Invitation to VAW Coordinating Committees in Ontario

Why a Provincial VAW Forum? A chance to connect, learn and build knowledge A chance to plan our own agenda A place to recognize the expertise and good work that happens in communities To reduce isolation and build a common vision and strategy

Background sent by Southwest Region VAW Coordinating Committee (SWRCC) to Ontario VAW CCs – September 2010 to ask 2 questions: 1.Do CCs think a provincial VAW forum is a good idea? 2.Will your committee support SWRCC submitting a proposal for Trillium funding? 27 committees responded – Yes!

Background Trillium grant submitted Nov 2010 and approved – late February 2011 MCSS funded a planning meeting in Toronto – March 29 & 30 – 20 committees represented – Settled on a purpose, 4 key themes for the forum – Established workgroups to organize the forum

Purpose of the Forum To create a provincial VAW network

What would success look like? Representative attendance by diverse members and committees across the province New knowledge to strengthen local coordination efforts Shared projects that will have a provincial impact New strategies and relationships for more inclusive and diverse committees and committee work

Forum Themes 1. We want to understand Coordinating Committees: – Who are we? – What are we working on? – What are our priorities? – How are we different / the same? Prepare for the Forum - Gather Information: Survey monkey will be used to gather information about committees prior to the forum / information will be shared to spark discussion among committees

Forum Themes 2. We want to know about projects and research Marketplace / Showcase The forum will include opportunities for committees to ‘show and tell’ about work they are doing and have done. We will explore interest in provincial projects

Forum Themes 3. We want to know how committees work together: – Supporting a VAW focus that includes sexual violence partners – How inclusive are we? – What does collaboration look like? – Are there strategies for outreach for groups / people not represented at local tables? – Are there elephants in the room? – How can we collaborate more effectively? – How are the voices of women with lived experience included?

Forum Themes Dialogue The forum will include opportunities for dialogue, small groups and world café-type experiences

Forum Themes 4. How can we organize ourselves as a network? – How to use technology – Sustainability – Advocacy and activism – Inclusion and diversity – Maintaining connection Next Steps after the forum To be explored...

Who is invited? 2 members of VAW CCs Send your most passionate members who: – have an interest / talent for organizing – will be able to keep the fire going with your local committee after the forum – decision-makers Organizers will do additional outreach to invite Aboriginal groups, youth, newcomers, disAbled

Funding Trillium funding will be divided among committees (total grant is $84k) – Organizers are looking for more funding for simultaneous translation Travel funding will be limited to committees coming by air or rail Registration fee $100 / per person – Additional participants $120 plus $100 reg. fee Subsidies for groups not able to cover the fee

Other items We want to include space into the agenda for people to talk and think – not a packed agenda Optional offerings will be available – yoga / theatre / mindfulness / music Agenda will be developed via teleconference – survey participants at the forum will have opportunities to suggest topics / discussions

What is needed? Your interest and support Plan to attend and identify who from your committee will come (2 people) Consider setting funds aside from your VAWCC budget for attendance (registration and travel). Participate in the survey monkey questions about your committee (coming soon) Consider what you can showcase for the forum Marketplace

Need Information? Contact the Forum Organizers: Margaret MacPherson, Colleen Purdon