Regenesis (non-profit organization)

Regenesis is Canadian-based, university focused environmental and social justice organization. Regenesis currently has chapters at university and college campuses across Southern Ontario. Each university/college chapter is independent and democratically run.

Regenesis was originally founded in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2007 by a group of student activists, including Claudia Rodriguez and Mike Kenny, as a student activist group and movement.^[1]

2007-2009

Regenesis was originally formed as a grassroots student activist organization and aspiring student social movement focusing on issues of environmental and social justice.^[2] Campaigns and projects were determined by their membership. The group had initial success, founding chapters at universities across Canada, including multiple chapters in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.^[3] Regenesis held a launch party that took place on World Environment Day, June 5, 2008, that was hosted by Frank De Jong, leader of the Green Party of Ontario. In 2008, they organized an 'all cause rally' in Toronto, inspired by the Free Speech Movement at the University of California, Berkeley in the 1960s.^[4] The group had members stand as candidates for the 2008 Canadian Youth Parliamentary Elections from their various campus clubs at universities across Canada.

As a grassroots organization, students and members of the wider community would bring forward ideas for campaigns and programs. Multiple Regenesis chapters previously advocated for the removal of fluoride, which they viewed as an important environmental health issue, citing concerns over bioaccumulation.^[5] In 2009, their anti-fluoridation campaign in Thunder Bay helped convince Thunder Bay City Council to vote against fluoridating Thunder Bay's water supply.^[6][7] The Toronto-area chapters previously lobbied Toronto City Council, along with other member organizations of the Toronto Coalition Against Fluoridation, to halt the practice of adding Hexafluorosilicic acid to Toronto's drinking water.^[8][9]

2009-2012

After some initial success, the group entered a period of transition. By the end of 2009 those still involved decided to incorporate, close all chapters outside of the Southern Ontario region, and to refocus on securing funding and resources for Regenesis to act as an umbrella support organization for student environmental and social justice initiatives.

2013-present

More recently, Regenesis has received praise for its innovative approach of involving students in operating social enterprises and other long-term environmental initiatives.^[10]

The chapter at York University is currently pursuing the development of an intentional community, similar to ecovillages and cohousing communities, on the Keele Campus of York University.^[11]

References

External links

• Regenesis