“Talking about the survival of children is not an act of charity. Children are the future of any society. If you want to know the future of any society look at the eyes of the children. If you want to maim the future of any society, you simply maim the children. Thus the struggle for the survival of our children is the struggle for the survival of our future. The quantity and quality of that survival is the measurement of the development of our society.”
Kenyan novelist Ngugi wa Thiong’o
Thanks to all who volunteer!
7 04 2014Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: community, community benefit, non-profit, volunteer
Categories : community development, media, volunteer, volunteers
Happiness…can change the world
18 03 2014March 20 marks the United Nations International Day of Happiness. The Kingdom of Bhutan, known for adopting Gross National Happiness as a measurement of its people’s prosperity, started the initiative for a day devoted to happiness. All 193 UN member states then adopted the resolution creating a day to inspire action for a happier world. On the first celebration of the Day, in 2013, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “let us reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable human development and renew our pledge to help others. When we contribute to the common good, we ourselves are enriched. Compassion promotes happiness and will help build the future we want.”

This year, March 20 will also mark the long-awaited first day of Spring (spring equinox) – something to be very happy about after a long and snowy winter!
For more, visit http://www.dayofhappiness.net or www.facebook.com/Intl.DayofHappiness
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Tags: children, communications, community, education, event, family, happiness, health, mental health, youth
Categories : children, community development, health
Marking International Women’s Day
8 03 2014A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult. – Melinda Gates

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Tags: community, education, women
Categories : women
Neighbourhood and Maternal-Infant Health in Hamilton
3 02 2014
A few months ago, the team of researchers conducting the Neighbourhood Study of Maternal and Infant Health in Hamilton hosted an invitational meeting to present their findings and to gather input from community members interested in this work. Their research focus looked at whether or not neighbourhood variations could be found in selected maternal-child health indicators. Does it matter if a new mother has lived in particular neighbourhood for a long time? Does neighbourhood play a role in pre-term birth?
The meeting was intended to get people talking about the research findings (including maps showing health indicators, like obstetrical complications, by census tract) and to hear from those who work in these neighbourhoods as well as those whose primary interest is maternal or infant health. It was seen as a starting point for sharing what the researchers learned, and seeing what the community might do to further their work or implement their findings.
The meeting was facilitated by Karen Smith. The link to the summary report is here: Neighbourhood Study of Maternal and Infant Health in Hamilton INVITATIONAL MEETING SUMMARY REPORT
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Tags: children, community, family, health, mental health, poverty, prevention, research, women
Categories : community development, EnMark Associates, Hamilton Ontario, health, mental health, parenting, poverty, research, women
Reflections
11 01 2014Looking back on a year that had many highlights…moments that stood out from among my photos:
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Categories : EnMark Associates, Karen Smith
Warm holiday wishes
21 12 2013
…to you and yours, the very best of the holiday season and a heartfelt wish for health and happiness in the new year ahead…
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Categories : EnMark Associates, Karen Smith
The Power of Empathy
16 12 2013
Love this collaboration that brings together the wise and powerful words of Brene Brown with the simple yet poignant animation of Katy Davis…
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Tags: capacity, communications, education, empathy, support
Categories : mental health















