INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION - REGISTER NOW!

StartingBloc, a New York-based non-profit, aims to educate, to empower and to connect emerging leaders to drive positive social change across sectors. They are currently recruiting for their Institute for Social Innovation, taking place in New York (Spring 2008) and London (Summer 2008).

Fellows will "learn industry best practices around corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and sustainability." With partners such as Ashoka, Google, Seventh Generation, Domini Social Investment, and Yale School of Management, StartingBloc also secures life-changing internships, job and study opportunities for its alumni.

Deadline for New York Institute: December 1st, 2007, 5pm (EST)
Deadline for London Institute: February 29, 2008, 5pm (EST).

StartingBloc
www.startingbloc.org

LOOKING FOR SEED MONEY FOR YOUR START-UP?

Got an idea that could shake the current social order? Of course you do!

Got the seed money necessary to start the venture that would embody these world-changing ideas? Yikes.

Each year, Echoing Green awards 20 two-year fellowships to social entrepreneurs eager to create a new start-up. Fellows receive up to $90,000 in seed funding and technical support to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable organizations.

2007 Fellows include Rural China Education Foundation (China), Green Power (Kenya), NOLA 180 (Louisiana).

Application Deadline: December 1st, 2007.

Echoing Green
www.echoinggreen.org

VISIT QUEBEC CITY AND HAVE A POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT

The Auberge L'Autre Jardin, in Québec City, Canada, offers a great way to discover this gorgeous city (yes, I'm biased), while contributing to the funding of Carrefour Tiers-Monde, an organization of international cooperation that aims to further sustainable development and fair trade on our planet.

Auberge L'Autre Jardin:
www.autrejardin.com/eng/index.php

PORTABLE ASHTRAYS

For some very obscure reason, getting rid of a cigarette butt in a graceful gesture, right on the sidewalk, is not considered littering by most people in North American culture.

I was once a smoker, and I was once in Japan, where I was thrilled to show my savoir-faire by throwing my dying cigarette far in the middle of the street. While I was expecting applause and enthusiasm, I only got an horrified look from my fellow smoker friends. Not only smoking is forbidden while walking in Tokyo, but getting rid of a cigarette by throwing it, even in the most expert and graceful way, is considered littering and can result in a 20,000 yen fine.

That is the reason why smokers in Tokyo have the smart habit to carry a portable ashtray, smell and fire proof. No need to go to Japan to buy your own: many online boutiques will be happy to deliver it at your door! Some are ugly, some are trendy. A good way to reduce your environmental impact as a smoker...

Smoking in Tokyo:
www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/basic/basic09.html

Ontario War Against Butts:
www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/05/18/butts-wed.html