When they met on Friday May 19, 2017, the ALIV(e) group members discussed what they appreciated about the group, their peak experiences and ideas for change.
Members like being kept informed about what is happening in the community and in public policy related to poverty. They like meeting guest speakers and feel valued when they can contribute their knowledge from lived experience to improve services for everyone in the community.
Looking to our past to set direction for our future! The Social Development Centre Waterloo Region (formerly Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo\Community Information Centre of Waterloo Region), incorporated in 1967. With a mission to cultivate community knowledge to advance social justice in Waterloo Region, the Centre keeps the community members informed, involved and prepared to act to make positive social change.
With core values grounded in social justice, participatory democracy, community knowledge, diversity and relationship building, we participate in research on social issues, foster community involvement and information sharing. Our current activities kept a consistent focus over the 50 years.
Take the Inclusion Challenge with us! Chose one idea that can make your neighbourhood get togethers more welcoming and accessible. In Festival of Neighbourhoods May E-Neighbour, we showcase more inclusive gatherings and hope to hear about your ideas.
The positions are open to students between 15 and 30 years who have just completed a year of full time study and are intending to pursue full time education in Fall 2017. We are looking to fill three 12 week positions, each 35h per week: Community Resource Associate, Social Planning Associate and Festival of Neighbourhoods Community Animator. Read more about the positions and submit an application including your resume and a cover letter stating the position you are applying to, why you are interested in that position and how your experience and skills make you a good candidate - by 12 noon on Wednesday May 24, 2017 to: Executive Director, Social Development Centre Waterloo Region 74 Frederick St., Kitchener ON N2H 3L7 Email: admin@waterlooregion.org
Join the Social Development Centre team by joining our Board of Directors or the Community Social Planning Council! Help sustain the Centre as a champion for social justice and citizen participation. We are seeking Board of Director candidates who reflect the diversity of the community and who have previous board experience and/or expertise in the areas of law, advocacy, accounting, social enterprise, and public relations. All Board members are members of the Community Social Planning Council.
Meaningful input into decisions where we live is important. Join a community discussion to explore how responsive leaders contribute to neighbourhoods being stronger and able to support people to live a decent life. Get an update on the Strong Neighbourhoods for Decent Lives Project and come review results from Neighbourhood Leader Surveys (local municipal councillors and neighbourhood associations from across Waterloo Region). How would you measure responsive leadership?
Social Development Centre is pleased to be an ally for Awareness of Low Income Voices. We hosted our first meeting with them, the topic for the meeting was the GRT new fare boxes and Easy Go Card. Gethyn Beniston, project manager for electronic fare systems for the Region of Waterloo, provided information and heard much from ALIVE(e) members. The group was vocal regarding the needs of low-income and persons with disabilities during the transition to the new fare systems.
Traynor Park was a close by playground for the families along Traynor, Vanier, Siebert and Woodhaven Road until December 2013 when the construction started to support installation of the ION tracks. Since then, KW Tenant Group and the Social Development Centre have been asking the City of Kitchener to find another suitable location for the park once the construction is over. With the support of the Ward Councillor John Gazzola and the City of Kitchener staff, Traynor Park consultation kicks off on April 24th, 5:30pm at St Phillip's Lutheran Church. Residents would be sharing their feedback on the location chosen for the project and their input on what activities should be sustained in the neighbourhood with the new park space. The project will fit nicely with the future community trail to be reintroduced along the ION tracks as well as the potential pedestrian crossing over the tracks.
RENT (Renters Educating & Networking Together) in Waterloo Region has been advocating for rent control since the 2000s. Ontario 2017 Budget recognizes the hardship that the rent control exemptions have put on renters: ...the [Ontario] government will bring all tenants under the province's existing rent control system, ending the exemption that currently allows unlimited rent increases in units built after 1991. (CBC, April 20 2017). Congratulations to RENT and all tenants' rights advocates in Ontario for bringing this change to the private rental housing market. Together with the other affordable housing provisions in the 2017 Ontario Budget we can expect more development and protection of the rental housing.
Next meeting of the Disabilities and Human Rights Group is coming up next Wednesday, April 12 from 1:30-3:30 pm at 74 Frederick St. in Kitchener. There is always some parking spots available at the Trinity United Church parking lot between Queen and Duke, but you can join us through a teleconference - either through your computer or phone. Call 519-579-3800 to get connection information. Exciting points on the agenda: Awareness of Low Income Voices ALIV(e) has joined Social Development Centre's civic engagement support program, advocacy training for peer groups and gearing up for a forum on May 17 Measuring Responsive Leadership.
