KWIC's Mandate

KWIC is a community-based, non-profit, charitable global education and resource centre, serving the Peterborough and surrounding communities.

KWIC promotes dialogue and understanding of world issues to enable people to engage in positive social and environmental change.

Current Board of Directors

Lynn Bowser is a teacher at an alternative high school, and is passionate about social and environmental issues. Lynn was involved with KWIC youth programme and currently is chair of the KWIC Fundraising Committee.

John Knight, MBA
John has over 25 years of experience in Sales, Marketing and business planning working with Peterborough manufacturing companies, retailers and non-profit organizations. Since 2005 he has been a Development Officer at Trent University. John volunteers with several organizations. John's prime goal on the KWIC board is to offer his skills, experience and networking contacts to help build KWIC into a sustainable organization. Professional webpage - http://people.trentu.ca/johnknight/

Chris Furgal is a Professor in the Indigenous Environmental Studies program at Trent University. He is a researcher and advocate on Aboriginal environmental health issues such as contaminants, climate change and their implications for human health.

Sheila Nabigon-Howlett, long-time peace and justice activist, is retired and lives in Peterborough. She has worked closely with church justice organizations like Development & Peace and KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives for many years. She finds being on the KWIC board allows her to work in her fields of interest while always learning new things. Sheila currently chairs the KWIC Programme Committee.

Ron Zinck is a person with a long history and interest in social justice issues, having worked as a volunteer, front line staff and manager in services. Ron was an advocacy in various parts of this country focused on poverty, health and Aboriginal Issues. His recent exposure to KWIC triggered his curiosity about the international nature of these issues in a social development or justice framework. Ron comes to KWIC with experience in the non profit sector and has recently accepted responsibility of KWIC Treasurer.

Rick is a professional forester working for the Ministry of Natural Resources. A resident of Peterborough since 1997, he is active in various organizations based here including Kawartha Ploughshares, PARN, Rainbow Service Organization, and the Peterborough Pride committee. Rick's interests range from civil rights, global citizenship, and international development to AIDS activism. Rick recently retired as KWIC's long-term volunteer treasurer.

Sara Swerdlyk is a fourth year Trent student pursuing a joint major in International Development Studies and Indigenous Studies. Her hometown is Thunder Bay and she is currently Co-Editor in Chief of Arthur, Trent's student and community press.

Hermione Rivison is involved in arts administration and has been involved in theatre before coming to Canada. She has involved herself in social issues joining activist groups where she lived. Hermione has a strong belief in community and the power of dialogue and relationships within communities. Hermione is currently the Chair of the KWIC Board of Directors.

Sonya Hardman is a new mom, taking a short leave from her current employment in the Careers Office at Trent University. Sonya is an active feminist and volunteers with various community groups. She brings extensive board experience, conflict resolution, strategic planning and evaluation skills to KWIC, and is assisting with KWIC Membership.

Kate Eales has participated on multiple Parent-Teacher Committees and has been the Vice-Chair and Chair of the Strath-MacLean Child Day Care. Over the past 4 years, she has participated in both the Federal and Municipal Elections. Currently Kate works at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario in the International Office as a Study Abroad Advisor. Kate brings her enthusiasm and skills to KWIC's fundraising committee.

Core Staff

Julie Cosgrove - Coordinator