We are seeking a full-time Administrative Assistant for our dynamic multi-company office for an upcoming maternity leave. This position will start in early August 2008 for a 12 month period. (The possibility of ongoing employment may exist for the right candidate.) 

I'm heartened by the response to Renewal2, our new social venture investment fund. Along with my colleague Nicole Bradbury, I've recently made trips to San Franciso and Seattle. We met with interested prospective partners, and new introductions who are committed to or are exploring mission based investing as changes in their portfolios.

Atira Women's Resource Society is Celebrating is 25 Years by honouring 25 inspirational women. "Nominate any woman who has touched your heart, mind, spirit, or soul," says CEO and Executive Director Janice Abbott. Nominees and nominators will be honoured at a gala event on Saturday, October 25th, 2008. For more information, click here.

Social Venture Network (SVN) is seeking applications for their Innovation Awards.  Launched last year, the awards recognize innovative high-impact enterpeneurs. Recipients have the opportunity to connect with SVN's network, meeting people who can assist them in scaling up their enterprises. 

Last year's winner, Priya Haji, changed the world with a bamboo plate. 

Sunday, June 15th was an exciting day for me. My friend Gregor Robertson won a resounding victory over two strong candidates, turning out an astounding 3,600 members to vote in the party nomination meeting. Vision Vancouver candidates have signed up enough new folks to become the largest municipal party in Canada.

The Hollyhock Leadership Institute (HLI) is looking for a Senior Consultant. Keep reading for more details regarding this employment opportunity.

Alan Broadbent, Board Chair of Tides Canada Foundation, announced on June 25th 2008 that Tim Draimin, founding Executive Director of Tides and its operating arm, Sage Centre, is stepping down from his role as CEO, and that Ross McMillan, currently President, has been appointed as President and CEO of both organizations.

Bill Weaver, who runs Media that Matters each May at Hollyhock, produced a film some 15 years ago called The Heart of Business. It featured, among others, a Victoria entrepreneur named Heather Fox who had begun a line of hand-painted clothing. Heather had once been a hospice worker.

I have noticed that there are many lists being published on the top ways to save the planet. Most of the ideas are good but there seems to be some very worthy ideas that never make these lists including natural menstrual products. I have to admit if it wasn't for the wonderful women, Madeline Shaw and

I'm back on Cortes Island for a long weekend and several business meetings related to Renewal Land Company's conservation land efforts as well as hosting some old and new friends.

The gardens of Hollyhock and the island are explosive in colour, scent, and the plants are soaking up the longest days of the year. With 11pm feeling like late dusk, critters on the move everywhere, and humans full of curiosity and prowling, it's a pure symphony of life.