Jun
25
2019
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, JUNE 25, 6 PM to 7:30 PM at St John Church in Kitchener, entrance from Duke Street. Nominations for the Board & Membership Call
We are encouraged by the political will and organizational leadership in Waterloo Region that is bringing us closer around common problems in pursuit of common solutions: affordable housing, safe consumption sites, social and economic inclusion, equity and democratic participation. We can best be of service if we amplify lived experience voices across the board and continue creating safer spaces for conversations that do not shy from difference and opposing views.
Have tenants' voices been lost? Who is paying the price? At the annual meeting on June 18, 6:30pm at St John Church, tenants can learn more about the RENT association, about tenant organizing in general, and what supports and resources we can rely on. Before you come, you can read the 
Natural disasters, such as floods and fires, hitting communities far and near have been featuring prominently in the media as we talk more about the climate crisis. What, as neighbourhoods, can we do to be more resilient in the case we are hit by such an event? Trust among the neighbours is the not-so-secret ingredient. "It is extremely important that you get to know your neighbours beforehand, so that you know who is elderly, who has young children, pets, may have a disability." Steve LaRochelle, Emergency Management, City of Kitchener (
Our tax clinic team completed 420 returns this March and April, and processed 2016 and 2017 returns which was offered only by a few clinics. Extraordinary accomplishment by 8 extraordinary volunteers working evenings and weekends for 8 weeks. The volunteers also responded to over 100 T1 adjustments, assessment notices & inquires, including CPP applications, and electricity bill relief. There are many ways in which we can improve the process for the next tax season internally and we hope to provide valuable feedback together with other tax clinics in the region towards greater supports to the volunteer run clinics from the federal government in the future. 
The community will have a chance to continue Exploring Life in the Margins conversations. 'Viewpoints on Poverty' is an inclusive evening for discussion and discovery on the theme of nonviolence and poverty elimination. Join us together with 
Community Information, Social Development, Neighbourhood Engagement, are you truly passionate to learn and serve the community in these fields of practice? These positions are open to youth between 15 and 30 years who are facing barriers to employment or professional development. Thy offer exposure to a broad range of activities and social issues, as well as opportunities to take initiative and test different ways of doing things. Candidates are invited to apply by May 24th including a resume and a cover letter stating the position you are applying to, why you are interested in that position and how your studies, experience and skills make you a good candidate.
Deep Breathing sessions for activits started in April 20109: Living on low income takes its toll, so does being a social justice activist. Mental and physical stress comes with concerns about income, housing, food, care-giving to family members and friends, advocacy... This leads to many health problems, including inefficient breathing, the one thing we actually can control.
