We are at a pivotal time where the world is carefully and optimistically opening up, and though we may still be in the midst of the ongoing ebb and flow of the pandemic with continued social distance measures, this does not mean we cannot be socially connected. Many of us however have been disconnected and isolated, and though the trend was being experienced long before the pandemic, the pandemic has created and exacerbated the problem.
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Over the last 5 years, the Deepening Community network has been a timely and powerful response to the growing social isolation, loneliness, and disconnection occurring across Canada. This is a network where citizens and leaders are exploring the unique role that communities and neighbours play in creating positive futures. Together, we are discovering the power of community as an essential driver of social change. The foundation of the Deepening Community movement is based on the four pillars of deepening community established in Paul Born’s best-selling book Deepening Community: Finding Joy Together in Chaotic Times.
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“While we are connected in new ways electronically, I think that sometimes comes at the expense of personal connection and that is a big challenge” – Dr. Trevor Hancock
5 years ago, the Tamarack Institute wrote about a film crew seeking to examine community connectedness and the important role it plays in our lives, health, and well-being. With contributions from Tamarack’s Co-CEO Paul Born and Dr. Trevor Hancock, this award-winning documentary, “The Great Disconnect” was launched. Since its official launch in October 2019, the film has screened across Canada through multiple municipalities, non-profits, educational institutions and NGOs, and has been shown in ten countries across Europe. This film invites reflection on the relationships we have with those around us and raises the question: Is it possible to overcome our modern culture of disconnectedness and rediscover how truly essential we are to one other?
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We have seen shifts in happiness around the world, and the pandemic has changed the global shape of happiness. Much of our lives are driven by our pursuit of happiness and yet happiness may not be a silver bullet but rather a state of mind, an intrinsic feeling that may be determined and influenced by both internal and external factors. How do we know who is happy? And how do Canadians fare?
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We all have spent the past 14 months social distancing, with the vital components of what is at the heart of community shut down such as parks, trails, cafes, community centres, events and social gatherings. We find ourselves at a unique crossroads, working hard to find solutions to a problem whose scope is beyond anything we’ve ever encountered before and the effects are deep. The pandemic has affected our jobs, our families, and our communities. However, it is in communities that we will find the strength to not only persevere but to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
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The Government of Canada and its partners are currently accepting applications for three major funding opportunities for communities. Through the funding opportunities, communities can apply for funding to support public spaces, improve mobility and access to digital services, provide programs and services related to financial empowerment and social inclusion of vulnerable youth, and build intersectoral partnerships to address social determinants of health and wellbeing. The three funding opportunities are described below:
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