Many Happy Returns!

A HUGE Compass thank-you to the sixty-five courageous cutesters who packed the Compass Centre last night for our second annual alumni reunion evening - from cagey veterans of years past to nubile newbies of recent departure to everyone in between, the sheer volume of good energy in one space was enough to make the Grinch's heart grow FIVE sizes that day. I'd like to extend some extra-special additional gratitude to our lovely "a little bit giraffe, a little bit jackal" welcome wagon, Arezoo and Parto, who made everyone feel welcome and to all the unsung heroes who helped tidy up the centre at the end of the evening. I hope you all got to catch up with some familiar faces as well as meet a few new ones that might help with your journey (or at least provide a few extra smiles along the way). Last night was just one more confirmation of our ongoing claim that we are so fortunate to get to work with the very finest folks in the world and hope that the connections continue as we all march forward into the exciting unknown.

Thanks again, everyone, and (especially for you Golds out there) make sure to keep some time open next February, too, when we plan to raise the roof one more time for a third annual return of the occasion.

Have a great weekend, all, and feel free to check out some photographic evidence of last night's festivities at the link below (but please excuse my dodgy lenswork - it was a bit of a long day).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46201591@N00/sets/72157594487455606/show/

~Bill (on behalf of your Friendly Compass Staff)

Two more sleeps!

Hey, gang - hope all's swell out there in Alumniland.

A number of people have been inquiring whether it's too late to RSVP for the big reunion coming up Thursday (from 6:30-8:30 at the Compass Centre, don't you know) to which my answer is a hearty, "NEVER!". We're still happily collecting names and hoping that anyone and everyone will be able to make it out for our little celebration. And, if you don't get a chance to RSVP before the day and want to come anyways, just come (do you really think we won't be happy to see you?). Very much looking forward to having all you cutesters back under one roof again.

I'll be passing out complimentary backpats on the 28th to anyone who has helped push our networking site to a whopping 101 members as of this week (for being much vaunted member #100, Linda Watson won herself a lovely set of steak knives). It's still my dream that you'll all eventually cave to my annoying sales pitch and join ranks where you'll have access to all the offerings of talented and well-connected people like my new hero, Denise, who has already started a number of discussion items (such as "Good Inspirational Reads" and "Useful Social Justice Resources"), publicized interesting-sounding speakers and workshops (such as a recent talk on food sovereignty called "Hijacked Future" and a networking event for environmentally-inclined professionals), and posted a mittfull of fascinating job postings (such as "Sustainable Schools Coordinator", "Writer/Editor" for City Green Solutions, and two positions with Katimavik, an organization that helps foster personal development in young people).
Why not join the herd? It's never been more sensible to be trendy...

Looking forward to seeing all your bright, smiling faces on Thursday, all.

~B

Breaker, breaker, c'mon back!

Howdy, folks - hope you've all recovered from your Valentine's Day diabetic comas and are now enjoying the guilt-free sugar raining down from little Miss Sunshine.

Two quick hits:

1. The Thursday, February 28th reunion is right around the corner and we're asking you to please RSVP this week if you're intending on attending so we know how many party hats to buy. You can do so by e-mailing or phoning (984-4567), whichever suits your style. The event is slated to run from 6:30-8:30 PM and, while we've planned a few little activities to keep you entertained, we hope a great turnout will provide an excellent opportunity to chat up some interesting new folks and catch up with familiar old friends.

2. Still hoping to top the hundred mark on our networking website by reunion time (94 strong at present) so, if you need another invitation, please ring and I'll be happy to send a refresher. Highlights from the site this past week include notice of a networking event for environmentally-inclined professionals (thanks, Denise!), inside scoop on how to get free admission to Globe 2008 International Environmental Tradeshow (cheers, Sheila!), a link to sign up for the Oprah/Eckhart "New Earth" web-workshop series (gracias, Mary!), and eleven new job postings (ranging from Admissions Counselor to Proposal Writer to GIS Analyst to Training Coordinator and beyond). So much good insight and information available, I hope everyone will take a look and see if there's anything that might be able to help you along the path.

Keep your shades handy and sunscreen at the ready, all - Spring's right around the corner.

~B

Global Warming, my eye!

Hi, gang

Hope everyone survived the white stuff last week and is currently safe, dry, and sporting a clear driveway. Here are a couple of reminders while I've got your ears.

1. As our current contract winds up at the end of February, we're hoping to wrap up all our statistical details so please remember to let us know when you start work (of any kind, duration, or nature) or begin schooling/training towards a career goal. We celebrate any and all steps that help you put food on the table and keep you trucking towards your preferred destination. If you're not sure whether we've received your information previously, please send it anyways and we'll double-check.
Muchas gracias!

2. I hope you've all marked your calendars for Thursday, February 28th as we'll be welcoming you all back for our Compass Alumni Reunion from 6:30-8:30PM. A chance to meet some interesting new folks, catch up with familiar old faces, and marinate in the positive energy of the Yellow Womb. I'll send word about RSVP-ing next week.

3. The networking website is ripping along nicely as we continue to add more fine and fascinating folks every week (currently at 88 proud members and growing). I highly recommend reading the story of Tascha's inspiring journey over the past year to anyone doubting the power of staying positive, open-minded, and on purpose. And recent discussion items regarding local NVC practice groups, a particularly practical book for mid-career job changers, and where you can hear the amazing Steven Lewis speak locally in March have helped keep things current and interesting. Add a whole host of recent job postings (including Environmental Science Educator, Software Developer, Coop Coordinator, Film Festival Organizer, and Community Kitchens Garden Project Coordinator), a heads-up about an upcoming Hiring Fair, and tons of freaky, flashy, and fantastic pictures submitted by various members and I hope most people are finding the site a useful place to check out from time to time. My latest goal is to have over a hundred people aboard by reunion time so if any of you have lost your original invitation and would like a refresher, please feel free to send word.

Keep your toques firmly affixed and your tongues clear, all.

~B