Opening Presentation
Marie Burge was born in Prince Edward Island and is proud of her farming roots. She is a staff person and a member of the Cooper Institute Collective for the past 25 years. She has thirty-eight years experience in community education and development and participatory action research both in developing countries and in Canada, mainly PEI. She has a BA degree (History), BEd degree (Psychology) and an MA degree (Sociology).
Marie’s work with Cooper Institute involves organizing and implementing specific community development for social justice action and citizen-empowerment programs. She works with a citizen coalition to influence public policy around livable income in PEI. She helps develop and implement training programs of public policy change around diversity and inclusion relating to Aboriginal people and immigrants to PEI. With her colleagues, Marie trains community animators for involvement in food security issues and organizes programs on local and global poverty, social and economic inclusion, equality of women, protection of children, peace and ecological issues. She also develops and conducts various organizational skills training programs for leaders in community-based organizations.
“We need large groups of passionate people who will commit themselves to working constantly and cooperatively for social justice for all people and for the planet. The excuse, ‘I’m too busy’ just doesn’t cut it with me anymore.”
“Those who continue to love their work will never work another day in their lives.”
Description of Presentation
We will identify some of the challenges facing communities and community promoters in the current socioeconomic-political moment. What are the obstacles to creating healthy and vibrant communities? What are some "bounce back" strategies?
What strengths do we find in communities to "bounce forward" in a dynamic movement for social justice, community peace, and creative living with one another and in harmony with the planet?
Marie Burge
81 Prince Street
Charlottetown, PE C1A 4R3
Telephone: (902) 894-4573
Email: cooperinstitute@eastlink.ca
Atlantic Summer Institute on Healthy and Safe Communities
