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Poverty 101: Looking for Answers

Dispel the myths. Present the facts. Inform conversations. Stimulate action.

Living SJ partnered with the University of New Brunswick, Saint John to develop the idea of a “poverty 101” educational tool, into an inviting resource, Poverty 101: Looking for Answers.

The resource is a springboard for individuals wanting to learn more about poverty issues in Saint John, whether working, volunteering (board members, mentors or those involved in the community in other ways) or studying in areas related to poverty reduction. 

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A Reflection on Poverty Reduction Planning: Living the Experience

As a first-time attendee of a Tamarack summit, and as a person with living experience, I really didn’t know what to expect. The irony of only being able to be part of this event because I qualified for a scholarship wasn’t lost on me — while I’ve been a major contributor to the Hastings - Prince Edward Poverty Roundtable and the delivery of its action plans, and read up on Vibrant Communities – Cities Reducing Poverty, I knew very well that there was no way I could have afforded to go on my own steam. People paying what feels like a lot of money to get together and talk about poverty — what might that be like, I mused on the drive to Mississauga.

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Poverty in Calgary: A Picture of the Incidence and Experience of Low Income in Calgary and Area

Vibrant Communities Calgary (“VCC”) is pleased to release a statistical collation of the incidence of low income in Calgary and area. Statistics Canada’s Census 2016 afforded the organization an opportunity to complete this in-depth investigation which VCC hopes to replicate on a regular basis. Additional sources of information included the Government of Alberta’s Open Data program and the Community Data Consortium, to which Vibrant Communities Calgary holds membership. Here is the Report.

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Cities Deepening Community Policy Digest - October

This is the October edition of the Cities Deepening Community Policy Digest. The Digest provides timely policy updates from across Canada that support the work of Cities Deepening Community.

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Building Strong Communities One Conversation at a Time

“So, let me get this straight, we’re inviting people over for a BBQ and the purpose is…just to…talk to each other?”

I had to laugh at my partner’s confusion when I recently hosted a gathering with the goal of fostering social connections and building community. Our BBQ was part of The Genwell Project, a campaign whose mission is to make the world a happier and healthier place by reminding people about the importance of face to face social connection and inspiring them to take action.

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A Reflection on The Abundant Community

It fascinates me how the concept of community can be so different between people. I thought I had an accurate depiction of what a community is, but after reading The Abundant Community by John McKnight and Peter Block, I now realize there can be many definitions of community. There were a lot of beliefs brought up about what an abundant community should be, and I both agree and disagree with them. There were many ideas that I agreed with up to a certain point but then disagreed after relating it to my personal life.

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