[opirgyork] Events & Actions in Jane Finch, Important City Hall Motions (Tomorrow) + Immigration Detention News + Jobs
OPIRG York
opirg at yorku.ca
Mon Jun 9 13:01:59 PDT 2014
Hey Everyone,
There is a lot going on! Folks in Jane-Finch Action Against Poverty and
residents of the Jane Finch community are organizing and fighting back.
Check out the upcoming events, and take a look at the Petition to keep the
Youth 'N' Charge Studio open
<https://www.change.org/petitions/stephnie-payne-as-youth-of-jane-finch-and-participants-of-youth-n-charge-ync-we-demand-transparency-and-accountability-from-san-romanoway-revitalization-association-regarding-ync-and-to-re-open-the-pmaa-studio>-
this is an important space for many youth in the Jane and Finch community
and it's important we fight to keep it open. ------> *TOMORROW *there are
some very important motions that will be prepsented at City Hall, and it is
important to get out as many residents as possible to City Hall-- full
details are below. Please go if you are available!
*ALSO please take a look at the important news on immigration detention
below*-- Immigrants in three prisons have begun a coordinated 'Detention
Review' boycott the Truth about Immigration Detention in Canada Revealed -
a new report just released today, along with upcoming actions and To Do's.
Please read it over and get in touch!
As always, please get in touch with us at OPIRG York anytime, at
opirgyork at gmail.com.
-OPIRG York
****************
*TODAY'S DIGEST:*
*Jane-Finch/York U*
1: Jane-Finch Political Conversation Cafe
2: Save PMAA Rally June 27th
3: JFAAP Street Party on Provincial Issues
4. Student Summer 2014 Job Posting - Special Events and Programming
Coordinator at OPIRG York
5. YU Free Press is looking for editors + new volunteers -- Learn & get
experience in Alternative Media!
*Upcoming Events*
1: *TOMORROW*: On June 10th and June 11th Toronto City Council will vote on
three important motions: Sanctuary City, 24 Drop-In Spaces for Women + Red
Door Shelter
2: *TOMORROW*: Abundant Bodies Fundraiser Show Extravaganza
3: Resist the Commodification of Queerness at the //// Radical Design
Summer Camp! ////
4. International Asexuality Conference
5. 2014 Toronto Anarchist Bookfair: Callout for Tables and Workshops
*Important News + Jobs*
1: Breaking: Immigrants in three prisons begin coordinated 'Detention
Review' boycott
2: The Truth about Immigration Detention in Canada Revealed
3: JOB POSTING: COLOUR OF POVERTY - COLOUR OF CHANGE ( COP-COC ) Data
Project Coordinator
4. JOB POSTING: PROGRAMS AND SERVICES ORGANIZER POSITION AT WORKERS’ ACTION
CENTRE
5. JOB POSTING: ORGANIZER POSITION AT WORKERS’ ACTION CENTRE
6. Harvest Noon is Hiring! ***STUDENT EDITION***
****************
*Jane-Finch/York U*
*1 *
*Jane-Finch Political Conversation Café *
*Date*: Wednesday, June 11th
*Time*: 6pm
*Location*: Jane-Finch Community and Family Centre (4400 Jane St.)
*On FB*: https://www.facebook.com/events/270934149753849
The Jane-Finch community stands in a socially disadvantaged space in
relation to much of the rest of Toronto. We have a a high proportion of low
income residents and our unemployment rate is among the highest in the
city. Our marginalized position means that we have relatively little
influence over the political processes that affect us. But at the same
time, we should be more interested than most in coming to understand and
intervening in these processes. The Political Conversation Café will bring
interested community residents together to explore and share analysis and
political thought, and develop collective ways that can be used to create
progressive social change.
The Conversation Café will meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of
every month for about ninety minutes in a safe, friendly and welcoming
environment to discuss readings, view documentaries, hear presentations and
explore ideas and actions for social change.
Childcare and TTC tokens will be provided.
The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 11 at the Jane/Finch
Community and Family Centre (4400 Jane St.).
****************
*2 Save PMAA Rally Friday June 27th *
Dear Allies!
There is an important youth movement that is happening in Jane-Finch.
*#savePMAA* is holding our 2nd *RALLY on FRIDAY JUNE 27TH 3:30-6:30PM at
15 SAN ROMANOWAY*
*THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION!*
A local youth studio in Jane-Finch was recently SHUT DOWN abruptly and we
as youth are taking action to reclaim our community space.
*Please see the links below for more information. and please come out to
the Rally on JUNE 27th and show your support!! *
*PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO YOUR NETWORKS AND HELP US PROMOTE THE RALLY
TO GET AS MANY PEOPLE OUT AS POSSIBLE! THANK YOU!!*
*Facebook Event Page for RALLY JUNE 27: *
https://www.facebook.com/events/1517122438508665/
*The Website/Blog:* www.savePMAA.ca <http://www.savepmaa.ca/>
*Facebook Like Page: *
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SAVE-PMAA-Action-to-Re-Open-YNC-PMAA-Youth-Studio/1409111626041041
*The Video: *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSq_zi_vsTQ
*The Petition: *
https://www.change.org/petitions/stephnie-payne-as-youth-of-jane-finch-and-participants-of-youth-n-charge-ync-we-demand-transparency-and-accountability-from-san-romanoway-revitalization-association-regarding-ync-and-to-re-open-the-pmaa-studio
*ABOUT THE #SAVEPMAA MOVEMENT*
A CALL TO ACTION!
by the YOUTH of Youth 'N' Charge
On April 30th 2014 San Romanoway Revitalization Association (SRRA) CLOSED
the Youth ‘N’ Charge Studio (aka PMAA studio) at 15 San Romanoway and ENDED
ALL PROGRAMMING offered in the space including the Palisades Media Arts
Academy (PMAA)
In June 2011 the SRRA was APPROVED for $344,500.00 IN FUNDING TO RUN the
PALISADES MEDIA ARTS ACADEMY PROGRAM (PMAA) FOR 3 YEARS. The program did
NOT begin until 2012, and ONLY 2 YEARS of ACTUAL PROGRAMMING was DELIVERED
before the program was ABRUPTLY SHUT DOWN on APRIL 30, 2014, which is two
months short of the three year mark since the funding was APPROVED.
The Youth ‘N’ Charge studio and PMAA Programs mean a lot to us.
And as youth and participants of the program, some us found out the studio
was closed only when we arrived for programming, to see a notice on the
door stating “PMAA STUDIO CLOSED AS OF APRIL 30, 2014 SRRA”, and workman
changing the locks.
This left with us with the feeling of being locked out of our home.
AS YOUTH of Jane-Finch and Participants of the Youth 'N' Charge and
Palisades Media Arts Academy program we are ASKING the San Romanoway
Revitalization Association for:
1. Dialogue and clarification as to why a program that the Ontario Trillium
Foundation indicates on their website has three years of funding, has been
reduced to two and abruptly closed.
2. A Process to ensure that the mandate of Youth ‘N’ Charge is met, which
has been defined by the SRRA as being “a youth led, youth-driven
initiative”.
3. An effort to bring back the Palisades Media Arts Academy program at
Youth ‘N’ Charge
4. A youth representative seat at the Board of Directors of the SRRA
We want a healthy, vibrant community,
and space where we can feel safe to gather and create.
THIS IS AN URGENT CALL TO COMMUNITY!
PLEASE SUPPORT US TO RECLAIM OUR SPACE!
- the YOUTH of Youth 'N' Charge
****************
*3 JFAAP Street Party *
JFAAP Street Party on Provincial Issues
Date: Tuesday, June 10th
Time: 4-8pm
Location: South-East corner of Jane and Finch
Provincial Elections are upcoming on June 12th. Come join Jane Finch
residents on June 10th and discuss the issues important to our community.
Support us with distributing flyers, talking with the community about
important issues and live performances! We need everyone out in the streets
and telling people what's important for us. Some things to highlight are:
- Minimum wage
- Affordable Housing
- Increase OW/ODSP
- Childcare
- Public transit
- Tuition freeze
https://www.facebook.com/events/1423117557964111/
****************
*4. Student Summer 2014 Job Posting - Special Events and Programming
Coordinator at OPIRG York*
OPIRG York (Ontario Public Interest Research Group – York University) is
hiring a Special Events and Programming Coordinator through a Canada Summer
Job grant.
OPIRG York encourages individuals from marginalized communities to apply.
Please self-identify. This includes Aboriginal people, people of colour,
women, queer, transgendered, trans-sexual, inter-sexed people, working
class people, single parents, immigrants and people with disabilities.
As per the Canada Summer Job requirements, eligible applicants are: between
the ages of 15 and 30 years of age; registered as a full-time student in
the previous academic year and intend to return to school on a full-time
basis in the next academic year; and are legally entitled to work in Canada.
*Special Events and Programming Coordinator*
20 Hours a week at $15.00/hour for 10 weeks (plus 10 hours flex)
This position will assist in the planning for events through OPIRG York,
along with developing an outreach strategy to reach out to community
organizations in the North York area and student clubs at York University.
These duties will include:
- Coordinate summer programming at York University, which can
include workshops, film screenings and events
- Assist the Volunteer Coordinator and the DisOrientation
organizing committee in the planning for DisOrientation 2014
- Assist the organizing committee in coordinating the Social
Justice Comedy Night
- Develop resources to provide to community groups and student
clubs about what OPIRG York is, what it has accomplished, and how it could
help them; this will include research and producing a report and outreach
materials
- Attend festivals in the North York area to approach
organizations and artists to collaborate on existing projects, including
DisOrientation and Research for Credit
*Qualifications*
- Experience working within a collective, or consensus-based decision making
- Familiar with the mandate of OPIRG York
- Strong ability to work independently and to take initiative within
deadlines
- Strong time management and multi-tasking skills
- Interpersonal communication and info/skill-sharing skills
- Ability to research and produce reports and outreach materials
- Additional knowledge in graphic or web design a plus
*How to apply*
Applicants must provide a resume and a one-page cover letter. Please
explain in the cover letter why you are interested in working with
OPIRG-York and your understanding of social justice organizing from an
anti-oppressive lens.
*Applications are due **6pm June 12th, 2014.* Please email applications to
opirgyorkjobs at gmail.com . Please include “Canada Summer Job Application” in
the subject of the email.
*Projected Start date:* June 23rd
LINK TO POSTING ONLINE
<http://opirgyork.ca/events/05-29-14/student-2014-summer-job-posting-special-events-and-programming-coordinator-opirg>
****************
*5. **YU Free Press is looking for editors + new volunteers -- Learn & get
experience in Alternative Media!*
The YU Free press is an alternative news magazine at York that supports
critical analysis of the corporate media model. We are firmly opposed to
oppression in all its possible forms (gender, sexual orientation, race,
disability, religion, class, etc.) and are dedicated to upholding and
promoting a clear vision of social justice through the publication of
labour, union, and activist-positive material.
Some of the features over the past 7 years have covered issues such as:
Integrity in Journalism
Environmental Justice: race, displacement, and land
Violence Against Native Women
Access to Information as Access to Freedom
State Oppression and Police Brutality
Analysis of Student Struggles Around the World
We are excited for new submissions in the fall and are looking to establish
a team to keep this current of critical thought thriving in the years to
come.
There are volunteer opportunities within all parts of the paper - editorial
or otherwise. We will do training with new folks who want to get involved
and have little to no experience, but also appreciate anyone with
experience or new ideas to add to the paper! Just let us know!
CONTACT US: yufreepress at gmail.com
****************
*SEE POSITIONS HERE:*
http://www.mediafire.com/view/7wwebohycg41lv9/YUFP_Positions.doc
****************
*Upcoming Events*
****************
*1. **On June 10th and June 11th Toronto City Council will vote on three
important motions:*
*Sanctuary Comes Back to City Council! Toronto, This Is It!*
Tuesday June 10th
9:30 AM
Toronto City Hall (Queen and Bay)
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1456833957893623/
After a long day in committee on May 22, the City's plan to implement last
year's historic Sanctuary City vote is finally coming back to City Council.
We packed City Hall last year, and the show of community power swept
Canada's first municipal sanctuary policy to a neat 37-3 victory.
This is what we've been waiting for - concrete steps to make a lot of fancy
language a living reality for Toronto's undocumented communities. Community
mobilization shaped this policy, and it has shaped this implementation plan.
Please talk to your Councillor before - fill out this form to get started:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xxbk5eWXGQ9Q2f-WWRq1KNq1hN8voLo6tWFN9b3WMv4/viewform?usp=send_form
We need you at City Hall on June 10 to remind Council that you're serious
about Toronto being a genuine sanctuary city.
Bring a friend! Free T-shirts!
The motion:
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2014.CD29.11
*To open up 24 Hour Drop-in spaces for women -*
An important step forward in providing low-barrier, safe space for women
that are affected by the exact policies that the Harper government is
making worse. Toronto does not have any 24hr safe spaces for women to go to
when other options are not available. This leaves an already vulnerable
population out on the city streets at night where they are at further risk
of violence and assault.
Two 24hr drop-ins (either in the East and West or North and South), which
are harm-reduction focused and trans and sex-worker positive, is an
important step that the City of Toronto can take to reduce violence against
women.
According to a study by Street Health and Sistering, homeless women are
exposed to high levels of violence; 37% have been physically assaulted in
the past year, 21% have been sexually assaulted one or more times in the
past year.
*Also coming to council is a motion regarding saving the vital Red Door
Shelter. *
More info: http://bit.ly/1hhub1t
Demand Support from City Councillors on the upcoming Vote at Council June
10th!!
What you can do:
1) Contact your City Councillor:
-Demand that City Councillors vote in favour of the creation of two 24
hour women’s low barrier - harm reduction focused, sex-worker positive
drop in spaces on June 10th + 11th at City Council
-Demand an immediate, interim, solution so that women can have access to
safe space while the 24hr drop-in spaces are being developed
-Demand that Toronto implements the Sanctuary City policy that it promised
immigrants without full status in February 2014. Please write to you
Councilors in advance and urge them to support Motion 29.11. Everything
you need to know is right here: http://bit.ly/1i6VOW5
Find contact info for your City Councillor here:
http://app.toronto.ca/im/council/councillors.jsp
2) Attend City Council on June 10th:
Tuesday, June 10th
Council Chamber, City Hall
Wear your ‘Stop Violence Against Women’ or ‘Violence No More’ T-shirt
**
Ontario Coalition Against Poverty
157 Carlton St #206
Toronto, ON
M5A 2K3
416-925-6939
www.ocap.ca
Twitter: @OCAPtoronto
****************
*2. Abundant Bodies Fundraiser Show Extravaganza*
Tuesday June 10th,2014
Doors: 7pm
Show: 730pm – 930pm
519 Church Street Community Centre (Ballroom) (TORONTO)
PWYC - Suggested 10 to 100$ - No one turned away for lack of funds!
All Ages
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/250886951781409/
Let’s show them/us what we are working with! Fat/abundant/thick people and
their friends have so much talent to share – why not bring it all together
to celebrate, remember, challenge and share our stories of resilience,
beauty, self/community love, healing and all around magnificence! Join us
on Tuesday June 10th at the 519 Ballroom for a night of fat performance,
dance, drag, art and all the fat celebration in between! There will be
baked goodies for sale, lots of great performances, and a chance to support
abundant/fat people and media making at this years Allied Media Conference!
There will be performances by:
Maria Mete
Maharani Cupcake
Ms. Nookie Galore
Aqua Vulva
Haque
Frannie
and many more!
Hosted by the abundantly fabulous beings: Black Eyed Floozy and Jennifer!
About the Abundant bodies track:
ln this track we will gather, share and celebrate the wisdom and abundance
of our bodies. Abundant/thick/fat bodies are the target of so much hate,
policing and negativity, even in our organizing communities. How do we
unlearn mainstream ideas of what a body should look like and (re)-learn to
celebrate the diversity, resilience, wisdom and beauty of all bodies? This
track will explore these questions and create spaces to challenge the
ongoing ways mainstream media shames and harms abundant bodies, to name
fatphobia in our organizing and activism, and to create media and practical
strategies for resistance, healing and community building. We will broaden
the conversation around fat activism by centering this track on the voices
of Indigenous, Black,people of color, dis/abled, super-sized, trans and
queer fat peoples. Through workshops, panels and skillshares we will
transform mainstream ideas around abundant bodies and create resilient
communities, media and art centred around abundant bodies!
About the AMC:
The Allied Media Conference is a collaborative laboratory of media-based
organizing strategies for transforming our world, held every Summer in
Detroit. For the first time this year, there will be a track (series of
workshops/panels/sessions) that will explore body positivity in our
movements and create media that resists dominant narratives about body
size. Some of the most well-known fat activists (including Dr. Charlotte
Cooper, Amanda Levitt, Virgie Tovar) will be sharing their brilliance
alongside up and coming young qtpoc fatties. Some of the topics and issues
people are exploring include race & fat activism, the "dangers" of
excessive selfie consumptions, exploring fat & kink, building an inclusive
fat community, body autonomy vs. body positivity, reimagining desirability,
fat activism for unruly people, and so much more!
Accessibility info for the show:
- 519 is Wheelchair accessible both for entrances and bathrooms
- There are gender neutral washrooms available.
- ASL interpreters are currently pending but we are also working on having
all text and spoken pieces captioned and projected.
- Please attend, perform and be scent-free. For more information on bring
scent-free and what that means please see here:
http://www.brownstargirl.org/1/post/2012/03/fragrance-free-femme-of-colour-realness-draft-15.html
(thanks Leah!) Please refrain from wearing cologne, perfume and essential
oils and products containing them.
- There will be active listeners available on site (if you would like to
volunteer to be an active listener, please email abundantbodies at gmail.com)
- We are working on having accessibility ushers in the space before/during
and after the show to ensure that space is cleared, translations and
captions are happening and other accessibility needs are met. (If you would
like to volunteer to do this, please email abundantbodies at gmail.com)
- Childcare is available – please email abundantbodies at gmail.com if you
would like it for your child, please let us know their name, age and any
allergies they might have.
- We can never get everything right – and what access is means different
things for different people. Please let us know if there is something you
need in order to attend and be apart of this show! Feel free to email us at
abundantbodies at gmail.com.
****************
*3. **Resist the Commodification of Queerness at the //// Radical Design
Summer Camp! ////*
*On FB:* https://www.facebook.com/events/1488381304713470/
A three-part creative workshop series that will tear us from the jaws of
corporate flag-waving-robot-milk-machines.
We will travel through time by practicing the resistance of remembering,
grounding ourselves in the present, and dreaming of new radical futures.
There will be skill-sharing, art-making, story-telling and smores.
*** Day 1! Monday June 23 6:30pm-9:30pm (Location TBD)
A radical queer walking hike with special guest facilitator Rio Rodriguez!
Details to be announced soon.
*** Day 2! Tuesday June 24 6:30pm-9:30pm (Location TBD)
A visioning & multi-station crafting day with special guest facilitator
Aruna Boodram! Details to be announced soon.
*** Day 3! Wednesday June 25 6:30pm-9:30pm (Location TBD)
Another day of hands-on crafting and design with special guest facilitator
tings chak! Details to be announced soon.
RSVP to radicaldesignschool at gmail.com
Questions? Access needs? Please email us at above address.
/// We will be prioritizing space for queer and trans folks of colour, as
well as indigenous folks for these workshops. Preference will also be given
to folks who can attend all workshops (it helps with the continuity of the
work & learning!) ///
NO COST! Donations are gladly accepted.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Join us in resisting the pinkwashing of the police, the corporate and state
co-option of the grassroots remembrance of a riot forefronted by queer
trans people of colour, who were and continue to be oppressed by these
institutions. We refuse this version of history and framing of our present.
We refuse to be assimilated into heteronormative patriarchal racist systems
of exploitation and consumerism!
****************
*4. International Asexuality Conference*
The International Asexuality Conference
Unlike celibacy, which is a choice not to have sex, asexuality is a sexual
orientation defined as the lack of sexual attraction. With a growing
community over the last 10-15 years, discussions of asexuality have
provided fertile ground for developing new concepts and language related to
sexual and gender diversity, many of which overlap and intersect with
discussions taking place in the wider LGBTTIQQ2SA community.
This one-day conference will include:
- talks by leading asexual activists and educators such as David Jay, the
founder of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network, and Sara Beth
Brooks, the founder of Asexual Awareness Week
- panel discussions on topics such as the history of asexuality, and the
latest in asexual research
- smaller group workshops led by participants.
Further we will be holding our very first full press conference with
questions answered by leading asexual activists and educators. Participants
will also have the chance to talk to members of the press if they wish and
share their stories with a wider audience.
Asexuality has made significant representations in the wider LGBTTIQQ2SA
community in recent years; for example leading asexual activists have held
presentations at Creating Change for the past 3 years. Members of our
community (including the organizer of the current event) are attending the
WorldPride Human Rights conference in Toronto 2014, and are presenting on
the subject of asexuality.
We aim to provide a completely comfortable and safe environment for all of
our guests. We are very big on consent and self-determination, and our
event will reflect that in every practical way. We will be filming all the
main sessions, but we will make provisions so that only people who consent
will ever appear on camera.
For more information and to register, please go to:
http://www.asexuality.org/home/wp14registration.html
If you are interested press, or have any questions, you are encouraged to
contact wp2014 at asexuality.org
Free event (limited seating), lunch and cake will be provided!
- See more at:
http://www.worldpridetoronto.com/festival/events-calendar/2014/the-international-asexuality-conference-#sthash.3RHavlYV.dpuf
****************
*5. **2014 Toronto Anarchist Bookfair: Callout for Tables and Workshops*
The 2014 Toronto Anarchist Bookfair – July 19-20
The Steelworkers’ Hall (25 Cecil Street)
*Callout for Tables and Workshop Proposals*
This July 19-20 we will be hosting our annual Toronto Anarchist Bookfair!
We invite anti-authoritarians of every age and every walk of life – whether
you’re new and curious about anarchism or have been an anarchist for
decades – to come join us for a jam-packed weekend of books and zines,
workshops and discussions, good food, good friends, and more.
TABLES – are you an anti-authoritarian publisher, zine-collector, artist,
activist group, community organization, infoshop, distro, or anything else
that wants to connect and share with others? Let us know if you want to
reserve a table at the Bookfair! Please let us know if you’d like to table
for one or both days (you will be able to store your books or materials
overnight in the locked Steelworkers Hall if you’d like).
WORKSHOPS – is there a workshop or conversation that you would like to
facilitate? If so, please email us a title and a short description, and
we’ll accept as many as we can fit!
(Workshops are 90-minutes long. Our goal is to have one stream of
“introductory” workshops and one stream of “in-depth” workshops running
simultaneously. So let us know which stream you think your workshop would
fit better in).
The deadline for workshop proposals is Sunday June 15.
HELP OUT – do you have some time to help out with the Bookfair? From
postering to food prep, please give us a hand!
Contact us at toanarchistbookfair at gmail.com
We are committed to making the Bookfair as accessible and welcoming as
possible. The Steelworkers’ Hall is wheelchair accessible. There will be
childcare and kids programming. There will be a People of Colour caucus
space. ASL interpretation can be provided if requested. And as always the
Bookfair will abide by our Safer Space and Sexual Assault and Consent
policies (which you can read about on the website). If you have other ideas
or suggestions for improving the accessibility of the event please let us
know.
Email: toanarchistbookfair at gmail.com
Website: http://torontoanarchistbookfair.wordpress.com/
****************
*Important News + Jobs*
****************
*1. Breaking: Immigrants in three prisons begin coordinated 'Detention
Review' boycott*
please share!
http://endimmigrationdetention.com/2014/06/02/detentionreviewboycott/
June 2, 2014: Over 100 immigrants started a historical month-long boycott
of their detention reviews this morning, insisting the process is biased,
unfair and stacked against them. The boycott was coordinated between
detainees caged in three separate maximum security prisons across Ontario -
the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Central North Correctional
Centre in Penetanguishene and Toronto’s Metro West Detention Centre.
Detention Reviews (DR) are the primary means through which border
authorities insist that the entire immigration system is fair. They are a
unique bail-like process that takes places 48 hours, 7 days, and then every
30 days after arrest. Detainees plead their case in front of an appointed
'member' who single-handedly decides on their release or terms and
conditions. By refusing to participate, detainees are courageously
insisting that the very fabric of the immigration detention system is
unjust.
“Every time I go there it’s like they have already made up their minds
before we even start the session. It doesn’t matter what I say, I am there
only for a few minutes before they state that I a flight risk and to come
back in 30 days. I’ve been in front of them 12 times and nothing is
changing and I am tired of it.” -- A.K., jailed at Central East
Correctional Centre in Lindsay.
“They pretend like I just came from the airport yesterday but I’ve been in
this country for 23 years and that’s not right to treat someone like that.
I don’t have a country to go back to, and I grew up here and they’re
holding me because I don’t have any money to get out.” --- S.M., jailed at
Central East Correctional Centre.
This action is part of the ongoing #MigrantStrike that started in September
2013, when 191 detainees began a non-cooperation protest. They went on
hunger strike, 2 of them for over 60 days, boycotted their detention
reviews, and refused to enter their cells. In retaliation, immigration
enforcement has deported some key strike organizers, released a few, moved
others into prisons across Ontario, and locked up hunger strikers in
segregation. Yet, strike actions are continuing. See more here:
http://endimmigrationdetention.com/faq/
Background on immigration detention: https://noii-van.resist.ca/?p=5854
TAKE ACTION
* Call / Write / Tweet your support:
http://endimmigrationdetention.com/take-action/
* Sign the petition:
www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/harper-end-indefinite-immigration-detention
* Join us in Ottawa as we protest at the National Headquarters of
Immigration Enforcement:
www.endimmigrationdetention.com/2014/05/23/ottawa-convergence-to-end-immigration-detention
* If you're an organization, become an endorser:
www.endimmigrationdetention.com/demands/
www.endimmigrationdetention.com
www.fb.com/EndImmigrationDetention
migrantstrike at gmail.com
****************
*2. **The Truth about Immigration Detention in Canada Revealed*
In 2013, over 8,000 people spent 183,928 days in prison, equal to 504 years
in total. That includes children. Without trial or charge. At a cost of $45
million dollars. What's going on?
See www.truthaboutdetention.com for stunning infographics and some answers.
The exposé by End Immigration Detention Network shows disturbing
discrepancies between different decision makers responsible for releasing
migrants. At the same time, the report highlights suspicious
‘consistencies’ between decision makers and suggests political interference
in decision-making is to blame.
Titled ‘Indefinite, arbitrary and unfair: The truth about immigration
detention in Canada’, analyzes federal immigration detention and release
trends obtained through dozens of Privacy Act requests over the last year.
The report is being launched as over 100 detainees in three
maximum-security prisons in Ontario boycott their detention reviews.
Nearly 80,000 immigrants have been detained under the current federal
government. Over a third of the immigrants detained at any time are held in
one of 142 mostly maximum-security prisons across Canada. Canada is one of
the few countries in the “west” that does not have a limit on detention
pending deportation.
*TAKE ACTION*
*** Share the report widely: www.truthaboutdetention.com ***
*** Come to Ottawa to Immigration control headquarters:
http://endimmigrationdetention.com/2014/05/23/ottawa-convergence-to-end-immigration-detention/
*Demands by detainees*
1 – Release all migrant detainees who have been held for longer than 90
days.
2 – End arbitrary and indefinite detention: Implement a 90-day limit on
detentions pending deportation. If removal cannot happen within 90 days,
immigration detainees must be released.
3 – No maximum security holds: Immigration detainees should not be held in
maximum security provincial jails; must have access to basic services and
be close to family members.
4 – Overhaul the adjudication process: Give migrants fair and full access
to legal aid, bail programs and pro bono representation.
****************
*3. **JOB POSTING: **COLOUR OF POVERTY - COLOUR OF CHANGE ( COP-COC ) Data
Project Coordinator*
Salary and hours: Part-time - $25 per hour - 21 hrs per week – flexible
hours and days
Duration: Immediate until March 31, 2015, with potential for project to
continue into 2015
Application Deadline - Friday, June 20, 2014
*Position Background*
The Colour of Poverty-Colour of Change has developed a tool to assist
organizations collect data about their users/clients/members on a
disaggregated basis by race, gender, disability, sexual
orientation/identity, etc. COP-COC believes that the collection and use of
disaggregated data is an important step towards understanding the
differential experiences of different communities in all aspects of their
lives including: access to services, health, education, civic
participation, economic development, justice, etc.
Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the COP-COC Steering Committee, the
COP-COC Data Project Coordinator will develop and implement a pilot test
plan that includes working with select community agencies to develop an
environmental scan, and train the agency staff and volunteers on how to use
the data collection tool, how to conduct data analysis and apply the
learning to their policy/program development. The Coordinator will also
collect feedback about the tool from these agencies. This project is funded
through a Trillium Grant. The Employer is COP-COC Steering Committee
member, Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic.
The Project Coordinator will work from an inclusive anti-racist, feminist,
pro-choice, and anti-oppression framework encompassing all the inequities
caused by race/ethnicity, gender, gender identity, class, violence, sexual
orientation, religion, culture, language, disability, immigration status
and socio-economic circumstances.
Main Responsibilities
· Develop materials for multiple audiences (including clients) to
explain the benefit of having disaggregated data, the need to collect such
data, and how to collect and use such data by community agencies and other
broader public sector organizations
· Work with potential partner community agencies to carry out scan
of environment and demographics of the communities they serve
· Train community agency staff on use of the tool and provide
ongoing support for the duration of the project including trouble-shooting
· Assist agencies in analyzing the data collected and assess
against the agencies’ stated mandate and communities served
· Conduct project evaluation and develop project report
· Other duties as assigned
Education
Minimum undergraduate degree is required, with graduate degree an asset, in
the social sciences or humanities, or public policy, political science or
geography.
Experience
· Minimum 1 to 2 years of experience working with a public policy
or community research mandate preferably in a community or NGO environment;
· Experience in working with racialized communities, working on
issues that impact on racialized communities, or in an anti-racism
environment is a strong asset.
Skills
Demonstrated skills/ability in the following areas:
· Work with databases;
· Work independently as well as in a team environment;
· Oral and written communication;
· Analytical, problem solving, attention to detail;
· Working within an anti-racism, anti-discrimination framework;
· Multi-task, set priorities, meet tight deadlines;
· Professionalism, tact, sensitivity and diplomacy in engaging with
multiple stakeholders;
· Flexibility, self-directed, initiative, creativity;
· MS Office, web-based applications such as Google docs, webinars,
online surveys, e-communications and social media (Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube, etc)
How to apply
· Submit electronic resume and cover letter to:
Hiring Committee- COPC Data Project Coordinator
Send by email to: copc at ocasi.org
· Application Deadline: Friday, June 20, 2014
· No telephone or email inquiries please
Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic is committed to
Employment Equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.
****************
*4. **JOB POSTING: PROGRAMS AND SERVICES ORGANIZER POSITION AT WORKERS’
ACTION CENTRE*
Programs and Services Organizer
One-year contract, full-time
The Workers’ Action Centre (WAC) is a worker-based membership organization
committed to improving the lives and working conditions of people in
low-wage and unstable employment. WAC believes that people who are
directly affected by poor working conditions should provide leadership in
our struggle for fairness and dignity at work.
WAC is seeking a full-time Programs and Service Organizer to work as part
of our team. This position works with all of our organizers in a
multi-disciplinary environment, and is involved in our educational
programs, assisting workers with workplace problems as well as community
organizing.
Summary of Work Areas
Ø Provide intake support through our phone line and provide information to
workers on work-related issues, in particular Employment Standards,
Employment Insurance and Human Rights;
Ø Assist workers through a range of organizing and advocacy strategies in
resolving a workplace problem;
Ø Assist with the development and delivery of appropriate supports for
workers through information sessions, workshops and support clinics at WAC
and at community organizations in different parts of the city
Ø Assist with the identification and development of educational materials
and resources;
Ø Assist with the training, coordination and providing support to
volunteers and members of WAC who participate in the delivery of support
programs to workers;
Ø Facilitate the involvement of workers interested in becoming members of
WAC;
Ø Assist with community capacity building and leadership development of
WAC members;
Ø Support current campaign work.
Qualifications & Experience:
Ø Demonstrated knowledge of Toronto's diverse labour force, current labour
market trends and issues confronting workers in low wage and precarious
employment;
Ø Demonstrated experience providing information, referral, advocacy and
support with women, immigrant workers or low-wage workers, ideally when
addressing workplace issues;
Ø Strong advocacy skills, especially in the areas of Employment Standards,
Employment Insurance and Human Rights;
Ø Enhanced knowledge of government services, community supports, immigrant
services and resources across the Greater Toronto Area;
Ø Experience delivering educational workshops, training and presentations
–working with clear language skills and a popular education approach;
Ø Strong English-language writing and presentation skills;
Ø Ability to communicate effectively in languages other than English is a
strong asset;
Ø Experience working with people whose first language is other than
English;
Ø Excellent organizational, problem solving and coordination skills;
Ø Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collectively;
Ø Ability to develop work plans, meet deadlines and work collaboratively
with staff and members.
Evening and weekend work is a requirement of the job.
Ability to work flexible hours essential.
Contract period: Beginning date August 11, 2014
Submit cover letter and resume by fax, mail or drop-off before 5 pm,
FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2014 to:
Hiring Committee
Re: Programs and Services Organizer
Workers’ Action Centre
720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 223
Toronto ON M5S 2T9
Fax 416-533-0107
(no applications by email please)
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, but will only be
contacting those selected for an interview. Please visit our website at
www.workersactioncentre.org
WAC encourages applications from women, people of colour, Aboriginal
peoples, people with disabilities and other equity seeking groups.
WAC is committed to a working environment and community free from racism,
discrimination, harassment and violence.
****************
*5. JOB POSTING: ORGANIZER POSITION AT WORKERS’ ACTION CENTRE*
WAC logo (print - small)
720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 223 Toronto ON M5S 2T9
Phone: 416-531-0778 Fax: 416-533-0107
May 30, 2014 Job Posting
Campaigns Organizer
Full-time position
The Workers’ Action Centre (WAC) is a worker-based membership organization
committed to improving the lives and working conditions of people in
low-wage and unstable employment. WAC believes that people who are
directly affected by poor working conditions should provide leadership in
our struggle for fairness and dignity at work.
WAC is seeking a full-time Campaigns Organizer to work as part of our team.
This position works collaboratively with all of our organizers in a
multi-disciplinary environment, as well as focussing on community,
campaigns and policy organizing.
Summary of Work Areas
Ø Assist with the development of appropriate campaigns to address
collective issues facing workers in particular sectors, geographic areas or
immigrant communities;
Ø Develop, coordinate and implement campaigns and organizing strategies
with members and staff
Ø Develop and write appropriate campaign and organizing materials
Ø Assist with skills building, organizing capacity building and leadership
development of WAC members as related to the campaigns
Ø Work with staff and members to develop and implement a communications
plan for both mainstream and social media e.g. twitter, info graphics,
facebook, blog, articles, interviews
Ø Network, develop relationships and build community/union support for our
organizing
Ø Organize and co-ordinate meetings, coalition and network meetings,
community forums and ongoing communication with members and community
partners;
Ø Participate in research on workplace issues affecting low-income
communities that will support campaign development
Ø Identify and develop opportunities for policy input with government,
research bodies, employers and advocacy organizations
Qualifications & Experience:
Ø Demonstrated knowledge of Toronto's diverse labour force, current labour
market trends and issues confronting workers and migrant workers in low
wage and precarious employment;
Ø Experience working with immigrant and low-income communities to identify
issues
Ø Experience developing and implementing community campaigns, ensuring
the involvement at all stages of those directly affected;
Ø Demonstrated experience supporting leadership development and building
capacity with women, racialized communities, immigrant workers or low-wage
workers, ideally on workplace issues;
Ø Experience developing a communications plan and using it within an
organizing campaign;
Ø Experience with media interviews and media communications ;
Ø Experience facilitating meetings and making presentations using clear
language skills and a popular education approach;
Ø Strong English-language writing and public presentation skills;
Ø Ability to communicate effectively in languages other than English is a
strong asset;
Ø Proven ability to conduct outreach and communicate effectively with
diverse communities;
Ø Excellent organizational, problem solving and coordination skills;
Ø Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collectively;
Ø Experience using web based tools for communication such as Word Press,
Mail Chimp, Twitter, Facebook is an asset.
Ø Driver license and access to a vehicle is an asset.
Evening and weekend work is a requirement of the job.
Ability to work flexible hours essential.
Start date: Mid July, 2014
Submit cover letter and resume by fax, mail or drop-off before 5 pm,
FRIDAY, JUNE 20 to:
Hiring Committee
Workers’ Action Centre
RE: Campaigns Organizer Position
720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 223
Toronto ON M5S 2T9
Fax 416-533-0107
(no applications by email please)
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, but will only be
contacting those selected for an interview. Please visit our website at
www.workersactioncentre.org
WAC encourages applications from women, people of colour, Aboriginal
peoples, people with disabilities and other equity seeking groups.
WAC is committed to a working environment and community free from racism,
discrimination, harassment and violence.
****************
*6. **Harvest Noon is Hiring! ***STUDENT EDITION****
*DEADLINE: Friday June 13th at 5:00PM****
Harvest Noon Café+Co-op is seeking one (1) motivated, personable, and
responsible individual who has an interest in supporting the local, organic
food movement to fill the position of Café Animator.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
This position is funded via the Canada Summer Jobs program. To apply,
individuals must fulfil the following conditions:
be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
have been registered as full-time students in the previous academic year
and intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic
year;
be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee
protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection
Act3; and
be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant
provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
THE POSITION
The role of Café Animator entails assisting carrying out day-to-day
operations of the café (including recipe selection, food preparation,
cooking, serving, engaging with customers, basic daily bookkeeping, and
clean-up) while also engaging in a significant focus on events and
outreach. Within the events role, the Café Animator will assist in
planning, logistics and promotion of events on topics such as environmental
and sustainable living issues as well as direct hands on food workshops
with a variety of ages. Outreach work consists of liaising with community
partners within the agricultural community, indigenous/aboriginal
community, racialized community, arts community, food justice,
environmental and overall social justice community to promote the cafe
while upholding values of cooperation, equity and attention to all forms
of accessibility.
This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in contributing to
food justice, while also gaining experience working in a co-operative
organization alongside other café staff, volunteers, and board of directors.
THE ORGANIZATION
Harvest Noon Café is an initiative of the Toronto Sustainable Food
Co-operative (TSFC), made possible by the support of the University of
Toronto Graduate Students’ Union. Harvest Noon sources food from local
organic farms and is committed to providing affordable, healthy, vegan food
options on the University of Toronto campus. In addition to our day-to-day
cafe operations, we run workshops and events on food preparation and food
justice issues. Since opening in January 2012, we have relied on our team
of both hired staff and volunteers for both cafe operations and programming.
REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrated ability to skillfully prepare healthy, delicious, vegan meals
Experience planning and/or facilitating workshops and events
Willingness to adhere to the co-operative’s mission and broader
co-operative principles
Knowledge of anti-oppression concepts and equity
Interest in contributing to the local organic food movement
Self-motivated, organized and reliable
Exemplary communication skills
Excellent collaborative skills and a demonstrated ability to cooperatively
share responsibility with volunteers and co-workers
Available to work weekdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Additional evening availability for events
ASSETS
Knowledge of local food systems, sustainable agricultural practices
Experience with co-operatives, community organizing and/or volunteer
supported organizations
Involvement in local community environmental, indigenous/aboriginal, arts
or other social justice organizations
Food Handler Certified
First Aid Certified
Professional experience in food service and/or Customer service based
experience
Basic bookkeeping skills
Experience volunteering with our organization
POSITION TERMS
The Café Animator is a summer job for approximately thirty (30) hours per
week for 7 weeks at a rate of $11.00 per hour. The position has a start
date of June 23, 2014 through until August 8, 2014.
EQUITY STATEMENT
The Toronto Sustainable Food Co-op recognizes and welcomes the
contributions that individuals from diverse communities bring to our
organization, and invites individuals from these communities to apply. We
encourage applicants to describe the unique contributions they would bring
to Harvest Noon Café in their cover letter or resume.
We conduct hiring on the basis of employment equity. Employment equity is a
pro-active measure designed to correct for the absence of a level playing
field with regards to people’s experiences and job qualifications given the
structural injustices that affect marginalized groups. These groups include
but are not limited to: indigenous people, people of color, women, queer
people, trans* people, people with disabilities, and working class people.
Please indicate in your cover letter if you would like to be considered for
employment equity by including the following sentence ‘I would like to be
included for employment equity.’ Please note that we do not require
applicants to specify the basis on which they are applying for employment
equity, though they may do so if they wish.
We regret that Harvest Noon Café is located upstairs and in a building that
is not accessible.
Please note we will be prioritizing applications from students who
self-identify as people of colour/visible minorities, Aboriginal or
disabled for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter in person or by email. Please
include at least one reference with your resume and let us know how or
where you heard about this opportunity in your cover letter. If submitting
your application by email, please attach your resume and cover letter in
one .pdf file.
All applicants must also complete the following eligibility form in order
to be considered for the position: Café Animator Eligibility Form.
Deliver submissions to The Hiring Committee, Harvest Noon Café (16 Bancroft
Ave – 2nd floor, University of Toronto) or email applications to
hiring at harvestnoon.com. During our business hours (Tuesday-Friday, 10am –
2pm) submissions can be delivered directly to the café. Outside of these
hours, submissions can be delivered to our mailbox in the Graduate Student
Union (16 Bancroft Ave – basement).
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: June 13, 2014 at 5:00PM.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
--
-OPIRG York
--
www.opirgyork.ca
416-736-5724
opirg at yorku.ca
*There are many ways to get involved at OPIRG. Apply to be a working
group: **http://opirgyork.ca/working-groups
<http://opirgyork.ca/working-groups>*
Contact victoria at opirgyork.ca for further information.
*We also have two collectives: *PrOPIRGanda Radio and the Radical Reading
Room. You can contact us about ways to get involved in these collectives:
opirgyork at gmail.com.
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