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CSI Network News: How one organization is harnessing the market to protect old-growth trees

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Every Sunday, we curate solutions, stories, community events, jobs, and funding opportunities in our weekly newsletter. Here’s this week’s CSI Network News.

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Next Economy
Solutions


How One Organization Is Harnessing the Power of the Market to Stop Old-Growth Trees From Becoming Pizza Boxes  

For our latest Climate Ventures Conversation, we sat down with Nicole Rycroft, the Founder and Executive Director of Canopy, to discuss how Canopy is protecting the world’s forests by working with industry customers and suppliers to transform supply chains.

We also discuss why the conservation movement must prioritize justice and why we need to stop logging old-growth forests now.


Breaking Down Employment Social Enterprises So We Can Build the Next Economy 

Movements across the globe are calling for systems change to build a world that is sustainable, equitable, and prosperous for all. But what will that world look like, specifically? It’s easy to get lost in the jargon or talk vaguely about broad topics. What tangible policies, models, and actions will create the world we want to see?

In the lead up to our Next Economy Conversation with the Executive Director of Purpose Construction, Kalen Taylor, on June 24, we’re explaining all things employment social enterprises so you can enter the conversation in the know. Building the Next Economy requires all of us. Here’s the breakdown before we build. 

Stories from
the Network


Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day 

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada – a day to recognize the vast contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples on a day when many Indigenous peoples traditionally gather to celebrate the summer solstice.   

To celebrate and honour the day, we’re sharing some of our favourite stories of Indigenous-led innovation from the last year, as well as a spotlight on a few of CSI’s Members and Alumni whose work centres Indigenous knowledge, promotes cultural awareness, and often supports reconciliation. 

Trace

This Toronto startup wants to fix gadget-making inefficiencies
Trace, a CSI Earth Tech accelerated venture, was profiled in the National Observer. Their “desktop microfactory” automates much of the electronic hardware development workflow, reducing inefficiencies and decreasing the environmental footprint.

Jeanette Jackson

Working Together to Unlock the Other 50%
“We need to energize cleantech innovation — and we don’t have a lot of time to do it,” writes Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Foresight — our new partner in Climate Ventures. “This is not a time to toss our hands up and claim hope is lost: it’s time to lean in to unlock the other 50%.”
 
MORE STORIES

CSI Connects

Next Economy Conversations with Kalen Taylor

Next Economy Conversations with Kalen Taylor of Purpose Construction
Thursday, June 24, 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
How can employment social enterprises strengthen communities? Kalen Taylor will speak to their experience working collaboratively with communities to building and growing Purpose Construction, Aki Energy, and Aki Foods.

Earth Tech Accelerator Pitch Night

Earth Tech Pitch Night
Wednesday, June 30, 7:00 – 9:00 PM ET
What do you get when you combine live pitches, impact entrepreneurship, and Canadian cleantech? Our Earth Tech Pitch Night! Hear pitches from Canadian cleantech entrepreneurs  helping to address the climate crisis. You get to vote on which three ventures will walk away with cash prizes totalling $10,000.

Earth Tech is our cleantech accelerator made possible by the RBC Foundation, Bullfrog Power and the Peter Gilgan Foundation. Pitch Night cash prizes are supported in part by Fiix.

It’s Up To Us

The Gigatonne Challenge: A bold response to the climate crisis

Complexity University’s Gigatonne Challenge brings folks together in teams to reduce 1 tonne of CO2 emissions in your city within 2 weeks. You’ll practice prototyping — testing and adjusting live interventions to reduce CO2e emissions — with the support of Complexity University coaches and faculty. Next Challenge: August 9

Community
Events

Want to get your events on our events calendar? Find out what membership could look like for you!

Participatory Canada: How can everyday people make extraordinary change?

Participatory Canada: How can everyday people make extraordinary change?
Tuesday, June 22, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
CSI’s very own Denise Soueidan-O’Leary will be speaking on this panel about creative solutions to our greatest urban challenges, and lessons learned from our Every One Every Day pilot project in Regent Park.

The Basics of a Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaign

The Basics of a Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaign
Tuesday, June 22, 11:00 AM ET
Learn how peer-to-peer fundraising works, the different types of campaigns you can run, and platforms that you can leverage for support.

Impact United

United for Climate Action Convening
Wednesday, June 22, 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
What does it mean to invest in climate action? Hear from a panel of institutional investors on their case studies for climate justice investing and a presentation from Low Carbon Cities Canada on urban climate solutions.

Virtual ProPride: Beyond Diversity Toward Dignity

Virtual ProPride: Beyond Diversity Toward Dignity
Wednesday, June 23, 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Join CSI Member Pride at Work for a panel discussion examining how to create a sense of belonging for LGBTQ2+ employees where they feel not only tolerated, but actively celebrated.

Biodesign Challenge Summit 2021

Biodesign Challenge Summit
June 21-25
The world is in dire need of good design that benefits both people and the planet. Tune into this showcase of projects that use art, design, and biology to reimagine medicine, fashion, architecture, food, bioethics, and more — all for a more sustainable and equitable future. 
 
MORE EVENTS

Community

Job Board

Want to post your opportunities to our job board? Find out what membership could look like for you!

Support and Program Assistant | Good Foot Delivery
Deadline: June 22
This CSI Member is looking for someone to contribute to the research, development, and facilitation of new and existing social programming and skills building workshops, with a strong focus on improving participation and engagement.

Operations Specialist | ConnectAd
Deadline: June 30
Based in CSI Spadina, ConnectAd is seeking someone detail-oriented to support their client onboarding and management, recruiting, and other processes.

Director, Finance and Administration | St. Clare’s Multifaith Housing Society
Deadline: June 30
St. Clare’s is looking for someone to lead their growing finance team as they work to reduce homelessness in downtown Toronto. 

Program Director, Reconciliation | McConnell Foundation
Deadline: July 6
The McConnell Foundation is looking for a Program Director to develop and implement  Reconciliation-focused funding and programs in hopes of advancing a Reconciliation economy: one where wealth and resources are equitably shared and sustainably stewarded, in relationship with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Executive Director | Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation (SSHF)
Deadline: July 9
SSHF is looking to fill a newly-created role on the executive leadership team devoted to the healing and wellness of Survivors of the Sixties Scoop and their families.

MORE JOBS

Go For It

Open call competition: Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and Land Assembly solutions for affordable housing

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation has opened up an open call competition for Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and Land Assembly solutions for affordable housing. Successful applicants will receive $100,000 to $250,000 per project. Deadline: August 27

The Laidlaw Foundation is offering a pop-up grant (up to $5,000) for youth organizing at the intersection of racial justice and mental health awareness. Applications will be reviewed in July.

Indigenous, Black, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, and disabled independent service providers based in Canada can apply to the Waashayshkwun fund. These grants are intended to provide the recipients with financial relief and with the opportunity to invest in their business development. Deadline: June 30

As Seen At CSI

In the CSI Annex Garage, staff and members alike shared thoughts and quotes about Pride on our chalkboard.

The chalkboard at CSI Annex: "Happy Pride y'all! Help us fill the chalkboard with love and rainbows!"

Under a rainbow, a quote from Audre Lorde: "You do not have to be me in order for us to fight alongside each other."

Love is a terrible thing to hate

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CSI Spadina in the ground floor kitchen, looking out towards the lounge and meeting rooms. In the foreground is a kitchen counter, with waffles, toppings, and glasses of coffees and teas. In the background, CSI CEO Tonya Surman is speaking into a microphone on the left. In the middle and on the right, a variety of people stand and sit, listening to her speak.
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