Society for International Development
Ottawa-Gatineau Chapter

Recent Announcements

April 22, 2010: Pronk event postponed

We are very sorry to announce that the visit by SID-International President Jan Pronk has been postponed until further notice.

February 22, 2010: SID-OG releases the 7th edition of ConSIDerations

ConSIDerations, Issue 7

January 27, 2010: SID-OG President's Message

Happy New Year to our Members:

I am delighted to return for another term as President of SID-OG, and to have at my side a dynamic and talented team. I would invite you to refer to the website to learn more about them.

Following the June 2009 AGM, I held two strategic planning retreats where we agreed to a new programming approach and theme for the year. The theme for 2009-2010 is Development Assistance in an Age of Reform. Our approach will be to hold fewer but larger events, supplemented by smaller, more informal activities. We will be seeking to collaborate with academic, professional, diplomatic, student and government institutions. We also plan to hold a number of professional development and networking activities to cater to the diverse interests of our members. To support this work, we recently refreshed our communications products - a new pamphlet for the chapter, and updated our website. We have an established Facebook presence, and have automated event registration and membership payment systems on-line. Our hope is these small changes will make it even easier for you to connect with us.

In November, SID-OG collaborated with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), the United Nations Association of Canada (UNAC) and the Aga Khan Foundation, to launch in Ottawa, the 2009 UN Global Report on Human Settlements: Planning Sustainable Cities. Speakers, Dr. Winnie Mitullah and Dr. Mark Seasons presented their views to a large and well-informed audience.

In January, we welcome a former Ottawa SID-OG President and recent Harvard University fellow, Fauzya Moore as a SID-OG emeritus member. Fauzya will speak to the theme, Development and Leadership: The Harvard Growth Diagnostics.

In February, SID-OG will collaborate with CIDA and Carleton University (NPSIA) to feature CIDA President, Margaret Biggs. President Biggs presentation will focus on Development in a Changing World. In the planning stage are panels with SID-International President Jan Pronk (April); and Rajiv Shaw, the new Administrator of USAID (May), as well as an international panel on Aid Reform.

This year again affords many new volunteering opportunities. On the website, you can download the 2009-2010 Volunteer Package which lists all of the current volunteer opportunities. For more information on volunteering with us, contact our coordinator Jenny Butterfield at: volunteer@sidottawa.ca.

As you can see, there is no better time to join or renew your membership with the Society. We are growing, constantly innovating, and working hard to serve our members. On behalf of the SID-OG Board of Directors, thank-you for your on-going support. We look forward to seeing you at our next event.

Sincerely,
Soraya Hassanali
President, Society for International Development, Ottawa-Gatineau chapter
(2007-2010)

October 6, 2009: SID-OG President's Message

Greetings to the Members of the Ottawa-Gatineau Chapter of the Society for International Development:

I am delighted to be returning for another term as the President of the Society. As we begin another year together I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the new Board for 2009-2010! You are invited to take a look at our revamped website at sidottawa.ca and review the bios and pictures of our dynamic new team. You will see some familiar faces as well as some new--each infused with a combination of skills, experience and most importantly, enthusiasm for the Society, and the year ahead.

Over the summer, we have worked hard to develop a new programming theme and approach. The theme for 2009-2010 is International Development in an Era of Reform, with events to commence in early November. This year we plan to hold fewer, but bigger events. These will be supplemented by smaller, more informal activities, like film presentations and discussions. We will put an emphasis this year on Outreach to new constituencies--academic, professional, diplomatic, and student. We will hold a number of professional development and networking events to cater to the interests of our members and friends. I invite you to visit the programming link on the website for more details on our autumn lineup.

This year will bring many new opportunities for those interested in volunteering with us. On our website you can see and download the 2009-2010 Volunteer Package which lists all of the coming volunteer opportunities. The first volunteer orientation session took place in September 2009. Our volunteer coordinator is scheduling another orientation volunteer session soon--so stay tuned! We are still recruiting new volunteers to help out with our dynamic Gender Equality Committee (GEC), and Outreach Committee, as well as our new Young Professionals, and Fundraising Committees. If you are interested in these areas or would like to learn more, please contact Jennifer Butterfield at: .

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank-you for your continued interest and involvement in the chapter and look forward to seeing you at the next event!

Sincerely,
Soraya Hassanali
President, Society for International Development, Ottawa-Gatineau chapter
(2007-2008, 2008-09, 2009-2010)

June 1, 2009: SID-OG releases the 6th edition of ConSIDerations

ConSIDerations, Issue 6

March 18, 2009: SID-OG releases the Spring 2009 edition of ConSIDerations

ConSIDerations Spring 2009