BC needs a poverty reduction plan!

From:
http://bcpovertyreduction.ca/learn-more-a-poverty-reduction-plan-for-bc

BC Poverty Facts

Here are some basic facts about poverty in BC. For more information, check out Poverty Reduction Questions and Answers (pdf).

By any measure, BC has the highest poverty rate in Canada – and as we head into a global economic downturn, the situation risks getting worse.

• Over half a million British Columbians – 13% of our province’s population – live in poverty. One in four are children.
• BC has had the highest child poverty rate in Canada five years in a row.
• Most poor people are working. More than half of BC’s poor children live in families where at least one parent has a full-time job.
• According to the 2008 Metro Vancouver Homelessness Count, there are more than 2,660 homeless people in the region. That’s more than double the number of homeless counted in 2002 (a 137% increase).
• Women, Aboriginal people, recent immigrants and refugees, and people with disabilities, mental health issues and/or addictions are most vulnerable to poverty.
• There’s nothing inevitable about poverty.

ADD YOUR VOICE

http://bcpovertyreduction.ca/take-action/petition

The Tyee is fundraising to create four Investigative and Reporting Fellowships, grants we give to journalists to finance in-depth analysis of important issues in BC. Previous Tyee Fellowships have broken major stories, empowered citizens, and won national awards. They've uncovered dangerously inadequate dams on the Fraser River, argued for cheap public transit, explored the possibilities for improving our schools, brilliantly advocated for toxic-free job sites, and have chronicled the local urban farming revolution. Once we've raised the money - we have $3,500 to go and eight days left to find it - journalists can apply by proposing their ideas, which will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges. Anyone who donates to the Fellowship can suggest ideas and be entered to win one of three fantastic prizes. Visit http://thetyee.ca/About/Donate/ to help fund fiesty, fresh, investigative journalism in BC!

Media That Matters Conference - May 19 - 23 at Hollyhock

Can we find a way to re-frame the meaning of a “good life” so that it is not the “good lie” that so much of media promotes these days? Join media visionaries to brainstorm, build bridges and sharpen your media and leadership skills. 

Created the Kyangwali Women's Microcredit Project. Trying to make the program successful.

Check out our website features Our Stories, Breaking News and Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle

Bridging the Generation Gap Workshop:
This workshop is designed to bring elders and youth together to open dialogue on the issue of racism through which they come up with inter-generational ways of combating racism on a micro and macro scale. We aim to promote multiculturalism and diversity where we disolve common cultural stigmas.

The workshops are delivered by Elders from 411 Seniors Centre Society for youth ages 15-25. There are various locations throughout Vancouver in Richmond, East Van, Burnaby, and North Vancouver between November 2-10, so sign up now as there is limited space!

If you are interested in participating or require further information please contact Catherine at 604.684.8171 ext 231 or ceagles@411seniors.bc.ca

I look forward to hearing from you!

Regards,

Catherine Eagles

The Power of Hope is a non-religious, registered charity offering youth & adult programs that value self-awareness, leadership, community, and social change. For more information please visit: www.powerofhope.org

The fourth annual Homelessness Action Week is coming up October 11 - 17. This year add your voice to the call for a national, affordable housing strategy at www.stophomelessness.ca.

Four Metro Vancouver mayors including Surrey mayor and council are supporting this intiative.

Also, check out the calendar pages on the website to see what is happening in your community. Volunteers are needed for Project Homeless Connect events.

Vancity staff really stepped up to the plate in 2008 and volunteered at Connect events in Surrey and Vancouver. In case you missed it, here is a link to the video Kate made in Surrey last year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc1ctmQfjYA

Homelessness, we CAN solve it - pass it on!

A global citizen-to-citizen communication platform that bypasses traditional media