The 8th SCYP E-Zine! I HEART CO-OPS!!! DO YOU???

Transcripción

1 The 8th SCYP E-Zine! Greetings y Saludos! Please pass this E-Zine along to people you know so that we may spread the word about the greatness of co-ops! Welcome to the first ever bilingual issue of "I Heart Co-ops" featuring articles in English and Spanish. This difference was inspired by the work of the Canada World Youth participants who compiled this issue of the E-zine. Bienvenidos a la primera edición bilingüe de la "I Heart Co-ops", con artículos en Inglés y Español. Esta diferencia se inspiró en el trabajo de los participantes Canadá Mundial de la Juventud que compiló esta edición de la E-zine. In this issue, we wanted to present a look at co-operatives around the world as well as to offer stories, profiles and ideas from people who are passionate about participating as global citizens and companies that are passionate about creating a positive and fair working environment in their communities around the world. En esta edición, hemos querido presentar un vistazo a las cooperativas en todo el mundo, así como para ofrecer historias, perfiles e ideas de las personas que son apasionados acerca de la participación como ciudadanos del mundo y las empresas que son apasionados acerca de cómo crear un ambiente positivo y justas de trabajo en sus comunidades en todo el mundo. We hope you enjoy this 8th issue of the I Heart Co-ops E-Zine! Esperamos que disfrute de esta 8th edición de la "I Heart Co-ops E-Zine! I HEART CO-OPS!!! DO YOU??? 1

2 What s Inside! A Brief Look At Canada World Youth (CWY)... Page 2 World Co-operative Profile (Nicaragua)... Page 3-4 World Co-operative Profile (Rwanda)... Page 5-6 How to Be A Global Citizen... Page 7-8 Globally Conscious Music, Literature and Media...Page 9-10 Upcoming Opportunities and Groovy Things To Do... Page 11 SCYPers in Action... Page 12 Another Outstanding Display of Youth in Action... Page 12 Cool Sites and Resources for Youth... Page 13 Profile of FUNARTE...Page 14 SCYP Profiles (An Interview with Ben Chung)... Page 15 About Youth Leaders in Action Program...Page 16 Food For Thought...Page 16 About SCYP... Page 17 SCYPers in Action... Page E-zine Submission Information...Page 18 A Brief Look at Canada World Youth See page 16 for more information... Canada World Youth's mission is to increase the ability of people, and especially youth, to participate actively in the development of just, harmonious, and sustainable societies. Vision Canada World Youth envisions a world of active, engaged global citizens who share responsibility for the well-being of all people and the planet. Values Integrity in all our relationships, partnerships and business dealings, through honest, transparent and equitable interactions. Empowerment in providing all our constituents with the space and the ability to be innovative and facilitate the implementation of new initiatives that will promote our mission and vision. Respect in ensuring equity for all peoples of diverse backgrounds, realities and cultures, in learning to understand and respect one another, in understanding that all humanity is interdependent on the natural environment. Accountability in ensuring responsible actions and behaviours, while being true to our values in all our relationships, policies and decisions. 2

3 World Cooperative Profile: Nicaragua UCOSEMUN, R.L. Quienes Somos UCOSEMUN R.L, fue constituida el 15 de de Abril de 1998 en el municipio de Quilalí del Departamento de Nueva Segovia, inscrita en el registro nacional de Cooperativas de la Dirección General de Cooperativas del Ministerio de Trabajo. Misión Somos una organización integradora de cooperativas, basada en los principios cooperativos y en nuestros valores institucionales, que complementa las actividades de las organizaciones de base; facilitando y brindando servicios de calidad en agroindustria, comercialización, abastecimiento y otras gestiones afines que contribuyen al desarrollo socioeconómico de sus asociadas. Visión Ser una Unión de Cooperativas consolidada, sostenible, con reconocimiento, credibilidad y capacidad para incidir en políticas públicas; incorporando valor agregado a las actividades desarrolladas por sus cooperativas asociadas; compitiendo eficientemente en los mercados nacionales e internacionales. Objetivos Generales Representar y defender los intereses de las cooperativas asociadas y coordinar, orientar y supervisar sus actividades. Proporcionar a sus asociados asistencia técnica y asesoría general o especial. Crear, organizar o contratar servicios para el aprovechamiento en común de bienes o con el propósito de lograr el mejor cumplimiento de sus fines y de las cooperativas asociadas, tales como: suministros,comercialización o mercadeo, industrialización de productos, financiamiento, seguros, auditoría, fondo de estabilización y cuales quiera otros similares o relacionados Fomentar, coordinar y desarrollar programas educativos de capacitación y promoción social y llevar a efecto campañas de divulgación y educación cooperativa y promover la integración de la mujer al movimiento cooperativa. Realizar actividades y organizar servicios técnicos sociales o económicos en forma subsidiaria para las entidades asociadas. Colaborar con la Autoridad de Aplicación de la presente Ley, en actividades de interés del movimiento cooperativo. Continued on Page

4 Objetivos Específicos Reunir es su seno las Cooperativas de Servicios Múltiples de la zona norte del país Captar y canalizar fondos de crédito para las cooperativas asociadas Impulsar la capitalización, crédito y el ahorro en cualquiera de sus modalidades dentro delos asociados de las cooperativas asociadas así como de las Cooperativas mismas hacia UCOSEMUN, R.L. Promover la creación de un fondo de ayuda mutual con el aporte de las Cooperativas asociadas que de origen a un servicio seguro Apoyar a las Cooperativas asociadas en la organización y realización de las actividades en los campos de las capacitación y asistencia técnica Comercialización Café: UCOSEMUN, R. L. en el afán de crear nichos de mercados especiales y sostenibles, ha venido diversificando sus mercados. En el año 2007 creó su unidad de comercialización de café y logró comercializar café Orgánico. En el 2008 se exportó café Comercio Justo, (orgánico y convencional) y en la cosecha del año se diversificó aún más, vendiendo café certificado Rainforest Alliance, UTZ CERTIFIED y C.A.F.E. PRACTICES, garantizando complementar las necesidades de sus cooperativas de base. 4

5 World Cooperative Profile: Rwanda COOPRORIZ ABAHUZABIKORWA By Heather Hale An interview with: Jean Marie Munyaziza (President, Board of Directors) Ignace Mugenzi (Secretary, Board of Directors) Sylveri Kalinda, Vice President, Board of Directors Uzziel Niyongira, Manager, COOPPRORIZ- ABAHUZABIKORWA Where is the co-operative based or located? It is located in the Nyamiyaga Sector, Kamonyi District, Southern Province of Rwanda When was the co-operative established? The co-op started operations in 2003 but was legally incorporated in Before 2003 it operated as an association of rice producers. How many people work at the co-operative? There are currently 12 permanent employees that work at the co-operative. Although, depending on the season the co-operative will hire up to 76 people to assist with different tasks such as the harvesting of rice. Describe the co-operative. This is a rice producer co-op that works in the Mukunguri Marsh in Rwanda. What services does the co-operative provide? The co-operative markets and sells the rice that the members produce. In addition to rice production the cooperative support a number of initiatives that its members have started such as small handicraft business, it provides small scale credit to members as well as acts as a guarantor for members who are seeking loans from larger financial institutions. The co-operative also has recently opened a small canteen where members can buy beverages and small food items. The co-operative is also committed to providing members with education and training on a variety of subjects. These include: improved agricultural techniques, family planning, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, gender sensitization, etc. Who are the members of the co-operative? There are 2750 members of COPRORIZ of which 1650 are women. The average age of a member is between 18 and 35 years old. All members are the leasees of the rice producing marshland. 5 Continued on Page 7...

6 Continued from Page 6 Why was the co-operative developed? It was established to give rice producers greater access to markets and to allow rice producers to get a better price for their product. What, if any, barriers or major hurdles has the cooperative experienced during its set up? How have these challenges been addressed? There were a number of challenges that the co-operative faced when it was initially getting rolling. The first challenge was how to structure the co-op. Also, when the cooperative was first started there were some problems with lack of buy- in from members and as well as some challenges with finding the right people for leadership roles within the co-operative. The co-operative eventually looked outside of its membership and hired a manager and other staff that had the necessary education and skill to make the co-operative profitable. There was also an initiative undertaken to increase the capacity of co-operatives members. These initiatives, funded by international donors and provided by local supporters, changed the mind sets of cooperative members. Now all co-operative members have a clear idea of how the co-operative operates and what the roles and responsibilities are of members, board members and employees. What is the relationship between Cooproriz and UGAMA? UGAMA, the Centre for Co-operative Services is an NGO and one of the key organizations undertaking cooperative development assistance in Rwanda. It works with 25 different Rwanda co-operatives and provides management and technical agricultural training as well reviews the operations of the co-operative. UGAMA has been working with COOPRORIZ since 2004 and continues to provide technical agricultural and managerial support the board and management. What is your favourite thing about your job/ organization? Uzziel Niyongira: My favourite thing is to be able to serve the co-operative members and to see them satisfied with the service that they receive. Sylveri Kalinda: It is to see how involvement in the cooperative changes the lives of members. What do you envision for this co-operative five years from now? The board and membership of COOPRORIZ have lots of ambition for their both the co-operative and for the members of their co-operative. For the organization they would like to have a solid strategic and business plan in place and to see a diversification of their activities, including an increase in off farm enterprises. This year plans are underway for a couple of large infrastructure projects. The co-operative is building a small conference centre with meeting rooms and basic hotel rooms for guests. They are also in the process of setting up a computer lab in which members can access the internet as well as learn how to use computers. Looking forward, the co-operative would like to expand their current canteen store to a much larger store that carries all the food and household supplies that the community might need. This would allow co-operative and community members to shop locally instead of travelling to other centers. The co-operative would also like to have a factory to process their rice instead of having to transport it to another facility. They would also like to build a primary school and set up a micro-finance organization (small credit union) for members. As for goals for co-operative members they would like to see the income of the members increase from 45,000 RWF per/season/rice plot to 80,000. There is also hopes that all of the members would live in comfortable, modern houses with electricity, currently only 120 members have electricity in their homes. They would also like to see member have the capacity to finance their children s education up to the post-secondary level. 6

7 Be A Global Citizen Ser Un Ciudadano Global What is Global Citizenship? A way of understanding...how the world works; links between our own lives and other peoples lives A way of seeing...social justice and equity; other people s reality; diversity inter-connectedness; the way that people can make a difference. A way of acting...exercising political rights; critical thinking; challenging injustice. 10 Ways To Be A GLOBAL CITIZEN 1. Start Small! Donate some money, but think globally. Investigate Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and choose one or more that you feel the most passionate about. Always remember that a little bit can go a long way! 2. Volunteer your time with a grassroots organization or with a larger NGO! Think locally and globally, maybe try volunteering with an organization outside of your community. 3. Think globally, act locally! Be an active member of your local community, but always remember how your actions, lifestyle, etc. affect the global system. 4. Be a conscious decision maker and consumer! Make choices that decrease your environmental footprint ( 7 Continued on page 9...

8 5. Think/Act Sustainably! Always think about the present and future. Remember that we are sharing the planet now and will continue to share it with new generations. 6. Rethink your consumption and assess your wants versus your needs. Remember that although we do need to meet our own needs, we need to remember to do this without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 7. Explore other cultures! Embrace them! Immerse in them! Learn the language! Try the cuisine! Listen to the music! ENJOY! 8. Discover your family tree or family history! Learn about your own ancestry in order to educate yourself about a foreign country or culture. As a result, you will develop an awareness of cultural differences and similarities (past and present) giving you a deeper understanding of how the world is truly interconnected. 9. Be a host family! Encourage your family to become a host family to an exchange student, volunteer, etc. This ill allow you to learn about another culture and about your own. 10. Never stop learning! Educate yourself. Research, read, talk to people! Seek out a variety of sources and always think critically about what you read. 8 I HAVE NO COUNTRY TO FIGHT FOR; MY COUNTRY IS THE EARTH, AND I AM A CITIZEN OF THE WORLD - Eugene Debs NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, COM- MITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. INDEED, IT S THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS. - Margaret Mead

9 Globally Conscious Music, Literature & Media: World Music, Literature & Media with a Message! K naan v=7lcpxearpe8 Born in Somalia, K'naan spent his childhood in Mogadishu and lived there during the Somali Civil War, which began in K naan s family obtained visas to leave Somalia when he was 13. The family eventually settled in Toronto, Ontario. K naan s career really started to take off for when a friend helped him secure a speaking engagement before the United National High Commissioner for Refugees in 1999, where he performed a spoken word piece criticizing the UN for its failed aid mission to Somalia. One of the audience members, Senegalese singer Youssou N Dour, was so impressed by the young MC's performance and courage that he invited him to contribute to his 2001 album Building Bridges, a project through which K'naan was able to tour the world. K'naan s music has been said to have a sound that fuses Bob Marley with American hip-hop, but it draws heavily on Somali music and other styles of African music. K naan explains his sound and subject matter as "urgent music with a message", talking about the situation in his homeland of Somalia and calling for an end to violence and bloodshed. To learn more about K naan s music and influence visit: If literature or music can make you think or become aware, then it s done something. Continued on page Bob Marley In Jamaica, the ravages of poverty and racism were not lost upon the youth movement there, but influenced many musical artists. The birth of reggae music addressed issues of all kinds, but it can be argued that Bob Marley had perhaps the most impact on a generation there, with songs addressing his views on nuclear proliferation, and slavery. Marley's music was heavily influenced by the social issues of his homeland, and he is considered to have given voice to the specific political and cultural core of Jamaica Playing For Change Connecting the World Through Music Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. The Playing For Change Foundation is dedicated to connecting the world through music by providing resources to musicians and their communities around the world. The organization has made its mission to ensure that anyone with the desire to receive a music education would have the opportunity to do so. The Playing For Change Foundation is dedicated to the fundamental idea that peace and change are possible through the universal language of music. Learn more at: 9

10 Manu Chao Born in Paris in 1961, Manu Chao is considered a French singer but is actually of Spanish origin. He sings in French, Spanish, English, Galician, Arabic, Portuguese and occasionally other languages. A singer, songwriter, musician and globetrotter extraordinaire - Chao has divided his career between his two major passions in life: music and travelling. He rose to fame as lead singer of the anarchic genre-bending band Mano Negra, and has gone on to launch a successful solo career, returning to his Latin roots and working on more reflective, personal material. Many of Chao s lyrics talk about immigration, love, living in ghettos and drugs, and often carry a politically left-wing message. This reflects Chao s own political leanings which revolve around a revolutionary and anti-globalization mindset. Throughout his career. Chao has been closely involved with a number of local community projects both in France and abroad. He is an active member of 'La Caravane des Quartiers' (an association created in 1989 which organizes concerts and festivals on council estates and in deprived areas). Chao has been involved with 'La Caravane des Quartiers' since his Mano Negra days and he recently took projects to Spain. Literature To Make You Think Briarpatch This magazine tackles today s most pressing problems from a radical, grassroots perspective. Publishing bimonthly, Briarpatch conspires to provoke, inspire and empower its readers in their efforts to build a better world. Briarpatch is published in Regina, Saskatchewan by Braiarpatch Incorporated from, an independent, non-profit organization. For more information, please visit: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin Three Cups of Tea recounts a man s mission to establish schools in some of the most remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. By replacing guns with pencils, rhetoric with reading, Mortenson combines his unique background with his intimate knowledge of the third-world to promote peace with books, not bombs, and successfully bring education and hope to remote communities in Central Asia. Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden Three Day Road is the story of two Cree friends, Xavier and Elijah, who leave their pristine Northern country to end up in the horrific trenches of World War I. This book is loosely based on the real life of a famous Canadian sniper. Media To Make You Think The Corporation (2004) This incredibly informative and eye-opening film explores the nature and spectacular rise of the dominant institution of our time. Dove Campaign for Real Beauty A global effort launched in 2004 to serve as a starting point for societal change and act as a catalyst for widening the definition and discussion of beauty. Check out the link for an example of their campaign: Planet Earth Planet Earth captures rarely seen moments in the lives of some of the world's rare and endangered species. Their strange and beautiful behaviors show why the planet would never be the same without them. Their partner, the Nature Conservancy, is leading the charge in preserving the stunning habitats in which these animals live. Find out more about these amazing creatures and efforts to protect them by visiting Ani DiFranco American-born singer, guitarist and song-writer, Ani DiFranco has released more than 20 albums and is considered a feminist icon. As a result of her work relating to important social issues, she received the Women of Courage Award at the National Organiation for Women (NOW) in July of Each year, the award is given to a woman who has set herself apart by her contributions to the feminist movement. She has also founded the Righteous Babe Foundation, through which she has been praised for her support of grassroots cultural and political organizations addressing such issues as reproductive rights, gay and lesbian causes, and anti-nuclear protest. DiFranco has also lent her voice and presence to events like last year's March for Women's Lives in Washington, DC, and has toured Thai and Burmese refugee camps, tangibly demonstrating her belief that the personal is, now and forever, political. 10

11 Upcoming Opportunities and Groovy Things to Do Flicks Saskatchewan International Film Festival For Young People Saskatchewan Youth Parliment SYP is a youth run model parliament. It is open to anyone between the ages of who wants to meet new people and learn about the parliamentary system. SYP tries to imitate the actual legislature in both debate and structure. Presenting children s films from around the world, for kids of all ages. Also hosts workshops for kids presented by movie industry experts. This event takes place in May 12-14, 2011 on Broadway Avenue! Check out this website for more information: Kaleidoscope Real World Video Challenge, an online video contest for youth under 18, is back for The contest deadline is March 31, 2011 and submissions have been accepted since the beginning of October Submit your video online and participate to have a REAL WORLD life changing experience! WorkSafe Saskatchewan Youth Video Contest Here's your chance to get creative and make a video to share your thoughts on workplace health and safety, and injury prevention. Over 6,000 Saskatchewan workers between the ages of 15 and 24 are hurt on the job every year. On average, another 2 die in a workplace accident annually. The one common thing about all of these injuries and deaths is that they are preventable. Thinking about safety first can drastically reduce these statistics. Your video can raise awareness about safety by showing an oh, that was close! moment or the work of someone who is doing it right around injury prevention. Visit the website below for more information! 11

12 Another Outstanding Display of Youth in Action What is Youth for Human Rights? ( Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2001 by Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, an educator born and raised in apartheid South Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of discrimination and the lack of basic human rights. The purpose of YHRI is to teach youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and inspire them to become advocates for tolerance and peace. YHRI has now grown into a global movement, including hundreds of groups, clubs and chapters around the world. Our Purpose: The purpose of Youth for Human Rights International is to teach youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and inspire them to become valuable advocates for tolerance and peace. Children are the future. They need to know their human rights and know that they must take responsibility to protect themselves and their peers. As they become aware and active in this cause, the message travels far and wide, and someday universal human rights will be a fact, not just an idealistic dream. We are here because we know that literacy is the key to unlocking the cage of human misery; the key to delivering the potential of every human being; the key to opening up a future of freedom and hope. We are here to open a decade that must translate that hope into reality. Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General, United Nations 12

13 Katimavik! Katimavik offers Canadian youth the opportunity to contribute to the sustainable development of communities across Canada through challenging volunteer service programs. Katimavik gives Canadians between 17 and 21 years old the unique opportunity to take part in an intensive six-month volunteer service program. As a Katimavik volunteer, you will work for not-for-profit organizations that play an important role in the development of Canadian communities. While on the program, you will live with 10 other youth in one or two different regions of the country and benefit from a stimulating learning process that focuses on developing competencies related to civic engagements, work experience, interpersonal relations, healthy lifestyle, cultural discovery, official languages and environmental stewardship. Katimavik allows you to develop your competencies, gain valuable work experience and discover new places while making a difference in communities across Canada. The Global Cititzen s Guide is a resource which provides a description of a global citizen and many profiles of people getting involved and acting as global citizens. It s a great place to go for motivation or ideas on how you can also be a global citizen. Global_Citizens_Guide.pdf Buy Fair Trade Fair Trade is an alternative trading model. It ensures that producers receive more for their products than with a conventional trading system. Fair Trade not only increases the income that these small farmers are receiving, but it also protects their labour and environmental conditions and helps to maintain a concrete relationship between the producer and consumer. In Saskatchewan there are stores offering Fair Trade options in every major centre, just look for these symbols: Me to We is... A social enterprise with a mission. It transforms consumers into world changers by offering better choices in order to promote a better world. Me to We also offers Leadership Programs: Stand tall, speak out and discover the best within yourself. Our innovative leadership programs run the gamut from in-class lesson plans to week-long leadership camps. Find out for yourself how Me to We leadership training is making a difference in the lives of thousands of youth. We Day Free The Children s We Day is more than just one day of celebration and inspiration. It s a one-of-akind event and part of an innovative year-long program created to celebrate the power of young people to create positive change in the world. The event kicks off a year-long program of action, called We Schools in Action. We Day is free of charge and open to any school that wants to be part of the experience. In exchange, each school group that attends is asked to make a commitment to follow the We Schools in Action program, which includes taking local and global action throughout the year. 13

14 FUNARTE is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works for social change and to improve educational quality for the benefit of the Nicaraguan children and young people. The mission of FUNARTE is to provide innovative and artistic methodologies that contribute to changing concepts and socio-cultural practices. FUNARTE is committed to promoting and facilitating the development of children by developing their creative abilities. Nuestros servicios: Talleres de arte público (muralismo) para niñas, niños, adolescentes y jóvenes como estrategia de lucha para defender sus derechos. Talleres de creatividad para niñas y niños de 3 a 6 años. Procesos de capacitación para madres, padres, líderes comunitarios, maestras y educadoras sobre desarrollo psicoafectivo (creatividad, sociabilidad y autoestima) arte, derechos, participación y organización de niñas, niños, adolescentes y jóvenes. Nuestros principios: Quienes Somos Desarrollo integral de las niñas y niños, con la participación de la familia y la comunidad. Búsqueda constante de la paz (entendida como justicia social, no discriminación, no violencia, relación armónica con la naturaleza, igualdad, solidaridad, equidad, atención a sectores más desprotegidos). Constructivismo colectivo. Respeto a la identidad cultural e histórica. Buen uso de los recursos y la calidad del trabajo. Somos un equipo multidisciplinario de profesionales comprometidos que promueven y facilitan el desarrollo integral de la niñez, mediante el desarrollo de su capacidad creadora. Soñamos con una sociedad nicaragüense en donde la niñez y la adolescencia sean sujetos sociales y de derecho. Soñamos con una sociedad nicaragüense en donde la niñez y la adolescencia sean sujetos sociales y de derecho. Hemos asumido como Misión: Aportar metodologías artísticas innovadoras que contribuyan al cambio de concepciones y prácticas socio-culturales y pedagógicas sobre: niñas, niños, adolescentes; psicoafectividad y arte. Impulsamos nuestros programas para: Contribuir al desarrollo de la personalidad creativa y protagonismo de la niñez y adolescencia en Nicaragua. Promover en la familia y la comunidad la valorización de la niñez y la adolescencia, reconociendo su personalidad creativa y respetándolos como sujetos sociales. Aportar a la sociedad experiencias y propuestas artísticas innovadoras sobre el trabajo con niñas, niños y adolescentes. FUNARTE is the partner organization of Canada World Youth s Nicaragua-Saskatoon phase. For more information visit: 14

15 SCYP Profiles An Interview with Ben Chung Former SCYP Participant, Junior Staff and Program Assistant, now working as a Project Supervisor for Canada World Youth Name? Ben Ngo-Ming Chung Where do you live? Saskatoon for the moment but I have several second homes including Esteli (Nicaragua), Brechin (Ontario) and Montreal (Quebec) What do you do for work? Soy un supervisor de proyecto de la programa Jovenes Lideres en Accion un socio entre Juventud Canada Mundo y la Fundacion de Apoyo al Arte Creador Infantil (FUNARTE) en Esteli, Nicaragua. What kinds of skills and knowledge do you use in the work that you do? My formal education background consists of a Bachelor of Education (Middle Years) with a focus on social justice education. This has served me well in the work I do now as a strong knowledge of equity and anti-oppression education is essential when working inter-culturally. I ve also had the privilege of volunteering with Oxfam Canada in the past and have gained lots of event planning and critical gender analysis skills as a result. Facilitation of non-formal learning to adult learners is also something in which I ve been able to expand my knowledge and improve my skill. Some other skills include conflict management, group dynamics, problem solving, and adaptability to very different and sometimes intense situations. How were you involved in SCYP? Cuando tenia 14 años, mi mama me dijo que iba ir a coop camp. Al inicio, yo no queria ir pero en final, fui y lo disfruto muchisimo! Entonces, complete todo los tres años del programa y luego fui elegido para ser Junior Staff. Despues esto, consegui el posicion de Program Assistant y trabaje para dos veranos en esta posicion. How did your involvement in SCYP influence you? My involvement with SCYP introduced me to many themes that I work with now as a professional. International relations, the value of co-operative development and the co-operative model in comparison to other enterprises, and the importance of youth leadership in communities are all core themes of the Saskatchewan Cooperative Youth Program. What influenced/led you to do the work that you are doing now? My involvement with SCYP spurred me on to continue the work I ve done in activism, informal education, and my personal life. I ve learned through my experiences with SCYP and the cooperative movement how important an active citizen is and what impact we can make by asking the right questions, demanding the answers, and actively pursuing solutions. I strongly believe that in order to create a better world, it s vital that we engage people from different walks of life in acts of solidarity. What do you find inspiring in your work? Estoy siempre impresionado con estos grupos de jovenes canadienses y nicaraguenses que vienen de hogares muy diferentes y aprenden de lo otro. Ellos representan un grupo de jovenes importante en el mundo ahorita. Estos jovenes tienen vision de un mundo mejor, tienen la conocimiento y capacidades para hacer buenas cosas, y tienen un consciencia fuerte de como es ser un ciudadano global. Aprendi en Nicaragua que revolucion es cambio. Los jovenes de hoy estan listos para hacer este revolucion que el mundo necesita. What else inspires you? My immigrant parents and immigrants all over the world. People who work hard for little pay and yet keep on smiling and hoping for a brighter future for their children. 15

16 El Programa About Jóvenes Líderes en Acción Tres meses en otro país y de la comunidad y tres meses en una comunidad de Canadá! Qué podría ser mejor? Esta es una oportunidad única porque es un programa que te permite la oportunidad de ser voluntarios en las diferentes comunidades, explorar diferentes culturas y aprender más sobre la cultura canadiense. Usted está emparejado con una contraparte de su comunidad de acogida con la que se vive, junto con su familia de acogida, por la duración del programa. Es una experiencia increíble, y le permite la oportunidad de sumergirse completamente en otra cultura, quizás aprender otro idioma y la experiencia del mundo a través de los ojos de nuevo! Detalles Sobre El Programa Who can participate? You must be; A Canadian citizen or landed immigrant Aged In good health Open-minded and interested in learning Canada World Youth works with partners in Canada, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Latin America. Unfortunately you can t choose your destination, but you will have a chance to indicate your preferences. If selected as a participant, you would be a part of a group of 9 Canadians matched with another group of 9 volunteers from the host country to which you would travel. As a group, you would participate in group activities, educational activity days and volunteer placements and other similar activities in the host country. Although there are some cost which must be incurred by the volunteer, there are many resources available for those who wish to fundraise the money. Furthermore, the majority of the program costs over the six-month period are covered by Canada World Youth. It is an unbelievable experience and unlike almost any other volunteer exchange program in the world. The opportunity to travel to another country, learn another language and immerse in different cultures is completely unique. Although the program can be difficult, it is absolutely unforgettable and so rewarding! Canada World Youth subscribes to diversity and equal opportunity in its recruitment efforts. It welcomes applications from indigenous peoples, visible and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, women, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others who may contribute to further diversification. Ours is an age which is proud of machines that think and suspicious of men who try to. Howard Mumford Jones IF YOU TREMBLE WITH INDIG- NATION AT EVERY INJUSTICE, THEN YOU ARE A COMRADE OF MINE CHE GUEVARA Food for Thought... I see my path, but I don t know where it leads. Not knowing where I m going is what inspires me to travel it Rosalia de Castro - Veo mi camino, pero no sé a donde conduce. Sin saber a donde voy es lo que me inspira a r correr este camino. "OUR LIVES BEGIN TO END THE DAY WE BECOME SILENT ABOUT THINGS THAT MATTER. MARTIN LUTHER KING My country is the world; my countrymen are mankind William Lloyd Garrison Everything you can imagine is real - Pablo Picasso --- Todo lo que puedas imaginar es real 16

17 About SCYP Aim To contribute to the personal development of youth and encourage their active involvement in community and cooperative organizations. Values and Principles The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program contributes to the personal development of youth and encourages their active involvement in community and co-operative organizations. The uniqueness of the Program stems from its ability to provide a co-operative, participatory learning experience for young people, co-op staff and volunteers, within a positive, enjoyable environment. Respect The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program has a fundamental respect for people. We honour the uniqueness of the individual and the value of groups. Respect fosters openness and authentic self-expression, which, in turn, builds trust. We enhance this trusting atmosphere through sharing, listening and respecting confidentiality. Co-operation The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program values cooperation and democratic practices. We value the input of each individual, and through teamwork, we effectively achieve our goals. Through group decision-making and communication we generate a spirit of co-operation and sense of community. Equality The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program respects the equality of people. We believe in social responsibility, justice and economic empowerment through co-operatives. We welcome a diversity of beliefs, cultures and values in our program and we act to include this diversity. Development The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program values the growth and development of people and their cooperatives. We contribute to personal growth through education, participation and skill development, which, in turn, benefits co-operatives. Our program serves as an information link between youth and co-operatives in Saskatchewan. Interdependence The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program believes in the interdependence of people. We build a social bond between individuals through understanding, consideration and interaction. We act with a responsibility to care for others. 17

18 !2010 Camp Fun - SCYPers In Action! E-Zine Submission Information The next I Heart Co-ops E-Zine will be published Fall please contribute! This is your chance to voice your opinion, share your talents or let people know about an opportunity. Send us your artwork, poems, thoughts, articles, reviews, jokes, comics, events and opportunities, photos, seminar memories, co-op stories and ideas for other content. Rules: SCYP reserves the right to publish or not publish any content that is submitted. (i.e. we will not publish any content that is racist, sexist, homophobic, mean, nasty or otherwise full of cold pricklies or swear words. What would your mother say!?!) We encourage people to submit their thoughts, feelings, critical reviews of things and otherwise state their opinions, but there are limits. SCYP needs permission from the artist(s) for any photos, artwork, or writing, etc that are used. SCYP needs permission from anyone for a photo/ image of them, as well as quotes used. SCYP will make every effort to return original photos, etc to you - please send your return address if you mail us something. Please send your e-zine content to: I Heart Co-ops! E-Zine Saskatchewan Co-operative Association, Suite # , 4th St. South Saskatoon, SK, S7K 01MB fax: (306) victoria.morris@sask.coop If you want to subscribe or un-subscribe to this publication, please send us an sca@sask.coop, with "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" in the subject line. 18