Women’s Equality Prince Edward Island

STATUS OF WOMEN BLOG
Visit it at http://peiacsw.wordpress.com/

NEW LISTINGS THIS WEEK

1. PEOPLE FIRST GROUP PRESENTS NEW DVD

The Charlottetown People First group will present a new DVD, “From Pillar to Post” on:

Wednesday, July 2nd
at 7:30 p.m. at the Inn on the Hill.

“From Pillar to Post” is an original play written by Vian Emery, based on the stories of young people with intellectual disabilities who are living in long-term care facilities because they do not have access to supports that would allow them to live more independently in the community.  The play is performed by members of People First, a self-advocacy group for adults who have an intellectual disability.  Please call Barb or Ann at the People First office, 892-8989, for more
information.

2.  PEI Citizen Advocacy’s Annual General Meeting

will take place on
Wednesday, July 2nd at 6.15 p.m. at the Inn on the Hill in Charlottetown.
It will include a screening of PEI People First’s play “From Pillar to Post”. This play is based on stories of Islanders with intellectual challenges  and is acted by People First members. Everyone is welcome. For more information call 566-3523.

3.  LEAF National has an opening for an EDUCATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR

The Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund is seeking an Education Program Coordinator to carry out/implement LEAF’s education program initiatives.  The position is part-time (3 days per week) for six months and may be extended and/or increased to full-time depending on funding. The ideal candidate will have class-room teaching and curriculum development experience. Deadline is July 9, 2008.  For more information, go to www.leaf.ca

4.  “Gateway to Entrepreneurship”
… what you need to know about opening the doors of your own business

Are you interested in becoming an Entrepreneur? Do you have a great idea for starting a new business, but are not sure about the steps to take? Come to this session and let us help you.

ProfitLearn PEI is offering a free three-hour “Gateway to Entrepreneurship” workshop; an opportunity to learn from experienced business owners about some of the basic activities involved in starting a successful business.

Join us to hear about:
o Turning on the light bulb idea
o What are the first steps?
o Where do I find more information?
o Why creativity and focus are major elements of success
o Why entrepreneurship is a great way to go?
o How can ProfitLearn help you?
o and lots more, in a relaxed atmosphere encouraging you to ask questions

DATE:  Tuesday July 8, 2008       6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
LOCATION:  Holiday Inn Express, TCH,  Charlottetown
FACILITATORS: Bill Martin and Nancy Beth Guptill
IN ADDITION: Canada Business, PEI Business Development and PEI Business Women’s Association (PEIBWA) will be present with information about their programs and services
Cost:  No charge; great value for your time.
Pre-register required:  Please contact Lisa at 566-0336; Kelly at 566-6035 Website:  http://profitlearn.upei.ca/

5. Dancin’ at the BIS on PEI with Smokin’ ContraBand July 23

Mark your calendar for a great dance at the Benevolent Irish Society (BIS) Hall  July 23rd with The Smokin’ ContraBand, a Halifax-based lively traditional band playing an entertaining and foot-stomping assortment of old-timey fiddle tunes, jigs and reels with a whisper of bluegrass. (www.smokincontraband.com They are also performing at Baba’s on July 22nd.)

The fun begins at 7pm with a quick intro to the contradance style; dances; other performers, including The Grass Mountain Hobos and The Barnkats; and lots more dances up to 11pm or later!  For more details phone Tony Reddin at 675-4093.  All ages welcome. No partner or experience necessary- dances are called- it’s easy! Admission $10 or $16 per couple/family.  This is a Fundraiser for the Sierra Club Environmental Education Program- see www.sierraclub.ca/atlantic . The BIS is at 582 North River Road, Charlottetown- phone 892-2376.  Contra Dancing is the most fun type of celtic-square dancing- for more info see: www.sbcds.org/contradance/whatis . Come kick up your heels!
___________________________________

SOME PREVIOUS LISTINGS

1.  Did you know!

The Atlantic Summer Institute on Healthy and Safe Communities has a subsidy fund?

What is the Atlantic Summer Institute subsidy program?

A limited number of subsidies are available to registrants and speakers from Atlantic Canada attending the full program (4 days) to help defray the cost of travel, accommodations, and registration at the Institute. Subsidies are based on the cost of travel from the geographical location of the applicant. Consideration will be given to students, low-waged, and unwaged registrants. Subsidy applications will remain confidential. The deadline to apply for a subsidy is June 27, 2008.

Go online to download the Subsidy Form, www.upei.ca/si/files/si/2Registration_SubsidyFormEnglish2008_final.pdf

For additional information on subsidies please contact Judy at (902) 894-3399 or asi@thequaich.pe.ca. Please pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested!

Register on-line at http://www.upei.ca/si/si2008/en/form/registration.
For more information on the Atlantic Summer Institute, please explore
the website www.upei.ca/SI.

We look forward to seeing you in August!

For Institute inquiries please contact asi@thequaich.pe.ca or the Coordinators at (902) 894-3399.

2.  BONSHAW CEILIDH JUNE 29

The monthly Ceilidh/Concert at the Bonshaw Community Centre is set for 7-9 pm on Sunday, June 29th. Special guests are The Mixed Nuts, Tiffany MacPhee and Marie Cameron, and Yunah and Jaewoo Ko. There will also be a fine fiddler TBA, open stage time, a 50/50 draw, lunch, and more! Admission is by donation with proceeds this month going to the Huntington Society. For more information, please contact Ruth Lacey at 675-4282 or Sheldon MacNevin at 675-2855.

3. Carnival Morning for Children with Disabilities - June 30

The Autism Society of PEI, would like to invite all disability groups, organizations and families to a private carnival event on June 30th.

Date: Monday, June 30
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Location: Festival of Lights Carnival

The Festival of Lights and Shoppers Drug Mart are proudly sponsoring a private carnival event for the Autism Society of PEI. The carnival will be closed to the public for these two hours and all those with autism and all other disabilities and their families and friends are encouraged to attend.

This event is free of charge. (Bracelets are only good from 10:00am-12:00 Noon) Happy Canada Day! Please see attached flyer for more details! RSVP to Nathalie at 566-4844 or via email at autism@peiacl.ca

4.  Call to all Women, Sisters, Mothers and Daughters!

Six women with intellectual challenges are looking for a supportive friend

The participation of women with intellectual challenges in the community is usually not helped by devices and physical aids. The support they need is that of another woman who can gently explain, support and promote.

PEI Citizen Advocacy is presently looking for women who are interested in befriending and supporting a fellow sister who has a challenge. Three of these women live in Charlottetown, two in Summerside and one in Montague.

Becoming an advocate through PEI Citizen Advocacy is a very rewarding and flexible way to volunteer, while breaking down the isolation felt by many women who have intellectual challenges. There are no set hours. Many volunteers get together with their friend once every couple of weeks.

Absolutely no experience is needed to become an advocate. Just a little spare time and the willingness to do it! We provide orientation and ongoing support.

If you are interested or would like further information call Rosalind at the Citizen Advocacy office at 566-3523.

5. Arts Approaches in Human Services Workshop - September 5

If you are interested in adding arts elements to your human services practice than this is the workshop for you.

Date: Friday, September 5
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Facilitator: Patricia MacAulay
Cost: $75 before June 30th , after June 30th $90 (Registration is limited
to 12 participants)

*************************************

Spontaneity - An Arts Based Experience - September 6

Art Therapist, Patricia MacAulay, invites to participate in a day designed
to help you remember your capacity for wonder, delight and creation and to
feel inspired to make space for the spontaneous in your regular life.

Date: Saturday, September 6
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Facilitator: Patricia MacAulay
Cost: $75 before June 30th , after June 30th $90 (Registration is limited
to 12 participants)

For more information and to register for these workshops: Patricia MacAulay at
patricia_macaulay@hotmail.com

6. Call for Papers and Presentations

Proposals for papers and presentations are invited for the Constance MacFarlane Seaplant Symposium, to be hosted by the Institute of Island Studies at University of Prince Edward Island, in Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, on 25 – 27 September, 2008. In light of current challenges (e.g. collapsing fisheries, invasive species, erratic markets, depopulation of coastal communities) and opportunities (e.g. expanding food & health product sectors, growing interest in organic agriculture, seaplant tourism, rural development needs), the time is ripe for a close examination of where seaplants fit into the future of Prince Edward Island. This conference will draw lessons from our history; celebrate senior researchers; take stock of the diversity of the world’s seaplant industry; explore new opportunities for sustainable development that are emerging; and lay the groundwork for developing a regional seaplant research and development network.

We request proposals for oral presentations of 20 minutes length, with 5-10 minutes allowed for discussion. Posters and table displays are also welcome. Please submit your proposal of no more than 250 words to Dr Irene Novaczek at inovaczek@upei.ca no later than 31 July, for consideration. The program will be set out by 20 August.

Conference information and on-line registration will be accessible shortly through www.islandstudies.com

Proposals for oral presentations, displays and discussion panellists are invited for the following thematic sessions:

Seaplant Industry & Markets : overviews of current challenges faced by seaplant entrepreneurs and the range of commercial activities in Atlantic Canada and the world.

The Constance MacFarlane Symposium : the history of seaplant use, research, commercial development and/or resource management in Atlantic Canada, with particular attention to the role played by Dr Constance Ida MacFarlane.

Seaplant Science and Industry : current research and development work in Atlantic Canada, the USA and overseas, pertaining to resource management, harvesting, cultivation or commercial applications.

Seaplant Product Trade Show: Tables will be available for the display and demonstration of seaplant products of all kinds i.e. foods, nutriceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agricultural.

Panel Discussion on the Future of the Seaplant Industry: future opportunities for the seaplant industries of Atlantic Canada, with special emphasis on PEI. We are interested in hearing from harvesters, managers, small scale and industrial processors, and participants in the health product, tourism and culinary sectors.

Hoping to see you in September!

7. PEI School of the Arts

Come to the beautiful fishing village of North Rustico and spend a week enjoying an “art holiday”. In July, nine different 5 day courses with maritime artists are offered for your enjoyment. Small classes, quality arts program, social activities, inspiring environment and great people make this a rich and rewarding arts “get away”. Participants come from all over the Island as well as from all over North America each year. Beginners to intermediates will find a course suited to them. Choose acrylics, watercolour, jewelry, mosaic tiles, glass mosaics, journal writing, Raku pottery or painted canvas floorcloths. Check it out: <http://www.peischoolofthearts.com> or (902) 886-2369

8. ARE YOU A WOMAN CARING FOR A FAMILY MEMBER WITH DEMENTIA OR ALZHEIMER’S?

Nurse researchers at the University of New Brunswick are interested in learning about how the health of women caregivers is affected by their past relationship with the family member, and by obligation. We are seeking women to take part in a series of four short telephone surveys over the course of nine months. These will be scheduled at your convenience, and you will receive $20 per survey. All your answers will be confidential, and you may choose to withdraw from the study at any time. If you would like to learn more, please call 1-888-457-6600 or email health@unb.ca

9. Opportunities on Maritime Farms

What are you doing this summer? There are more than a dozen great farms in the Maritimes looking for apprentices. This is the type of work where you’ll learn something new everyday, use your brain and build muscle, plus eat great food. In addition to daily mentoring, you’ll receive room and board and there’s usually a small stipend. There are farms with livestock, CSA’s, market gardens; some are near cities, others on the ocean! All farms have an organic or sustainable production plan. No experience necessary. You must be at least 18 years old and commit a minimum of 8 weeks. Some farms will accept couples/friends too.

For more information or to apply, visit www.soilapprenticeships.org/martimesfarms.html

Partial funding for this program, provided by ADAPT PEI, Agri-Futures NS, and Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada.

Beth McMahon, Executive Director
Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN)
PO Box 6343, Sackville, NB, E4L 1G6
tel: 1-506-536-2867
toll-free: 1-866-32-ACORN
fax: 1-506-536-0221
www.acornorganic.org
__________________________________

For further information or questions specifically relating to these notices, please contact the individual or organization hosting the community event.

Notre FICHE DE RENDEMENT DE L’ÉGALITÉ est maintenant disponible en français.

STATUS OF WOMEN BLOG

This week, find links, pics, and all the details about our first ever EQUALITY FOR PEI REPORT CARD, a major project we released on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, to assess how much progress government is making towards women’s equality goals.

Visit it at http://peiacsw.wordpress.com/

NEW LISTINGS THIS WEEK

1. Did you know!

The Atlantic Summer Institute on Healthy and Safe Communities has a
subsidy fund?

What is the Atlantic Summer Institute subsidy program?

A limited number of subsidies are available to registrants and speakers from Atlantic Canada attending the full program (4 days) to help defray the cost of travel, accommodations, and registration at the Institute. Subsidies are based on the cost of travel from the geographical location of the applicant. Consideration will be given to students, low-waged, and unwaged registrants. Subsidy applications will remain confidential. The deadline to apply for a subsidy is June 27, 2008.

Go online to download the Subsidy Form, www.upei.ca/si/files/si/2Registration_SubsidyFormEnglish2008_final.pdf

For additional information on subsidies please contact Judy at (902) 894-3399 or asi@thequaich.pe.ca. Please pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested!

Register on-line at http://www.upei.ca/si/si2008/en/form/registration.
For more information on the Atlantic Summer Institute, please explore
the website www.upei.ca/SI.

We look forward to seeing you in August!

For Institute inquiries please contact asi@thequaich.pe.ca or the Coordinators at (902) 894-3399.

2. PEI PUBLIC TRANSIT COALITION PRESENTS …

Island-Wide Public Transit Information Meetings

Wednesday, June 25, 10:00 a.m.

Alberton Railway Station & Town Office

Wednesday, June 25, 1:30 p.m.

Kensington Railway Station

Thursday, June 26, 10:00 a.m., Cotton Centre, Stratford

At the Robert L. Cotton Memorial Park, Bunbury Rd

Thursday, June 26, 1:30 p.m., Montague Railway Station Gazebo

(Rain site, Corrections Canada Research Facility, next door)

===============================================

In 2007, ENTRA, a firm specializing in public transit issues, consulted with the Public Transit Coalition, Island businesses, individuals and community organizations from all corners of the Province. Based on what they heard, they developed a plan for an Island-wide public transit system. Join us on June 25th and 26th to hear more about what kind of bus service is being proposed, how it will be implemented, what it will cost and the benefits of an Island-wide public transit to the residents of P.E.I.

For more information, contact Cooper Institute; 894-4573 or cooperinstitute@eastlink.ca

3. BONSHAW CEILIDH JUNE 29

The monthly Ceilidh/Concert at the Bonshaw Community Centre is set for 7-9 pm on Sunday, June 29th. Special guests are The Mixed Nuts, Tiffany MacPhee and Marie Cameron, and Yunah and Jaewoo Ko. There will also be a fine fiddler TBA, open stage time, a 50/50 draw, lunch, and more! Admission is by donation with proceeds this month going to the Huntington Society. For more information, please contact Ruth Lacey at 675-4282 or Sheldon MacNevin at 675-2855.

4. Carnival Morning for Children with Disabilities - June 30

The Autism Society of PEI, would like to invite all disability groups, organizations and families to a private carnival event on June 30th.

Date: Monday, June 30
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Location: Festival of Lights Carnival

The Festival of Lights and Shoppers Drug Mart are proudly sponsoring a
private carnival event for the
Autism Society of PEI. The carnival will be closed to the public for these
two hours and all those with autism and all other disabilities and their
families and friends are encouraged to attend.

This event is free of charge. (Bracelets are only good from 10:00am-12:00
Noon) Happy Canada Day!
Please see attached flyer for more details!
RSVP to Nathalie at 566-4844 or via email at autism@peiacl.ca

___________________________________

SOME PREVIOUS LISTINGS

1. JUNE 21: A DAY WITH OLIVIA CHOW

The Island New Democrats Participation of Women Committee will celebrate the summer solstice on Saturday, June 21st with Olivia Chow, Member of Parliament for Trinity-Spadina.

Today, as Advocate for Children and Youth and Citizenship and Immigration Critic in the NDP Shadow Cabinet, Olivia can point to a legacy of achievement after a 20 year career in municipal politics in Toronto. She has worked to create a more livable and dynamic city through her leadership and dedication to improve economic opportunity, eradicate child poverty, enhance the environment and waterfront, and strengthen social services, immigrant services, community programs, child care, affordable housing and affordable public transit. At 10:00 a.m., join us for coffee and muffins at Timothy’s on University Avenue, with a special invitation to women who are involved or interested in government.

From noon until 2:00 p.m., Olivia will be touring the Charlottetown Farmer’s Market. From 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., she will be in Victoria Park, at the Family Barbeque on the Issue of Child Care, an event that is being held as part of the Canadian Labour Congress Women’s Economic Equality Campaign.

On Saturday evening, Olivia will be the guest speaker at a fund-raising supper at the Dunes Gallery on Brackley Point Road. Tickets cost $50.00 (with a $20.00 tax receipt) and are available at the VRC (368-7337) or from Lorraine Begley. For more information, please contact Lorraine Begley, 675-2611 or lorraine.begley@gmail.com

2. PUBLIC DIALOGUE ON DISABILITY SUPPORT

Come out and participate in a FREE public event to engage in a dialogue on access to disability supports. Share your thoughts, experiences and opinions on these critical issues.

Date: Monday, June 23
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Location: Rodd Royalty Inn, Courtyard
For more information contact: Bridget Cairns at 566-4844

Hosted by: PEI Association for Community Living together with Partners for Change and Canadian Association for Community Living.

3. NEW DETAILS ON PREVIOUS LISTING - Family Barbecue on the Issue of Child Care

The First Day of Summer Is a Perfect Day to Play with Our Children and Reflect on How Important Quality, Affordable, And Accessible Child Care is for all of Us

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Location: Victoria Park, Charlottetown

Speakers:
Lori MacKay, VP PEI Federation of Labour (Women’s Issues
Stacy Delaney, CUPE National Child Care Working Group
Olivia Chow, NDP MP
Shelley Ward, President, UPSE

This Event will be held as part of the Canadian Labour Congress Women’s Economic Equality Campaign. There will be Speakers, Entertainment, Games for the Kids, Hot Dogs, Prize Draws, and Fun For All

For further information contact Stacy Delaney
at 888-2191 or stacydelany@hotmail.com or Lori MacKay at 892-8951 or
lorimackay3260@hotmail.com.

4. Call to all Women, Sisters, Mothers and Daughters!

Six women with intellectual challenges are looking for a supportive friend

The participation of women with intellectual challenges in the community is usually not helped by devices and physical aids. The support they need is that of another woman who can gently explain, support and promote.

PEI Citizen Advocacy is presently looking for women who are interested in befriending and supporting a fellow sister who has a challenge. Three of these women live in Charlottetown, two in Summerside and one in Montague.

Becoming an advocate through PEI Citizen Advocacy is a very rewarding and flexible way to volunteer, while breaking down the isolation felt by many women who have intellectual challenges. There are no set hours. Many volunteers get together with their friend once every couple of weeks.

Absolutely no experience is needed to become an advocate. Just a little spare time and the willingness to do it! We provide orientation and ongoing support.

If you are interested or would like further information call Rosalind at the Citizen Advocacy office at 566-3523.

5. Community Legal Information Association Annual General Meeting

You are invited to attend our
Annual General Meeting
To be held

Wednesday June 25, 2008 at
7:00 pm
in the Grafton Room of the
Charlottetown Hotel

CLIA’s new website will be launched that night.
Guest Speaker will be Ann Sherman, speaking about her research on a self-help centre for unrepresented litigants in PEI

Refreshments will be provided.
Hope to see you there!

6. Arts Approaches in Human Services Workshop - September 5

If you are interested in adding arts elements to your human services practice than this is the workshop for you.

Date: Friday, September 5
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Facilitator: Patricia MacAulay
Cost: $75 before June 30th , after June 30th $90 (Registration is limited
to 12 participants)

*************************************

Spontaneity - An Arts Based Experience - September 6

Art Therapist, Patricia MacAulay, invites to participate in a day designed
to help you remember your capacity for wonder, delight and creation and to
feel inspired to make space for the spontaneous in your regular life.

Date: Saturday, September 6
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Facilitator: Patricia MacAulay
Cost: $75 before June 30th , after June 30th $90 (Registration is limited
to 12 participants)

For more information and to register for these workshops: Patricia MacAulay at
patricia_macaulay@hotmail.com

7. Call for Papers and Presentations

Proposals for papers and presentations are invited for the Constance MacFarlane Seaplant Symposium, to be hosted by the Institute of Island Studies at University of Prince Edward Island, in Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, on 25 – 27 September, 2008. In light of current challenges (e.g. collapsing fisheries, invasive species, erratic markets, depopulation of coastal communities) and opportunities (e.g. expanding food & health product sectors, growing interest in organic agriculture, seaplant tourism, rural development needs), the time is ripe for a close examination of where seaplants fit into the future of Prince Edward Island. This conference will draw lessons from our history; celebrate senior researchers; take stock of the diversity of the world’s seaplant industry; explore new opportunities for sustainable development that are emerging; and lay the groundwork for developing a regional seaplant research and development network.

We request proposals for oral presentations of 20 minutes length, with 5-10 minutes allowed for discussion. Posters and table displays are also welcome. Please submit your proposal of no more than 250 words to Dr Irene Novaczek at inovaczek@upei.ca no later than 31 July, for consideration. The program will be set out by 20 August.

Conference information and on-line registration will be accessible shortly through www.islandstudies.com

Proposals for oral presentations, displays and discussion panellists are invited for the following thematic sessions:

Seaplant Industry & Markets : overviews of current challenges faced by seaplant entrepreneurs and the range of commercial activities in Atlantic Canada and the world.

The Constance MacFarlane Symposium : the history of seaplant use, research, commercial development and/or resource management in Atlantic Canada, with particular attention to the role played by Dr Constance Ida MacFarlane.

Seaplant Science and Industry : current research and development work in Atlantic Canada, the USA and overseas, pertaining to resource management, harvesting, cultivation or commercial applications.

Seaplant Product Trade Show: Tables will be available for the display and demonstration of seaplant products of all kinds i.e. foods, nutriceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agricultural.

Panel Discussion on the Future of the Seaplant Industry: future opportunities for the seaplant industries of Atlantic Canada, with special emphasis on PEI. We are interested in hearing from harvesters, managers, small scale and industrial processors, and participants in the health product, tourism and culinary sectors.

Hoping to see you in September!

8. Family Expo - June 22

Family Place is thrilled to be hosting their 2nd Annual PEI Family Expo 2008 on Sunday June 22nd, 2008 at the Credit Union Place in Summerside, P.E.I.

The 2008 PEI Family Expo will showcase the various family programs and services available provincially and this year we are pleased to partner with the P.E.I. Governments campaign, Take 30 for the Family! Costs Nothing. Worth Everything. Admission to the expo is free, however we welcome donations to support our Little Readers Literacy Program.

There’s something for everyone including music and entertainment by Scotty and the Stars, crafts and games, Just Kiln’ Time ceramics, Owl’s Hollow fun land, reading corner with puppet shows, Dinky Town Junior and Dinky Town Supreme, Toddler World, Discovery Toys, Gigantic inflatable rides: Princess
Castle, Dragon Castle and Dalmatian Firehouse, face painting, friendly princesses, pirate and clowns, Dress-up Emporium, Diaper Dash contest, Character Corner, food, door prizes and a chance to win vacation packages at the Rodd and White Point Beach Resort!

Come join us on June 22nd for a fun filled day. Take :30 for the Family!
Costs Nothing. Worth Everything.

For further information please contact Family Place at 436-1348 or HYPERLINK
“mailto:familyexpo@eastlink.ca”familyexpo@eastlink.ca

9. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: PEI Transition House Association

The 27th Annual General Meeting of the PEI Transition House Association

will be held at Park Royal United Church

(11 Christie Drive, Sherwood – 2nd Floor)

on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 6:30 pm.

The Annual General Meeting will feature a number of important factors such as the Merger Agreement and an update on the Bylaws for 2008. To view the proposed Bylaws, go to our website (PEITHA.org).

Members and non-members are welcome to attend. To become a member, a fee of $5.00 per person is required. Becoming a member, entitles you to voting privileges.

Light snack and beverages will be available.

For more information, call 894-3354 or email the office at tha@peitha.org.

10. PEI School of the Arts

Come to the beautiful fishing village of North Rustico and spend a week enjoying an “art holiday”. In July, nine different 5 day courses with maritime artists are offered for your enjoyment. Small classes, quality arts program, social activities, inspiring environment and great people make this a rich and rewarding arts “get away”. Participants come from all over the Island as well as from all over North America each year. Beginners to intermediates will find a course suited to them. Choose acrylics, watercolour, jewelry, mosaic tiles, glass mosaics, journal writing, Raku pottery or painted canvas floorcloths. Check it out: <http://www.peischoolofthearts.com> or (902) 886-2369

11. ARE YOU A WOMAN CARING FOR A FAMILY MEMBER WITH DEMENTIA OR ALZHEIMER’S?

Nurse researchers at the University of New Brunswick are interested in learning about how the health of women caregivers is affected by their past relationship with the family member, and by obligation. We are seeking women to take part in a series of four short telephone surveys over the course of nine months. These will be scheduled at your convenience, and you will receive $20 per survey. All your answers will be confidential, and you may choose to withdraw from the study at any time. If you would like to learn more, please call 1-888-457-6600 or email health@unb.ca

12. THA Offers Community Kitchen Events

As part of a Life Skills Project sponsored by HRSDC and the Homeless Partnering Strategy, Transition House Association is offering a series of Community Kitchen events whereby women come together once a week and participate in an open forum to learn, share, and discuss topics that may be helpful to their situations.

Remaining Sessions:

June 24th Resume Writing Tips and Job Search
9am-12pm Career Development Services

Sessions are free and will be held at Anderson House Shelter.

Call to Register: 368-8658

Childcare provided

13. PEI Business Women’s Association’s upcoming event for June 2008.

Registration details are listed below.

*****************************************

The Power of Gratitude - Summerside

Presenter: Tammy Younker, Inspired Life Coaching

This session highlights the simple but yet effective ways in which the lives of our employees and co-workers can be enhanced. Gratitude has the power to change any environment. Build a strong, connected, positive working environment through thankfulness. Learn about the gratitude letter and other ideas to help inject a new energy into your workplace. A work place with people who feel appreciated includes exchanging gratitude freely and frequently.

Location: Loyalist Lakeview Resort, Summerside

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm

Cost: $15 + GST for members, $20 + GST for non-members

To register, contact Elizabeth Noonan by e-mail at elizabeth@peibwa.org or by phone at (902) 436-0386. Registration deadline: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 4:00 pm.

*********************************************

14. Opportunities on Maritime Farms

What are you doing this summer? There are more than a dozen great farms in the Maritimes looking for apprentices. This is the type of work where you’ll learn something new everyday, use your brain and build muscle, plus eat great food. In addition to daily mentoring, you’ll receive room and board and there’s usually a small stipend. There are farms with livestock, CSA’s, market gardens; some are near cities, others on the ocean! All farms have an organic or sustainable production plan. No experience necessary. You must be at least 18 years old and commit a minimum of 8 weeks. Some farms will accept couples/friends too.

For more information or to apply, visit www.soilapprenticeships.org/martimesfarms.html

Partial funding for this program, provided by ADAPT PEI, Agri-Futures NS, and Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada.

Beth McMahon, Executive Director
Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN)
PO Box 6343, Sackville, NB, E4L 1G6
tel: 1-506-536-2867
toll-free: 1-866-32-ACORN
fax: 1-506-536-0221
www.acornorganic.org
__________________________________
For further information or questions specifically relating to these notices, please contact the individual or organization hosting the community event.

Members of the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women made comments at the June 17 news conference to release the first ever Equality Report Card for PEI.

Council Chairperson Isabelle Christian said that at this stage in the Council’s work towards women’s equality on PEI, we see that many of the barriers to women’s advancement are almost invisible until they run into them.

They run into them at crucial times:
• when their family breaks up
• when they face violence
• when they get pregnant or have a baby
• when they seek a spot in leadership
• when they lose a job or home vehicle

Isabelle commented that these are pretty ordinary kinds of events in men’s and women’s lives, and the outcomes of these situations should look similar whether you are a man or a woman. But too often, they still don’t.

It’s Council’s job, she said, to look ahead, see the barriers, and advise government on how to break them down before more women run into them. Council sees the Equality Report Card as a valuable way to alert government to barriers in policies and programs, in a way that gets their attention.

Roseanne Sark, a Council member, said that since the last Aboriginal Women’s Summit, women have had an opportunity to check in about whether there has been progress or not on preventing family violence.

Aboriginal women are saying that there’s still some uncertainty if there is help available for Aboriginal women. Talking about safety plans and emergency protection orders, women have a sense that a protection order is only a piece of paper that cannot protect them. They ask, How can we know that we will still be safe? In their experience, Aboriginal women say that protection orders have sometimes failed. That lack of trust about that piece of paper came out very certainly among women in her community.

Recently, though, Roseanne says there have been education sessions on family law. There has been funding for Aboriginal women’s programs to stop violence, and in the past there was nothing. So there have been some really good things happening.

Council Vice-Chairperson Jane Boyd commented that in recent weeks, we have noted the appointment of a Public Kindergarten Commissioner, and that’s a good thing, but lots of people are waiting to see what that means. In the meantime, there’s been a change again on the age of school entry. There’s a lot of confusion on the part of parents about whether their kids are starting school or not in the next year. Parents also don’t understand what’s mandatory, and what isn’t. There’s no central place for accurate, up-to-date information. There’s concern kids are pushed along into school because their parents may not have resources for pre-school childcare or education for their children, and school is publicly funded. Also, she noted, the kindergarten piece is not the only piece. There’s a whole spectrum of early childhood development to consider.

Sue Connolly, another Council members, said that we need to recognize that government has made some improvements, but that there is still more to do. She referred to the Participate in PEI program as an example, in that more than 40% of appointments made by government have gone by women, but an issue remains around who chooses to apply and why people do or don’t choose to apply and how accessible that program is. Government will need strategies to encourage women and other people from under-represented groups to put their names forward. Sue concluded that when our government doesn’t reflect our population, that makes it less accessible to all citizens.

Isabelle concluded the news conference by saying that we think the C+ overall grade for government means that many parts of government have a strong will to work towards women’s equality goals. We think it also means they continue to need advice and support to reach women’s equality goals in their policies and programs. It’s our role to offer that advice and support, and we will continue to take our work seriously by making recommendations and finding effective ways to follow up on them. We again commit to collaborate with government to help them achieve As and Bs on the next Equality Report Card.

Council staff members Jane Ledwell (left) and Lisa Murphy (right) sit ready to support Council in its research for next year’s Equality Report Card.

Members of the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women met on June 17, 2008, in Stratford, PEI.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2008 STRATFORD, PEI — Today, the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women released its first Equality Report Card on the provincial government’s progress towards selected women’s equality goals. The PEI Status of Women assessed government on more than twenty initiatives in seven categories and awarded PEI’s provincial government a C+ overall.

“We consider C+ a good beginning on a first report,” says Status of Women Chairperson Isabelle Christian. “It represents a number of small, but real, steps to improve women’s equality.”

Christian says, “Women are our mothers, sisters, daughters, and partners. They are more than half our provincial population. Good policy that supports women supports families, communities, and our whole Island society.” The PEI Status of Women says it is using the Equality Report Card as a tool to praise positive change and to prompt government action on areas that need to be higher on the government agenda.

The Equality Report Card gives its highest grade, a B, for improvements to Access to Justice. “Recently, government has supported legal aid for family law with more commitment than we’ve seen for a long time. This will truly benefit women going through family break-ups,” says Christian. “We’ve seen the Attorney General state strong support for family law legal aid, but more importantly, government has backed that up by budget investments, a plan to hire another family law legal aid lawyer, and first steps towards a domestic violence court option that women have advocated for.”

Other top policies (B or better) include improved profile for the role of the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, increased gender balance in appointments to agencies and commissions, the creation of a multi-partisan women’s caucus, the move of early childhood education in the Department of Education, investments in breast cancer screening.

The Report Card gives its lowest grade, a D, for Women’s Economic Status. “On this report, a D means that very little has improved women’s economic status this year. Some women are doing well on PEI, but we are concerned about the lack of priority government puts on the women and families who are having a hard time and are most vulnerable. Unfortunately, this past year saw little improvement to income for people on social assistance, inadequate support for persons with disabilities, little planning for affordable housing, and lack of updates to labour standards. It was a tough winter for many families on the Island. Government needs to pay real attention to policies that support livable incomes for all Islanders.”

Other issues that saw very little attention or improvement over the past year also received D grades. The PEI Status of Women assessed that issues important to women continued to be poorly reflected in government’s major public statements, women were under-represented in Executive Council, government failed to adequately consult early childhood educators on policy changes, and mental health services continued to be under-resourced.

The Status of Women Council awarded ‘bonus’ points to reward government for cooperating in the Report Card process in a positive and helpful way. All departments of government were engaged in the collaborative process.

“Women’s lives and experiences and men’s lives and experiences are different, so policies affect them differently in their day-to-day lives,” says Christian. “We want the test of a policy to be how well it works for the people whose lives are hardest,” Christian continues. “There are too many Island women whose lives are too hard, and we see ways that government can — and should — help. We’ll use the Equality Report Card as a way to measure government’s progress as long is it helps.”

The Equality Report Card publication and supporting documents will be available at http://www.gov.pe.ca/acsw and http://peiacsw.wordpress.com. Hard copies are available from the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women by calling 902-368-4510 or e-mailing peiacsw@isn.net.

The category grades assessed by the PEI Status of Women look like this:

• C+ for Making Equality a Priority. Positive government steps push equality forward (such as a strong role for the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women), and old attitudes hold equality back (such as continued lack of mention of women in budgets and key public statements).
• C+ for Women in Decision-Making. Some government initiatives signal positive change (better gender balance on agencies, boards, and commissions), but little change at the highest levels or in the biggest systems (still very few women in cabinet, and still little improvement to the electoral system).
• C for Family Violence Prevention. Government has taken small steps across the board this year on violence prevention. More is needed to support community groups active in preventing violence, to get the Premier’s Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention back up and going soon, and to implement woman abuse protocols.
• B for Access to Justice. Government has begun to take concrete action on long-standing issues of access to family law legal aid.
• D for Women’s Economic Status. Government’s supports for economically vulnerable women are mostly stagnant, even while stressful food and fuel costs grow.
• C for Supports for Caregiving. Government is headed for the right destination to support early childhood care and education, but has taken some wrong routes, bypassing consultation with early childhood educators. There’s been little action to improve access to maternity and parental benefits for new parents.
• C for Women’s Health. Government invests lots in fixing the worst that happens to bodies through support for acute care, but we need more that links body, mind, and spirit — looking at social determinants of health and whole-body health, and especially supporting people’s mental health.
• B+ as a Bonus. Government collaborated on the pilot Report Card extremely well and is taking steps towards more inclusive decision-making.

Contact:
PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women
Sherwood Business Centre (161 St. Peters Road)
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
(902) 368-4510
peiacsw@isn.net
www.gov.pe.ca/acsw

Status of Women Blog: Women’s Equality PEI

EQUALITY REPORT CARD RELEASE!
How well is government responding to women’s equality priorities?

Members of the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women will unveil their first ever Equality Report Card grading of PEI provincial government progress towards women’s equality goals with a news conference on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at Stratford Town Hall.

Date: June 17, 2008

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Community meeting room, main floor, Stratford Town Hall

All are welcome. Please join us for this historic event.

NEW LISTINGS THIS WEEK

1. JUNE 21: A DAY WITH OLIVIA CHOW

The Island New Democrats Participation of Women Committee will celebrate the summer solstice on Saturday, June 21st with Olivia Chow, Member of Parliament for Trinity-Spadina.

Today, as Advocate for Children and Youth and Citizenship and Immigration Critic in the NDP Shadow Cabinet, Olivia can point to a legacy of achievement after a 20 year career in municipal politics in Toronto. She has worked to create a more livable and dynamic city through her leadership and dedication to improve economic opportunity, eradicate child poverty, enhance the environment and waterfront, and strengthen social services, immigrant services, community programs, child care, affordable housing and affordable public transit. At 10:00 a.m., join us for coffee and muffins at Timothy’s on University Avenue, with a special invitation to women who are involved or interested in government.

From noon until 2:00 p.m., Olivia will be touring the Charlottetown Farmer’s Market. From 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., she will be in Victoria Park, at the Family Barbeque on the Issue of Child Care, an event that is being held as part of the Canadian Labour Congress Women’s Economic Equality Campaign.

On Saturday evening, Olivia will be the guest speaker at a fund-raising supper at the Dunes Gallery on Brackley Point Road. Tickets cost $50.00 (with a $20.00 tax receipt) and are available at the VRC (368-7337) or from Lorraine Begley. For more information, please contact Lorraine Begley, 675-2611 or lorraine.begley@gmail.com

2. PUBLIC DIALOGUE ON DISABILITY SUPPORT

Come out and participate in a FREE public event to engage in a dialogue on access to disability supports. Share your thoughts, experiences and opinions on these critical issues.

Date: Monday, June 23
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Location: Rodd Royalty Inn, Courtyard
For more information contact: Bridget Cairns at 566-4844

Hosted by: PEI Association for Community Living together with Partners for Change and Canadian Association for Community Living.

3. NEW DETAILS ON PREVIOUS LISTING - Family Barbecue on the Issue of Child Care

The First Day of Summer Is a Perfect Day to Play with Our Children and Reflect on How Important Quality, Affordable, And Accessible Child Care is for all of Us

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Location: Victoria Park, Charlottetown

Speakers:
Lori MacKay, VP PEI Federation of Labour (Women’s Issues
Stacy Delaney, CUPE National Child Care Working Group
Olivia Chow, NDP MP
Shelley Ward, President, UPSE

This Event will be held as part of the Canadian Labour Congress Women’s Economic Equality Campaign. There will be Speakers, Entertainment, Games for the Kids, Hot Dogs, Prize Draws, and Fun For All

For further information contact Stacy Delaney
at 888-2191 or stacydelany@hotmail.com or Lori MacKay at 892-8951 or
lorimackay3260@hotmail.com.
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SOME PREVIOUS LISTINGS

1. Call to all Women, Sisters, Mothers and Daughters!

Six women with intellectual challenges are looking for a supportive friend

The participation of women with intellectual challenges in the community is usually not helped by devices and physical aids. The support they need is that of another woman who can gently explain, support and promote.

PEI Citizen Advocacy is presently looking for women who are interested in befriending and supporting a fellow sister who has a challenge. Three of these women live in Charlottetown, two in Summerside and one in Montague.

Becoming an advocate through PEI Citizen Advocacy is a very rewarding and flexible way to volunteer, while breaking down the isolation felt by many women who have intellectual challenges. There are no set hours. Many volunteers get together with their friend once every couple of weeks.

Absolutely no experience is needed to become an advocate. Just a little spare time and the willingness to do it! We provide orientation and ongoing support.

If you are interested or would like further information call Rosalind at the Citizen Advocacy office at 566-3523.

2. Community Legal Information Association Annual General Meeting

You are invited to attend our
Annual General Meeting
To be held

Wednesday June 25, 2008 at
7:00 pm
in the Grafton Room of the
Charlottetown Hotel

CLIA’s new website will be launched that night.
Guest Speaker will be Ann Sherman, speaking about her research on a self-help centre for unrepresented litigants in PEI

Refreshments will be provided.
Hope to see you there!

3. Arts Approaches in Human Services Workshop - September 5

If you are interested in adding arts elements to your human services practice than this is the workshop for you.

Date: Friday, September 5
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Facilitator: Patricia MacAulay
Cost: $75 before June 30th , after June 30th $90 (Registration is limited
to 12 participants)

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Spontaneity - An Arts Based Experience - September 6

Art Therapist, Patricia MacAulay, invites to participate in a day designed
to help you remember your capacity for wonder, delight and creation and to
feel inspired to make space for the spontaneous in your regular life.

Date: Saturday, September 6
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Facilitator: Patricia MacAulay
Cost: $75 before June 30th , after June 30th $90 (Registration is limited
to 12 participants)

For more information and to register for these workshops: Patricia MacAulay at
patricia_macaulay@hotmail.com

4. Call for Papers and Presentations

Proposals for papers and presentations are invited for the Constance MacFarlane Seaplant Symposium, to be hosted by the Institute of Island Studies at University of Prince Edward Island, in Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, on 25 – 27 September, 2008. In light of current challenges (e.g. collapsing fisheries, invasive species, erratic markets, depopulation of coastal communities) and opportunities (e.g. expanding food & health product sectors, growing interest in organic agriculture, seaplant tourism, rural development needs), the time is ripe for a close examination of where seaplants fit into the future of Prince Edward Island. This conference will draw lessons from our history; celebrate senior researchers; take stock of the diversity of the world’s seaplant industry; explore new opportunities for sustainable development that are emerging; and lay the groundwork for developing a regional seaplant research and development network.

We request proposals for oral presentations of 20 minutes length, with 5-10 minutes allowed for discussion. Posters and table displays are also welcome. Please submit your proposal of no more than 250 words to Dr Irene Novaczek at inovaczek@upei.ca no later than 31 July, for consideration. The program will be set out by 20 August.

Conference information and on-line registration will be accessible shortly through www.islandstudies.com

Proposals for oral presentations, displays and discussion panellists are invited for the following thematic sessions:

Seaplant Industry & Markets : overviews of current challenges faced by seaplant entrepreneurs and the range of commercial activities in Atlantic Canada and the world.

The Constance MacFarlane Symposium : the history of seaplant use, research, commercial development and/or resource management in Atlantic Canada, with particular attention to the role played by Dr Constance Ida MacFarlane.

Seaplant Science and Industry : current research and development work in Atlantic Canada, the USA and overseas, pertaining to resource management, harvesting, cultivation or commercial applications.

Seaplant Product Trade Show: Tables will be available for the display and demonstration of seaplant products of all kinds i.e. foods, nutriceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agricultural.

Panel Discussion on the Future of the Seaplant Industry: future opportunities for the seaplant industries of Atlantic Canada, with special emphasis on PEI. We are interested in hearing from harvesters, managers, small scale and industrial processors, and participants in the health product, tourism and culinary sectors.

Hoping to see you in September!

5. Family Expo - June 22

Family Place is thrilled to be hosting their 2nd Annual PEI Family Expo 2008 on Sunday June 22nd, 2008 at the Credit Union Place in Summerside, P.E.I.

The 2008 PEI Family Expo will showcase the various family programs and services available provincially and this year we are pleased to partner with the P.E.I. Governments campaign, Take 30 for the Family! Costs Nothing. Worth Everything. Admission to the expo is free, however we welcome donations to support our Little Readers Literacy Program.

There’s something for everyone including music and entertainment by Scotty and the Stars, crafts and games, Just Kiln’ Time ceramics, Owl’s Hollow fun land, reading corner with puppet shows, Dinky Town Junior and Dinky Town Supreme, Toddler World, Discovery Toys, Gigantic inflatable rides: Princess
Castle, Dragon Castle and Dalmatian Firehouse, face painting, friendly princesses, pirate and clowns, Dress-up Emporium, Diaper Dash contest, Character Corner, food, door prizes and a chance to win vacation packages at the Rodd and White Point Beach Resort!

Come join us on June 22nd for a fun filled day. Take :30 for the Family!
Costs Nothing. Worth Everything.

For further information please contact Family Place at 436-1348 or HYPERLINK
“mailto:familyexpo@eastlink.ca”familyexpo@eastlink.ca

6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: PEI Transition House Association

The 27th Annual General Meeting of the PEI Transition House Association

will be held at Park Royal United Church

(11 Christie Drive, Sherwood – 2nd Floor)

on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 6:30 pm.

The Annual General Meeting will feature a number of important factors such as the Merger Agreement and an update on the Bylaws for 2008. To view the proposed Bylaws, go to our website (PEITHA.org).

Members and non-members are welcome to attend. To become a member, a fee of $5.00 per person is required. Becoming a member, entitles you to voting privileges.

Light snack and beverages will be available.

For more information, call 894-3354 or email the office at tha@peitha.org.

7. PEI Citizen Advocacy

Come and enjoy a 1 kilometre walk in Robert Cotton Park, Stratford, and support PEI Citizen Advocacy!
PEI Citizen Advocacy is holding a fundraiser move-a-thon on Saturday, June 14th at 2 p.m. on a one kilometre trail in the Robert Cotton Park at 59 Bunbury Rd. in Stratford.

There will be refreshments, entertainment and door prizes. Bring your children, your dog… the whole family! You can pick up pledge sheets at the Voluntary Resource Centre at 81 Prince Street. Or by phoning 566-3523. The trail is wheel chair accessible.

Contact person: Rosalind Waters 566-3523

8. PEI School of the Arts

Come to the beautiful fishing village of North Rustico and spend a week enjoying an “art holiday”. In July, nine different 5 day courses with maritime artists are offered for your enjoyment. Small classes, quality arts program, social activities, inspiring environment and great people make this a rich and rewarding arts “get away”. Participants come from all over the Island as well as from all over North America each year. Beginners to intermediates will find a course suited to them. Choose acrylics, watercolour, jewelry, mosaic tiles, glass mosaics, journal writing, Raku pottery or painted canvas floorcloths. Check it out: <http://www.peischoolofthearts.com> or (902) 886-2369

9. ARE YOU A WOMAN CARING FOR A FAMILY MEMBER WITH DEMENTIA OR ALZHEIMER’S?

Nurse researchers at the University of New Brunswick are interested in learning about how the health of women caregivers is affected by their past relationship with the family member, and by obligation. We are seeking women to take part in a series of four short telephone surveys over the course of nine months. These will be scheduled at your convenience, and you will receive $20 per survey. All your answers will be confidential, and you may choose to withdraw from the study at any time. If you would like to learn more, please call 1-888-457-6600 or email health@unb.ca

10. THA Offers Community Kitchen Events

As part of a Life Skills Project sponsored by HRSDC and the Homeless Partnering Strategy, Transition House Association is offering a series of Community Kitchen events whereby women come together once a week and participate in an open forum to learn, share, and discuss topics that may be helpful to their situations.

Remaining Sessions:

June 16th Personal Safety
10am-12pm Sigrid Rolfe/Rape Crisis Centre

June 24th Resume Writing Tips and Job Search
9am-12pm Career Development Services

Sessions are free and will be held at Anderson House Shelter.

Call to Register: 368-8658

Childcare provided

11. PEI Business Women’s Association’s upcoming events for June 2008.

Registration details are listed below.

*****************************************

The Power of Gratitude - Summerside

Presenter: Tammy Younker, Inspired Life Coaching

This session highlights the simple but yet effective ways in which the lives of our employees and co-workers can be enhanced. Gratitude has the power to change any environment. Build a strong, connected, positive working environment through thankfulness. Learn about the gratitude letter and other ideas to help inject a new energy into your workplace. A work place with people who feel appreciated includes exchanging gratitude freely and frequently.

Location: Loyalist Lakeview Resort, Summerside

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm

Cost: $15 + GST for members, $20 + GST for non-members

To register, contact Elizabeth Noonan by e-mail at elizabeth@peibwa.org or by phone at (902) 436-0386. Registration deadline: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 4:00 pm.

*********************************************

Profit Learn Workshop

Initiating Difficult Conversations – Stanley Bridge

A workshop to encourage cooperative problem solving in your business through open communication

Facilitators: Kirstin Lund and Christine Clements

If conflict is handled effectively, a business and its people can experience positive growth, harmonious relationships, increased productivity, greater financial stability, and many other healthy outcomes. The first step in effectively managing conflict in your business is to invite the other party to problem solve with you. Many people find it uncomfortable to talk about conflict and will avoid or delay those conversations. This can escalate the problem.

In this workshop, learn how to initiate a difficult conversation in a way that increases cooperation and reduces defensiveness. This can make a positive solution much more likely.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

. Identify the costs and symptoms of workplace conflict
Explore personal preferences in problem solving
Learn and practice skills to initiate difficult conversations

. Gain approaches to problem solving to enable quick and confident solutions
Location: Stanley Bridge Resort

Date: Thursday, June 19, 2008

Time: 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Cost: $45 + GST (same price for members and non-members)

To register, contact Paula Laybolt by e-mail at office@peibwa.org or by phone at (902) 892-6040. Registration deadline: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 4:00 pm. Limit of 16 participants. 10 participants required for workshop to be held.

12. Opportunities on Maritime Farms

What are you doing this summer? There are more than a dozen great farms in the Maritimes looking for apprentices. This is the type of work where you’ll learn something new everyday, use your brain and build muscle, plus eat great food. In addition to daily mentoring, you’ll receive room and board and there’s usually a small stipend. There are farms with livestock, CSA’s, market gardens; some are near cities, others on the ocean! All farms have an organic or sustainable production plan. No experience necessary. You must be at least 18 years old and commit a minimum of 8 weeks. Some farms will accept couples/friends too.

For more information or to apply, visit www.soilapprenticeships.org/martimesfarms.html

Partial funding for this program, provided by ADAPT PEI, Agri-Futures NS, and Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada.

Beth McMahon, Executive Director
Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN)
PO Box 6343, Sackville, NB, E4L 1G6
tel: 1-506-536-2867
toll-free: 1-866-32-ACORN
fax: 1-506-536-0221
www.acornorganic.org

__________________________________
For further information or questions specifically relating to these notices, please contact the individual or organization hosting the community event.

Media Advisory

PEI Status of Women to Release First Equality Report Card

Charlottetown, June 9, 2008 — Members of the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women (PEIACSW) will unveil their first ever Equality Report Card grading of PEI provincial government progress towards women’s equality goals with a news conference on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at Stratford Town Hall.

Date: June 17, 2008

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Community meeting room, main floor, Stratford Town Hall

Participants:
Isabelle Christian, PEIACSW Chairperson
Lisa Murphy, PEIACSW Executive Director
Jane Ledwell, PEIACSW Researcher
Members of the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women

Special Notes:
Les éléments essentiels du FICHE DE RENDEMENT DE L’ÉGALITÉ seront disponibles en français. Représentants du Conseil francophones/bilingues seront disponibles pour répondre aux questions.

– 30 –

For further information:
Advisory Council on the Status of Women
(902) 368-4510 (office) peiacsw@isn.net
http://www.gov.pe.ca/acsw
http://peiacsw.wordpress.com