Gathering the Threads of Social Change

add to outlook add to google calendar remind me

Saturday, December 6th, 2014
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Publishing pioneer, Judith Plant –co- publisher with partner Chris Plant, of New Society Publishers -- will present the story of New Society Publishers at the Phoenix Auditorium at The Haven on Gabriola Island.

This will be a very special opportunity to hear from a leader who has been instrumental in empowering people and communities around the world to be their own leaders in building more ecologically sustainable and equitable societies.

New Society Publishers has been through many transformations in its 40-plus year history, but has never wavered from its commitment to offering positive solutions in troubled times. Created in 1971 as the Movement for a New Society, its original goal was to develop tools and train activists for nonviolent direct action against US involvement in the Vietnam War, for the citizen-led opposition to the US nuclear program, and other social and environmental issues of the time. From this work grew the need for a publishing house and New Society Publishers was created in the late 1970s with a mandate to publish books for nonviolent social change.

New Society Publishers’ Canadian office had its origins in British Columbia's food co-op movement of the early 1970s and the bioregional movement beginning in the '80s. Known as The Catalyst Education Society, it began life on an off-grid homestead in the mountains near Lillooet, BC. Later, in 1996, the Canadian office formed a limited company and, through a friendly buy-out, took over continent-wide operations and the complete list of books.

The 2000s saw a lot of first for New Society Publishers as they led the charge towards a more environmentally and socially responsible industry.

In 2001 New Society became the first publishing house in North America to publish all of its forthcoming titles on acid-free paper that is Forest Stewardship Council-certified, 100% post-consumer recycled stock and 100% old growth forest-free. Since the program’s inception, New Society has printed over half a million books this way, saved approximately 25,000 trees, and kick-started a movement within the publishing world.

In 2005 the company again became leaders in when it became the first publisher in North America to go carbon neutral. In 2005, they offset 213 tonnes of carbon. In 2014, nearly 10 years later, they’re offsetting 200 tonnes, a decline in emissions despite a steadily growing publishing business.

And just last year the company introduced their Guide to Responsible Digital Reading to educate readers about ways to minimize the environmental and social impacts of their digital devices.

In 2008, New Society Publishers entered a new phase of its existence when they were acquired by Douglas & McIntyre Publishing, continuing to operate semi-autonomously on Gabriola Island. Following D&M's filing for bankruptcy protection in late 2012, New Society was reacquired by Chris and Judith Plant and Carol Newell in early 2013.

Never one to rest on their laurels, the company is now breaking new ground with its a new business structure that includes an employee trust which places emphasis not only on working together as a team to create the future of the company, but also on staff ownership.

This free Gabriola event will host Judith Plant as she shares a slideshow and presentation on the history and transformation of the company at the Phoenix Auditorium. The event will also feature a New Society book sale, offering a 50% discount to our local community. Doors open at 6:30, event starts 7:00 pm. Cookies and coffee by donation to Gertie.