"If you are conditioned not to care, you are conditioned to indifference, and there is a violence to that indifference."
~ Tanya Talaga
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY
& COMMUNICATIONS
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It is with great uncertainty that Canadian parents are sending their children back to school. A second wave of COVID-19 seems imminent – and federal and provincial dollars are running out. The pandemic has exacerbated many pre-existing social issues and threatens to undermine the fabric of our society. What the future has in store is unclear at this point.
At the same time, there is cause for hope. COVID-19 has shown us what true inter-governmental cooperation can look like. ‘Caremongering’ pods have sprung up across the country as ordinary individuals step up to support one another. And, many nonprofits have continued to keep their doors open despite growing challenges.
Here at YWCA Toronto, we remain vigilant and optimistic as we strive to create a better society for women, girls and gender-diverse communities. We look forward to the new report by the Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild that is slated to be released later this month and the federal throne speech on September 23 that is expected to prioritize child care spending.
COVID-19 recovery can ultimately be viewed as an opportunity to change the national conversation on many issues including child care, affordable housing, race relations, and basic income. This pandemic is a reminder that we can, and must, do more to support the communities we serve and take bolder action in favour of a gender-balanced, inclusive economy.
To support our work, consider writing for our blog, forward this newsletter to your networks, or join our organization as a monthly donor.
Thank you so much for your continued commitment.
Warm regards,
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Jasmine Ramze Rezaee
Director of Advocacy and Communications
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Photo | Tanaphong Toochinda on Unsplash |
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Since our last issue we have met with Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, city staffer Saad Raafi and other sector partners to discuss YWCA’s feminist recovery plan and the City’s recovery response. We also met with Councillor Brad Bradford to discuss a feminist approach to municipal politics. Lastly, we met with Toronto Caucus MPs to discuss child care and made a compelling case for a national, publicly funded child care program.
Our recent collaboration with sector partners resulted in a joint op-ed in NOW Magazine that makes a compelling case for a publicly funded, universal child care system.
We also contributed to the Just Recovery Campaign calling on the provincial government to prioritize equity in its recovery plan.
Last week, we launched our #YWatWork series – check our social media channels to find out how COVID-19 has impacted our staff’s workspaces.
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Our Moving On To Success employment program is now looking for participants! This program offers job search support and workplace training to women and gender diverse folks who are survivors of domestic violence.
If you, or someone you know, is interested, contact us to book an appointment to get a personalized action plan or to take part in one of our upcoming trainings, including our Administrative Clerk Certificate (October 19th), resume writing, or job placements.
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As part of their continuing efforts to support women’s health, Shoppers Drug Mart has designated their annual Growing Women’s Health Campaign towards raising funds exclusively for women’s shelters across Canada. From October 3-31, Shoppers Drug Mart locations across the country will accept donations from customers with the goal of raising $3.3 million. Locally, 23 Toronto area Shoppers Drug Mart Associate-owners have designated YWCA Toronto as the recipient of this year’s campaign.
Click here to see a list of the 23 local participating Shoppers Drug Marts where you can go to support our shelters!
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Photo | Courtesy of The Walrus
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As communities across the city continue to come together during COVID-19 to share support and solidarity, it’s important to understand the roots of ideas such as mutual aid. Take a look at this historical exploration of ‘caremongering’ in Black communities.
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Photo | Eutah Mizushima on Unsplash |
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The Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) has recently released an illuminating infographic that illustrates incidents of anti-Asian racism across the country. The image offers a look at how the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in rates of harassment for East Asians in public spaces. Follow the CCNC for more info and to get involved.
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Photo | Cade Martin on Unsplash
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The Labour Day long weekend is often marked by trips out of the city, rides at the CNE, and stationary shopping. But with the origins of the holiday arising from the labour movement, it’s important to reflect on how workers’ rights impact our lives today. This year, Carly Friesen wrote about the intersection of labour and gender for
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At YWCA Toronto we’re committed to equity, ongoing learning and responsiveness to our community. In that tradition, we are happy to share our revised gender identity policy that more definitively reflects and supports the spectrum of gender identities in our communities.
We are committed to offering an equitable, safe and welcoming environment to all women and individuals who identify as trans, intersex, non-binary, agender and/or Two-Spirit.
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
YWCA Toronto operates in communities that stand on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to share peacefully and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
Today, the meeting place of Toronto is still the home to many Indigenous people and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this territory as we strive to build a more equitable and just city for all residents.
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