Green College and Global Civic Policy Society Event
Public Salon: Ideas That Move the City
Hosted by Sam Sullivan, Former Mayor of Vancouver
The Vancouver Playhouse Theatre (Southeast corner of Hamilton and Dunsmuir Streets)
May 16 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Former Vancouver Mayor, Sam Sullivan, hosts another season of salons featuring short presentations by Vancouver’s leaders and thinkers on ideas they think you should know about. Mr. Sullivan’s goal is to present a cross-section of the most interesting people in Vancouver and the ideas and insights they have about our city. What is in store for May 16?
Charles Barber, City Opera
Jim Bolger, Environmental Ocean Researcher
Carolyn Chan and Clancy Dennehy, Metal Dog
Hal Gunn, Inspired Health
Jas Johal, Global TV Journalist
Unjali Malhotra, Women’s Health
Chip Wilson, Founder of Lululemon
These outstanding individuals will speak for seven minutes each on subjects that they are passionate about. Please join us and enjoy a fast-paced evening of ideas and experiences from people who are making a difference in our community.
Tickets are available online for $16; $20 at the door. Tickets for the salon and pre-salon dinner/reception with the speakers are $90.
Green College is a co-sponsor of the salon and has a limited number of complimentary tickets available for UBC faculty, staff and students. For complimentary tickets, contact gc.events@ubc.ca.
The past academic year has been a tremendous one for the Terry Project. We have met innumerable people who are passionately involved in the pursuits that inspire them — be that climate justice, gender inequality, journalism, history, graphic design, or slam poetry. We have been humbled, captivated, and challenged; but more than anything, we have learned. In the past year, we have learned that there is hope to affect change on the global issues that The Terry Project cares for so deeply.
Change, however, is not easy. It does not happen because we say that it should, or because it is so obviously right, fair, just, or appropriate. Change happens because people are willing to join each other across disciplines and across generations, and do whatever it takes to make it happen–march, write, invest, research, sing, paint, picket, protest, and struggle.
What follows is an outline of our year of change: the issues we have tackled, the changes we have undergone, and the people we have met along the way.
First, we had to do a little work so people could better understand us. What is the Terry Project? No, it has nothing to do with Terry Fox… We knew we had to better define ourselves.
With the help of Aaron Rolick (who draws cool things for UBC Enrollment Services) and Tierney Milne (who designs cool things all over campus), and Dave Ng (who does cool things all over the internet), we rebranded ourselves–new website, new logo, new graphic designs.
This is what the website looked like when I started in May.
We took outreach a step further, increasing our social media presence creating a smartphone application, and a bi-weekly podcast on iTunes and CiTR 101.9FM. Check out our interview with Canadian TV personality George Stroumboulopoulos, below:
Then, we spent weeks thinking about what issues would be most important to our students this year, and which speakers could best address those issues for our Global Speakers Series. As you could imagine, this was no easy task. Just think of the year we had: rising popular discontent in the form of Occupy and the Arab Spring; a shifting global power balance thanks to the rise of states like China, India, and Brazil; the eurozone crisis and continued financial instability; the climate crisis and the ineffectual response of our international governance institutions.
Who would speak at this year's Global Speakers Series?
Ultimately, we decided our first speaker would be environmentalist Bill McKibben. McKibben, who wrote the first book on global warming and founded the environmental organization 350.org, is perhaps the world’s most important environmentalist.
It could not have been a better choice for our first Global Speakers Series engagement. The November 16th talk was just days after Bill McKibben lead thousands in forcing President Obama to delay the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline project. By circling the White House with 10,000 strong, McKibben brought the pipeline to the forefront of national attention; it commanded the front pages of all the major newspapers and TV news stations, even the Colbert Report.
Shortly before our Global Speakers Series engagement, Bill McKibben was arrested for leading protests against the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. We were worried he might not make it across the border, but luckily he did.
The victory gave some hope to the environmental movement, but it shifted the battleground to our backyard. Immediately after halting Keystone XL, and days before Bill’s visit, the Harper government claimed that this “may mean that we move quickly to ensure that we can export our oil to Asia through British Columbia.”
The moment Bill arrived, he told us how important BC would be to the future of the climate. The government would try to get dirty tar sands oil out through the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline, and it was our duty to stop it. Rather than check into his hotel after a long and exhausting trip, he urged us to drive him downtown to visit Occupy Vancouver (the day after Occupy Wall Street was forcefully ejected from Zuccotti Park).
Appreciating the gravity of this moment, we had a packed two days. We held an interview, hosted a panel discussion, had a working breakfast with student and faculty leaders, and hosted a rousing keynote to a nearly-packed Chan Centre.
In Bill, we saw both an activist and an intellectual, and framed our engagements as an effort to bring together the activists and intellectuals of our community.
It worked. At breakfast, before the Global Speakers Series engagement even began, UBCC350.org was formed. This group of students and faculty vowed to unite across faculties, across disciplines, and across generations–they would put academia’s legitimacy to work, and take a stand on the most pressing issue of our time.
In such a short time, this formidable group has already received a tremendous amount of attention. UBCC350 has been noticed by the likes of the CBC, the Vancouver Sun, Global TV, and BC Premier Christy Clark.
We are impressed by the work that they have already done, and so proud that we could play some role in providing the spark that was necessary.
For our other flagship event, the TEDx Terry Talks, it might have been our best year yet. Thanks to inventive, effective, and downright strange marketing, it was our first ever sellout.
And what a powerful day it was! There were standing ovations, uproarious laughter, tearful moments, innovative ideas, and inspiring visions. We heard talks about choral music, obesity and body image, journalism, HIV/AIDS, alternative medicine, bi-polar disorder, and even a satirical piece about privatizing Canadian history. We got creative, too. There was a new set design, a sing-along, and some slam poetry. For a full recap of the day’s events, see Dave Ng’s blog post and listen to our highlights podcast (episode #6).
Last but not least, we closed our year with another amazing Global Speakers Series engagement. In keeping with our theme of change, Kavita Ramdas, former president and CEO of the Global Fund for Women gave a touching speech on how women are at the forefront of progressive social change. She spoke to how women all over the world have taken leadership against all kinds of global injustices–from climate change, to structural injustice, to development, to religious tolerance and gender equality–while at the same time battling oppressive patriarchal structures in their own communities. More on that to come, when video and audio is available.
Kavita Ramdas signing the wall at Freddy Wood Theatre, just under Ben Kingsley.
To all our partners, volunteers, listeners, readers, audience members, and supporters, we couldn’t thank you enough for a wonderful academic year. We recognize that change is not the gift of some enlightened scholar, high-profile speakers series, podcast, or viral video–change is made through passionate individuals uniting around their convictions, committing themselves to making a difference. Going forward, we will continue to do our part in bringing these people together, from faculty and staff to students and alumni. We hope that you will join us.
Oh and one more thing, our next Terry Global Speakers Series speaker. You might have heard of her?
Novemeber 22nd, 2012, the Terry Project will bring Margaret Atwood to UBC's Old Auditorium. Stay Tuned for details.
On this week’s Terry Project Podcast, we have the very special pleasure of sitting down with CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos. We talk about radio, the CBC, hockey, and how The Clash changed his life.
Sorry for the slight buzz in the mic.
Outro music: White Riot, by The Clash
—
Hosted by: Gordon Katic
Produced by: Sam Fenn and Mollie Deyong
Download it from iTunes, stream it from our smartphone application, or tune in every other Wednesday at 1PM on CiTR 101.9FM.
In short:
Novartis wants to allow “evergreening” in India. This is an IP trick that allows a drug patent, about to expire, a pseudo extension due to slight structural modifications. i.e. very sneaky. Currently, India doesn’t abide by this, and hence is a major source of generics for the developing world. If Novartis wins, this would be good for those of you with Novartis stock, but bad if the drug that’s keeping you alive is now off the shelf or priced way too high.
In essence, the issue before the court is this: Novartis wants to patent a formulation of a leukemia drug called imatinib mesylate, which it markets as Gleevec in North America and Glivec in the rest of the world. In 2006, the Indian Patent Office denied that patent, saying that it was not a new medicine but a salt formulation of a known drug. Novartis took that decision to court, and has lost twice on appeal; judges said the company had not shown the drug would have greater “efficacy” than the already-patented molecule, as required by the patent law. Novartis says that efficacy clause is discriminatory. This is the last showdown in a long battle.
At stake is India’s $26-billion (U.S.) generic drug industry, which supplies not only most all of the medicines used domestically but also acts as “the world’s pharmacy” and helped to fuel major gains in public health around the developing world over the last 15 years. Countries such as Zambia are able to treat hundreds of thousands of people with HIV in their public sector health programs because they buy generic Indian anti-retrovirals that cost $120 per patient per year, rather than the brand name versions that cost $12,000 per patient per year.
More here.
If this seems kind of wrong to you, then do head over here and sign the petition.
Start with a fun fact. Did you know: trust fund hipsters (allegedly there are a few different types) are sometimes looked down upon for converting real capital into cultural capital?
On this episode of our podcast: we speak to historian Marcy Norton about the role of chocolate and tobacco in the colonial experience, nutritionist Gwen Chapman about the choices we make in the grocery store, and close with local Vancouver restauranteurs le Crocodile and the Eatery.
Download it from iTunes, stream it from our smartphone application, or tune in every other Wednesday at 1PM on CiTR 101.9FM.
Music:
1. I’m Lost in the Supermarket – The Class
2. Be Our Guest, from Beauty and the Beast.
3. Japanese Boy – Aneka
4. Eat it – Weird Al
As Professor Dumbledore once said: A beautiful and terrible thing.
Reaching it is either delightfully or devilishly tricky. (The pursuit of it keeps UBC running, anyways.)
Recently, one of the crafters of the Broken Windows theory passed away. His theory was picked up by one William J. Bratton, who has served as police chief in both New York and Los Angeles in his career.
Continue reading »
Kavita Ramdas will be speaking at the Frederic Wood Theatre at the University of British Columbia, 12:30pm on Monday, March 26.
Tickets are free at http://kavitaramdas.eventbrite.com/
Check the facebook event for more information.
In partnership with the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies, Allies at UBC, and the Office of the President.
Who?
As former President and CEO of the Global Fund for Women, Kavita employed her entrepreneurial skills and unique vision to turn the Fund into the world’s largest public foundation for women’s rights. Connecting over 4,200 feminist organizations in 172 countries, the fund empowers women everywhere in struggles for social, political, and economic rights.
Kavita Ramdas is the current Executive Director and co-founder of Ripples to Waves, Stanford University’s program on social entrepreneurship and development. By forging links between grassroots activism, philanthropy, academia, and the private sector, Kavita is a powerful advocate for positive social change.
What?
Lecture and Q&A.
When?
Monday, March 26 at at 12:30 pm.
Where?
Kavita Ramdas will be speaking at Frederic Wood Theatre at the University of British Columbia.
Why?
From climate change to gender equality to global development, Kavita will share stories to demonstrate that women are at the forefront of progressive social change. A passionate philanthropist, accomplished entrepreneur, and visionary leader, Kavita Ramdas is the embodiment of her belief that women are propelling the world forward.
March is the time of year when we all start to fantasize about summer… it’s so close, and yet so far. In the middle of March, Green College presents you with the perfect opportunity to ignore the rainy spring and experience Shakespeare’s mystical summer…
March 14, 15, and 17 at 8 pm Green College Players will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Graham House in the Great Hall. The performance is free, but rsvp to book tickets, and please bring 5$ or a non-perishable food item for charity. Free comedic theatre + a bit of philanthropy = the best way to beat the spring doldrums.
Nurse a glass of wine and discuss the issues of our time, like they did in the luscious salons of 18th(-20th) century Paris. Except drink the wine at Mahoney’s, at UBC. This Wednesday, Feb 29th from 5:30-7:30, fabulous intellectuals such as yourself will be gathering at Mahoney & Sons to discuss topics that are pertinent to health & society, such as:
“What are the implications of climate change upon children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations?”
and
“How can lower-income communities afford to protect themselves from environmental hazards?”
This is an opportunity to both enjoy yourself and cultivate your mind, a la Paris.
Free food provided, as well as a chance to win a $25 gift card to UBC central!
Hussein Janmohamed is a dynamic choral conductor, composer and community music educator. He has performed with some of Canada’s finest choirs including Chor Leoni Men’s Choir, Laudate Singers, and the National Youth Choir of Canada. Hussein is recognized as a leader in choral music for community building, cultural development and inspirational leadership. He is the co-founder of the Vancouver & Canadian Ismaili Muslim Youth Choirs. He has conducted choirs for audiences across Canada and in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan and Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. Hussein’s choral compositions, which have been premiered by eminent choirs, reflect a diversity of expression inspired by the Muslim world.
November 5th, 2011. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Filmed by Craig Ross: Video edited by David Ng
About TEDx:
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
Laura Fukumoto provides a great reflective statement on how society unfairly judges the obese – with the occasional nod to zombie culture to make her points.
November 5th, 2011. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Filmed by Craig Ross: Video edited by David Ng
About TEDx:
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
Francis Arevalo taking the TEDxTerryTalks stage, and providing the opening and the closing with some fittingly stirring, kinetic, and (frankly) awesome slam poetry.
http://francisarevalo.tumblr.com
November 5th, 2011. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Filmed by Craig Ross: Video edited by David Ng
About TEDx:
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
The UBC Arts Last Lecture is back! On Friday, March 16th at 7:30pm in the Old Auditorium come and enjoy a Last Lecture by one of Canada’s most popular media personalities.
This year the Arts Undergraduate Society is excited to have George Stroumboulopoulos speak at the Arts Last Lecture 2012. The Arts Last Lecture is an annual event in which a speaker is invited to deliver a “Last Lecture” to the graduating class in the Faculty of Arts. This event allows graduating students the opportunity to attend a last lecture with their peers, as well as celebrate the end of their undergraduate studies. This event hopes to inspire and empower students with the hope that their education at UBC has prepared them to be agents of positive change in Vancouver, Canada and the world. Although mainly directed towards graduating students, the event is also open to all students of all years and faculties.
Tickets start at $10. Find details here.
For any inquiries, contact Andrew at aus.lastlecture@gmail.com
We’ve created an app for iPhone and iPads! It’s available on the App store, free of charge. Download it today to keep abreast of everything Terry, including streaming of our Podcast and TEDx Terry Talks videos.
UPDATE
Now available on Android-enabled phones! Download it today.
When I was a kid, my mother used to read stories before I went to sleep. In those fairy-tales and fables, she read to me that I can be whatever I want to be. In those stories of innocent love and brave adventures, I seemed to understand, for the first time, the meaning of opportunity and possibility. The idea that I can choose to be a doctor, teacher, scientist or pilot was thrilling and source of imagination and inspiration.
“It’s about philosophy, mathematics, computer, politics, and above all, individuals. It is a group of people hoping to understand how the world works and how to make it better.” Something I heard just before I decided on what subjects to study in high school. I only remember vaguely that lecturer’s face, but that was why I tried economics, which later on became my major and hopefully my career in the future.
Once I was in university, I realised that the problem of scarcity does not exist in the world of ideas. Whenever I go and whomever I talk to, I found words of wisdom from otherwise random chatters. And behind each of those ideas was a brilliant mind. Sometimes my friends said to me that something I said led to certain decisions, and they couldn’t remember what I said and neither could I.
Years, decades and centuries later, probably no one will remember our names, faces or our colourful personalities. However, something we said at some point in time may affect others and change their life in ways we can’t even begin to imagine. I have discovered brilliant ideas on this campus because I was constantly looking. I took one step forward and now it is your turn–
The Economics Students’ Association is planning an event and would like to invite all those who would like to take the opportunity to share your ideas and passion to take the next step. Bring forward your ideas and listen to others’ inspirations. With discord and harmony of our minds, we are making UBC truly a place of mind. Someone in politics used to say that decisions are made by those who show up. I would say here that future is created by those who speak up.
If you are interested to know more about this event and want to find out how you can be part of it, click here to access the website or send an email to econesa@interchange.ubc.ca and we are more than happy to answer your questions.
On this week’s Terry Project Podcast, we discuss how to think of the word “sustainability,” the famous conservationist John Muir, the collapse of complex societies, and Canada’s approach to climate change. Find it on iTunes.
Justin McElroy discusses media through the lens of the Ubyssey, the University of British Columbia’s campus newspaper.
Justin McElroy has been Coordinating Editor of The Ubyssey, UBC’s student newspaper, since April 2010. In that time, The Ubyssey has redesigned its website, print product, and seen web traffic triple. During his time at UBC, Justin has been involved heavily in campus media, previously serving as News and Sports Editor of The Ubyssey, volunteering for CiTR, working for Maclean’s OnCampus, and thinking far too often about UBC President Stephen Toope.
November 5th, 2011. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Filmed by Craig Ross: Video edited by David Ng
About TEDx:
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
Paige Zhang talks about HIV and stigma. Although HIV has only been around for 30 years, this stigma is heavily prominent and important to address and correct. Part of this process is to educate the public on the need to undergo routine HIV testing.
Paige has had experience working with the S.T.O.P. HIV/AIDS project and doing HIV outreach, Here, she has encountered a lot of misconceptions around HIV – a lot of which is hurtful and disruptive to public health outreach. She hopes that her talk will not only explain origins and causes of stigma but also inspire others to look past misconceptions as an important way of fighting the HIV epidemic.
November 5th, 2011. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Filmed by Craig Ross: Video edited by David Ng
About TEDx:
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
(Click on image to watch video)
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