In early June, the Sustainability Network is organizing the inaugural gathering of the Alberta Water Learning Network. From noon on Monday, June 1 to early afternoon Wednesday, June 3, at Rundles Mission just outside Edmonton, current and emerging NGO water leaders will convene to focus on exploring the resource capacity challenges of the sector.

The program will draw heavily on the experience and knowledge of the participants as well as provide training on  fundraising (Ken Wyman), various thinking tools (facilitator Dr. Charlotte Young), an evening speaker (Andrew Nikiforuk) and panelists (RBC, Max Bell Foundation, TD, Alberta Ecotrust) to develop a collective understanding about this complex issue.  The program addresses the unique circumstances and perspectives of the environmental community and a key requisite of the program is nesting the learning back into the culture and practice of participating organizations.

The program is designed for senior environmental nonprofit leaders focused on water issues who are interested in taking time to critically reflect and who are seeking an opportunity to push their thinking about a number of sector priorities. Some spaces are also reserved for emerging leaders who are expected to move very soon into leadership roles within the environmental community. Organizations can have more than one participant in the program.

If you would like to participate, please submit a one or two page application letter describing your interest. Please include your organizational affiliation, professional background and experience, your interest in and/or experience with water and social change, and what facets of the Learning Network most appeal to you and why.

Financial support is available, and applications are due by Monday, April 27, 2009.

For more information, visit The Sustainability Network's website.