Slacktivism & the Degradation of the Philanthropic Community

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"I've written a lot about my feelings on the rise of "slacktivism"--that is, the growing prevalence and acceptance of all the small, simple, easy things people can do to make a difference: Embedded philanthropy, tweeting for donations, virtual volunteering, signing petitions, running races, etc. When I saw this new list of "5 Cool Things You Can Do RIGHT NOW To Make a Difference" (OMG!) I thought I'd fire off another snarky post lambasting this degradation of the philanthropic community." - Jeff Raderstrong 'Change Charity'

There is quite some furore around the internet over the merits (or lack thereof) of "slacktivism" - and I have to admit that I lean quite heavily towards the "I LOVE IT" side of the debate.  (I even wrote the list of 'slacktions' that nearly tipped poor Jeff over the edge!)

Coal for Breakfast - Gore!

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"A 5:30 start got me to Gore on time for the Chamber of Commerce 'Solid Energy' breakfast. Coal was on the menu, and diesel, urea and all sorts of other energy-rich substances.  S.E. man Greg had a slick patter and the Chamber-ites lapped it up, promising as it did, enormous profit and prosperity to them.  No mention at all was made of the environment, nor was there reference to the taxpayer and the burden he and she will have to shoulder through the ETS and the subsidies the Government has promised to Solid Energy as a helping hand."

Find out what else Solid Energy spokesperson Greg Visser had to say on Robert Guyton's blog.

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Mataura Update

There's plenty of interesting stuff happening in Mataura at the moment (click on the images to enlarge them for more info):

• Greg Visser from Solid Energy NZ Ltd will be speaking at the Eastern Southland Chamber of Commerce "September Breakfast Babble" to give an update on Solid Energy's progress to date in developing options for Southland's considerable lignite deposits   
                
• Peter Kenyon will be speaking on 'Revitalising Rural Communities & Small Country Towns' in Mataura on Thursday 9th September 2010.  He is a fascinating and passionate speaker on the topic - you can find out more about him at the fantastic Bank of I.D.E.A.S website. 

• Mataura is looking for a Community Development Coordinator.  Its a full time position for a 3 year term.  The purpose of the position is to develop Mataura as a positive, healthy, safe environment where  people can achieve their best.  For the position description and application pack contact Robyn at the Community Connections Centre in Gore cccgore at woosh dot co dot nz.
  
  

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7 Ways to Finance Your Community

Image by origamidon via Flickr"I believe the notion of financing ourselves is where we receive the lowest marks as a community - as perhaps it is the most difficult thing to do."

". . . we have allowed our financing to go global, which means our debt and our premiums are traded half way around the world, and we have largely lost our ability to influence them."
- From "Small is Possible: Life in a Local Economy " by Lyle Estill

I love the idea of communities financing themselves. The rise of big global banks and financial institutions has rendered money abstract, mysterious and impersonal.

What could be more real, open and personal than financing each other? Whether its with a local currency, barter, time banking or a community bank . . . there are so many ways that communities can take back some control over their local economy.

Check out these ideas for funding your community:

• Start a neighbourhood home maintenance fund to help homeowners keep their homes in tip-top condition
• Start a community bank which returns all profit to projects that benefit the community
• Encourage local businesses to start a workplace giving programme to fund local charities and non-profit groups
• Set up a community cultural foundation that encourages locals to contribute to help develop arts and culture in the community
• Establish a local currency
• Set up a time bank
• Encourage locals to shop locally and support local businesses