Egos & Do Gooders

I am reluctant to write this post, but feel so strongly about the subject that I feel I must. I am completely conflicted about volunteering for environmental groups because there are so many egos involved. In my experience I have found that the people I meet who are most inspiring are also handicapped by their monstrous egos. They work tirelessly and passionately for environmental causes, but hurt those around them by lashing out because they want to be the "hero" who saves us all. They stand alone in their fight and forget about the other volunteers standing beside them wanting to lend a helpful hand.
I have had two recent experiences where I have gone out with the best of intentions to help out and have been verbally assaulted in the process. The most recent incident the organizer of the event came out to find all the volunteers standing around waiting for direction. As we were all standing there they said to another volunteer, "Can you just get these people out of here, they are in the way, this can happen." Now this was my first time meeting this organizer, and this was my first impression, I was in their way like a piece of garbage. Now I am a passionate person as well, but really is this way to treat someone who is just there to lend some help? I'll tell you my reaction was not so great, I got my personal belongings and went up to another volunteer to explain I was leaving. I felt awful making this decision because I believed in the event, but I also didn't feel right staying.
Why is it that egos often get in the way of helping out? Is this why the green movement could be destined to fail, because everyone is so self involved that they can't let others help them in their quest? Or is it better said that perhaps these environmental leaders and pioneers just want the glory all to themselves? That their egos get in the way of all the good they are attempting to do and therefore it negates the very thing they believe in.
What do you think? Has this happened to you to?

Projecting Change Film Festival

I'm just trying to spread the word about a local film festival happening starting May 8th - May 11th. I will be lending a helpful hand over the weekend and other volunteers are needed, so if you are interested in becoming involved please contact Pamela, (pamela@projectingchange.ca) the event volunteer coordinator.

Here is a blurb from the festivals website to give you a taste of what it is all about!

"Projecting Change is an innovative organization that focuses on promoting Green and Sustainable Living through the use of entertaining & educational Film. Through the strategic use of engaging films and inspiring speakers we aim to increase awareness and promote change within our local community. Through these efforts all profits are invested back into local initiatives."

For more information:

www.projectingchange.ca

Granville Magazine a new FAV!

I have been eagerly awaiting the second issue of Vancouver's newest green magazine, Granville!
This past spring when the magazine was launched I was intrigued, but sceptical, because even though it was free was it going to be another advertisers dream and lack actual content? But I was pleasantly surprised when it popped up in my mail slot with it's nice graphics and plentiful amount of green information that is specific to Vancouver. This magazine is a definite must for everyone who wants to know where to go to buy green products, fill up their calendars with green events or read inspiring articles about locals making a difference.
Added bonus, right now this magazine is free and can be delivered to your door too. To sign up for a subscription just visit the website at www.granvilleonline.ca or call 604-299-2116.

The 11th Hour

This Thursday August 16th at 7:00pm The Sierra Club of Canada, Lower Mainland Group and the Fraser Riverkeeper are previewing The 11th Hour documentary by Leonardo Di Caprio. The event is being held at Empire Granville 7, 855 Granville Street, in Vancouver. There is also a question and answer period to be held before and after the screening.
Leo has long been a stand up activist within the green movement and now he is putting all his energy into educating the public about what is going on and what we can do about it. Leo narrates the movie and there are several scientists making appearances and environmental designers such as, William McDonough and Bruce Mau. It seems like another An Inconvenient Truth, type of movie, but hopefully this will also include what we can do about the current state of the planet. There is also a good website to accompany this movie that has several features to help people contribute further on their own accord. Features include; a section dedicated to writing actions letters to your favorite restaurants, stores, etc, and links to other websites that will send you daily tips and trends via your email box.
Check it out, it looks like it should be a good watch!