AEN Spring Training Series: Remembering Martha — Our Friend and Mentor

This spring is dedicated to the inspiration, leadership and memories of our friend and mentor Martha Kostuch. AEN's Spring Training Series focuses on topics where Martha clearly excelled, we hope that you will dedicate some time to join with us to remember, to learn, and to act!

Overview

  • Navigating the Alberta Political System with Paul McLaughlin — May 24th, Edmonton
  • Federal Environmental Petitions Process — June 11th, Calgary, & June 12th, Edmonton
  • Negotiation Training with the Consensus Building Institute — June 13th, Edmonton

Our Spring Training Schedule


Navigating the Alberta Political System
with Paul McLaughlin

May 24th, 2008
9:30am—4:30pm
Strathcona Community League, Edmonton

Alberta Government expert Paul McLaughlin will provide an overview of Alberta government decision-making. With an eye on how policy works its way through government decision-making. Figuring out the system is the first step in achieving success on our issues whether you work directly in negotiations with government, or are influencing from the outside. This workshop provides valuable insight around effective timing and focus. This workshop will be followed with a 2-hour (time permitting) strategy session to discuss proactive strategies for integrating information.

For AEN Members Only - Please apply online - room for 20 ENGOs!

Note: if you are attending the Rural and Community Advocates training, this workshop is included in your program. Please RSVP to only one of these events.

Preference will be given to members who wish to partake in the combined Spring Training including both Navigating the Alberta Political System & the Negotiation Training, as well as members currently engaged in activities who would receive direct and immediate benefit from the training.


Canada's Environmental Petitions Process
with Roger Hillier, Office of the Auditor General of Canada

June 11th, 2008
2:30pm—4:00pm
Alberta Wilderness Association Office, Calgary

June 12th, 2008
6:00
9:00pm
Location TBD, Edmonton

The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development is responsible for the administration of the environmental petitions process within the Office of the Auditor General. The environmental petitions process allows any resident or organization within Canada to submit a petition to Ministers of 28 Federal departments or agencies to obtain a formal written response to their questions or concerns relating to the Federal government's management of the environment.

Though the process does not guarantee the Federal Government will take action to address the issue raised in a petition, it does require each minister of a petitioned department to personally respond to the questions. Furthermore, a 2007 survey of past petitioners' has confirmed the fact that petitioners' do believe the petitions process has had an impact on the government's management of environmental issues.

The environmental petitions process may help individual Canadians or organizations to receive answers to their environmental questions relating to Federal environmental issues and help raise the profile of their environmental issues.

Open to the Public


Negotiation Training
with the Consensus Building Institute

June 13th, 2008
9:00am—5:00pm
Location TBA

Negotiation plays an essential role in decision-making around public issues. From advocating for policy change to organizing public events, all involved — must be able to negotiate effectively to achieve their goals. Unfortunately, many believe that all negotiations must be “win-lose,” which only damages relationships and leaves potential gains untapped. Workshop focuses on using the Mutual Gains Approach developed at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. Our approach works — whether or not the other side insists upon a win-lose outcome.

For AEN Members Only - Please apply online - room for 20 ENGOs!

Preference will be given to members who wish to partake in the combined Spring Training including both Navigating the Alberta Political System & the Negotiation Training, as well as members currently engaged in activities who would receive direct and immediate benefit from the training.