Good mayors build strong, creative communitiesHow often do you think about your mayor? If you’re like me, not often enough. Yet consider how a mayor can support you and your neighbourhood. Mayors have … [Read more...] about Good mayors build strong, creative communities
Engagement
public participation & citizen engagement
Crime Prevention and Capitalism: What’s the Rub? Part II
In part I of our blog feature from last week I presented the contrast between the corporate world and smaller communities such as Rocky Mountain House, where I recently spoke to about 50 local … [Read more...] about Crime Prevention and Capitalism: What’s the Rub? Part II
Crime Prevention and Capitalism: What’s the rub? Part I
We live in a world that often believes that bigger is better - more profit and income - larger homes and communities. That list is BIG and it seems to be growing all the time.This past week I found … [Read more...] about Crime Prevention and Capitalism: What’s the rub? Part I
Creative communities six feet under . . . our feet
When my uncle wanted help finding the grave site of a relative who died in the 1920s, I slipped into sleuthing mode. This relative was three when he succumbed to the flu so his brief history was … [Read more...] about Creative communities six feet under . . . our feet
Peacemaking Circles – Part II
by Dianna BennettCommunity Engagement using Peacemaking Circles is not a novel concept, us European types are just slow learners. Circles have been used over the millennia by many first nations around … [Read more...] about Peacemaking Circles – Part II
Peacemaking Circles
by Dianna BennettWhat are Peacemaking Circles you ask? They are a restorative practice used in Restorative Justice, along with having a few other pretty amazing applications…so stay tuned. … [Read more...] about Peacemaking Circles
Is social media a BFF or ‘frenemy’?
All you want to do is find out what friends and family are up to on Facebook, right? And why should paying a few bills from your sofa or ordering a drone online be fraught with risk?Because it is. … [Read more...] about Is social media a BFF or ‘frenemy’?
Communities coping with victims of crime
While post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is not a new topic, it’s one with a myriad of dimensions. For victims of crimes, the anxiety felt afterwards can range from mild to terrifying, even life … [Read more...] about Communities coping with victims of crime
More Prevention less Police
With 2016 well underway I'm reminded of how much work we still have ahead of us. While there is no question we are making some great progress - many municipalities continue to struggle with issues … [Read more...] about More Prevention less Police
What are the cities we need?
Since 1995, the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada (MISC) has held an annual national conference dedicated to an issue of importance to Canadians. This year’s bilingual conference, taking place … [Read more...] about What are the cities we need?