Crazy times!

Its been a little while since we’ve had a chance to blog, but thats a product of just how much is going on these days! A quick November recap:

 - AOC was invited to present as keynote speakers at a UN hosted symposium entitled “Philanthropy 2.0″, highlighting the use of internet techology to support growth and impact for NGOs. The event was held in Prague, Czech Republic and we were hosted by the Canadian Embassy for the duration of our stay.

- A small group of dedicated souls is kicking of an AOC office in London, UK, beginning with some fundraising and awareness work…and so it begins

 - The AOCU microcredit challenge gave 10 teams from two Vancouver universities $100 each and 1 week to creatively raise as much money as possible using their entrepreneurial skills. The teams raised a collective $5,500 for microcredit funds established at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University! Congrats to our winners, SMA Agents (raising $1700) and The Baggers (creating a sustainable business plan around environmentally friendly cloth bags and raising $300 in the process)!

- We’ve recruited over 20 riders for our second annual “Riding to Break the Cycle” tour – 3000 kilometres, 7 weeks, riders from across the continent and a collective $75,000 fundraising total for this dedicated group of young leaders about to set out on an amazing journey. The trip sets off May 31, 2008 and riders are hard at work organizing and fundraising already.

- With several small fundraisers hosted by riders and the wrap party for the microcredit challenge we’ve been busy (and having fun!)

- Our support base continues to grow with dozens of dedicated volunteers filling out several key committees, and new projects under consideration including field programs on the ground in developing regions. The Catalyst Magazine continues to add writers and expand its content, and our Young Agents program is set for a January launch as well!

SO…its all a bit crazy. With further key strategy sessions scheduled over the coming month or so expect more big updates on the direction of things, and key developments in our core programs.

Thanks for coming along with us for this ride, and if you’d like to be more involved we’d love to hear from you! Much love,

Shawn

Agents of Change