Community Action, Training and Engagement
Are you interested in exploring social justice issues through open dialogue and discussion? Have you wondered about ways to advocate for social change in your community, but not sure where to start? Community Action Training and Engagement (CATE) is an 8-week program where we learn together about strategies and opportunities to advocate for social change in our community.
Throughout the session, we will explore the following topics:
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Strategies for effective communication
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Social issues and ways to overcome them
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Systems of oppression
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Community organizing and action
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Self-care / Community care
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All are welcome to participate, though priority is given to low-income community members and those with limited experience in community organizing and advocacy. Participants are encouraged to commit to the full 8-weeks.
For upcoming dates and other information please contact Stephanie at stephanie@thetablecfc.org or 613-267-6428 x 104.
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A Story about Community Action Training
Brandy was unsure about taking the Community Advocacy Program in January 2012. She did not attend the first class and nearly talked herself out of going the next week.
For the first few weeks, she mostly observed the group and then slowly she began to contribute and share her thoughts and opinions. In March she attended the AGM where a debate arose about changing the organization’s name from The Perth and District Food Bank to The Table Community Food Centre. There were many “high-powered” community members in attendance and there was some hesitancy to make the change.
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Brandy stood up in front of the full room and shared how it felt to her, as a food bank user, to have to face the stigma of using the food bank. She said she would like the name to change to reflect all that was happening here at the center and to alleviate the shame of using the food bank services. The motion passed and we have since changed our name.
Brandy went on to complete the CAT and to become a peer advocate. She has been involved in various social justice activities at the centre and has arranged several clothing swaps, worked on a free haircutting initiative and is working on an up-coming budgeting workshop.
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Brandy ultimately left the Community Advocacy Office and returned to college where she obtained her Social Service Worker diploma from Algonquin College in Perth.