Community discussions

From October 2012 to August 2013, the Centre Wellington Social Justice Group conducted a series of “community discussions” in Centre Wellington. We were invited by community groups to present some facts about the existence and extent of poverty in our community, and show our film, Another Side of Centre Wellington. We also hosted an evening of music, slam poetry, film and discussion at the Elora Centre for the Arts. Through discussion, we got community members’ feedback and input to develop an understanding of the capacity and willingness of our community to move to action in 2013 and 2014 to reduce poverty and its effects in our community.

Overview of the results of the community discussions

In our community discussions, we heard many ways we could act to reduce poverty and the effects of poverty in our community. We heard many suggestions for improving and adding to the programs in our community that provide immediate relief to those in need. We also heard several people speak about the need to address at the political level the issues of tax inequity, social assistance inadequacy, and the lack of affordable housing. However, where our attention has been keenly focused over the past year and in our community discussions is on action that can be taken in our community and by our community over 2013 and 2014 to reduce poverty and the effects of poverty.

The financial wealth of our community, along with the wealth in community spirit and support for local social service organizations, means that there is tremendous potential to make changes in our community to reduce poverty and its effects.

The five areas that presented themselves in the community discussions that seem the most promising for action for the Social Justice Group over 2013 and 2014 are as follows:

1. Continuing to provide information about poverty in Centre Wellington
2. Bringing services together and enhancing them
3. More affordable housing
4. Transportation
5. Organizing financing for action