Our programs & committees2024-03-11T16:38:58-04:00

Making Voices Count

Making Voices Count educates and encourages people living on low incomes to vote in government elections. Between election cycles, it advocates for socially just policies at the municipal level.

The program is driven by residents, CAWI, the Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres (CHRC) and community partners. Its Civic Engagement Table meets monthly to learn, share and plan for action. We focus on poverty reduction, housing, equitable transportation, food security and childcare.

Making Voices Count has inspired many residents to vote and bring their concerns to City councillors. It’s also changing the status quo in election races. Candidates are learning they can improve their campaign and leadership by listening to people from low-income communities.

Making Voices Count’s past wins include:

  • EquiPass to reduce the cost of transit for people on low incomes

  • $15 million dedicated to affordable housing in annual city budgets (2018-2021)

  • United Way 2019 Community Builder Award – ‘From Poverty to Possibility’

Get involved


Read our Making Voices Count toolkit

NEXT MEETING: Making Voices Count meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 1:30 pm to 3 pm. Go to our events page.

LATEST NEWS:

On average, women earn 73% of what men do in a year.

Source: Statistics Canada

Maamawe: Women Reducing Poverty Together

Maamawe means ‘together’ in Algonquin. The project brings together residents, women’s organizations and the violence against women sector. We learn about and advocate on issues affecting women and non-binary people who have experienced violence, including housing.

Maamawe uses an intersectional feminist lens to explore the diverse experiences of women, girls, non-binary and gender-non-conforming folks. Funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada, the project connects women leaders from across Canada to contribute to a national action plan on gender equality.

Get involved


Read our Housing: Women at Risk handout

NEXT MEETING: Maamawe: Women Reducing Poverty Together meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 1:30 pm to 3 pm. Go to our events page.

LATEST NEWS:

Women’s Action Circle

Our Women’s Action Circle aims to equip young gender-marginalized leaders with the tools they need to engage effectively with City Hall as well as lead initiatives in their own communities.

The circle operates on the principles of peer mentoring and member-driven action while upholding CAWI’s strategic direction, theory of change and values.

Women’s Action Forums

Twice a year, our Women’s Action Circle hosts Women’s Action Forums at City Hall. These are large gatherings where we discuss and act on specific topics. Our past forums have included action on anti-Black racism, housing for diverse women, Islamophobia, and electing women as leaders. We welcome you to attend!

NEXT FORUM: Our next forum is on March 27th 2024 to discuss Caring Cities. Go to our events page.

Our Women’s Action Forums have helped reverse planned cuts to provincial social assistance. They’ve also supported the creation of the Women and Gender Equity Strategy at City Hall.
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