Global Sustainability Community Consultation Project
Building a common understanding to serve as a philanthropic education and engagement tool for the global sustainability community.
Recent Publications
Carbon Offsets: The Real Deal?
An essential guide for individuals and organisations who may be contemplating purchasing offsets. Read more..
Leadership Makes a Difference
Wisdom to help more communities reach for social, economic and environmental goals as they go for green. Read more..
Public-Private Partnerships: Understanding the Challenge
This resource guide sheds light on the complex P3 world and contains tools and information for community leaders. Read more...
Welcome
At the Columbia Institute our goal is to foster inclusive, sustainable communities. We believe that communities that value social justice and the environment, as well as the local economy, are healthier, happier places to live. Fostering individual and organizational leadership is essential for achieving strong communities.
-
Scholarships
Lifelong learning benefits all segments of society. This is one of the few scholarship programs geared towards working people and adult learners.
-
Responsible Investing
Responsible investors shape more socially just and environmentally responsible outcomes for communities and the planet, while meeting their financial objectives.
-
Civic Governance
The goal for Columbia Institute's Centre for Civic Governance is to strengthen Canadian communities through sharing best practices, providing tools for locally elected leaders, progressive policy analysis and cutting edge research.
What's New
Keeping it Cool: Towards a Carbon Neutral Footprint
Symposium for Education Leaders
Featuring Simon Jackson, Patrick Robertson and Ken Martin
December 4th, 2008, 1:30-5:00pm
Alice MackayRoom, Vancouver Public Library
New Poll on Municipal Election Raises Concern
The Centre for Civic Governance at Columbia Institute released poll results today that underscore concerns about low voter turn-out in the November civic elections. Only 7.2 percent of British Columbians surveyed were able to name November 15 as the date of the municipal election while 28 percent correctly chose “some time in November”.A whopping 44.5 percent didn’t even venture a guess.These results underscore a very real concern about low voter turn-out”, said Executive Director Charley Beresford.
Next Up
Next Up is a leadership program for young people age 19-30. Over 6 months, the program participants look at how to implement progressive solutions to some of the most pressing issues that we face today - from homelessness to climate change. Next Uppers will look at the connection between sustainability and social justice and meet some of the most inspiring leaders in BC working on these solutions including elected officials, not for profit, labour an private sector leaders.
Last year's Next Up program was a great success, so if you know anyone who'd make a great applicant, please encourage them to apply! Deadline for application is September 19th.