Frequently Asked Questions Q: Who runs the Calgary Compact? A: We are an independent, non-profit, volunteer-driven initiative, started by a committed group of individuals who came together because they saw a need that needed to be addressed. Q: Do you partner with other non-profit groups? A: Yes! We intend to work with a LOT of different groups, to help promote their message and extend their circle of influence beyond what they are currently reaching. That's one of the major benefits we hope to provide to the Calgary community, bringing together people from various interests that wouldn't have otherwise got connected. Q: How is the Conscious Consumer different from other business programs that promote sustainability? A: Many other programs have a criteria for membership, a sort of benchmark that businesses must reach in order to join the club. Although we believe these programs are great and provide consumers with a generally trustworthy label, we feel there is a role for a consumer-driven process that promotes the best activities businesses are doing and highlights areas that businesses can improve upon. Plus, there will be no membership fee for businesses, so even smaller, less experienced businesses in terms of social responsibilities can get involved. We want all businesses to participate because although benchmarks are great, we want to recognize all efforts, no matter how small. Q: Do you need funding? A: Ok, admittedly we don't get asked this that often but it would be great if we did. The answer is yes, we do need funding, but not a whole lot. Our philosophy is to keep operations as community-supported as possible, meaning smart, engaged volunteers running the show. But at the end of the day, we do need some funds to help us get by. Currently, we have no office and are very very decentralized. Some funding would help us get a little more structure as our operations start picking up, so if you have some resources we could access, give us a shout at info@calgarycompact.ca We'll be adding more frequently asked questions as they become more frequently asked. Stay tuned!