You surely know the Caribbean’s legendary beaches. But did you know that in Cuba, where agriculture is heavily based on pig farming, the absence of a recycling system of manure leads to contamination and disease? ...

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Well, it’s not exactly tomorrow…, but almost!

After its booming success in 2007, the Quebec Social Forum (FSQ) is back at full tilt from the 8th to the 12th of October 2009. The 2009 FSQ offers a forum for exchange, reflection, discovery, culture, and ultimately change.

If you knew that your neighbour was no longer eating, would you give him a little money? What if this meant sharing your last dollar with him?
In Mali, where three out of four people live on less than a dollar a day, this is the kind of sacrifice mothers have made...

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Personal account of Rasha Jassim, a widow, who has chosen to get involved in the Iraqi Democratic Future Network, a network of progressive organizations supported by Alternatives since 2004:
"I decided to get involved to help women like me change their destiny."

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Something of global importance is happening in 2009 – the flaws in our economic system are becoming clear, even to world leaders. Our decision makers are beginning to examine ways to reform the capitalist system, which they see has its limits. This recognition that we must find a better way gives us the ideal opportunity to show the value of our approach.

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You already know that building sustainable peace involves more than simply laying down arms. We will have more success in building sustainable societies if we support initiatives that come from popular and social movements.

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It is the vision which spurs on those citizens who work for a better distribution of wealth. Strength in unity is also what helps those who fight for the respect of fundamental rights. For people devastated by war, strength in unity is what brings reconciliation, transforming their lives for the better.

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How would you feel if your child had to prove his identity to a soldier armed with a submachine gun before climbing over a concrete block barricade, every time he goes to school?

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More than 350 people have participated at the Alternatives’ Days 2008. The event took place last week-end in Saint-Alphonse-de-Rodriguez. This global solidarity summer school from Alternatives included workshops, debates, and discussions focusing on political and socioeconomic policy at home and abroad. Guests for the United States, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa gave very interesting presentation on various topics such as Aboriginal rights, Development or the US foreign policy.

On February 27, Israeli air strikes on Gaza destroyed the Palestinian Medical Relief Society’s main clinic. A coalition of organizations including Alternatives unite in asking Quebecers to contribute to help rebuild the clinic.

An earthquake measuring at least 7.6 on the Richter scale has hit Asia. Worst affected are Kashmir and Pakistan, but the quake has also hit north India and Afghanistan.
Alternatives’ partners has a history of working in the area and Alternatives will be mobilising its existing partners and resources in the response.

The Jets (the Rooftop Garden discussion group) invites you to join us on Thursday, November 17 at 6pm for an evening of discussion concerning the links between Climate Change and Food.

Following the devastating earthquake and resulting Tsunami in South Asia, Alternatives is seeking support for relief efforts in the hardest hit areas of Indonesia and India.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of one of the most horrific events in human history. I’m writing today to remind you of it.

It was ten years ago that 800,000 innocent people were murdered. Murdered over a span of about 100 days. The place was Rwanda. I was there — both before and after the genocide. I wrote a book about it.

In Montreal, as in other Canadian cities, many citizens would like to rent a small plot of land or join other growers to plant and grow vegetable crops cooperatively and then share the harvest. Long waiting lists for community gardens, however, thwart these modest ambitions. In light of high demand and limited space for urban gardens, Alternatives is experimenting with a gardening system called "rooftop simplified hydroponics" - a system adapted from the group’s experiences in the developing world.

Like most Canadians, we at Alternatives were against the war and are against an occupation. Today thousands of healthy Iraqi civilians have no access to electricity or running water and, if they do get sick, their hospitals are overflowing and lack basic supplies. The UN expects upwards of 2 million displaced children, women and men, who will need water, food, clothing, shelter, medical care, etc. Alternatives is in northern Iraq providing emergency relief aid. But much, much more is needed to save the lives of many innocent civilians. YOUR DONATION IS URGENTLY NEEDED!