YWCA Toronto - The Feminist Edge

“Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams

tomorrow’s reality.”

~ Malala Yousafzai, Activist

LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

Dear YWCA Toronto Community,

Happy 2024! Our Advocacy and Communications team is welcoming this new year with a restoration of hope and determination to work towards a more just and equitable world. We remain inspired by the words of our Chief Executive Officer, Heather McGregor, as she reflects on our 2023 achievements, and YWCA Toronto’s 150 ^th anniversary – a long history of change in the community!

The new year also marks the beginning of the municipal budget process, a time where we ensure the needs of the 13,000+ women, girls and gender diverse people that depend on YWCA Toronto’s services are front of mind for the city’s decision makers. Alongside our community partners, we advocate for deeper investments in services that we know support a more equitable and thriving Toronto.

We are also planning for observations and celebrations in the coming months, including Black History Month, Non-Profit Appreciation Week, International Women’s Day, and of course, this year’s Women of Distinction Award Gala in May. We are excited about all that is in store for the year to come and cannot wait to share more with you in the months ahead.

I hope 2024 is a gentle and joyful year for you and your families. I am so thankful to have you as part of our community, and for our collective efforts to make lasting positive change in our communities while advocating for peace, justice and freedom.

With care and gratitude,

Sami Pritchard

Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications

YWCA Toronto

ADVOCACY CORNER

YWCA Toronto at the City of Toronto’s Budget Committee

On January 22^nd, YWCA Toronto deputed at the City of Toronto’s Budget Committee meeting, sharing our gendered analysis of the staff prepared 2024 budget.

Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications, spoke about funding an epidemic level response to gender-based violence, the increased need for shelter and housing, and implementing the city’s long overdue Gender Equity Strategy.

YWCA Toronto was engaged throughout pre-budget consultations, including meeting with the City’s Budget Chief and Councillors. And last week, we hosted an internal staff workshop: City Budget 101, in partnership with Social Planning Toronto.

Check out our city budget deputation here!

PROGRAM UPDATE

Join a 93-year tradition of learning, adventure and fun at Camp Tapawingo!

YWCA Toronto’s Camp Tapawingo is currently recruiting for various positions, including Day Camp Counsellors and Day Camp Coordinators. Camp staff live onsite, on beautiful Georgian Bay, from May to August, and help to create a summer of unique memories for our campers – girls and gender-diverse children and youth aged 6 -15.

Apply today to work with campers as they explore swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, dance and drama, sailing, nature activities, kayaking, guitar and more!

Women and gender diverse people 17 years and older are encouraged to apply by March 1^st. Learn more .

PHILANTHROPY HIGHLIGHT

EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

Join us at the 43^rd YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Awards Gala at the Liberty Grand! On May 23^rd, 2024 we will honour the achievements of five remarkable women and raise vital funds for services that support women, girls and gender diverse people in our city.

Do not miss your chance to make a difference.

Get your early bird tickets today at www.womenofdistinction.ca

For more information, to purchase a table or ticket, or to donate, please contact Anna Borges, Manager of Events & Volunteers, at ABorges@ywcatoronto.org or 416-961-8101 ext 365

Photo | Courtesy of Women’s National Housing & Homelessness Network

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Support a Feminist Housing Agenda!

YWCA Toronto supports the Intersectional Feminist Housing Agenda for Canada. Developed by a coalition of feminist housing advocates to address the housing crisis equitably, the agenda provides a pathway for gendered solutions to housing in Canada.

Photo | Courtesy of Action Canada SRH

Action Canada’s Webinar & Call for Accessible Contraception!

February 12^th-16^th is Sexual Health Week, which is dedicated to raising awareness of sexual health, education, and public health care. In the lead up, we invite you to join Action Canada on January 29^th for their webinar on Safe Pregnancy and Birth for All: Addressing Racism in Reproductive Healthcare and send a letter to your MP calling for accessible contraceptive!

Edgy

Spotlight on YWCA Toronto

This month YWCA Canada shared a blog post shining a spotlight on the transformative impact of our advocacy work regarding gender-based violence (GBV) and the recommendation to declare intimate partner violence (IPV) and GBV an epidemic locally and provincially.

Read the blog post here .

Winter Wellness

Anticipating the cold, short and dark days of winter, we shared a blog post highlighting five ways to combat seasonal affective disorder. We hope this blog and its resources will add some brightness to your day and support you in making your mental wellness a priority.

Read the full blog here .

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

YWCA Toronto operates on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We are grateful to work on this territory as we strive to build a more equitable and just city for women, girls, and gender diverse people. For a full land acknowledgment, please visit our webs ite.

87 Elm Street, Toronto M5G 0A8 | 416.961.8100 | ywcatoronto.org

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