Ideas

Laughing matter: How humour offers new hope in the midst of the climate crisis

Why It Matters

The climate crisis threatens humanity’s very existence, yet people often resist adapting to the realities of a changing world. Humour has the power to start tough conversations and drive social change.

Seven solutions to help non-profit promoters deliver more affordable units

Why It Matters

Real estate developers have little to gain from building affordable units. Even when laws force them to include those units in their projects, like Montreal’s 20-20-20 rules, they pay a fine not to do so. Non-profit housing is still the most efficient way to ensure a critical mass of long-term affordable units in a community.

Missed the Black Leadership in Social Impact Summit? Here are insights from sessions on Black capital and anti-racist research

Why It Matters

Black social sector professionals have few dedicated opportunities to gather to share insights among themselves and with non-Black peers.

Deep canvassing: How an innovative American door-knocking method is invigorating Canadian environmental campaigns

Why It Matters

Contemporary climate research shows the best way to convince skeptics is to patiently engage with their existing beliefs. Deep canvassing is a political mobilization strategy social purpose organizations like Neighbours United use to do just that: their campaign in a rural B.C. smelting town influenced 40 per cent of residents surveyed and helped pass clean energy legislation.

Tampons and pads are becoming more expensive. Mutual aid is here to help.

Why It Matters

Much has been made of mutual aid networks combating food insecurity during the pandemic. But these networks are also combatting period poverty as the cost of tampons and pads rises.

Private businesses can be converted into co-ops ⁠— with enough support

Why It Matters

Ninety-eight per cent of Canadian businesses have fewer than 100 employees, making them ideal candidates for co-operative models. But entrepreneurs who’ve made the leap to collective ownership say more support and education is needed.