In order to influence other people however, you must first state your opinion. This is such a simple thing — speaking out loud — yet it's amazing how few people actually do it.

There is tremendous power in saying something out loud. Memes have an amazing way of spreading amongst the people who trust you; this is the basis of viral marketing. Take heed though — with great power comes great responsibility. Do your homework. Read differing opinions. Then form your own opinion. Once you've done this, it's time to be courageous and say it out loud. You just might be surprised by who you are able to influence.

Date: Friday November 21st, 9am – 11am
Location: Earth Sciences Centre Auditorium
5 Bancroft Ave., Room 142
(Off Huron Street, between Willcocks and Russel Streets)
University of Toronto [map]

The White Ribbon Campaign, in partnership with YWCA Toronto and University of Toronto is pleased to present a lecture by one of America's leading anti-sexist male activists, Jackson Katz.

Jackson Katz is one of America's leading anti-sexist male activists. An educator, author and filmmaker, he is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in the field of gender violence prevention education with men and boys, particularly in the sports culture and the military. For more information visit www.jacksonkatz.com.

Visit The White Ribbon Campaign to sign-up for this free event.

The earlier people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the sooner they can get the help they need. Too few people know the ten early warning signs, and they need to understand when memory loss becomes a problem. I need your help to create and implement an education program to show the importance of seeking an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's, a progressive and fatal disease.

Visit Members Project to learn more.

Do you have a great idea that will change the world? Then apply for this competition next year. But remember, you don't have to wait...get started now!

So I'm working on a new project, one that I hope will inspire the activist within everybody. It starts with knowing who inspires you. I want to know who is your favourite living activist. She/he can be in any field.

To share your favourite activist, please make a post here or send me an email at jason[at]akaactivist.org. Please use the following format when making your submission:

Name of activist
Area(s) of activism
What inspires you about this person or group? (optional)
Contact info for activist (if you have it)

Thanks for your help.

Jason

Now that the Olympics are over, I'm left covered with the sticky residue of guilt. What about human rights issues in China? I feel like I simply forgot about them. Somehow the Chinese government was able to lower a cone of silence around the Olympic Village and shield it from all protests and criticism. It didn't accomplish this feat alone as the media played a crucial role in this astounding display of illusion. After wadding through countless commercials, most viewers were lead to believe that the biggest issue facing China is smog. Incredible!

That being said, I'm an educated man and [should] know better. Yet, I happily took my position alongside the three wise monkeys and forgot that activists where sequestered during the course of the Games. These brave and dedicated individuals were subsequently released after the closing ceremonies.

It should be very interesting to see the long-term impact of the Olympics on China. IOC President, Jacques Rogges, claims that awarding the Games to China has opened up the country. At first glance, this is a naive statement of the highest magnitude. On the other hand, maybe the aforementioned activists would have been killed as opposed to released hadn't it been for the watchful albeit distracted eyes of the world. Maybe.

So the $40 billion dollar question is: Will this amazing and troubled nation begin to take serious steps toward improving its policies on human rights? If left to the government, I seriously doubt it. On the other hand, people drive change and I believe that the Chinese people are ready for change. And for the rest of us? Well, the show is over. But don't you believe for a second there's nothing left to see. Human rights in China depends on our continued attention.

Links:

Human Rights Watch

Olympic Watch

In the mean time, here is a video that I slept on a number of months ago. What strikes me about the video is not the message (although it is a good one) but the extent to which photographer, Lucas Oleniuk went to share this message. You see, his video -- Airsick -- is comprised of 20,000 photos! Take a few minutes and it check out .

As you watch the video, remember that you don't need to take 20,000 photos to share your feelings about the environment. Talk to a family member, a friend, a neighbour or your local political representative. You don't need to preach, just inspire others with your knowledge, passion and actions.

This is not to say advocacy groups should not try to create there own networks outside of FaceBook (see Citizen Lab for a really cool example) but the "cute cat theory" is compelling and potentially empowers activists who are less technologically adept. As more of these social media sites open up their networks via APIs, it should be really interesting to see what kinds of social activism tools are created to leverage these networks. In some ways, these will be the true examples of the "viral" nature of the Internet.

Watch the MESH video

A link to an article from the MESH conference.

Read Ethan Zuckerman's original post on the topic.

Mr. Danson is a board member of Oceana an international organization working to save the world's oceans. You can find more information about Oceana's campaign to combat overfishing here.

Visit communityair.org for more details.

http://www.toronto.ca/handgunban/index.htm

You never know when or where violence will strike. In my case, it hit straight at home. Believe me when I say you don't want the same happening to you or your family. Please sign the petition.

Thank you.

Check out the video below and don't forget to sign-up. It's never too late to show your support for the planet.

I've also included a little Flickr slideshow of Earth Hour images from around the world.

It would be so very easy to cry foul and play the race card but I won't. Instead I wrote a letter to the editor that you'll find below. If you feel as incensed as I do about the publishing of this "cartoon", please write a letter to the editor. Thank you.

----------------------------------------------------

My guess is I'm one of a number of readers who have responded to your decision to publish the cartoon entitled "Afrocentric Algebra". My guess is you are either staunchly
defending your position to publish the "cartoon" veiling it in journalistic freedom or
realizing what a colossally poor decision you made in publishing it. I'm truly hoping it
is the latter.

This cartoon completely misses the mark on the debate. This cartoon demonstrates just how
ignorant both the illustrator and you - the editor - are about what defines
Afrocentricism. This issue is not at all similar to the "ebonics" debate sparked in the
U.S. Instead, supporters of "Black schools" are attempting to address real educational
issues, some of which are akin to those found in gender-based schools. Whether or not
"Black schools" are the answer, this debate deserves the respect of thoughtful
discussion; not glib, insensitive and dare I say racist commentary. You denigrate the
educational system and Canadians of African decent by publishing this "cartoon". You
should be ashamed!

Jason Robinson