“Privilege isn’t about what you’ve gone through; it’s about what you haven’t had to go through. And right now, we are in a time that is calling on us to learn the stories that we don’t know.”
~ Janaya Khan, Co-founder of Black Lives Matter (BLM) Toronto
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LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
Dear YWCA Toronto Community,
From a small group of local women who came together out of concern for the safety of young women to the city’s largest multi-service women’s organization serving over 13,000 people, we have worked tenaciously to break down barriers that hold women, girls and gender diverse individuals back from achieving equity and safety.
Our work would not be possible without the dedication of our e-newsletter subscribers, donors, funders, sponsors, partners and staff. You are a huge part of our history. I want to extend a personal note of gratitude to each and every one of you: Thank you!
Together we can continue to make positive changes in Toronto and create a future where all communities can heal, thrive and, succeed.
You can continue to celebrate and learn about our Association throughout the year via our social media channels, issues of the The Feminist Edge, our blog and upcoming events!
Warmly,
Heather McGregor
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Toronto
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Photo | Courtesy of Henry Chan
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After 44 years as the guiding force behind Camp Tapawingo, Liz Greenway, Manager of Camping & Outdoor Education, is retiring. Liz has created a camp environment where building skills in arts, crafts, land and water activities is always combined with fun and the values of resiliency and feminism.
We congratulate Liz on her well-deserved retirement and wish her the best!
Camp Tapawingo continues to open its cabin doors to young campers, adult and families for the 2023 season on the shore of Georgian Bay. To register for camp or for adult and family programs, click here.
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Join the Movement
Become a member of YWCA Toronto in 2023.
Membership is so much more than the $20 membership fee – it is about being part of a worldwide feminist movement, having a voice, and supporting women, girls and gender diverse people. Together, we can create lasting change in our community.
This year marks the 150th Anniversary of YWCA Toronto – a perfect time to affirm your commitment to the global feminist movement with a membership.
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Join us for the International Women’s Day March!
After a pandemic-long pause, Toronto’s International Women’s Day March is back in person this year! YWCA Toronto will have a strong showing at the 11 AM rally at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Auditorium (252 Bloor St. W). Then, by 1 PM, we will take to the streets. Join us! Grab a friend, make a sign and we will see you there, shoulder to shoulder, as we #EmbraceEquity this IWD.
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Photo | Courtesy of Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives |
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Child Poverty in Ontario
Recently, Campaign 2000 and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives shared a new report on child and family poverty in Ontario. The report reflects on the economic shock brought on by the pandemic. During the first year of the pandemic, the rate of child poverty decreased in Ontario due to swift government action but increased after social support programs expired. This demonstrates that policymakers are able to reduce poverty, including child poverty in Ontario, if they prioritize it.
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Black History Month
February is Black History Month. We honour the many achievements and legacies of Black Canadians who have helped create a more inclusive Canada and made a positive impact in our communities.
YWCA Toronto’s Anti-Black Racism Committee hosted a virtual internal event entitled “United Voices” which was a celebration of voices from the Black diaspora, particularly that of Theodosia and other women from the Caribbean, who found refuge at YWCA Toronto’s Ontario House in the early 1900s.
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Safety for Teenagers on the TTC
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is the backbone of public transportation for people living in Toronto. The safety of women and girls travelling on the TTC, however, has become a growing concern for many daily commuters.
Recently on our blog, we shared the story of a 19-year-old woman who uses the TTC daily to commute to school and work.
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
YWCA Toronto operates on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We are grateful to work on this territory as we strive to build a more equitable and just city for women, girls, and gender diverse people. For a full land acknowledgment, please visit our website.
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