Will Alvarez
Quick! What do you get when you mix 1 part computer geek, 1 part social worker, and 3 parts curiosity and fascination for all things micro business?
This business is my successful attempt at creating financial strength for my family, contributing to the social capital in Nanaimo, BC, and finding ways to work effectively towards social, environmental, and economic goals.
This path has not only been fun, but also deeply rewarding. My skills can offer the opportunity to increase ones quality of life which convinces me that I’m building stronger communities.
Certified Computer Technician
It also encourages me to find ways where technology can continue to find ways to grow sustainably by connecting people online and offline. Computers alone are interesting. But combined with the internet, the two are a combined force that has altered the way humans interact not only with their environment but also how they relate with others.
The internet has offered immediate access to information: text, audio, video, and images. But, multi-media doesn’t just refer to a way of receiving information.
Social Worker
Instead, it signals the way post-industrial society encourages its members to participate in an increasing online world. One could look at the impact e-government has in the way social services are delivered or how governments, govern. It also means that we are now confronted with another identity: the online presence.
The intersection between technology and community has implications for the ways we exercise citizenship. Social Work is such a diverse field and I didn’t think that it would lead in to such an intriguing but uncharted direction.
YCEP Graduate
It’s been inspiring to know there are a variety of community practicioners that have found ways to minimize harmful social, environmental, and economic conditions in our communities through leadership. The Lifecycles Youth Community Entrepreneurship Program is one motivating example of how a group of 10 participants and 1 coordinator could explore the various dimensions of triple-bottom line business practices while continuing to serve as inspiring business leaders.
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