Projects

Collaborations

Calgary Dollars


Calgary Dollars helps people to help themselves. By printing local currency (called Calgary Dollars) and publishing a free bulletin which connects individuals and businesses who accept Calgary Dollars for their goods and services, we are stimulating our local economy. Local currency and bartering empower us all by increasing our purchasing power, improving our quality of life, and helping us to strengthen our communities. One Calgary Dollar is equivalent to $1 Canadian. Calgary Dollars is generously supported by the United Way of Calgary and Area and FCSS.

Learn more about Calgary Dollars.

 

 

 

 

Arusha's Info-Active Resource Centre

The Info-Active project along with the Resource Centre aims to provide access to information through sharing and dialogue about issues that are important to Calgarians. Information sharing is also facilitated by several resources available to the public and managed by a team of volunteers. The Info-Active Project is generously supported by The Calgary Foundation.

Learn more about the Info-Active Project.

 

 

 

 

The Action Films Series

The Arusha Centre's Action Films Series was developed in order to provide the screening of timely and challenging films and to spread important and valuable information. The series mandate is to create a stimulating environment for people to come together to share and discuss the viewing experience. Action films showcases subject matter which can be linked to local issues and have the potential of inspiring viewers to take local action on issues of global concern.

Learn more about Arusha's Action Films Series.

 

 

 

 

 

The Hold Your Ground Music Compilation

The Hold Your Ground music compilation began in 2001 and since then has profiled 65 Alberta bands, sold 6,000 copies, and raised $40,000 for community organizations with contributions from the likes of James Keelaghan, Ian Tyson, and Tom Jackson. The project is centred on Alberta’s working musicians, each of whom contributes a catchy song with a social or environmental theme. Hold Your Ground is coordinated by Calgary’s Arusha Centre and is a powerful tool to promote Alberta’s musicians and the links to grassroots issues. Proceeds from sales have benefited environmental, social justice, labour, and cultural groups across the province.

Learn more about Hold Your Ground.

 

 

 

Take Action Grants

Grants have been issued by Calgary Dollars (C$) since it began circulating complementary currency in 1996. These grants are designated for social and environmental projects in Calgary. Grants help educate Calgarians about the role of complementary currency, expand the amount of C$ in circulation, educate Calgarians about social and environmental issues in our city, and provide much-needed funds to initiatives. In 2006, Canadian dollars were contributed by the Calgary Foundation to match the C$ grants. For 2007 $10,000 in Canadian dollars have been matched with C$10,000 to make 50/50 grants. Have a look at all of the past and current grant applicants, as well as videos, at Take Action Grants.

Video overview of Take Action Grants

 

 

 

Greater Forest Lawn Carsharing

The lack of access to affordable transportation has been identified by low income Calgarians as a key barrier to social, economic and civil participation.

In early 2007 Arusha introduced the Greater Forest Lawn Carsharing Pilot Project, a partnership among the Arusha Centre (Arusha), the Calgary Alternative Transportation Co-operative (CATCO) and the United Way of Calgary and Area. The Pilot Project added a mini van to Greater Forest Lawn. With resounding support from community groups and agencies, the project is now set to expand in 2008.

Watch the video of the Greater Forest Lawn Carsharing Unveiling

Visit the Project Website for details

 

 

 

 

The Calgary Housing Action Initiative

CHAI brings together individuals affected by the housing crisis, organizations, support agencies, political groups, politicians, and community allies to bring an end to the housing crisis in calgary and realize the vision of adequate housing for all.

 

Calgary Housing Action Initiative website

CHAI Video Letter to Alberta Housing Minister Ray Danyluk

 

 

 

 

Calgary Alternative Transportation Co-operative (CATCO)

The Calgary Alternative Transportation Co-operative is a member-owned democratic co-operative, created to promote, develop and operate transportation alternatives in Calgary, Alberta. It is best known for its carsharing initiative, which facilitates the shared use of cars by neighbours in Calgary communities. CATCO members have also volunteered their time to the development of a bicycle refurbishing centre, a bicycle trailer rental and a carpool lot on Sarcee Trail & TransCanada Highway.

Learn more about CATCO.

 

 

 

The Coalition for a Healthy Calgary

We are a coalition of citizens, health care professionals, scientists, landscaping and horticultural professionals, and health and environmental organizations. We are incorporating as a non-profit society as of April 2007.

Our vision is of a Calgary that is healthy for all its residents - the people and also our pets, the birds, insects, and wildlife that share our space. A Calgary that contributes to the health of our planet.

The Pesticide Bylaw Campaign is our first initiative. We anticipate other campaigns in the future.

www.healthycalgary.ca