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Accessing affordable or free space for community groups, meetings, and gatherings can definitely be a challenge. Fortunately the folks at the Social Development Centre have been working on some solutions to those issues. The result? The Civic Hub which is a "free and nurturing space for grassroots, ethnocultural groups and small nonprofits and it's now open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Join the groups who started the adventure by being the stewards of the unique common and collaborative space in Waterloo Region. Book the space for your meetings, workshops, activities and events!" Located downtown Kitchener: St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church 23 Water Street North, Entrance from Duke Street Kitchener, Ontario N2H 5A4 For more information, contact: civichubwr.org / civichub@waterlooregion.org / 519-579-3800 #3 
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Monday, September 30th is Orange Shirt Day - a day to support the survivors of the residential school system. "The colour orange comes from Phyllis’ story of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school, where Phyllis had her new orange shirt stripped from her on her first day of school at the Mission." You can learn more about Phyllis' story and Orange Shirt Day here. "Don't have an orange shirt? No problem! Wear an orange ribbon, button, bracelet, sticker, other item, or turn your social media profile orange to raise awareness about the legacy of colonialism and the residential school system." Also, take some time to learn more about the history of residential schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. #365ofgoodWR   It's time to highlight Marit Collective and their space at The Causerie again because they continue to offer great events, thoughtful workshops, and community discussions in their space. From their website: "Marit Collective focuses on creating spaces for thoughtful discussion that allows us to listen, learn, and connect across perspectives. We are committed to inclusion, understanding, and making sure everyone present has a chance to contribute their thoughts (if desired)."
And early next month, they're offering an event entitled "Speaking Queerly, a thorough and engaging workshop on queer allyship best practices." The workshop will provide a "brief introduction to the history and the current landscape of the LGBTQ+ community, and then delve into what you can do to make yourself, your work, and your spaces more supportive for queer folks. Whether you are looking to improve your allyship practice or simply learn more about the current needs of the queer community, this workshop will help you take the next step!" The workshop is Oct. 8th starting at 6:30pm. The cost is $15 and you can register here. Coffee, tea, and refreshments, including vegan and gluten-free options, will be provided. #365ofgoodWR  After today, we only have one more city resolution to consider! And the timing is interesting as tomorrow I am attending a community building workshop where Brent Toderian will be speaking. I'm very much looking forward to it and no doubt you'll be hearing more about that in the near future!
However, for today, let's consider city resolution #24 which encourages us to "Open your eyes to the beauty in the everyday details and occurrences in your city–in the architecture, design, nature, civic life, and people. Really look around. Once your eyes are opened, you won’t be able to close them again." For me, this is one of the many benefits of choosing active transportation such as cycling or walking. When you're not stuck behind the wheel of a car, it's so much easier to really take things in, have conversations with those nearby, and even stop and linger at new or interesting places along your route. So, if you haven't yet this week, take a moment to get outside and try to look around with new eyes...you may be pleasantly surprised at what you discover! #365ofgoodWR  Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation's On the Table initiative begins tomorrow, continuing until this Sunday. There are a variety of both public and private events happening that will explore issues most important to our community. Here's one example of an On the Table conversation that you can attend:
"You are invited to join the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership and KW Multicultural Centre (KWMC) for Bagels, Coffee, and Immigration on Saturday, September 28, 9:30-10:30 am at the Kitchener Market. National and local public opinion research indicates that while views on immigration in Canada continue to be mostly positive some polarization of opinion exists. In particular, people are less inclined to see a positive impact of immigration on one’s community or neighbourhood. The Immigration Partnership and KWMC are hosting this conversation with community members to come together and have an open chat about immigration in Waterloo Region. We’ll be ready with bagels and coffee to share with everyone! Please register online and if you would like to learn more about On the Table, visit www.kwcf.ca/onthetable." You can also learn about many other conversations happening as part of this project, here. #365ofgoodWR Have you heard? We're transforming Gaukel Street in downtown Kitchener into a fun, people-focused space for 4 days, from Thursday September 26 to Sunday September 29. Relax with friends at the patio tables, enjoy live music and theatre, shoot hoops at the basketball net... this is your public space! While there, we'd love to hear your thoughts about what Gaukel Street could be. Can this street become a place for community building and connection? Tell us what you think! #365ofgoodWR  Yes, I'm highlighting In Her Shoes once again! I think they've got an inclusive and creative approach to supporting our community, so why wouldn't I highlight them again?! :) Currently, In Her Shoes is hosting a Donation Drive which is on now until Oct. 9th. You can donate items to a variety of community centre locations: the Downtown Community Centre, Stanley Park, Williamsburg, Forest Heights, Country Hills, and Victoria Hills. Items needed include fashion accessories, handbags, jewelry, scarves, and (of course!) shoes. Clear out your closet while supporting a great organization! #365ofgoodWR  Much of the #365ofgoodWR project has been about the important things individuals are doing to make their communities a better place. I believe so much of the positive things happening are the result of individuals taking a stand for (or against) something and working to improve that situation. I also believe that we need to be in contact with our elected officials, sharing our ideas and thoughts about what strong communities look like. With that in mind, I share today's post that highlights one of many All-Candidates Meetings coming up in preparation for federal election voting on Oct. 21st. This is one way to learn who your local candidates are and what their vision is for the next 4 years. Take some time to learn about those issues directly from the candidates themselves in order to better inform your vote. Since this blog is called The View From Ward 9, which falls in Kitchener-Centre, I have highlighted (in the attached image) one All-Candidates meeting coming up in that riding. But there are many of such meetings happening throughout the region over the next month. Also, you can find out all you need to know about voting in this election here.  Join the folks at SHOW (Supportive Housing of Waterloo) for a free community dinner on Sept. 24th. It's held in the Hearth room at Emmanuel United Church. Everyone is welcome to attend for an opportunity to meet new people through great conversation, and some tasty food. More about SHOW: "At Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW) our values of inclusivity, collaboration, respect and trust underpin not only who we are but how we achieve our mission. We believe that housing is a fundamental right that all are entitled to. But Supportive Housing of Waterloo is about more than just housing. At SHOW we provide the programs, services and supports to help individuals with homelessness, addiction, mental health and hoarding issues transform their lives." #365ofgoodWR  SPECTRUM offers Rainbow Family Drop In every third Saturday of the month. Here, you can join other local LGBTQ2S+ families for free drop-in programming geared to ages 0-6. Everyone is welcome! More details: Light snacks and drinks will be provided The Breithaupt St. building entrance has no steps and a ramp up to the office Single stall washrooms are available in the building. We ask if possible for you to help make this a low/no scent space #365ofgoodWR  |
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September 2019
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