 | |
| Abbreviation | KC |
|---|---|
| Formation | July 2008 |
| Legal status | Association |
| Purpose | Educational |
| Headquarters |  |
| Location |
|
Membership | Public |
Official language | English |
Founder | Bill Madden |
| Affiliations | Kiwi Seminars |
| Website | Kiwi Commons |
'Kiwi Commons' is an Internet safety advocacy that focuses on Cyberbullying, Privacy, Social Media, Predators & Exploitation, Gaming & Addiction, and Internet. They provide the most up-to-date news, guides, and multimedia to concerned parents and educators. As well, they offer an expert panel and work closely with members of local communities, including police, educators and organizations. Thier site focuses on helping teachers and parents stay informed by equipping their readers with the knowledge and understanding to ensure a fruitful and safe online experience.
History/Milestones
edit2008
editKiwi Commons was founded in July 2008 by Bill Madden because, as a concerned parent with a passion for education, he saw the need to address the growing number of Internet safety concerns, both in the current educational system and in homes.
2009
editThis was a largely progressive year for Kiwi Commons due to the partnerships that were formed and, more importantly, the creation and deployment of an expert panel, which took place in July. Kiwi is also involved with the York Catholic District School Board by providing content that directly pertains to information on digital footprint management and emerging issues (i.e. sexting). In October, Kiwi Commons took part in the first annual Crime Stoppers York Youth Symposium to represent the area on Internet safety. In November, Kiwi Commons worked directly with the Empowered Student Partnership program.
2010
editExpected release of Youth Advisory Panel (Mid 2010)
Services
editExpert Panel
editThe Expert Panel consists of individuals that cover a large array of disciplinary backgrounds which includes educators, youth workers and law enforcement:
Robin Sax
Robin Sax is a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney who specialized in prosecuting sex crimes against children. For over fifteen years, Robin investigated and prosecuted hundreds of child sexual assault cases.
Len Rosen
Len Rosen Len Rosen has over 36 years of business and technical expertise, with an extensive background in Internet technologies and numerous software and hardware developments. As the founder of his own consulting practice Len Rosen Marketing Inc., he has developed business and marketing plans for companies entering into new market segments, many of which have been Internet start-ups. In his practice, he has helped small businesses grow by developing marketing and sales strategies, and using technologies to enhance business productivity.
Dr. Ken Marek
Dr. Ken Marek is a Child and Adolescent Psychologist with a Masters in Counselling and an Ed.D. in Counselling Psychology. Over the past 26 years, he has worked in various areas of psychology. He worked for eight years as a psychometrist and then as the psychologist at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Department of Psychiatric Services in Barrie, Ontario. After entering private practice in October 1988, Dr. Marek’s clinical work focuses on individual couple and family therapy, psychological assessments and consultation services.
Barbara Zimmerman
Barbara Zimmerman has spent over 27 years working with youth in various capacities. As a teacher, she has been actively involved with several initiatives aimed at promoting student safety, developing behavioural expectations and anti-bullying programs.
Her background includes seven years as an adolescent addictions counsellor and a child care counsellor. During those years, Barbara worked as an adolescent addictions counsellor and child care counsellor for youth at risk with a focus on substance abuse and emotional and behavioural issues. As an adolescent addictions counsellor, she provided individual and group counselling for teens dealing with addiction, homelessness, gang involvement and child prostitution..
News Feed
editOn Kiwi Commons' home page is a news feed of late-breaking news, events, and issues pertaining to Cyber-bullying, Privacy, Social media, Predators & Exploitation, Gaming & Addiction, Internet Safety.
Guides
editThe website contains many helpful internet safety resources, including guides, videos, reviews and late-breaking news, which are helpful when implementing internet safety into a classroom or opening the lines of communication at home.
Affiliations/Partnerships
editKiwi Seminars
editKiwi Seminars is a non-profit organization which brings web safety education directly to schools and local communities through free seminars.
Empowered Student Partnership (ESP)
editESP is a collaboration of divisional police officers, staff and advisors from ESP that assist students with the planning, organizing, and execution of year-long safety initiatives in their school and local community. Currently, there are thousands of Toronto's high school students that have taken the roles of leaders and
Canadian Teacher Magazine
editLakeRidge Kids
editLearning Disabilities Association of Ontario(Ldao)
editThe Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario is a charitable non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth and adults with learning disabilities. Their mission is to provide leadership in learning disabilities advocacy, research, education and services and to advance the full participation of children, youth and adults with learning disabilities in today’s society.