SFU CED Course is Full

(Golden, BC) – It took just a few weeks to fill the classroom and local leaders – and leaders in training – have stepped up and sat down ready to learn.

Golden Community Resources Society (GCRS) has been working since last fall to bring Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Community Economic Course (CED) to Golden. A few years ago, GCRS Consultant, Ryan Watmough, took the course in High River and saw the benefits that could be realized by bringing the course to Golden. In 2012, GCRS set a target of enrolling eight local residents. With two week to go, there are 14 locals registered – thanks in large part to the generous bursary support provided by the Golden & District Community Foundation.

Golden will be hosting the first three courses of SFU’s CED certificate in a weeklong intensive summer studies from June 3-7. The three courses will include: Sustainability of People, Planet and Places, Locanomics: Introduction to Local Living Economies and Emerging Economic Theories & Practices.

CED is a community-centered process that blends social and economic development to promote the economic, social, cultural and ecological well being of communities.  CED encourages using local resources to create economic opportunities, and at the same time, improve social conditions in a sustainable way. Course instructors are experts in their particular field and will be coming from Vancouver and California.

Mr. Watmough is very excited about the strong local turnout. “At the end of the week, we will have 15 local leaders and supporters speaking the same CED language. They can take this knowledge back to their jobs and volunteer organizations and apply it individually or together for the entire community’s benefit.“

The classroom session will be rounded out by other student professionals coming from across southern BC, some starting the course and other finishing off their last of the eight credits required for the full CED certificate program.

Regional participants have been encouraged to attend through a ‘non profit organization’ rate offered by some local accommodators.  This is a win-win that helps bolster course attendance and provides some long stay room nights for local accommodators.

And when they are not in lecturers or studying or sleeping, participants will have the chance to attend some great local activities, from mountain biking to rafting to simply sightseeing.

“There is always something new being created or improved by local organizations and businesses,” explained Mr. Watmough. “The evenings after the classroom sessions will be a great opportunity for regional visitors to be introduced to some of Golden’s highlights and learn from these tourism operators. And when they go back home, they’ll share with their colleagues what a great host Golden was.”

Any stragglers interested in learning more about the program is encouraged to review the SFU CED website and those interested in registering should contact Ryan Watmough at [email protected] ASAP.

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For more information contact:
Ryan Watmough MBA, Consultant
Golden Community Resources Society
250-344-8610
[email protected]