Building Towards Racial Justice
St. Mary's University Chaplain, Lance Dixon, and Alliance member implements racial justice framework for the Calgary Catholic School District.
11 New Communities Voted Down
City Council Votes Against Plans to build 11 New Communities!
We did it! Our emails, tweets and messages to City Council paid off. Yesterday, Calgary City Council voted against the proposal to build 11 new suburban communities!
Read more about the City Council decision below:
CTV: Council Votes Down Plans for 11 New Communities
660 News: City Council Rejects Proposal for 11 New Developments
Thank you for working with us to keep our City Council accountable as we build a stronger Calgary together!
Weekly News & Events November 9, 2020
Weekly News & Events: November 9-14
Foundations for Community Organizing: Online Monday's & Thursday's November 16-30
For more information or to register, click here.
Foundations Training begins next week and there has never been a more important time to sharpen your community organizing skills!
This training will help you enter the second year of Covid-19 and the recession ready to tackle the challenges that will be thrown at your organization, community and neighborhood.
The training is highly interactive, relational, and practical covering:
- Community Organizing introduction (and a refresher for old hands!).
- Concepts of power, power-over vs power-with, power-analysis.
- Relational Organizing: individual relational meetings, listening, research, negotiation and action.
- Strengthening our Organizations: building a culture that is relational, action-oriented and reflective/learning.
- Using Relational Power in the public sphere to take collaborative action on the common issues of 2020 and 2021.
Spirituality, Self-Compassion, and Resilience in Coping with a Pandemic of Grief and Loss : November 18 : 7-9pm
Grief and loss resulting from adverse events in life, including the current pandemic, can have multiple effects and impact mental health. When our worldview and sense of safety are altered existential and spiritual concerns often arise. Self-compassion and spirituality can play a key role in resilience and post-traumatic growth if facilitated.
This webinar will be facilitated by Dr. Heather M. Boynton who is an Assistant Professor in Social Work at the University of Calgary, and a Registered Social Worker who has worked in mental health for over 30 years as a Child and Family Therapist, Mental Health Consultant, and a Manager in Adult Services.
Learn more and register here.
Ongoing Monthly Events
Research Action & Strategy Meetings generally meet monthly and are always open to members of the alliance.
Mental Health Research Action:
November 9 at 7p.m. (First Monday of every month except for when the first Monday falls on a holiday, in which case the meeting will be the second Monday.)
Join Zoom Meeting:
Truth & Reconciliation Research Action:
November 10 at 7:30 p.m. (Second Tuesday of every month)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://iafnw.zoom.us/j/97914196873
Environment Research Action:
November 17 at 7:30 p.m. (third Tuesday of every month)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://iafnw.zoom.us/j/95829768477
Social Isolation Research Action:
November 24 at 7 p.m. (Fourth Tuesday of every month)
Please note: the Zoom link for this meeting has changed to: https://iafnw.zoom.us/j/94788195372
Strategy Team Meeting:
November 26 at 10:15 a.m. (Fourth Thursday of every Month)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://iafnw.zoom.us/j/379841066?pwd=MkpEVnhNUWpxS1FLODBHN0NheTgyZz09
Basic Income Team Meeting:
December 1 at 7:00 p.m. (First Tuesday of every Month)
Join Zoom Meeting:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://iafnw.zoom.us/j/99825236545
News & Upcoming Events from our Member Organizations
Consumer Debt Negotiation Project
One of Calgary Alliance's board members and partners at the public law clinic at U of C is launching a service in partnership with Vibrant Communities Calgary to help people who might be facing foreclosure or eviction. Please see the links below for more details.
https://www.cplea.ca/help-with-debt-alberta/
The Canadian Poverty Institute is partnering with Vibrant Communities Calgary to conduct an evaluation of the formal and informal emergency food assistance system. The purpose of the project is to develop recommendations that will improve the capacity of Calgary’s emergency food assistance system to effectively deliver food assistance in an emergency, especially during COVID-19. Please see the flyer below for more information and click here to take the survey.
Agile Leadership Training
The new Agile Leadership Training at St. Mary's University is designed to equip leaders with cutting-edge skills, an Agile mindset, and the knowledge to achieve sustainable agility in their organizations. Check it out here.
Become a Friend of the Alliance today:
As a part of our Fundraising Campaign, please consider becoming a monthly donor to support our work. Information detailing how to make a donation can be found at: https://www.calgarycommongood.org/donate.
Help us build a stronger Calgary
2020 FUNDRAISING DRIVE
With your help, we will continue to build a just and compassionate Calgary. We are committed to raising $100,000 to ensure we can continue on our strong advocacy. That may sound like a great deal of money but it can be raised if people like you make a monthly gift. With just 1,000 people donating $10, $25 or $50 a month, this goal is achievable. A modest, regular gift can ensure that the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good is able to continue its important work. In a world that is fixated on what we can’t do, we are focused on what is possible.
Here are few of our recent success stories:
• Preserved $70M in City services to our most vulnerable populations with the #KeepCalgaryStrong Campaign.
• Advocated for the completion of the Green Line. The result was a 14-1 majority City Council vote in favour. This will create 20k jobs, eliminate 30k of GHG emissions per year and deliver better access to transit for all.
• Saved the low-income transit pass from being cut. This impacts 60,000 low-income Calgarians. • Developed positive working relationships with civic leaders.
• Participated in an Indigenous Elder-Led reconciliation process, unique in Canada.
A short one minute video of Our Board Chair Anna Greenwood Lee and Rev David Pickett talk about the importance of the campaign and how you can make a difference here:
New Possibilities with Your Support:
There is much work to be done beyond our five current campaigns. We need more resources and we believe our best resource is people power. Currently, we employ one full-time organizer. A second organizer could focus on:
• Expanding our member organizations.
• Making sure our diversity reflects our city.
• Connecting more effectively with the economically and socially marginalised.
• Strengthening our connections with more Indigenous partners.
• Training our membership and communities to counter racism.
• Increasing effective communications to keep our members dynamic during and after the pandemic.
How can I give?
A tax-deductible gift can be made through the Industrial Areas Foundation Canada. The Calgary Alliance for the Common Good is a member of the Industrial Areas Foundation Canada (IAFC). The IAFC unites similar broad-based community organizing alliance and supports their leadership development and research work. Donations can be made online through:
www.calgarycommongood.org/donate. (Follow the link to Canada Helps and select The Calgary Alliance for the Common Good Fund.)
Cheques can be made out to the Industrial Areas Foundation Canada, with CACG in the memo line and sent to:
Industrial Areas Foundation Canada
PO Box 20094 RPO Fairview
Vancouver BC, V5Z 0C1
Weekly News & Events November 2, 2020
Weekly News & Events: November 2-7
Now, join us in following through with our commitments by taking action on one of the following steps:
1. Take action on the city budget. Leading up to, and during the city budget discussion, the Calgary Alliance will send out emails that indicate what actions are needed. Keep an eye out for these and join us, as we take action to build a strong Calgary.
2. Join a Research Action Team. We have five research action teams. If you are interested in joining one – please email: info@calgarycommongood.org.
- Mental Health – Meets the first Monday of every month at 7:00 pm on Zoom.
- Truth and Reconciliation - Meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm on Zoom.
- Environment – Meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm on Zoom.
- Social Isolation – Meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm on Zoom.
- Basic Income – Meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm on Zoom.
3. Attend the Foundations of Community Organizing Training. Monday’s and Thursday’s from November 16th – 30th at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Zoom. This core training teaches the skills and philosophy that the Calgary Alliance’s work is based upon. To register go to: https://www.calgarycommongood.org/foundations_for_community_organizing_2.
4. As a part of our Fundraising Campaign, please consider becoming a monthly donor to support our work. Information detailing how to make a donation can be found at: https://www.calgarycommongood.org/donate.
Upcoming Events
How to Use Social Media Effectively for Public Life: Nov. 5: 7pm
Social media is a powerful tool. Join us for this training to learn how to use social media to both strengthen communications within your organization and for collective public action. This webinar will be facilitated by Alex Middleton and Annelise Klingbeil from Champion Communications.
For more information and to register please click here.
Foundations for Community Organizing: Monday's & Thursday's November 16-30: Register here.
Spirituality, Self-Compassion, and Resilience in Coping with a Pandemic of Grief and Loss : November 18 : 7-9pm
Grief and loss resulting from adverse events in life, including the current pandemic, can have multiple effects and impact mental health. When our worldview and sense of safety are altered existential and spiritual concerns often arise. Self-compassion and spirituality can play a key role in resilience and post-traumatic growth if facilitated. This webinar will be facilitated by Dr. Heather M. Boynton who is an Assistant Professor in Social Work at the University of Calgary, and a Registered Social Worker who has worked in mental health for over 30 years as a Child and Family Therapist, Mental Health Consultant, and a Manager in Adult Services.
Learn more and register here.
Ongoing Monthly Events
Research Action & Strategy Meetings generally meet monthly and are always open to members of the alliance.
Mental Health Research Action:
November 9 at 7p.m. (First Monday of every month except for when the first Monday falls on a holiday, in which case the meeting will be the second Monday.)
Join Zoom Meeting:
Truth & Reconciliation Research Action:
November 10 at 7:30 p.m. (Second Tuesday of every month)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://iafnw.zoom.us/j/97914196873
Environment Research Action:
November 17 at 7:30 p.m. (third Tuesday of every month)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://iafnw.zoom.us/j/95829768477
Social Isolation Research Action:
November 24 at 7 p.m. (Fourth Tuesday of every month)
Please note: the Zoom link for this meeting has changed to: https://iafnw.zoom.us/j/94788195372
Strategy Team Meeting:
November 26 at 10:15 a.m. (Fourth Thursday of every Month)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://iafnw.zoom.us/j/379841066?pwd=MkpEVnhNUWpxS1FLODBHN0NheTgyZz09
Other News
Volunteers Needed: Food Hamper Delivery
Volunteer Food Bank hamper delivery drivers are needed immediately on weekday mornings. Time commitment is approximately 2 hours each shift that volunteers sign-up for online. Volunteers can help out as much or as little as they wish. For more information, click here.
News & Upcoming Events from our Member Organizations
Consumer Debt Negotiation Project
One of Calgary Alliance's board members and partners at the public law clinic at U of C is launching a service in partnership with Vibrant Communities Calgary to help people who might be facing foreclosure or eviction. Please see the links below for more details.
https://www.cplea.ca/help-with-debt-alberta/
The Canadian Poverty Institute is partnering with Vibrant Communities Calgary to conduct an evaluation of the formal and informal emergency food assistance system. The purpose of the project is to develop recommendations that will improve the capacity of Calgary’s emergency food assistance system to effectively deliver food assistance in an emergency, especially during COVID-19. Please see the flyer below for more information and click here to take the survey.
Agile Leadership Training
The new Agile Leadership Training at St. Mary's University is designed to equip leaders with cutting-edge skills, an Agile mindset, and the knowledge to achieve sustainable agility in their organizations. Check it out here.
Calgary Interfaith Council & I-CARE Virtual Fall Open House
The next open house will be on Nov. 5th at 7 pm – 8:15 at Temple B’nai Tikvah. Register by emailing daltonharding@gmail.com and you will be sent a zoom link.. Rabbi Mark Glickman will give a 30 minute presentation, 15 minute question and answer, virtual tour and dialogue.
CIC Spiritual Dialogue Circles/Scriptural Reasoning.
Join a small groups of 12 or less that come together virtually on a monthly basis to learn from and about each others faith around a specific theme using sacred text.
If you are interested one of these groups please send an email to daltonharding@gmail.com. CIC will be looking at starting another group in January if there is enough interest.
Foreclosure and Eviction Support
Consumer Debt Negotiation Project - One of Calgary Alliance's board members and partners at the public law clinic at U of C is launching a service in partnership with Vibrant Communities Calgary to help people who might be facing foreclosure or eviction. Please see the links below for more details.
Weekly News & Events October 26, 2020
Fall Assembly: This Thurs. October 29 at 7pm.
Calgary, it's time to show up.
It's been one year since our founding Fall Assembly and we have been passionately engaging in public action.
We are challenging those in power. We are coming together to advance the conversation - on our city's upcoming budget, the ongoing work on reconciliation, creating a culture of mental health, and holding those in power to account - and we want you here with us to be part of this work.
Our Alliance has had some great success stories in advocacy this year and we will gather online to mark these achievements. But, even more importantly, we will come together at this Assembly to advance the conversation about Calgary's budget; its relationship to the future of our city and the way in which our city and our police force can move towards Truth and Reconciliation, through the expansion of the Indigenous Liaison program. Mayor Nenshi is scheduled to speak among many others. I do hope you can join me for this moving event.
How to Use Social Media Effectively for Public Life: Nov. 5: 7pm
Social media is a powerful tool. Join us for this training to learn how to use social media to both strengthen communications within your organization and for collective public action. This webinar will be facilitated by Alex Middleton and Annelise Klingbeil from Champion Communications.
For more information and to register please click here.
Foundations for Community Organizing: Monday's & Thursday's November 16-30: Register here.
In the News
The Calgary Herald: Calgary non-profit pushing CPS to increase Indigenous liaison officers
CBC: Plan to add 11 new communities to Calgary's outskirts coming to council
11 New Communities
Thank you to everyone who spoke at council, contacted your city councillors, posted to social media and put forward written submissions regarding the 11 new communities. Your actions have had an impact.
Your action has contributed to this.
The final decision on these communities has been moved to November 2nd. The week before Council begins the budget debate. This will more accurately tie the decision regarding these communities to the budget impacts they will have.
We are asking you to keep taking action, to ensure that development is balanced with the need to care for our City’s most vulnerable, to preserve public transportation, and to strengthen our communities during this time.
We are asking you to:
1. Attend our fall assembly on October 29th at 7:00 pm – your presence will communicate our shared strength which the Council needs to take into account while making decisions. You can register for our assembly and receive the zoom link by going to: https://www.calgarycommongood.org/calgary_alliance_for_the_common_good_fall_assembly.
2. Continue to write and be in contact with your City Councillor. The key messages they need to hear are that we as citizens want them to prioritize:
- Preserving services that keep our city strong.
- Preserving and restoring public transit.
- Addressing policing issues by expanding the Police and Crisis Teams and also by expanding the Indigenous Liaison Program through creation of an Indigenous Liaison Officer in each of the Police districts.
3. Be in contact with your city councillor, and make it clear to them that we are calling on them to prioritize listening to citizens and not solely to the developers who are paying for their re-election campaigns.
On Monday, citizens had an opportunity to speak to City Council only after the Council provided developers the opportunity to speak for over 6 hours. From the perspective of many of us watching the Council meeting, most City Councillors were not even listening at the time citizens were allowed to speak, as only Mayor Nenshi and Councillor Farrell gave responses and had questions for the public. When you are in contact with your City Councillor, ask them if they were listening when citizens spoke at Council and if so, what key points citizens made.
Weekly News & Events October 19, 2020
Weekly News & Events: October 19 - 24
Upcoming Events
Fall Assembly: Thurs. October 29 at 7pm.
The Calgary Alliance represents 35,000 Calgarians who are working together to build a stronger Calgary. Show up at our Fall Assembly to hear Mayor Nenshi speak, learn about our Fall Campaigns and add your voice to make a difference in building a stronger, more resilient city. Use the hashtag, #showupyyc, the graphic below and the link on social media to invite others and let them know you'll be showing up on October 29.(Please register as well at the link below.)
https://www.calgarycommongood.org/calgary_alliance_for_the_common_good_fall_assembly
For more information and to register please click here.
Our Alliance has had some great success stories in advocacy this year and we will gather online to mark these achievements. But, even more importantly, we will come together at this Assembly to advance the conversation about Calgary's budget; its relationship to the future of our city and the way in which our city and our police force can move towards Truth and Reconciliation, through the expansion of the Indigenous Liaison program. Mayor Nenshi is scheduled to speak among many others. I do hope you can join me for this moving event.
Tonight: Fundraising Training: Mon. October 19 at 7pm.
Money is a key ingredient towards turning the dreams and potential of your non-profit, synagogue, church and this Alliance into a flourishing reality. There is much good work to be done in our city and our organizations, that requires capital.
If you're interested in learning how to apply principles of community organizing to the process of raising money for Calgary Alliance’s fund-raising campaign, this training is for you. As a kick off training for the Calgary Alliance’s fund-raising campaign, it is intended both for leaders who want to participate in this campaign and for leaders from our member organizations who want to learn how to raise money to support the mission of their organizations.
Free for all Calgary Alliance for the Common Good Members.
For more information and to register please click here.
How to Use Social Media Effectively for Public Life: Nov. 5: 7pm
Social media is a powerful tool. Join us for this training to learn how to use social media to both strengthen communications within your organization and for collective public action. This webinar will be facilitated by Alex Middleton and Annelise Klingbeil from Champion Communications.
For more information and to register please click here.
Foundations for Community Organizing: Monday's & Thursday's November 16-30: Register here.
Other News
Volunteers Needed: Food Hamper Delivery
Volunteer Food Bank hamper delivery drivers are needed immediately on weekday mornings. Time commitment is approximately 2 hours each shift that volunteers sign-up for online. Volunteers can help out as much or as little as they wish. For more information, click here.
News & Upcoming Events from our Member Organizations
October is End Poverty Month in Calgary. In support of ending poverty, Vibrant Communities Calgary is hosting a number of related events, check them out here.
Become an Enough for All Poverty Reduction Champion: If you are part of an organization, collaborative or network who wants to be more involved in Enough for All and poverty reduction in Calgary, join VCC's event on Wednesday, October 21 at 12 p.m. to learn more about becoming a Champion here.
Learn about Enough for All, Calgary's Poverty Reduction Strategy on Weds. October 28 at 12 p.m. Register here.
The Soul of the Next Economy Forum is a virtual conference surrounding the theme of co-creating the new normal of our post-COVID world. We invite you to be a part of this conversation. .
Check it out here: soulofthenexteconomyforum.com
Agile Leadership Training
The new Agile Leadership Training at St. Mary's University is designed to equip leaders with cutting-edge skills, an Agile mindset, and the knowledge to achieve sustainable agility in their organizations. Check it out here.
Coming to the Fire: Embodying Anti-Racist Culture and Practice
St. Mary's University is offering a four part series that explores the roots of racism, colonial violence and power and oppression, and seeks to guide participants to come to a greater understanding of the impacts of racism on an individual, institutional, and societal level. Participants will learn about critical race theory and practices of anti-racism across different aspects of their lives.
For more information or to register please click here.
Meet a Religious Member and their Community Virtually
This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know a Calgary Religious Leader and virtually visit their place of worship.
Last week's feature was: Archbishop of Calgary The Most Rev’d Gregory Kerr-Wilson – Anglican Cathedral Church of the Redeemer.
https://www.facebook.com/calgaryinterfaithcouncil/
Check out all of the previous highlights on CIC's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnqU16MTKQ2EF4a5TuIwjg
Weekly News & Events October 12, 2020
Weekly News & Events: Oct. 12 - 17
Upcoming Events
Fall Assembly: Thurs. October 29 at 7pm.
This assembly will launch our public action on the City Budget and our action to advance Truth and Reconciliation through the creation of Indigenous Liaison Officers, as such it is an important Assembly to show up for.
For more information and to register please click here.
Our Alliance has had some great success stories in advocacy this year and we will gather online to mark these achievements. But, even more importantly, we will come together at this Assembly to advance the conversation about Calgary's budget; its relationship to the future of our city and the way in which our city and our police force can move towards Truth and Reconciliation, through the expansion of the Indigenous Liaison program. Mayor Nenshi is scheduled to speak among many others. I do hope you can join me for this moving event.
Here is the link to the registration page for the October 29th assembly.
Please share this with like minded friends. Thank you!
href="https://www.calgarycommongood.org/psychological_first_aid_training">Psychological First Aid: Sun. October 18 at 2pm - 4pm.
Fundraising Training: Mon. October 19 at 7pm.
Money is a key ingredient towards turning the dreams and potential of your non-profit, synagogue, church and this Alliance into a flourishing reality. There is much good work to be done in our city and our organizations, that requires capital.
If you're interested in learning how to apply principles of community organizing to the process of raising money for Calgary Alliance’s fund-raising campaign, this training is for you. As a kick off training for the Calgary Alliance’s fund-raising campaign, it is intended both for leaders who want to participate in this campaign and for leaders from our member organizations who want to learn how to raise money to support the mission of their organizations.
Free for all Calgary Alliance for the Common Good Members.
For more information and to register please click here.
How to Use Social Media Effectively for Public Life: Nov. 5: 7pm
Social media is a powerful tool. Join us for this training to learn how to use social media to both strengthen communications within your organization and for collective public action. This webinar will be facilitated by Alex Middleton and Annelise Klingbeil from Champion Communications.
For more information and to register please click here.
Foundations for Community Organizing: Monday's & Thursday's November 16-30: Register here.