sympatico.ca
TOXIC EXCHANGE TRIP SLATED WITH GEORGIA
by Steve MacInnis/Cape Breton Post
What do Fort Valley, Ga., and Sydney, Nova Scotia, have in common?
The answer is a highly toxic waste dump and seven Cape Bretoners will see
first hand this weekend how the small Georgia town is attempting to clean
up its mess.
In reverse, Fort Valley residents will come to Cape Breton in the spring
to see how island residents are attempting to clean up their infamous tar
ponds.
The project is titled "Toxic Exchange" and is being sponsored by the
Sierra Club of Canada and is part of Sierra's on-going participation with
the local Joint Action Group (JAG).
JAG is mandated to develop a community-based clean up plan of the tar
ponds which contain over 700,000 tonnes of toxic waste generated after
nearly a century of steel making.
Fort Valley's problem is the "cap" - a mound of synthetic materials, clay
and dirt which cover arsenic concentrations more than 300 times acceptable
levels. Just under a acre in size, the mess was left behind by a former
pesticide plant.
"I think I'll learn more on this trip than hours spent in the library
doing research," said Sharon Lee Carter, an environmental health student
at the University College of Cape Breton.
Joining Carter on the trip will be Dan & Clothilde Yakimchuk, residents of
Whitney Pier, John Martell, a steelworker; Shirley Christmas, representing
the Mi'kmaq community; Sister Ellen Donovan spiritual representative, and
Mark Biagi, a marine biologist.
Joining the group in Georgia will be Elizabeth May, executive director of
the Sierra Club Canada and former resident of Cape Breton.
Sierra Cape Breton representative Fran Morrison said the trip is a perfect
example of grass roots involvement in cleaning up environmental hazards.
She said the trip is a fact-finding mission and information from both
communitites will be shared. In addition, the entire exercise will be
videotaped for future use.
Biagi said he hopes the message will get out to other communities to get
involved in their own problems and not let someone else take charge.
For more info contact:
Frances Morrison fran.morrison@ns.sympatico.ca
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This season, wouldn't you like to give a gift that actually *helps* the
environment instead of contributing to overconsumption and inumerable
other environmental and social problems? [*whew*!]
a SIERRA CLUB gift MEMBERSHIP is just the thing!
- with a Sierra Club membership, your MONEY goes towards helping national,
regional and local CONSERVATION efforts
- the lucky recipient will get educated on environmental issues from
SANDPIPER, our brand new Chebucto Group newsletter *and* the new-improved
SANCTUARY (Eastern Canada Chapter newsletter) ... and other membership
benefits like discounts on Sierra Club books and the opportunity to take
part in local Sierra Club activities ...
- and by increasing our membership NUMBERS you'll be helping build the
strength of the Sierra Club at the local and national level
yippy yippy yip!
gift memberships start at $15 (student) and $35 (regular) ... add $8 for a
second person at same address ... but pay more if you want
just send a cheque with the recipient's name/address/email/phone etc ...
and your own particulars so we can send a gift card to:
Sierra Club
PO Box 36093
Halifax NS B3J 3S9
for more info check our web sites
local ---> http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Environment/Sierra/
national ---> http://www.sierraclub.ca/
to receive a membership brochure and other info by fax call our fax-back
line: 902-492-1995
(or email me your fax #)
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From: cindy fairholm jlf@uvic.ca
Here is information on the four Sierra Club of BC/Sierra Youth Coalition
(BC) internship job positions. The four Falls Brook Center / Sierra Youth
Coalition (NB) job positions will be out in about a week. Please post
where appropriate and/or pass the message along. For more detailed job
descriptions and project information on the BC positions, contact Cory
Waters at cwaters@islandnet.com or (250) 386-5255. Looking forward to
hearing from potential applicants from across the country.
YOUTH INTERNSHIP POSTING
Posted: November 21, 1997
Closing Date: December 15, 1997
Term: Approx. January 12, 1998 to November 27, 1998 (46 weeks)
Description: This is a Sierra Club of British Columbia/ Sierra Youth
Coalition Youth Internship made available through the Canadian
International Development Agency. The goal of the project is to give young
Canadians international work experience in the field of sustainability and
international development. Successful applicants will start and finish
their work experience in British Columbia, with a five month placement in
El Salvador with the Salvadoran Centre For Appropriate Technology (CESTA)
based out of San Salvador.
There are four positions available. Two interns will work with the Sierra
Club's GAIA Project on the development and implementation of a mobile
"Sustainable Living" demonstration centre. This project is based out
of Smithers, B.C. These interns will work with the Ecocentro (Ecological
Centre) in rural El Salvador. Assets specific to this position include
organic gardening or appropriate technology skills, and building or
retrofitting skills.
Two interns will work with the Sierra Club on the implementation of a
"Rainforest Education Program" in schools and educational centers throughout
Victoria and the lower mainland regions. These two positions will be
working in Victoria , B.C. with the Sierra Club Educational Program and in
El Salvador with the Forest of Reconciliation in Guazapa. Assets specific
to this position include previous reforestation experience and experience in
educational programming.
In addition, all four positions will involve coordinating youth outreach
and educational campaign with the Sierra Youth Coalition, the youth branch
of the Sierra Club of Canada.
All positions require determined, self starting, committed individuals
willing to work under extreme conditions. A potentially rewarding
opportunity for the right minded individuals. The successful applicants
will be given a moderate financial stipend and a unique opportunity to gain
experience in international environment and development issues.
Prerequisites: To qualify you must be between the ages of 18-29 and you
must be a Canadian citizen.
General Qualifications:
1) proven ability to work as a team under stressful, extreme conditions
with minimal resources.
2) understanding and experience in working on sustainability issues
3) proven computer skills including word processing, e-mail, internet
familiarity and ability to operate in a Windows environment
4) Education in International Development, Biology, Forestry, Education,
Engineering, Geography, Physics, Agriculture, Environmental Science or
Environmental Studies OR a technical trade related to these fields OR proven
life experience of equivalent nature.
5) Experience working with educational displays, programming or schools
outreach programs
6) Class Five drivers license
7) Excellent health.
Assets:
1) Written or spoken Spanish language skills a strong asset
2) Cross-cultural communication skills and/or experience working with other
cultures
3) First Aid ticket or training
4) Group leadership, facilitation, workshop and presentation skills
5) Carpentry and mechanical skills
The Sierra Club is an equal opportunities employer.
For more information, a detailed job description or to apply contact:
Youth Internship Program, Sierra Club of B.C.
1525 Amelia St. Victoria, B.C. V8W 2K1
phone (250) 386-5255
fax: (250) 386-4453
e-mail: cwaters@islandnet.com
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From: "Mike Nickerson, Inviting Debate"
A Question of Direction
Another Sierra Club Initiative
The Question of Direction seeks to stimulate public debate about whether
decisions should be based on perpetual economic expansion or
sustainability.
At present we are railroaded toward growth at any cost by a wealthy
minority of influence manipulators. If the population were asked their
preference, a change of mandate would become obvious.
The Sierra Club can play a significant role in pressing the Question of
Direction into the public forum.
A full description of the campaign is available. Just send a note & your
mailing address to Mike Nickerson at: sustain@web.net
The explanations less the samples can be found at the "Question of
Direction" link on our welcome page. http://www.cyberus.ca/choose.sustain
"If we don't change direction, we'll end up where we're going."
Sustainability Project - Inviting Debate
P.O. Box 374, Merrickville, Ontario
K0G 1N0
(613) 269-3500
e-mail: sustain@web.net
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From: Dale Jarvis heritage@avalon.nf.ca
One of the organizations that has been instrumental in preserving the
architectural and built heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador is currently
faces a very uncertain future. Your support is needed to help the
Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador continue as a protector
and promoter of this province's unique and valuable architectural
traditions.
Information on the programs of the Heritage Foundation, and what you can
do to help, is available on our Internet website. The website has been
reorganized to enable visitors to the site to take direct action to help
preserve this important institution. Please visit our homepage, not only
to learn more about how the Foundation is in jeopardy, but also to explore
the rich architectural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. While there,
check out "The One Minute Heritage Activist"!
Dale Jarvis
Heritage Inventory Coordinator
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Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Newman Building
1 Springdale Street, PO Box 5171
St. John's, Newfoundland, CANADA A1C 5V5
Tel: 709-739-1892 Fax: 709-739-5413
Visit our web site! http://www.avalon.nf.ca/heritage
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Chebucto Group Excomm: [officially effective 1 January 1998]
Group Chair Arciris Garay 443-8472 af169@chebucto.ns.ca
Vice / Treas. Jack Devenney 463-0090 jack.devdart@ns.sympatico.ca
Secretary Allison Denning 423-6486 adenning@is2.dal.ca
Outings Lola Doucet 455-6365 doucetl@is2.dal.ca
Publicity Paul Falvo 492-1995 pfalvo@chebucto.ns.ca
Cape Breton Fran Morrison 737-2855 fran.morrison@ns.sympatico.ca
Non Excomm Officer:
Conservation Doreen Huybers 422-4956
Visit us on the 'Net!
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Environment/Sierra/
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SIERRA CLUB HOTLINE/FAXBACK 902-492-1995
To find out what's happening in Chebucto Group call 492-1995 anytime for a
regularly updated recording with the latest events schedule. Call from a
fax line to receive a membership brochure and other info by fax.
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Sierra Club is North America's most effective grass roots environmental
group. Chebucto Group is the local branch, covering Atlantic Canada. To
subscribe to our bimonthly email newsletter, and receive regular updates
on conservation activities, outings, and get-togethers just send a message
with only the words "subscribe sierra-news" to majordomo@chebucto.ns.ca
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Environment/Sierra/