Social Development Centre and the Disabilities and Human Rights Group hosted on July 18 a drop-in session to support low income and persons with disabilities fill in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey. Thanks to the help of ‘peer connectors’, we assisted individuals who were not reached yet to fill in this lengthy survey. This way, the participants had a chance to add their voices and potentially influence the planning of municipal and community services in the next four years. The staff, peers, and summer students from the Social Development Centre provided personal support to participants with different needs regarding vision, hand dexterity, literacy, and focus. Filling in a survey could take between 45 to 70 minutes. We helped 25 participants in one afternoon.
Beyond the Wellbeing WR Survey
Civic Hub Meet Up
"The Social Development Centre is a Community Service Hub and without the hub the wheel does not spin - it just rolls, wobbles and crashes and the spokes fly around in every direction." Loralie Broderick, CityWatch of WaterlooRegion
This is a quote from 2015 when many of our collaborators were sending in testimonies to support our funding requests. It sounds true today more than ever. After the First Small Groups Networking forum, we are exploring the universe of the local social innovation spaces to decide how to move forward with a unique idea of bringing small nonprofits together under a shared platform. The space in itself is not the highest priority. The 30 groups that came together in November told us that they seek cross promotion and recruitment from a co-working space. If you are struggling to reach out and connect to the community, consider this short survey and do come and meet with us on the 26th of July at pm at the Social Development Centre.
Traynor-Vanier Rally
Residents of Traynor-Vanier neighbourhood are finally succeeding in bringing togther strong voices in support of the pedestrian crossing over the ION tracks. Their uphill struggle started back in 2014 with the creation of KW Tenant Group. On July 14th 2018, they come together, organized a rally and invited Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener councillors to tell them how it feels walking through or around the fence to reach the stores, transit connections and workplaces on the other side of the Fairway Road. The informal routes were so important and engrained, that families high up from Courtland Avenue still find it safer to cut across the fence. The whole neighbourhood has a potential of being reivigorated if we connect the dots: Traynor Park, the community trail, the pedestrian crossing and importance of citizen led solutions. We will keep an eye on the big picture.
Future Focus, 51st Annual General Meeting
The Social Development Centre has always been at the forefront of innovative community initiatives and has proudly seen most of them become independent and adopted by the best possible hosts. By becoming a Member, you can contribute to the future innovative projects, that may be now only a glimmer of possibility but have the potential to become the leading social development enterprises. You can find out more about our work in 2017 in the Activity Report and recognize the trends in the making.
Stories of Engagement and Solidarity
You are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of R.E.N.T. (Renters Educating and Networking Together) Wednesday, June 20, 2018 – 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Lang’s Community Health Centre, 1145 Concession Rd., Cambridge - Rm. E105. We are excited to hear the presenters: "Rent Strikes - Stories of Engagement and Solidarity" and talk about RENT actions and projects in 2018/2019 that you would like to be a part of. We open our doors to all the tenants, tenant associations and allies in Waterloo Region.
Meet the Candidates Provincial Election 2018
"The Social Development Centre forums are a valuable part of how I decide who to vote for - thank you for running them!"
Kourtney, May 2018
We are continuing with the unique tradition started by Trudy Beaulne through hosting three forums where people can meet their candidates. As usual, it is not a debate, but a conversation supported by several organizations active in the areas of affordable housing, healthcare, income security, environmental justice, and democratic reform.
Kitchener Centre Meet the Candidates
May 23, 6pm to 8pm at St John Church in Kitchener
Kitchener Conestoga Meet the Candidates
May 28, 6pm to 8 pm, Wilmot Recreation Complex in Baden
Waterloo Meet the Candidates
May 29, 6pm to 8 pm at First United Church in Waterloo
Splash of Summer Activities
Take a look at some of the gatherings hosted in Kitchener neighbourhoods in the summer 2017. In our May edition of thE-Neighbour, you will find ideas and suggestions how to enhance a sense of belonging and connectedness with your neighbours. Summer months are as well the time when our staff and volunteers do outreach and if you want them to stir things up on your street or your building, write to us now at entries@festvialofneighbourhoods.ca. Read more about the neighbourhoods that received a boost in previous years.
Summer Jobs 2018
The Social Development Centre Waterloo Region has two openings for students seeking experience in a community social development setting. The positions open are the Community Resource Associate and Social Planning Associate. The positions would be filled for 8 weeks, between June 5, 2018 – August 25, 2018 for 30 hours per week. If you between 16 and 30, have just completed a full year of post-secondary education and will be going back to school full time this fall, you can submit an application
Every Voice Counts! Come on Board!
The Social Development Centre of Waterloo Region is recruiting Board Members to join the team at the 51st Annual General Meeting on June 28, 2018.
Board of Directors provides the oversight and the support for the operation and the strategic direction of the Centre, and at this particular time, is working hard to ensure the sustainability of the work and the legacy of our impact. Read more about our work to make every voice be heard.
We are seeking candidates for the Board of Directors who reflect the diversity of the community in order to fill positions with specific expertise and experience. (read more)
All Candidates Meetings - How To
The Social Development Centre Waterloo Region has been the host of many all-candidates sessions and has learned that a good way to share knowledge is to bring people together in a meaningful conversation. Small group conversations place us in a more equal position and open a wider space for exchange. The candidates are encouraged to ask questions and residents are encouraged to answer them! As one of the candidates in 2014 put it:
“What a relief not to be pushed against each other but have a true chance to know the people and the issues better!”
To prepare for a more traditional all-candidates session, see the guide from the Income Security Advocacy Centre. If you wish to organize a participatory meet-the-candidates session, see our quick guide and enjoy the process!
