Five Good Ideas

Why do important ideas to improve public policy seem to rarely get implemented? Is signing another petition going to achieve the results you want to see? Free and democratic societies need the active and vigorous participation of individuals and non-governmental organizations in order to thrive. We all benefit from greater involvement by civil society in the public arena of ideas in an increasingly digital world. Most of us have experienced the fact that impacting public policy requires more than just a passion for a cause and good research. This session will explore established and emerging strategies to more effectively engage in policy and legislative change, including: building coalitions of people with diverse backgrounds, identifying champions and opinion leaders, developing an effective online presence, focussed media and communications strategies, and being prepared to act at key moments of change.

Some of the most creative problem-solving in Canada is going on in non-profit organizations. But the public seldom hears about these efforts. As a journalist who has been covering the non-profit sector for more than decade, Carol Goar will attempt to explain why some of the best initiatives don’t show up on the radar screens of reporters, editors, broadcasters and producers. The media are partly to blame. But so are non-profit leaders who don’t understand why their efforts are not considered newsworthy or how journalists choose among the many stories competing for space and airtime. Carol’s “good ideas” will offer five bridges across this communication gap. She hopes her presentation will also generate a thoughtful exchange about how the media and the non-profit sector can do a better job of showing Canadians how essential a well-developed network of non-profit organizations is in creating strong communities and a healthy, inclusive society.

Come to this session and find out: What is the difference between a trade-mark, copyright, patent and industrial design? How can I protect my company's intellectual property? What do I do if someone sends me a cease and desist letter? When can I use ™ or ®? What do I do if someone is using my name/trade-mark on their website?