Author Archive
Posted on: August 15th, 2016 by Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
Earlier this year Friends of Crime Prevention hosted Porch Chats, a series of engaging community conversations about complex topics. Each week we gathered on the porch of the Governor’s House where community leaders led us through conversations about local Truth & Reconciliation processes, Racism & Islamophobia, and Sexual Assault & Consent.
Thanks to everyone who attended our Porch Chat series and joined in the discussion. Through these conversations people shared suggestions for further learning, and, where appropriate, action. Several people cautioned against jumping to action without spending enough time listening to those most affected, and carefully considering our own role in making or supporting change.
Caitlin Cull, a Friend of Crime Prevention, attended all three Porch Chats and was invited to share her reflections with us. As well we have outlined a few of the suggestions for further learning and/or action.
Reflections, Learning & Action
Learning Circles from a First Nations Perspective: Truth & Reconciliation (June 9)
“I believe it’s every person’s responsibility to look for opportunities to address blind spots in our understanding. As I listened, I heard stories of intergenerational trauma of Indigenous people in Canada. It was clear that each of us can play a part in implementing the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” (Caitlin Cull)
- Kelly Nixon extended an invitation to the Reconciliation Sharing Circles she holds four times a year (next one is November 27, 2016).
- Maureen Trask shared the TRC Reading Challenge, a challenge to all Canadians to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report Summary (or listen to it).
- Derek Haime described the work of the TRC Learning Circle, a sub-committee of the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council. They’ve been meeting monthly to develop a proposal for a WRCPC response to the justice-related Calls To Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.
Naming the Issue: Race, Religion and Creating Welcoming Spaces (June 16)
“I was moved to hear stories of racism and racial profiling of young men in our community. As a white woman with white children I will never need to worry about my children in this way. I cannot even begin to imagine how it must be for mothers to have these sorts of concerns for their children. These stories are important to hear. Ultimately it can be so easy to turn a blind eye, but we mustn’t.” (Caitlin Cull)
- Fanis Juma-Radstake shared the work of Young City Growers in engaging newcomer youth & harnessing their skills for community building. Fanis’s work to create safe and welcoming spaces has also continued through her role in facilitating a wider community dialogue about addressing racism.
- Sarah Shafiq is involved with Coalition of Muslim Women and Interfaith Grand River – watch for upcoming hate crime prevention initiatives.
- Sarah also worked with community partners to get the Anti-Racism Directorate to come to Waterloo Region this fall to collect local ideas on addressing systemic racism. Look for it on October 24, 2016.
What’s Your Role? Sexual Violence & Consent (June 23)
“The discussion on gender-based violence really highlighted the importance for me of making sure that we are addressing root causes and not treating symptoms. As a mother of sons I have a responsibility to raise children that are able to handle rejection and understand that others do not owe them anything. Working with young men is the first step to really addressing this problem.” (Caitlin Cull)
- Eleanor McGrath shared some of her research into youth’s knowledge of the legal definition of sexual consent. Recently she launched #ConsentED, an exhibit that transforms facts about consent and sexual assault into a vibrant, social-media friendly campaign. #ConsentED shows at the Laurier Campus library until December 21, 2016.
- Stephen Soucie told stories about Male Allies, a project of the Sexual Assault Support Centre. Over 100 men have been trained as Male Allies in Waterloo Region and thousands of other men and boys participate in Male Allies workshops each year.
- Joan Tuchlinsky talked about the need to call out micro-aggressions in everyday life. Speaking up when someone makes a racist or sexist comment helps creates a culture where hate-based and gender-based violence is not tolerated. The Sexual Assault Support Centre introduced a training program for all OHL teams about respect for women and consent. The Kitchener Rangers will pilot the training this fall.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Let us know about local initiatives that you are involved with that demonstrate further learning and action.
Posted on: June 1st, 2016 by Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
Community Conversations With Local People Who Are Creating Change
Waterloo Region – The Friends of Crime Prevention network is hosting a Porch Chat series – community conversations facilitated by community partners – on the porch of the Governor’s House (73 Queen St. N.) on Thursday evenings in June from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Meet on the porch for refreshments and move to the garden for conversation (or indoors in the event of rain).
June 9 – Learning Circles from a First Nations Perspective: Truth & Reconciliation
With Tammy Webster and friends
June 16 – Naming the Issue: Race, Religion & Creating Welcoming Spaces
With Sarah Shafiq, Fanis Juma-Radstake and friends
June 23 – What’s Your Role? Sexual Violence & Consent
With Joan Tuchlinsky, Eleanor McGrath & friends
“We invite the public to join us for these unique Porch Chats,” said Christiane Sadeler, Executive Director, WRCPC, “Together with our community partners, we will delve deep into challenging questions about topics related to crime prevention, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, hate crimes, and sexual violence.”
Click here to download poster.
Learn more at www.preventingcrime.ca or call 519-575-4400 Ext. 3548.
About the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
The Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council is a community collaborative that works for social justice and positive change by addressing the root causes of crime. It is an advisory committee to the Region of Waterloo, and consists of 40 members representing the community-at–large, social services, education, health, planning, justice, police, and community agencies among others.
Posted on: May 16th, 2016 by Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
Introducing David Siladi, Knowledge Exchange and Research Coordinator
David Siladi is returning to the Region of Waterloo in a part-time role with the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council as Knowledge Exchange and Research Coordinator.
From 2008 to 2013, David worked as a public health planner with the Healthy Living, Planning and Promotion as well as Infectious Diseases, Dental and Sexual Health divisions. While there, he collaborated with Crime Prevention Council on developing the Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy.
Over the past few years, David has been focusing on doing judo together with his mom. They run a judo club in Waterloo and have won multiple medals at national championships while also competing for Canada at the world judo kata championships.
David began with the Crime Prevention Council on May 9th. He will be supporting partnerships involving academic and community researchers working to identify and promote effective approaches to crime prevention. He will also be involved in collecting and disseminating research findings and other knowledge regarding crime prevention.
David can be reached at dsiladi@regionofwaterloo.ca or 519-575-4400 ext 3650.
Welcome David!
Posted on: April 11th, 2016 by Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
Introducing … Sarah Anderson, Community Engagement Coordinator
Sarah has worked
for many years at The Working Centre, responding to the needs of immigrants, youth, and older workers. Her love for stories has led her to help organize local Jane’s Walks, and write a thesis on immigrants’ water memories. She is curious about community art practices and has explored these in her own neighbourhood by hosting an annual lantern walk with neighbours.
Sarah joined the Crime Prevention Council as Community Engagement Coordinator in April and remains with us through October 2016, while Juanita is on a pre-paid leave. Sarah will grow our Friends of Crime Prevention program and develop some exciting Friends events during her time in this role.
Sarah can be reached at sanderson@regionofwaterloo.ca or 519-575-4400 ext. 3548
Welcome Sarah!
Posted on: February 28th, 2016 by Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
I attended the Truth & Reconciliation Forum hosted by White Owl Native Ancestry Association (WONAA), to learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations.
There was a wealth of pre-session information shared each week prior to the event, allowing participants to understand more about the history and issues. I must admit, most of this was news to me, which is embarrassing. How did I not learn about this in school? It was a tough session hearing the horrific stories and pain we created for what? To now try and rectify, well, it feels almost impossible. But, this gave me more assurance that I made the right decision to participate in this educational opportunity.
The forum started with a traditional opening of smudging, drumming and singing, in a very connected manner. There were amazing guest speakers, all sharing their unique experiences, touching on one or more of the 94 TRC recommendations.
These recommendations were posted on sheets around the room grouped by category including Child Welfare, Education, Language & Culture, Health, Justice, Reconciliation & Equality, Youth Programs, Missing children & burial Information, Commemoration, Media & Reconciliation, Sports, Business and Newcomers. We were asked to write our email address onto as many of these that we would be interested in further action; so many possibilities to learn more.
The forum closed in a similar manner, respectful of aboriginal traditional practise.
10 Things I Learned about Truth & Reconciliation (What stuck in my mind)
- Change starts with me first.
- I can’t un-know what I now know.
- Knowing never stops; there are layers of learning.
- Healing takes time, at least 175 years (7 Generations principle).
- History is knowledge – it is important to understand in order to do reconciliation.
- The sharing circle approach (connection) is powerful in dealing with reconciliation.
- Reconciliation is personal, bringing one’s spirit to a place of peace.
- Reconciliation is planting the seed for relationship change.
- Conciliation is where we start to create something new, a 3rd space for all.
- There are 10,000-12,000 Aboriginals (First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples) in Waterloo Region.
For more information, resources and progress, visit the WONAA site of Truth and Reconciliation – A Call to Action.
Community resources are available, “know before you need us”. White Owl Native Ancestry Association Community Resources.
I am grateful for having had the opportunity to participate in this powerful and informative forum. I will use this new understanding in positive ways, helping others to learn and understand too.
~Maureen Trask
Posted on: February 4th, 2016 by Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
Our new strategic plan – Smart on Crime 2015-2018 – is now available!
In 2015 we consulted with nearly 1,500 people in Waterloo Region, including the Friends of Crime Prevention, through telephone and online surveys and focus groups to help us navigate our road ahead. Thanks to all of you who participated.
What we heard was a resounding general understanding of root causes of crime. We are encouraged by the idea that the community understands why crime happens and how it can be prevented. This translates into many local actions that will contribute to community safety and vitality. The full data is captured in the report “Root Causes of Crime in Waterloo Region Consultation Report” available on our website.
Over the next four years, the Crime Prevention Council will focus its efforts in three key areas:
- Youth
- Neighbourhoods
- Building the momentum for Smart on Crime
We hope to do this work alongside our Friends of Crime Prevention and many other individuals and community partners.
Details of the plan are available online at www.smartoncrime.ca.
Posted on: November 3rd, 2015 by Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
As we put the finishing touches on the Friends of Crime Prevention Human Library event, we wanted to share some of the human ‘books’ and ‘library subjects’ you will find that day! Such a rich diversity of experience, knowledge and community change! You will have to use your time wisely to visit even three of these fantastic books.
On poverty/inequality:
On problematic substance use:
On neighbourhood environments:
On family environments:
On mental health:
On housing:
On youth support & engagement:
What a collection!
Friday November 13, 2015
School of Social Work, Lyle Hallman Building
120 Duke Street West, Kitchener
(paid parking available at Kitchener City Hall. Entrance on Young Street, just across the street from the School of Social Work)
9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Join us at 8:30 a.m. for our famous coffee social!
Posted on: October 31st, 2015 by Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
If you had the chance…. What questions would you ask from long time community leaders and pioneers in the field of crime prevention in Waterloo Region?
Don’t miss your opportunity with the Friends of Crime Prevention Root Causes of Crime Human Library!
Friday November 13, 2015
School of Social Work, Lyle Hallman Building
120 Duke Street West, Kitchener
9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Join us at 8:30 a.m. for our famous coffee social!
Preview the list of “subjects” you can check out at the event – what a collection!
This year, 2015, marks the 20th Anniversary of the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention and 20 years of prevention-based thinking about crime prevention through social development.
At our Friends of Crime Prevention event on Friday November 13th, we take a look back at how we and our community have evolved, adapted and lead the way for change on the root causes of crime as a community in Waterloo Region.
In 1996, WRCPC developed The Root Causes of Crime statement as a way to promote a better understanding of the root causes, as complex and interrelated as they are. Earlier this year, WRCPC consulted with our community to guide the development of our 2015 – 2018 strategic plan. We learned that people generally understand the root causes of crime and victimization – which is amazing! The conditions we knew to contribute to crime 20 years ago were identified again today as priority root cause areas in need of focused attention. These include:
- poverty/inequality
- problematic substance use
- neighbourhood environments
- family environments
- mental health
- lack of housing
- lack of supports & engagement for youth
Join your fellow Friends of Crime Prevention for this chance to ‘check out’ and ask questions of our ‘human library books’. Find out what is happening in our community to address these root cause issues, what organizations are involved in the work, what the issues and solutions might be and discover potential opportunities for Friends to get involved!
For more information, contact:
Juanita Metzger 519.575.4400 ext. 3548
Posted on: September 16th, 2015 by Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
One of the most anticipated highlights of our year happened last week. In case you happened to miss it (?!) – although, I’m not sure how you could – Howard Sapers was in town. Yes, THE Howard Sapers. Federal Correctional Investigator for Canada and ombudsman for federally sentenced offenders.
We partnered with Kitchener Public Library as part of their new 85 Queen Speaker Series to host this event and filled the auditorium with 230 people from our community. The action packed evening included a screening of the film “State of Incarceration”, a keynote address by Howard Sapers and a panel discussion with community members, including a formerly incarcerated woman from Grand Valley Institution for Women.
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Howard Sapers oversees the Office of the Correctional Investigator, serving as an ombudsman for federally sentenced offenders.
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Panel with (from left) Chris Cowie from Community Justice Initiatives, (off camera) Joe Mancini from the Working Centre, Howard Sapers, Julie Thompson from CJI, and Dionne, (not seen, pseudonym), a former federal inmate.
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Aboriginal drummer Heather Majuary closed the event with drumming in honour of incarcerated Aboriginal lands.
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Howard Sapers becomes our first honourary Friend of Crime Prevention!
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Howard Sapers chats with an attendee who is currently a minimum security inmate. [Source: Kitchener Public Library]
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Regional Chair Ken Seiling with former parole officer Mark Yantzi, a pioneer in the field of restorative justice and past Executive Director of Community Justice Initiatives [Source: Kitchener Public Library]
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It’s true, change really does start from the inside. And that’s what Friends of Crime Prevention events are all about!
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Howard Sapers chats with Aboriginal drummer Heather Majuary, who closed the event with drumming in honour of incarcerated Aboriginal lands
We have a video coming soon of Mr. Sapers’ keynote talk, but in the meantime, you can read his presentation here to catch all the incredible stats and stories he shared that night. He really does effectively paint a vivid picture about the state of Canadian prisons in 2015.
While you wait impatiently for the video, I”ll leave you with these two reflections from two currently incarcerated women from Grand Valley Institution for Women who attend the event. You’ll understand why it was such a big night.
Julie writes:
“I attended the forum for Friends of Crime Prevention, on September 10, 2015. I cannot begin to tell you how refreshing it is that discussions such as this are taking place. I was both shocked and pleasantly surprised at the amount of progressive people who attended the forum. There are faces and lives associated with the disturbing statistics Mr. Saper spoke of – mine is one of them. I was one of two currently incarcerated women at the event, with the Walls to Bridges Collective. Too often incarcerated people are treated as the rejects of society, disposable even, and let’s face it – advocating for us is not at the top of almost all priority lists. I firmly believe that many incarcerated people would not be in the criminal justice system to begin with, if they had been afforded access to and utilized stronger and earlier preventative measures through social intervention and more accessible social and health services; myself included. Sadly, I did not consider the flaws in our systems until I was directly affected. Now that I am, however, I cannot turn a blind eye to them anymore, not just for myself, but for the staggering amount of other people making up those statistics, and for those yet to come. I am relieved to know I am not alone in this quest. All human life has value – thank you for making “out of sight” not be “out of mind” anymore. The forum helped to humanize us and highlight some of the injustices of our daily reality. I left with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. I am thankful that this forum created a safe place for people to come together, ask questions, and push boundaries. To evoke much needed change will require more bridges to be built than walls. We have a long way to go, but I am hopeful that just as a storm starts with a single raindrop, so too does change start with forums such as this one.”
Denise writes:
Just as the world will always remember September 11, 2001, in a negative light, Thursday, September 10, 2015 will be etched in my mind for as long as I exist as an achievement to social awareness. You see, since my incarceration it was the only day in which I came in contact with people besides volunteers and members of the Walls to Bridges group and voice my dilemma while feeling safe to bare my soul. Mr. Howard Sapers provided statistics that were both daunting and hopeful. Information on how tax dollars are truly spent to build and house a growing prison population at a time where the crime rate for the past decade plus has been on the decline. I am part of those statistics and Canada is following the footsteps of the failed American system that ex President Bill Clinton and present sitting President Barak Obama stated ‘is not working’. The large majority of incarcerated people will be released and upon their discharge, are expected to function and contribute to the same society that deemed them as criminals. If education is at least a gateway to success, incarcerated people need more training to learn and utilize skills and tools required to help them successfully add to the fabric of society’s fast paced, ever changing existence. Prevention, Prisons & Popcorn at Kitchen Public Library was a forum that brought together a community of progressive thinking people aware of the challenges society will surely be faced with once the voiceless, faceless people are unconstrained. An awareness of prisons and the need for community inclusion upon the release of prisoners are part of an encompassing subject tax payers don’t realize every member of a community may be accountable for. After someone goes from inmate to civilian because they have paid their dues to a faulty justice system and they no longer live in the past where they made poor choices, when do they get a fair shot at being seen in a new light? There needs to be more discussions such as the one Prevention, Prisons & Popcorn opened up where communities are aware of their interconnectedness to their surroundings, even their walled surroundings.
Yep, it was that kind of night.
Posted on: September 1st, 2015 by Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
What a great way to welcome students to a new school year!
Our 9th Annual School Say Hi Day will take place on Thursday, September 24 at elementary and secondary schools across Waterloo Region.
By saying Hi students will get to know one another, break down barriers, become more inclusive and understanding of each other. This day supports many anti-bulling, diversity & inclusion and community building activities you may already be doing at your school.
Register for Say Hi Day and you could win $500 for your school! Learn more here!
