http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/notes/morgan-brayton/dear-hooligans/10150211620676771

You’ve highlighted some significant Vancouver achievements that we should be very proud of, including the international conferences hosted here that have sparked important discussions on issues that really matter. This, along with the hospitality and kindness of our city, should not be overlooked by the actions of a minority who do not represent the true spirit of Vancouver.

I was truly disappointed in such POINTLESS violence! If we were protesting inhumane treatment, poverty, hunger, I’d get that!… But because we lost a Hockey GAME? I think that in addition to finding and charging those mischief makers last night, organizers and politicians should ban all hockey in Vancouver for 1 year send a clear statement that such behavior is unacceptable. At first I thought just professional hockey … but I believe that if Vancouver should decide to cancel ALL organized hockey for 1 year… fans, residents, the rest of the world and every little future hockey player/fan might learn a valuable lesson… In Canada, violence will not be tolerated.

Transformational community service projects are indeed desirable. In discussing how we close the loop on social responsibility, I’d like to suggest a broadening of the circle too, to consider other socially responsible aspects in addition to the service project. How often do we pro-actively make ourselves aware of the day-to-day social responsibility issues that affect the management of our events? I think in some cases we do, and in other cases we might be able to do better on a very practical level.

Things like:
* Being good neighbors: sound levels, street closures and congestion all impact the day-to-day lives of people where we stage events. How are the needs and concerns of these groups addressed?
* Accessibility issues: customer service training and universal design principles. Can we ensure an equal event experience for those with limited physical abilities?
* Volunteer, attendee and staff screening: checks and balances to make sure that attendees and staff are provided with a safe and risk-free event environment. What degree of screening is necessary? Is there potential criminal activity to be aware of? Are we ensuring people are adequately protected from personal harm?
* Protest & demonstration: procedures and policies to enable and manage demonstrations appropriately. Are we guaranteeing the right to peaceful protest while putting in place a plan to handle situations that might get out of control?
* Privacy: policies and practices to make sure privileged information remains secure. Are registration documents and databases kept confidential and managed according to any privacy laws?
* Purchasing: ensuring providers of all goods and services prioritize social responsibility too. Are there workplace health and safety, fairness or human rights issues to consider?
* Attendee sensitivities: dietary restrictions, non-traditional families, religious observances, language use. How are these relevant to your event and how should you integrate them into planning?
* Staff management: training, clear job descriptions, safe/healthy workplace, physical sustainability. Are we aware of how these contribute to happy employees that experience low turnover?

Just some that came to mind for me, in addition to the very important community service aspect. Thanks for posting on this topic!