Regenesis (non-profit organization)


Regenesis is Canadian-based, university focused environmental organization. Regenesis has chapters at university and college campuses across Canada. Each university chapter is independent and democratically run.
Regenesis was 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.
Regenesis has been praised for its innovative approach of involving students in operating social enterprises and other long-term environmental initiatives.

History

Regenesis was formed as a grassroots student organization and aspiring student social movement focusing on issues of environmental and social justice. Campaigns and projects were determined by their membership. The group had initial success, founding chapters at universities across Canada, including several chapters in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. 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.
As a grassroots organization, students and members of the wider community can 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, fluoride toxicity and asserting the precautionary principle should be applied because of the potential harm. In 2009, their anti-fluoridation campaign in Thunder Bay helped convince Thunder Bay City Council to vote against fluoridating Thunder Bay's water supply. 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.
After some success, the group entered a period of transition. By the end of 2009 those still involved decided to incorporate and to refocus on securing funding, resources and university support.
Regenesis chapters currently host a variety of initiatives, including farmers' markets, borrowing centres, free stores and a community bike centre.

Chapters

The chapter at York University is pursuing the development of an intentional community, similar to housing cooperatives,
ecovillages and cohousing communities, on the Keele Campus of York University.