Organizing to Win

Sunday, June 26th 1:00Pm to 4:00PM

Runnymede Public Library 2178 Bloor Street West

Workshop Presenter:

LIZ BENNEIAN, President, Oakvillegreen Conservation Association

w w w . o a k v i l l e g r e e n . c o m

Citizens’ groups fighting to protect natural spaces can be outgunned by “experts,” out-maneuvered by municipal staff, shut out by local media and ignored by politicians. Learn how Liz has been beating the odds and winning environmental victories for her community.

Liz Benneian, President of Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, and one of the founders of Ontario Zero Waste Coalition, is a former journalist and newspaper editor. Since 2004, she has been a full-time, volunteer environmental advocate. Under her leadership Oakvillegreen has successfully waged many campaigns including stopping plans to build an incinerator in Halton, convincing the Province of Ontario to turn 675 acres slated for development into two new conservation areashalting plans to put a paved pathway through a critical migratory bird stopover area, and securing a bylaw to stop developers from clear-cutting trees. During the past two years, Liz has been travelling around the province teaching grassroots groups how to become more effective advocates through Organize To Win seminars.

In 2007, Liz was awarded both Oakville's Individual Community Spirit Award and the Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award for outstanding contributions to her community. Last June, she was chosen as Earth Day Canada's National Hometown Hero for 2009 and in February of 2010 she received an award from the Ontario Heritage Trust in recognition for her success in conserving the Province’s natural heritage.

Pre-registration is required.

Limited to 30 participants, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Email organizetowin@gmail.com to register or 416 551-9827 for info.

Fee: PWYC, or donation of $5 - $10. Light refreshments will be provided - please bring your own mug. Everyone welcome.

“FIRST THEY IGNORE YOU.

THEN THEY LAUGH AT YOU.

THEN THEY FIGHT YOU.

THEN YOU WIN.”

-Mahatma Gandhi