The purpose behind the revisions of the Elections Finances Act are the principles of fairness, providing an even playing field, democratic process, transparency and openness. We truly support these principles and want these front and centre in elections and everything related to political life. However, due to the lack of clarity regarding what 'political advertising' includes, the proposed changes are problematic for a community organization such as ours that devotes time to educating and advocating on various social issues. The definition blurs an important line between political partisan activity and issue focused activity. With this definition, at any point in time in the six months prior to an election call and during the election period, community organizations may not be able to address issues or participate in public dialogue on social issues for fear these might become identified with a party or candidate. Read the full submission to the Standing Committee on General Government Regarding Bill 201.
Bill 201 and Issue-based Advocacy
Traynor-Vanier Hockey Try-outs
As a part of the Social Development Centre’s ongoing support of the Traynor-Vanier community, you may recall we developed a relationship through which nine boys and girls attended the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association “Give it a Try” hockey day . With equipment provided by Kitchener Minor Hockey Association (KHMA), and mentorship, guidance and support provided by players of the Kitchener Jr. Rangers Minor Midget AAA hockey team everyone had a great introduction to skating and hockey.
Social: The Last Straw
Have you ever played the Last Straw board game? Apparently it is a good conversation starter about social conditions that impact our health and chances to lead a decent life. People say it is difficult staying alive in this game. Toronto Public Health published a report "Unequal City" that tracks trends of 34 health indicators in different income groups. A good read before we meet for a game of The Last Straw on August 10th at 3 pm at 74 Frederick Street!
Work With Us on Future Directions
If you want to be a part of the action planning regarding our future work directions to move forward on priorities for 2016/2017 join our action groups: Disabilities and Human Rights Group on second Wednesdays at 1:30 pm and Poverty Free KW on second Fridays at 10 am. For any questions call us or write at 519-579-3800 or spckw@waterlooregion.org.
July E-Neighbour Stories!
Take a look what your neighbours have been up to since last October. July E-Neighbour showcases some of the great get togethers in all four seasons: pumpkin parade, winter fest, egg hunt, Jane's Walk, forest planting, Neighours Day celebrations, Father's Day picnic, potlucks and more! What is your plan for the summer? Our last Early Bird registration deadline is July 15. Make sure to let us know about the past and upcoming gatherings with your neighbours. The people you meet on the street, they are only a few steps away from becoming your life long friends!
Progress on Priorities 2015
We have confirmed our priorities for 2016-2017 and outlined some of the potential development options based on the conversations before and during our Annual General Meeting. Review the presentation and make sure to let us know what you think.
Annual General Meeting June 28
We are expecting you on Tuesday June 28th, 2016 at the Hearth Rm, 74 Frederick St. Kitchener. The Annual General Meeting starts at 6pm and at 7pm we will open up a community forum: Progress and Next Stage Action. We have worked together with many partners and allies on the priorities we identified in 2014: Community Social Planning; Strong Neighbourhoods; Poverty; Inclusion; Diversity; Access to Information, Digital Inclusion, Environment. They are evolving year after year and we want to hear from you not only about how the context we live in changes, but how our action needs to transform too.
Free Technology Training for Older Adults
Our technology peer coaches are offering support with computers and mobile devices (smart phones and tablets). Call us to book a coaching session 519-579-3800 and we will match you with an available coach that can show you what is possible with this new technology. Helping people master new technologies and improving Internet literacy has been a long standing objective for the Social Development Centre information services. Take a look at some of the resources we co-created with peer-coaches: map of computer and Internet access sites, coaching material, information resources for seniors.
Celebrate Neighbours Day 2016
Festival of Neighbourhoods team will be celebrating this year's Neighbours Day and would like to see you and talk to you on your street about all the extraordinary and powerful things that happen in the ordinary, everyday, common places that we share. Read about some of the stories the neighbours have told us. What is your story? Share it at entries@festivalofneighoburhoods.ca or registser your neighbourhood activity with us. Find a list of all the Neighbours Day activities at the City of Kitchener website or on our Festival Map 2016.
Summer Student Positions 2016
The Social Development Centre Waterloo Region has three openings for students seeking experience in a community social development setting: Community Resource Associate (8 weeks), Community Development Animator (8 weeks), Festival of Neighbourhoods Community Animator (10 weeks). Please submit your complete application by 12 noon Tuesday June 7, 2016 to admin@waterlooregion.org.
