Community Activism

When he's not on the road, James has become involved in a number of social justice, environmental, arts, and other community-based grassroots organizations. Here are a few of them, in case you'd like to get involved:

James was the first president of the Guelph Civic League, a collaborative network of neighbourhood groups and citizen-led organizations. The Guelph Civic League is committed to keeping citizens informed and working towards a local democracy that is participatory, transparent accountable.

James was also the co-founder of the Wellington Water Watchers, a group dedicated to the protection, restoration and conservation of drinking water in Guelph and Wellington County. Projects have included promoting tap water and opposing Nestle Canada's water taking permit in nearby Aberfoyle, ON, and their MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE campaign, which aims to put a stainless steel refillable bottle in the hands of every public school student in Wellington County.

James was the first artistic director of Guelph's now-legendary Hillside Festival. It's the best way to experience what Guelph is all about!

The Guelph Arts Platform (G.A.P.) is a newly formed action group dedicated to creating a community performing arts center in Guelph. Join the googlegroup to keep up with this new initiative by contacting James.

The Guelph Community Choir: formed with James' guidance last year...anyone can join—it's fun! Email Marsaye for information.