So why do we have the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, and what does it do?
The PERC exists to address several community needs...
- the need for alternative local media that address Peace and Environment issues... the mainstream press usually doesn't, or covers issues very superficially.
- the need for a resource centre where alternative publications are available to the public. Local libraries carry a few of these, but not very many.
- an outlet is needed for local groups to communicate with the public. Most groups are too small and financially poor to advertise, and they are ignored by the media.
- the public need to be involved in finding solutions to environmental and social problems.
To address these needs, the centre has set some goals...
- to create an informed public on Peace, Environmental and Social Justice Issues
- community involvement in these issues
- provide assistance to local groups in getting their information to the public
In order to meet our goals, the PERC has many activities, and provides several services:
- Peace and Environment News, published 10 times a year, in which local groups can print articles and place free ads for meetings, events and so on.
- community workshops, like the Alternatives to Violence workshops, the PERCshops series for groups skills, Popular Education series about Environmental issues, and so on.
- a volunteer program designed for up to 250 volunteers
- information services, like this website as one example, and the online directory to local groups.
- information handbooks, like the Bringing Nature to the City handbook (a wonderful resource for teachers, available for sale at the PERC office)
- resource centre open to the public (Wednesday to Friday, 12-6 pm; Saturday 10-4)
Updated February 17, 2003
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