For our first Readers Spotlight, we’re highlighting a local environmentalist and community organizer, Frances Litman. She was nominated by Bev Bacon for her work with Creatively United for the Planet. (Interview edited for length.)

Q: Can you introduce yourself, including what neighbourhood you live in, how long you’ve lived in or around Victoria, and what roles you have in the community?

A: For more than 30 years, I have lived and worked as a freelance photographer and multi-media specialist in Esquimalt and have volunteered many years as a community event organizer and founder of the non-profit community solutions hub, CreativelyUnited.org. Prior to this, I lived in View Royal and worked at the Times Colonist’s editorial department for 16 years.

Give us a brief taste of the great work you’ve done for our community. What are you most proud of?

My passion to unite community through art and culture resulted in more than 10,000 people annually attending some of North America’s largest zero waste sustainability showcases for 8 consecutive years.

I have collaboratively produced and hosted more than 40 videos to inform and inspire people to lower their carbon footprint, as well as created two films about the importance of protecting, preserving and planting trees in collaboration with Ballet Victoria and professional musicians. I have also led numerous, all-ages art and eco-based school programs; produced a book outlining a transformative experience with a school, called Stepping Into Nature; conceived, collaborated and produced an educational cartoon colouring book; plus created the free resource Solution Guide: 58 Solutions for Lighter and Healthier Living.

What would a perfect Saturday in Greater Victoria include for you?

Riding my bike to the Moss Street Market and bringing home a week’s worth of fresh, delectable, locally grown veg and food to eat, share, and enjoy while sharing in conversations with friends.

Tell us about something local (either a person, project, group, object, or business) that’s brought you joy recently. What is it about this that you enjoy the most?

I recently attended the Fairy Creek one year anniversary at the Victoria Legislature and felt a lot of joy and gratitude to be sharing in such a diverse and multi-faceted event with people who share common values, passions, care, and concern for each other and the world around us. Despite the hardships faced by the forest defenders, their conviction, bliss, and eloquence in expressing the unity of their experience really sent my heart soaring for the first time in a long time—not to mention the other fabulous speakers, music, and dance.

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From the members on the website’s Team page (www.creativelyunitedfortheplanet.com) to the entertainers and speakers coming forward to offer their services for this volunteer-run event, the response has been amazing!

Amy Smart of the Times-Colonist provided a good look at what prompted me to organize a three day event with just passion in my heart and no prior experience at creating something so enormous. It’s been a wonderful journey and the volunteers that have stepped forward to be a part of this special event have really made the 14+ hour days seem worthwhile.

Robert Bateman, Ann Mortifee, Paul Horn, Mae Moore, Daniel Lapp, Mike Demers, Brad Prevedoros, Allison Vardy, JC Scott, Rachelle Lamb, Shosanna Litman, Briony Penn and more than 100 amazing individuals are creatively uniting to show their support for the underfunded eco charities working so hard to keep our environment healthy, sustainable and a place we feel proud to call home.

Words can not express the gratitude I feel to be a part of such a beautiful community of like-minded people. If this is what a “radical” is then count me in!

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