Taking Back The Power Jeanette Stanfield writes a compelling review of John Ralston Saul’s book, “The Comeback: How Aboriginals are Reclaiming Power and Influence” in the latest volume of Winds & Waves (ICA International’s online magazine): I am in wonder about the consistent messages Aboriginal leaders sent about their treaties and rights. I am in deep pain over the manipulative responses they received from our governments and us. I am glad that young people are daring to confront this situation in thoughtful ways through the Idle No More Movement.  Read more here

Fall Is Almost Here, Strategies Underway On Saturday, the ICA Board meeting and strategy session was held in the ICA offices at 401 Richmond St. West.  ICA members were invited to join the strategy session (strategies connected to our previously identified vision and contradictions / obstacles). Over a delightful lunch of Aussie pies (courtesy of Kanga), we brainstormed numerous ideas and then prioritized them into actionable next steps (some building on projects already underway).  Energy is high, it’s a great start to the fall season at ICA!

ICA Board Meeting This Saturday, Sept 12 Members welcome! The next ICA board meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, September 12th, at the ICA offices: 401 Richmond St. West (rm 409), at Spadina & Richmond. The board meeting will run from 9am to 3pm, however ICA members are invited to join the meeting from 10am to 1pm, for lunch and a brainstorming conversation about strategic directions. We look forward to seeing you there!

ICA CANADA signs publishing agreement ICA CANADA signed a publishing agreement this quarter with Educational Science Publishing House (ESPH) Beijing, China to translate and publish Jo Nelson’s Art of Focused Conversation for Schools for the mainland Chinese (Mandarin) market. They have previously had success with ICA’s Art of Focused Conversation (pictured). We are excited to see how the techniques, ideas, and examples in these books are applicable across regions and cultures. The english language editions of these books and more are available here.

Saving Time Through Virtual Meetings Facilitation requires an artfulness to be meaningful and effective, and no less so when it comes in virtual form. Get the basics covered first so that you can free up your attention to be intuitive and artful online: learn more in the latest edition of “Winds and Waves” from ICA International, in the article “Saving time through virtual meetings.” How Much Is Our Membership Fee? In 2017, we are offering an annual membership for $20. The fee covers some of the cost of holding our AGM, taking care of administration costs,mailing quarterly newsletters, and hosting meetings. It entitles each member to vote at the AGM, receive invitations to events and opportunities to participate in the strategic direction of ICA Canada, and also represent ICA in their communities. Want to renew your existing membership or become a new member? Payments can be made in cash, cheques and securely through our new online payment system.  Any questions or comments? We are happy to answer The Canadian Institute

Annual Membership Join the Canadian Institute of Cultural Affairs Contact David at ica@icacan.org ICA CANADA set out nearly 40 years ago to build capacity for people to work within their communities towards positive social change. It was formed by people who found courage and excitement in an organization built from within, whose greatest asset is each other. They saw a place to bring their ideas, experience and questions into a common ground where everyone participates in building shared meaning. ICA is sustained by a vision of participation as more than a tool of change, more than a methodology. It is an engine propelling people to work towards common goals. It is a propeller urging community action forward, small change after small change. We bring people into a process which may transform them or help them maintain what is most valuable. It is our belief that we need everyone’s wisdom for the wisest result and the widest impact. Our members believe in the power of people to collaborate and steer a new course for themselves in society. They volunteer on our committees, contribute financially, and make up our board. ICA members are our greatest assets; they hold the experience of our approach