Exploring equity, social justice and community safety with a humanistic lens
Abid Jan, January 04, 2023. Director Capacity Building at United Way East Ontario 6 articles Published January 4, 2023 The tally of Ottawa-Gatineau’s homicides crept up slightly from 15 in 2021 to 18 last year, with stabbings and second-degree murder charges dominating. The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) crime status report for 2022 will be released in …
From 1930s to 1950s, a group of Canadians took racism to court. It was the beginning of the struggle for Black civil rights. The 6 people who refused to accept inequality include Viola Desmond and Fred Christie. These are the brave pioneers who are thought to have secured justice for all Canadians. The disparity and inequity around …
Could systemic racism be dismantled by implementing small changes? Is the violence against persons of color easily solvable? How can society transform through choices a few people make every day? What small changes can society make to have a bigger impact on racism? How does technology play a role in systemic racism? This book has …
In 1991, the Economist magazine reported the problem of race as one of “shattered dreams.” 1n 1992, Thurgood Marshall said: “wish I could say that racism and prejudice were only distant memories, but as I look around I see that even educated whites and African American…have lost hope in equality,” in 1992. These statements are …
Just came across the website of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). The balanced approach under “Social Justice and Democracy” is impressive: Unlike the criticism of the social justice movement that we started hearing from some quarters, CLC’s take on issues that Canadians face is pragmatic and balanced. This shows that, like any other concept, there …
Racism actively contributed to the development of our systems of ownership, employment, health care, education, and nearly every other aspect of our lives. History has taught us that eliminating discriminatory laws alone won’t be enough to bring about true justice. These previous policies shaped our society and established ingrained habits and behaviours that can only …
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of collective action and exposed how existing systems nourish politics of exclusion in which people are treated as disposable. In this broader ecosystem of societal transformation, Canadian philanthropy is on a path toward a “just transition” that requires more deliberate efforts to abandon false hierarchies and co-construct new visions …
It’s good news for folks busy in social impact work to know that building equity is now the centre of attention and an international priority for action (https://lnkd.in/eAzWQrfJ). There are a FEW FACTORS that make this good news even more encouraging at this time of resource crunch in the sector (https://lnkd.in/ekxHyXhp) for social services and …
“A social justice model of philanthropy replaces investment in projects with investment in communities and organizations affected by the very social challenges they are working to solve.”… “more than 70 organizations across Canada have co-constructed a binding sector-wide Anti-Racism Framework for Canada’s International Cooperation Sector and committed to annual reporting on progress, with the baseline report issued in June …
Increasingly, funders who consider themselves “progressive” are leaning into social justice frameworks in their grantmaking. But what does that mean, and how can foundations adopt social justice philanthropy practices more intentionally? Social Justice Philanthropy is catching up. Here is a very thoughtful and impressive “Putting Equity First” strategic framework (https://lnkd.in/eHqquVKK ) by The Funders Network (https://lnkd.in/eyk5QGFH) …
Equity lens for Community service organisations. Just like in life reasons don’t count. Its the results that matter. In the community development work, mere talk is not enough. Actions lead to results. Its time to focus on specific programs to address specific barrier and structures that perpetuate systemic racism and systemic discrimination. And this is …
A fascinating read: Building equity is now a prerequisite for Collective Impact work. It might sound like a new development. Regardless of our simple approaches to community impact in the past and our research-based, data-driven, refined work of today, one thing that stands out as common is that, knowingly or unknowingly, we have been addressing inequity. …
Today, August 23, 2022 is the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This day is observed in memory of all victims of the slave trade and also aspires to promote critical examinations of such behaviors and mindset that has lead to modern forms of systemic racism, exploitation and inequity. …
Here is a great read from Ben Hecht about moving beyond diversity. The lines that stood out for me are: ““…it’s clear that the suite of diversity and inclusion tools and practices that went mainstream in the ‘90s are grossly insufficient for racial equity work. Instead of driving fundamental changes in organizations, they largely focus …
The Hollyer House in Bells Corners is a compelling example of how this can work. It’s a community hub set to feature mixed-use affordable housing, community programming, a food cupboard and a women’s shelter. Author of the article: Abid Jan Published Jun 15, 2022 • Last updated 7 months ago • 3 minute read As we begin to emerge from two crushing …