Civic Participation

GET INVOLVED! & MAKE YOUR VIEWS KNOWN!

Since 2004, CAWI has provided Women’s Civic Participation Training where a total of 150 women have learned how city government works and how to bring their views forward.  And of those, about 80% shared their views for the first time.

This 9 month training program consists of 4 – 5 full day workshops and working in Action Teams to apply their learning in the municipal election, city budget process and on issues of concern arising at City Hall.  Women listen to the concerns of their communities, and bring those concerns forward to their Councillor through e-mails, phone calls, meeting with Councillors and presenting deputations.

Currently, CAWI provides this training to women in selected neighbourhoods, who form Neighbourhood Action Teams, so as to engage their neighbours in city issues.  Participants are from communities whose voices are least likely to be heard at City Hall – women who are living on low-income, Aboriginal, francophone, immigrant, racialized and living with a disability. Each team is mentored by a community developer from one of the 14 centres in the Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres.

The Women’s Action Forums, held 10 times a year at City Hall, are open to all women.  These two hour sessions are where women learn about issues arising in the City, form their own opinions, develop skills and explore actions they can take. 

The Civic Participation Kit provides easy-to-read information on how to bring your views forward to city decision makers.  Our Views Matter brochure, which gives an even shorter overview, is available in six languages to distribute in your community.

This has been made possible thanks to following in-kind and financial support:

• 2004 – Status of Women Canada
• 2006 – Status of Women Canada, Ontario Trillium Foundation, City of Ottawa
• 2007 – Ontario Trillium Foundation, United Way Ottawa, City of Ottawa
• 2008 – Ontario Trillium Foundation, United Way Ottawa, Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa, City of Ottawa2010 - Ontario Trillium Foundation, United Way Ottawa, Community Foundation of Ottawa, Public Services Alliance of Canada, Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa, City of Ottawa

  

Ontario Trillium Foundation
United Way Watch Fartuun Adan's video clip
Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres
Community Foundation of Ottawa
Status of Women Canada
City of Ottawa