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is a Vancouver-based nonprofit organization that specializes in providing information and referral regarding community, government and social services in BC. Our help line services include 211, the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service (ADIRS), the Problem Gambling Help Line, VictimLink BC, and the Youth Against Violence Line.

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What is The Social Planning Council?

Activities:

o Monthly Meetings: Attend meetings with guest speakers from within the community &/or presentations at each meeting. We currently meet the fourth Monday of every month (excluding summer) at City Hall with light lunch by donation.

o Facebook & Email Group: Utilize the network on Facebook. Start discussions, learn about & share upcoming community events, projects and meetings. If you don’t use Facebook, then join the email network instead.

o Inform City Council: The SPC provides reports to City Council regularly and the City keeps the SPC informed. Use the network and have your voices heard.



Strategic Direction of the Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area:

o Poverty Reduction and the local Living Wage Campaign.

o Community Collaboration and Networking.

o Retention and Succession of residents within the Area.



Community Social Planning:

o Supports communities in building an integrated approach to complex problems that take into account social, economic, and environmental concerns.

o Maximizes the effectiveness of often scarce resources by working to reduce duplication, overlap and competition.

o Provides an ongoing forum for communication, coordination and conflict resolution.



Thursday, January 19, 2012

Community Updates – January 20, 2012

Please find the following four community updates below:

1) Richard Heinberg coming to 100 Mile House on Feb. 7th, 2012!
2) Calendar of Events (Jan – Jun 2012) from the Council of Canadians
3) Compassionate Nonviolent Communication Workshop
4) Communities that Care (CTC) Community Board working groups



1) Richard Heinberg coming to 100 Mile House on Feb. 7th, 2012

The South Cariboo Sustainability Society and the Agr-Culture Centre have some exciting news! World renowned author, educator and speaker, Richard Heinberg, is coming to 100 Mile House on Tuesday, February 7th. He will be giving a public presentation at 7 PM at the 100 Mile Community Hall. We are extremely fortunate to have such a high calibre speaker coming to our area. We hope that you can attend this memorable event.

Here is some brief information about Richard Heinberg (http://richardheinberg.com/):

Richard Heinberg is the author of ten books, forecasting the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and arguing that we need to live within the earth's limited natural resources. With a wry, unflinching approach based on facts and realism, Richard exposes the tenuousness of our current way of life and offers a vision for a truly sustainable future. Richard is the Senior Fellow in Residence at the Post Carbon Institute (http://www.postcarbon.org/).

Richard's latest work, The End of Growth, explains the ongoing financial crisis, how and why it occurred, and what we must do to avert the worst potential outcomes. It describes what policymakers, communities, and families can do to build a new economy that operates within Earth’s budget of energy and resources. His message is that we can thrive during this transition if we set goals that promote human and environmental well-being, rather than continuing to pursue ever-expanding GDP.

Please see the poster (attached) for more information about the event. In addition, below are two U Tube clips that are recommended by the Post Carbon Institute.

300 Years of Fossil Fuels in 300 Seconds www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ-J91SwP8w

Who Killed Economic Growth? www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQqDS9wGsxQ

Yours truly,

Patricia Spencer
Co-chair, South Cariboo Sustainability Society
Box 10135 - 108 Mile Ranch, BC
250.791.1901 earthwiseps@shaw.ca

https://www.facebook.com/pages/South-Cariboo-Sustainability-Committee/120590728018850
Our brochure: http://www.ccconserv.org/sustainability/southcariboohand-out.pdf

2) Calendar of Events (Jan – Jun 2012) from the Council of Canadians

The latest updated calendar of events that the Coalition of Groups has put together can now be found on the Williams lake Council of Canadians website at http://www.williamslakecouncilofcanadians.ca/CofC/Home.html
Their next meeting is after the Jan 28th Food Forum at TRU at 2:30 pm
Contact Bette McLennan for more information at bettemcl@gmail.com

3) Compassionate Nonviolent Communication Workshop

FEBRUARY 4TH & 5TH AT THE FRIENDSHIP CENTER IN WILLIAMS LAKE

Join Rachelle Lamb in this revealing and insightful workshop on how to increase your relational intelligence and communication effectiveness.

You will learn:

The four cornerstones of successful relating
How conflict starts and escalates and what to do about it
How to translate “hard to hear” messages into something productive for everyone
Your role in establishing harmonious communication and keeping things on track

Rachelle Lamb from Victoria BC is a sought after author, speaker and certified trainer of Compassionate Nonviolent Communication.

TUITION: $225 / $195 Earlybird Jan 20th

Info/Registration: http://www.rachellelamb.com/
Melanie Reinelt 250-394-7711

4) Communities that Care (CTC) Community Board Working Groups

The last Community Board meeting was an excellent meeting with great discussion and ideas on our projects. The minutes for this meeting are quite detailed as I tried to capture the richness of our discussions (please email Carla for copy).

Our working groups and project leads are:

Transit to Scout Island – Denise Deschene
Safe Spaces – Lora Fairbrother and Sally Errey
Expand Positive Action – Rana Grace
Glass Slippers – Lora Fairbrother
Communication Strategy – Carla Bullinger
Acknowledge our History – Anne Burrill

Please contact them directly with ideas and participation. If you know of anyone else who should be involved in any of these working groups, please invite them to participate.

We have agreed to meet on the second Thursday of every month from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Next meeting is February 9. The location is still to be determined.

Thanks,
Carla Bullinger, Facilitator
Communities that Care
Williams Lake, BC
email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca
cell: 250-267-8249

Future Social Planning Monthly Meeting Dates

We are re-evaluating the day of month & time we currently meet so are sending out three potential time slots that would remain the same each month (e.g. the fourth Monday of each month). Please sign up for any or all of the proposed dates & times but note there will only be one meeting per month.

Results of this poll will be used to determine future meeting dates (February onwards) so please participate and stay tuned. Currently, the next scheduled SPC meeting is on Monday Jan 30th at 11:30 am at City Hall.

Options (vote for all options that could work for you)
NO SIGN UP or REGISTRATION is required

1) Fourth Monday of each month – 11:30 am – 1 pm (current slot)
2) Fourth Monday of each month – 1:30 – 3 pm
http://www.doodle.com/9niw4veueky5mcgm

3) Third Monday of each month – 11:30 am – 1 pm
4) Third Monday of each month – 1:30 pm – 3 pm
http://www.doodle.com/tduy4n6svr7tcria

5) Third Wednesday of each month – 11:30 am – 1 pm
6) Third Wednesday of each month – 1:30 – 3 pm
http://www.doodle.com/x4gefer5ewxhxwsf

Friday, January 13, 2012

New webpage

We are currently designing another webpage to better service the needs of members and the community. We will continue to use this site in the meantime, but stay tuned for upcoming updates to this site.

Next SPC Meeting date

The next regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Jan 30th, 2012 at 11:30 am at City Hall (light lunch by donation).

Community Updates - Jan 13, 2012

Community Updates – January 13, 2012

Below are eight Social Planning and Community updates for you before the Holidays.

1) Indian residential School Adjudication Secretariat & The Cariboo Friendship Society are providing a free Information session on the Independence Assessment Process (IAP).

Community Information Sessions – Jan 19th and 20th from 9 – 4:30 pm at the Cariboo Friendship Society Boardroom (99 South Third Avenue). Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served.

The IAP is an alternative dispute resolution process for resolving claims of serious abuse suffered at an Indian Residential School. It is one part of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. IAP Info Line – 1-877-635-2648, 24hr Crisis line 1-866-925-4419. The application deadline for IAP is September 19, 2012.

2) Reminder - Lets Talk About Food! Williams Lake Local Food Forum

Saturday January 28
9:00 – 2:00
TRU Cafeteria

As many of you are already aware of, the Williams Lake Food Policy Council has partnered with the City of Williams Lake, Thompson-Rivers University and the Oliver Street Market to bring a Second Local Food Forum to our Community.

Our Five Year Food Action Plan is complete! We need YOUR input in creating our Second Food Action Plan for Williams Lake & Area, which will help to guide & prioritize local food projects and initiatives over the next 5 years. Admission is FREE, please pass this invitation along to anyone else you think might be interested.

Coffee and snacks provided by the Oliver Street Market vendors you've come to love over the summer! Local food Lunch by Cariboo Growers by small donation

As the famous quote by Wendell Berry states, "Eating is an agricultural act"; If you eat, we need to hear your voice at our Local Food Forum.

Michelle Daymond
250-267-2085
candoitconsulting150@gmail.com
tatjana.bates@interiorhealth.ca

3) Please find attached info on XploreSportz Winter 2012 from the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. Registrations need to be in by Jan. 31st. Keep your fingers crossed for some snowfall! Contacy Irene Berns for more information P: (250) 398- 7665 E: iberns@williamslake.ca

4) There is still some funding available from the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society (deadline is Jan 16th). Check out their website for more information at http://www.centralcaribooarts.com/

5) Upcoming Library Events

Focus on Financial Literacy
Tuesday January 17th, 7pm, Library program room
DO YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME JUGGLING DEBTS AND BILLS? ARE YOU SAVING ENOUGH FOR YOUR FUTURE? IS PAYDAY ALWAYS TOO FAR AWAY?

If so, this program is for you.

Put on by Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy, and proudly supported by a grant from the TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund

Armchair Travel Program, 2012
The extremely popular Armchair Travel program is back at the Cariboo Regional District Library Williams Lake Branch. Event organizer Pam Hedley-Smith has planned an exciting line-up of new speakers and travel destinations. Each Armchair Travel evening features the recent travel experiences of a local community member, through words, pictures, sometimes even music and food. Hold tight speakers are yet to be announced, but the dates are scheduled.

Thursday January 19th
Thursday January 26th
Thursday January 2nd
Thursday January 9th
Thursday January 16th
Thursday January 23rd

Eye Health with Dr. Averi Van Dam
Come to this session on January 31, 7pm in the library program room. In this session Dr. Van Dam will be covering the top 10 “eye myths” we’ve all heard about (ie. Is it safe to wear contacts overnight? Does eating carrots improve your night vision?)

Celebrate Family Literacy Week Jan 21-27, 2012
Read a book and pick up a Literacy Passport at the Williams Lake Library
In partnership with the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy, join us Friday January 27th for a Robert Munsch puppet show at 3:30pm. Seating is limited so register early at the front checkout.

Library to hold Elder College class on Introduction to using Ebooks and Audiobooks
Feb 3, 1-3pm – Library program room
Feb 10, 10-12pm – TRU library computer lab
Registration is January 18th, 2012, 1:00pm-2:30pm at St. Andrews’ United Church Hall

NFB Film Nights during the month of February
Wednesday Feb 1, 2012, 7pm

The Chocolate Farmer – Documentary (71 min 22 s)
In an unspoiled corner of southern Belize, cacao farmer Eladio Pop works his plantation in the tradition of his Mayan ancestors. A tender and moving tale, this lush cinematic journey captures a year in the life of the Pop family as they struggle to preserve their values in a dramatically changing world.
Wednesday Feb 15, 2012, 7pm

Mighty Jerome – Documentary (83 min 38 s) – Marking African Heritage Month (February 2012)
A film about the rise, fall and redemption of Harry Jerome, track and field star and one of Canada’s greatest athletes. Gorgeous monochrome imagery, impassioned interviews and astonishing archival footage are used to tell the compelling story of what has been called “the greatest comeback in track and field history.”

Wednesday Feb 29, 2012, 7pm

The Future Is Now! – Documentary (91 min)
In an effort to re-connect a pessimistic “everyman” with humanity, a journalist takes him on a voyage of possibilities, encountering leading thinkers in the arts and sciences. Will the journalist succeed in turning the cynic into an optimist? Will it matter? What can one person do?

6) Community Cookbook… needs you!

The Canadian Mental Health Association in the Cariboo Chilcotin is celebrating Williams Lake’s wonderful and diverse community and is inviting residents of the Cariboo to participate in a community cookbook. Please contact Marilyn Livingston or Tom Salley at 250-398-8220 or marilyn.livingston@cmhawl.org for more info or to get involved.

7) Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy

REACH A READER & FAMILY LITERACY WEEK
Reach a Reader is taking place Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. The Williams Lake Tribune is one of our partners and CCPL provides articles, news, and stories for this issue. This issue is then sold by volunteers and local “celebrities” who roam the city and hang around town and businesses on January 26. You can support this effort by making a donation and/or buying a newspaper from one of our volunteers.

Family Literacy Day is Jan. 27, but the Williams Lake Library & CCPL have activities planned for the entire week. In addition, you can visit the ABC Life Literacy website for activity ideas around family literacy. There is a Journey to Learning Passport for Family Literacy Day for families – copies of passport are available at the WL library - , and there is also a section just for adults with adult-themed tip sheets and activities to encourage year-long learning. Their website: www.abclifeliteracy.ca

FAMILY FEST
Family Fest is confirmed for Sunday, February 5 at Marie Sharpe School from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This is a popular free event which CCPL has been organizing for the last few years. Kirsten Stark, whom you’ve probably met as our Financial Literacy Coordinator, is organizing the event. You can contact Kirsten at kirsten@caribooliteracy.com for more information. We also welcome volunteers who can help set up or clean up on the day of the event.

FINANCIAL LITERACY
Kirsten Stark, Financial Literacy Coordinator, will be offering one-to-one support as well as workshops beginning in February. An information session on her free workshops will be held at the Williams Lake library on Jan. 17 at 7:00 p.m. Monthly workshops will begin in February, and they will take place at various locations with a range of guest speakers from local financial institutions. Attached with this update is the workshop schedule. For more information contact Kirsten at kirsten@caribooliteracy.com

ABORIGINAL EMPOWERMENT GATHERINGS (POSTER IS ATTACHED)
CCPL received funding through the Aboriginal Community Adult Literacy Program to provide this program. The purpose of the Urban Aboriginal Empowerment Gatherings is to: support the literacy needs of Aboriginal learners creatively, flexibly and sensitively; and to enhance confidence and improve well-being. The first session will take place on January 18th, 12:00 p.m. at TRU and the topic will be Motivation and Encouragement. Philip Johnson from Nenqyani Treatment and Wellness Center has graciously volunteered to attend as our guest speaker. Caroline Derksen from the Cariboo Regional District Library will be in attendance with books on motivation and has offered to be part of the discussion. Child minding and lunch will be provided. For more information contact Janette Moller, 250-392-8161.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
This free workshop will take place:
Where: Public Library
When: Every Second Tuesday starting Jan. 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Who is it for: This workshop is intended for people with no prior computer knowledge or experience.
People must pre-register at the library or with Janette Moller at the PAL office, 250-392-8057 or by email at partnerassistedlearning@gmail.com

8) A Series of Sustainable Gardening Workshops are starting at the end of February. Please contact TRU for more information or to register.

Contact Us

The Social Planning Council is made up of volunteers from the community. Many of us work in social services agencies or also volunteer for other organizations.

Our Mailing Address is Box 20045, Williams Lake BC V2G 4R1

To reach the Society Coordinator Jessica Dunn please email spc-coordinator@xplornet.com or call 250-243-2126

To reach the Communities that Care Project Facilitator Barb Jones please email communitiesthatcare.wl@gmail.com or call 250-305-4838

To reach the THRIVE Williams Lake Project Manager Anne Burrill please email annelburrill@gmail.com or call 250-267-7211

To reach the current SPC Chair Larry Stranberg please email happytrails@cfdccariboo.com or call 250-392-3626