Social Planning Toronto

“Happily Ever After” Symposium Proceedings

admin — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:10:41 +0000

SPT’s successful two-day symposium in February had a relationship theme-”Shotgun Weddings”, “Arranged Marriages”, and “Friends with Benefits”- to playfully describe the evolving relationships in the community services sector. SPT welcomed over 160 participants from a wide range of organizations and institutions across Toronto and other parts of Ontario. Here’s the full report and outcomes.

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SPT Annual Report 2012- 2013 released

admin — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:02:47 +0000

Over the past year, the work of Social Planning Toronto has taken place against a backdrop of growing social and economic inequality, of diminishing public resources, and an increasing polarization between the powerful and the powerless. In that context, our role has become more sharply defined, and SPT has significantly raised its profile as an effective, evidence-based advocate for progressive public policy. Click here to read our full report.

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SPT launches New Report A Triple Threat to Equity Changing Priorities for Toronto Schools A Policy Brief on Learning Opportunities and ESL Funding in the Toronto District School Board

Mary — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:33:45 +0000

A Triple Threat to Equity Changing Priorities for Toronto Schools

Executive Summary
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is the largest school board in Canada and has a total operating budget of approximately $2.8 billion. The Ministry of Education provides funding based on student enrolment and the unique needs of each school board.
Students from economically and socially marginalized conditions experience greater challenges in their educational opportunities, health and social relationships and are at higher risk of academic difficulties. In recognition of this, the Ministry has been providing the Learning Opportunity Grant (LOG) since 1998 in addition to regular funds to improve the chances of success for these students. The Demographic Allocation of the grant, now recognized as part of the Province’s Poverty Reduction Strategy since 2009, is intended to finance programs such as breakfast programs, homework clubs, reading recovery and one-on-one support within the classroom, all of which help to level the playing field for marginalized students.
Similarly, the diversity of Ontario’s population means that some students require extra support to develop the English language skills needed to succeed academically. The Ministry of Education provides additional funding to support these students through the English as a Second Language/English Literacy Development (ESL/ELD) Allocation within its Language Grant to school boards.

To continue reading please click here

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SPT Member Forum – Knowing Your Community: Wellbeing Toronto and Other Great Resources

Beth — Fri, 03 May 2013 22:42:46 +0000

Students, journalists, researchers, community groups, and almost any other individuals require access to data, whether it is for personal or professional use. Unfortunately, how to access this data is not always clear.

In 2013 the City of Toronto released the second version of Wellbeing Toronto, a website and mapping system chock-full of data about Toronto neighbourhoods.

Join us as City of Toronto staff provide step-by-step training on Wellbeing Toronto, including its exciting new features, and share other excellent resources available to you and your community.

All welcome!

Speakers: Harvey Low, Manager, Social Research & Analysis Unit, Toronto Social Development Finance & Administration Division, City of Toronto

Mat Krepicz, Senior Analyst, Social Policy Analysis & Research, City of Toronto

Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Time: 9:30 am—12 noon
Location: Social Planning Toronto 2 Carlton Street, Suite 1001 Toronto, ON

Registration required as space is limited.
To register please go to: http://juneresearchandpolicyforum.eventbrite.ca/ or contact Mary Micallef at mmicallef@socialplanningtoronto.org or 416-351-0095 x 251.

City Responds to Shelter Crisis

Beth — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:59:05 +0000

Thanks to everyone who called on Toronto City Council to open emergency shelter space!

After months of strong community activism and engagement, Toronto City Council voted 40-1 in favour of making the City’s 172 flex beds and additional space available in response to the homeless shelter crisis. City staff now have direction from City Council to open these spaces as needed with an aim of maintaining shelter capacity at 90% or less. City Council also voted to conduct a third party review of the shelter system to improve services and meet community need. Mayor Ford was the only member of Council to oppose the motion. These Council decisions will bring much needed attention to the shelter system to better support people who are homeless.

It wouldn’t have happened without community support! Over 1,400 residents signed the petition urging City Council to open emergency shelter space – joining with dozens of anti-poverty activists, and 40 organizations that signed an open letter to City Council calling for additional space.

Thanks to everyone who took part in this important call for action.

Read all about it:

Torontoist: http://torontoist.com/2013/04/city-council-votes-to-increase-homeless-shelter-capacity/
Toronto Star, Editorial: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2013/04/08/mayor_rob_ford_is_wrong_toronto_needs_more_shelter_beds_editorial.html
Toronto Star: http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2013/04/04/toronto_council_tells_city_to_aim_for_more_homeless_shelter_space.html
Toronto City Council minutes: http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2013.CD19.1