Social Development Centre Waterloo Region

"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

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

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!

ALIVe Group had a joint meeting with Poverty Free KW group on March 23rd. The meeting was dedicated to the topic of affordable housing and the increasing costs of living that make it impossible for low-income earners and social assistance recipients not to go into debt without much hope of repaying it. The need for more affordable housing has set some federal and provincial wheels in motion, but as the policies are being developed, many of the current needs will remain unmet.