EVENTS
Civic Academy on Vacancy Control
Save the Date: Vacancy Control Civic Academy May 5, 2024
Location: Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Drive, Victoria, BC, V8T 1G6.
Join us for an afternoon of learning and planning about Vacancy Control. Vacancy Control is a social policy that ties rent increases to a rental unit not to a tenancy agreement (BC’s current form of rent control. This is a policy that has demonstrated success in preserving affordable rental units and preventing people from being evicted from their homes. At this civic academy we will go over what vacancy control is, where it is currently in place, and how it could work in BC. We’ll also have an opportunity to plan how we can build our collective power to win Vacancy Control in BC.
IAF Northwest's Spring Regional Training South of Seattle
Description: Advanced training that provides in-depth experience with the organizing practices and principles developed over 75 years by IAF member organizations. At this training there will be in depth focus on core community organizing topics and skills including:
Power – what is it, how we build it, and how we exercise it for the common good
How to build strong Broad-Based Organizations
Institutional Organizing – how it differs from other forms of organizing and why it’s critical for addressing the challenges our communities face
Relational Meetings and House Meetings as the core skills for leaders in community organizing
Schedule: Start Monday, May 13th at 9am. Sessions all day. End Friday, May 17, 5pm.
Location: Dumas Bay Centre, 3200 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98023 https://www.dumasbaycentre.com/
Contact Izzy if you are interested. izzy@gvat.ca
Moose Hide Campaign Day
Register Here: https://moosehidecampaign.ca/campaignday/
“The Moose Hide Campaign began as a BC-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has since grown into a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from local communities, First Nations, governments, schools, colleges/universities, police forces and many other organizations – all committed to taking action to end this violence.
Since the Campaign began over 10 years ago along the Highway of Tears, thousands of communities and organizations across Canada have held Moose Hide Campaign events and joined the annual Moose Hide Campaign Day ceremony and fast. People of all ages, genders and backgrounds are invited to take part in Moose Hide Campaign activities.
The campaign is grounded in Indigenous ceremony and traditional ways of learning and healing. A cornerstone of the Moose Hide Campaign is the moose hide pin. Wearing the pin signifies your commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life and speak out against gender-based and domestic violence. To date, over four million moose hide pins have been distributed free of charge to communities, schools, and workplaces across Canada.”
What is a Land Sharing Network?
Greater Victoria Acting Together and Programs in Earth Literacies are jointly hosting:
What is a Land Sharing Network?
Tuesday March 26, 6:30 pm online
Bob Montgomery and Emily Eaton from the Treaty Land Sharing Network https://treatylandsharingnetwork.ca/, on the prairies, will tell us about this organized way for landholders to support access to land by Indigenous people as a way of upholding treaty obligations and/or respecting inherent Indigenous rights to unceded territory. Most participating landholders there are farmers and ranchers. In BC, there are additional possibilities—beach front landholders could share land for Indigenous people to harvest shellfish; rural landholders could do so for access to cedar trees for stripping… The land sharing is for traditional uses such as hunting, fishing, food and medicinal plant gathering, ceremony and culture camps.
Bob Montgomery is of settler (Scottish) and Métis descent. He is the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator for Beaver Hills Biosphere (near Edmonton). Emily Eaton is a settler committed to finding ways to honor the treaties and right Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. She is also an author, including being a co-author of The End of this World: Climate Justice in So-Called Canada..
For more information and registration: Click here-- https://www.earthliteracies.org/bob-montgomery-emily-eaton-what-is-a-land-sharing-network.
GVAT Foundations of Community Organizing Training
Welcome to GVAT’s Foundations of Community Organizing training Nov 30 – Dec 2.
We look forward to meeting you and to your active participation in these three training sessions later this week. We have attached a short article for you to read in preparation for Thursday night.
As a reminder, here are the details you will need to join us:
Session 1 - 6:30 pm Thursday Nov 30 on zoom.
Session 2 - 6:30 pm Friday Dec 1 on zoom.
Session 3 - 9:00 am Saturday Dec 2, BCGEU Building, 588 Burnside Rd.
Please arrive a few minutes early. Coffee will be available.
Building will be locked. There are entrances from the parking lot off Burnside Rd. or from Douglas Street (2994 Douglas). Please press the bell at the door and wait for somebody to let you in the building. We will be in the building until 3 pm with limited access.
Coffee, tea and Lunch will be served (mostly or entirely vegetarian)
Special Guest at GVAT Strat Hub Meeting
What: GVAT Strat Hub meeting featuring guest, David Barrow, IAF senior organizer assigned to support GVAT. Come find out about IAF successes and what the future could look like for GVAT.
Who: David Barrow is an engaging and inspiring speaker with a wealth of hands-on experience as an IAF organizer in New South Wales, Australia. GVAT leaders who have had the delight to meet David and witness firsthand his insight, intelligence, humor, and practical helpfulness highly recommend this opportunity for a wider audience to listen, question and discuss with David.
Intended Audience: Any member of a GVAT member organization. Others by invitation only.
When: Thursday, Nov. 16, 7:00-8:30 pm, online. (Contact your member org delegate for the Zoom link.)
Engaging Your Organization on the Climate Emergency Training Session
GVAT’s Climate Justice Team is attending this training, along with Metro Vancouver Alliance and other organizations involved with the BC Climate Emergency Campaign (BCCEC). Please join us. You will find out about BCCEC’s latest report card on the BC government’s progress on climate action and learn how to engage your members through Industrial Area Foundation (IAF) methods, including listening sessions (aka house meetings). This training is suitable for anyone wanting to engage their organization around any issue but all examples used will be climate related. To register (or for more information), click on the registration link below.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpduyprzwsGtcws2e2fwCfG2OXQnffxY7d#/registration
Toxic Drugs in Victoria (Part 3/3) - The Impact of Toxic Drugs
GVAT member organizations, CoolAid and BC Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (via Lutheran Church of the Cross), are involved in this 3 part series on Toxic Drugs in Victoria, one of the first issues that GVAT ever worked on.
Location: Upper Hall of the Lutheran Church of the Cross, 3787 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria, BC
Admission: Free
Understanding the Impact of Toxic Drugs. This will be a panel of people involved at the front line of the toxic drug crisis. It will be an opportunity for conversation with individuals most directly involved in the day to day reality of toxic drug use.
Toxic Drugs in Victoria (Part 2/3) - World Cafe
GVAT member organizations, CoolAid and BC Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (via Lutheran Church of the Cross), are involved in this 3 part series on Toxic Drugs in Victoria, one of the first issues that GVAT ever worked on.
Location: Upper Hall of the Lutheran Church of the Cross, 3787 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria, BC
Admission: Free
World Café. Presenters from Island Health and Victoria agencies involved in harm reduction, social services and the language of drug use will be at stations throughout the building to learn about specific initiatives and ask questions.
Focused Conversation for Faith Communities with Joe Brewer
Location: 932 Balmoral Rd, building of former 1st Met United Church, now in use temporarily by Broad View United.
1st Met United building as above.
Church Service related to Cascadia Bio-Region/Joe Brewer Tour.
Location: 932 Balmoral Rd, building of former 1st Met United Church, now in use temporarily by Broad View United.
Joe Brewer and John Borrows doing the homily. Lunch to follow. Focused Conversation for Faith Communities with Joe Brewer, Sun. Oct. 22, 1:30-3:30, 1st Met United building as above.
Toxic Drugs in Victoria (Part 1/3) - Understanding the Big Picture
GVAT member organizations, CoolAid and BC Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (via Lutheran Church of the Cross), are involved in this 3 part series on Toxic Drugs in Victoria, one of the first issues that GVAT ever worked on.
Location: Upper Hall of the Lutheran Church of the Cross, 3787 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria, BC
Admission: Free
Understanding the Big Picture. Kim Toombs, Director of AIDS Vancouver Island, will provide a context for the current toxic drug crisis, how it evolved and what is being done to address the needs of those using toxic drugs.
South Island Pow Wow 2023
When: September 30th, 2023, Gates Open at 10 am, Grand Entries at 12 pm & 6 pm. Colours retire at midnight.
Where: Royal Athletic Park 1014 Caledonia Ave, Victoria, BC
Free admission
Everyone Welcome
September 30th marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The annual South Island Pow wow is an opportunity to recognize Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation. Through song and dance, we will celebrate traditional Indigenous cultures and resiliency.
First Nations far and wide, have been welcomed to join us on this day to celebrate in our time-honoured pow wow.
In 2022, the powwow brought 10,000 together to witness Indigenous resiliency to stand together on Orange Shirt Day.
Questions? See the website for more information: https://calendar.powwows.com/events/south-island-pow-wow/ or Email nationevents@songheesnation.com.
United for Old Growth Forest Day of Action Thursday Sept. 28th
GVAT members at the United for Old Growth rally in February, 2023.
When: Time varies depending on the action being taken part in.
The BC govt agreed to all 14 recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review Panel’s report, A New Future for Old Forests, which came with a 3 year timeline. 3 years is up. Old growth is still going down. And that’s even in areas recommended for deferrals! Come out on September 28th and demand better. GVAT member organization, Sierra Club, is a major force behind actions happening in most provincial ridings throughout the CRD (as well as in the rest of the province). Find the one nearest you or dance/ cheer on the dancers led by GVAT member, Amalia Schelhorn, in Saanich South. (See prior calendar event for rehearsal details.)
Check out this webpage for a list of actions happening throughout the CRD and across the province: https://sierraclub.bc.ca/september-28-distributed-day-of-action-for-old-growth/?mkt_tok=Nzg4LVlCRi0yOTYAAAGOCiSznONiwq6IUBDFSRDpqhB1zlrbYsDtFbbvEFw1GYXlVQ--4GKpf6irfmoTJq94hYsivDdIlO7A5vM1UMs6w1ubb0LEsaDYKl8vNek
“Dancing for Old Growth” --United for Old Growth Action in Saanich South
A flashmob will dance at a surprise location
Email janew@gvat.ca for further information
GVAT’s Climate Justice Team is organizing the United for Old Growth action in the riding of Saanich South on Sept. 28th, a day of actions across the province to draw attention to the government’s unfulfilled commitment to implement all 14 recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review report. At risk old growth forests recommended for deferral continue to be logged. Fittingly, the action will be a dancing flashmob to urge Saanich South MLA, Lana Popham, the Minister of Tourism, ARTS, Culture and Sport, to stand up strong for old growth protection.
If you want to dance for old growth, contact janew@gvat.ca , learn from this teaching video https://youtu.be/IYOdB1zo8LE and check out the rehearsal info at https://www.gvat.ca/calendar-events/united-for-old-growth-flashmob-dance-rehearsal
United for Old Growth Flashmob Dance Rehearsal
GVAT members learning the dance at the GVAT picnic.
When: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 12:00 p.m - 12:45 p.m
Where: Rutledge Park, rain or shine. (Meet near intersection of Glasgow and Inverness.)
GVAT member, Amalia Schelhorn, is leading another flashmob dance for the next United for Old Growth Event on Sept. 28th. GVAT members are invited to learn the dance and join experienced Elders for Ancient Trees amateur dancers for the performance outdoors in Saanich, at noon Thursday Sept. 28th. Amalia taught a bunch of us at the GVAT picnic and we loved it. If you can’t make the live rehearsal on Tuesday Sept. 26 but can make the performance on the 28th, learn the dance from this teaching video: https://youtu.be/IYOdB1zo8LE. Even if you can make the rehearsal, the training video will help.
Want to get involved/got questions? — Email jane@gvat.ca
Global Mobilization to Fight Fossil Fuels
March to End Fossil Fuels, Forest Destruction & Highway Expansion
4pm Friday September 15, BC Legislature – 501 Belleville St. – Lekwungen Territory (Victoria BC)
In September millions of people around the world will take to the streets to demand a rapid, just, and equitable end to fossil fuels and fast fair climate action as world leaders gather at the UN in New York. Join the rally in Victoria at 4pm on Friday September 15 in front of the BC Legislature at 501 Belleville Street. March will depart around 4:30 pm.
The science is clear: the world needs a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels to an energy and economic system that is efficient, fair, and equitable. We also need an end to old growth forest destruction and a fast and fair shift to ecological restoration of all forests. Fast fair climate action must include immediately reallocating infrastructure funds from highway expansion to transit and active transportation (cycling, rolling, and walking).
We need a system based on clean energy sources and produced with respect for nature and the rights of Indigenous peoples. We need healthy cities with great electric public transit and fewer cars.
Do social media? Please invite your friends on Facebook www.facebook.com/events/1058086298905765 and Instagram www.instagram.com/climatejusticevic/ and retweet the invite on Twitter https://twitter.com/CJusticeVic
This September, people on every continent will escalate our fight and #EndFossilFuels together. We can create a global just transition that is #FastFairForever.
Find out more about this global day of action at https://fightfossilfuels.net/#act and https://fridaysforfuture.ca/
This event and host organizations are located on Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ lands. We look to and work with the Indigenous communities leading the climate justice movement on the front lines for guidance and leadership.
Save the Date! GVAT Summer Social/Potluck Picnic
This no-frills, low-key event will be held at the group picnic shelter at Beaver Lake (Filter Beds Area). Your presence is what will make it special.
This event is for all members of all GVAT member organizations, not just for active GVAT volunteers.
Please bring:
- Yourselves, fellow GVAT members, friends and family if you would like
- Potluck food to share
- Whatever non-alcoholic beverages you would like (alcohol not permitted in a CRD park)
- Re-useable dishes, cutlery, napkins (We’re aiming for a zero-waste event.)
You may also wish to bring:
- Chairs or blankets (There will also be seating at picnic tables in the shelter.)
- Lawn games (eg. bocce, croquet…)
- Canopies for sun or rain protection depending on weather (The picnic shelter is covered but, given Covid, the more options for spreading out the better. )
Directions: If you can cycle, walk or use transit, that’s great. There is a car parking lot right beside the picnic shelter. Filter Beds Entrance: From West Saanich Road turn east onto Beaver Lake Road and go 1.2km to the Filter Beds parking lot. From Elk Lake Drive, turn west onto Beaver Lake Road and drive 800m to the Filter Beds parking lot. (The Filter Beds area is not the area with the swimming beach and playground.)
Artistic Collaboration: Pathway Toward Reconciliation
Tuesday, June 6, 7:00 pm – Rabbi Harry and artist Virgil Sampson of the Tsartlip Nation have worked together on creating a powerful art print that combines cultural and aesthetic iconography to produce “Magen,” which in Hebrew means, “Protection.” The piece combines the Hamsa, a symbol that is shared by many peoples of the Middle East that serves as a talisman or amulet against the evil eye (bad mojo that comes to us when we invoke the envy of others), and an Orca, which is a Coast Salish symbol of protection. After Virgil and Rabbi Harry shared intense dialogue and learning, Virgil created this striking and innovative work of art. After consultation with elders and other rabbis, both Virgil and R. Harry feel that this work of collaboration and connection is in the spirit of reconciliation that begins with sharing.
There are limited edition prints that are available for sale through Congregation Emanu-El. All are welcome at the synagogue where we will unveil this remarkable work and to learn about the spiritual and creative synergies that are present in this innovative and striking work of art.
Please join Artist Virgil Sampson and Rabbi Harry Brechner on Tuesday June 6 at 7:00 pm for a first peak at the art and an opportunity to bid on first editions and special Remarque prints that were embellished by Virgil.
Moose Hide Campaign Day
Moose Hide Campaign Day is a National Day of Action to End Gender Based Violence by Creating Safer Communities. Started in 2013 by co-founders Raven and Paul Lacerte of the Carrier Nation, the event is designed to mobilize all communities in efforts to prevent and address the causes of violence against women, girls and two spirit people across Canada. Raven is married to Dominic Paul, W̱SÁNEĆ territory of Vancouver Island. They live in Victoria BC with their two daughters Cedar and Chas. In the words of the organizers, "The journey of reconciliation is an ongoing process that we warmly invite all Canadian to participate in."
For more information about the campaign, the in person or virtual events on May 11, 2023 you can go to this link Moose Hide Campaign | An Indigenous led grassroots movement to end gender-based violence For anyone in GVAT who is challenged to find ways to connect with local Indigenous communities, this annual event is a great opportunity to build relationships as well as to work locally on reconciliation.
The calendar of events for the day Campaign Day | Moose Hide Campaign includes free in-person and on-line workshops focused on stories of healing and change (please register here Campaign Day General Registration | Moose Hide Campaign, then a Walk to End Violence (between 12- 1pm in Victoria BC - also livestreamed), optional fasting (to add intention to our participation), a Sunrise Ceremony/Fast Breaking Ceremonies and finally a Community Feast.
You can support the event in many ways including attending yourself, ordering, distributing and wearing the Moose Hide pin to provoke conversations, organize a local event in your community and sphere of influence, donating in any amount to ensure the success of the event.
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How does this event relate to Reconciliation?
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)is the framework on which to build meaningful and lasting reconciliation. Bill C-15 – The United Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was enacted into Canadian law on June 21, 2021, and Canada formally committed to working together with Indigenous Peoples to implement the declaration in a meaningful way.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) identified 94 Calls to action in their final report. These Calls to action are detailed recommendations to help further reconciliation towards a renewed relationship with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
Call to Action # 57 calls upon all levels of government to ‘educate public servants’ on the history of Indigenous Peoples, their rights as per The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the legacy of residential schools. The Act also responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action (#43 and #44) and the Calls for Justice derived from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women and Girls (MMIWG) Final Report: Reclaiming Power and Place.
By promoting and participating in this event, you are providing support for this First Nations initiated grass roots movement.
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What can I do to support the Moose Hide Campaign at work, at school or in my local community? Directly from the organizers....
GET YOUR TEAM INVOLVED
It’s free and easy to invite your workplace to the Moose Hide Campaign. Here are ways you can show support and start conversations at work:
Wear and share the Moose Hide pin
Share the pin and start the conversations. Order them for free! (animal free versions also available)
Set up a campaign kiosk at work
Hosting a kiosk is a great way to raise awareness about the MHC and the issue of violence towards women and children. Find information and resources to support you.
Bring the Moose Hide Campaign Day to the office
Join the livestream of Campaign Day on May 11, 2023 and invite your workmates. Enjoy a day of ceremony, inspiring speakers and workshops focused on healing and change. It’s a wonderful opportunity to offer reconciliation-focused professional development! Register here.
Organize your own Moose Hide Campaign event
Host a #WalkToEndViolence with your team. Challenge another department or company to join you and share the message even wider. Find information on how to implement a walk.
Encourage Your Company to Lead
We know that many Canadians care about erasing gender-based violence from Canadian society and are committed to reconciliation. We invite leaders from all sectors to partner with us and find ways to truly stand against violence. Reach out to start a conversation
Please reach out if you have any questions
We are here to support you as you stand up against gender-based and domestic violence and journey towards reconciliation. Or just reach out to let us know about your awesome initiatives – as a grassroots organization, we are always deeply honoured and encouraged to hear about organizations standing with us.
Our Women Are Sacred Walk
(Note: The event end time listed on the GVAT website is approximated)
Law, Land, Religion and Reconciliation: A Colloquium.
This workshop will explore the implications of the existential shifts in religious life for the stewardship of religious property in contemporary Canada. What are the moral and religious obligations of a religious community that has a lot of assets, deeply-felt religious and social commitments, but few congregants? Why (if at all) is it important for religious communities to honour the wishes of donors from generations past? Whose voices should guide decisions about the future management of institutional property? Where do tax considerations and registered charity status fit in? How are different religious communities responding to changing social realities in Canada in terms of their property use, and what can we learn from these experiences?
There are talented scholars, clergy, religious institutional staff, and policy-makers working on these questions, and we will gather a cohort to explore and examine the intersecting issues they raise. We invite you to register for this exciting event of May 4-6, 2023, if you are planning to attend in person. Refreshments will be provided for in-person audience.
Register Here.
Reconciliation Learning Event
PARTICIPATION BY DONATION BUT PLEASE REGISTER HERE:
https://broadviewunited.org/reconciliation-learning-event-2/
How to Facilitate Effective & Engaging Meetings -GVAT Training, Part 2 of 2
This is a primarily in person continuation of the first GVAT Training (happening April 17th) on how to plan and facilitate meetings. There will be a hybrid option on zoom if you're unable to attend in person, however attending in person is ideal. We highly recommend attending the first training session, or watching the recording of it, prior to attending this training session.
Please RSVP Here, if you plan to attend.
Within this leadership training, topics being discussed may include:
Appropriate meeting follow-up
Managing a meeting: how to shift or respond to surprises
Identifying different kinds of discussion approaches
Principles and tools for facilitating discussions
Tools for decision-making
What is consensus and how do we know we have it
Trouble-shooting
Closing
How to Plan & Prepare for Successful Meetings - GVAT Training, Part 1 of 2
Sonia Theroux is offering a leadership training opportunity to GVAT’s current and aspiring volunteers. The first training session is offered on Zoom, while part two will be primarily hosted in person at Broad View United, with a zoom hybrid option.
Please RSVP Here, if you plan to attend.
What does a successful meeting look like? What type of processes go into designing one?
Within this leadership training, topics being discussed may include:
Understanding different meeting types and outcomes needed
Appropriate processes for different types of meetings
Pre-meeting engagement and activities
How to develop a clear and flexible agenda
This training is part one of two, and while not required, you are highly encouraged to attend this one or watch it via recording, prior to attending the second.
GVAT AGM 2023 on March 30th
This is a friendly reminder that GVAT will be holding its Annual General Meeting Thursday, March 30th via Zoom.
Homes for All Community Assembly
Everyone deserves a home within their community. Municipalities play an important role in facilitating non-profit and affordable housing. That’s why we’re asking mayoral candidates in the region to embrace a human rights approach to housing, and to lead by committing to bold policies that preserve and create new non-profit and affordable housing for all of our neighbours.
Civil society can and will shape housing decisions to ensure housing is treated as a human right. It starts with all of us coming together in big numbers to show all candidates that there is strong support for local governments in the region to champion bold, climate-friendly policies to accelerate development of non-profit and affordable housing. Join us October 2nd!
Doors open at 6:30pm! Can't join us in person? Watch the livestream starting at 7pm: https://vimeo.com/event/2446442
Find the Media Release here!
Find details of our Homes For All municipal platform here.
South Island Powwow
GVAT has pledged to apply a Reconciliation lens to all its work. GVAT’s Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (COEDI) recommends attendance at the first ever South Island Powwow on National Truth and Reconciliation Day. If you would like to attend as part of a group, COEDI members, Jane Welton and Chris Bullock, are coordinating morning and late afternoon groups. If interested, please email janew@gvat.ca .
Click here for more information.