Get Ready to Vote Winnipeg 2018!
Did you know that only 53% of eligible voters voted in 2014? In inner city neighbourhoods it was as low as 30%! It is easy to say: “The politicians don’t listen anyway so why bother?” The fact is they do listen. It is just that they too often choose to ‘dance with the one that brought them’. They only listen to the people who show up to vote.
Just as we did in the last federal and provincial elections, SPCW has produced an easy to read and follow guide to voting. We have also prepared information sheets on each ward to give people some of the basic information on who is running in there, voting station information and advance voting in case the idea of lining up on election day is too intimidating. Our goal is to demystify voting so people feel informed and that they have a stake in the decision. We have also prepared Issue Information Sheets that we will be releasing in the lead up so people have some basic facts on Portage and Main along with poverty related issues and what the Mayor and Council can do about it. This should help voters quiz their candidates on what matters to them.
Please click here for the guide and information sheets and stay tuned for updates and information sheets.
Thanks and remember those who show up are the ones that get counted!
Kate Kehler,
Executive Director
WRHA’s Accessibility Plan – We need your input!
The WRHA’s Accessibility Plan was adopted in 2016 and is due to be updated. They are seeking input on the accessibility challenges and barriers that Manitobans who are using the health care system still face. The survey below will inform their 2019-2021 Accessibility Plan and help determine the WRHA’s priorities for improving access for all. The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7NLSMRW (English) and https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7NQW82W (French). It is also available in other formats upon request. If you would like to request alternative formats, please call (204) 296-7825 or request by email at ClientRelations@wrha.mb.ca. The survey will remain open until September 30, 2018.
On a related note, we are working with End Homelessness Winnipeg, Main Street Project and an advisory committee of community groups and government representatives to update Main Street Project’s 2011 Street Health Report:
[PDF]2011 The Winnipeg Street Health Report – The Homeless Hub
This is another community research based project much like the Winnipeg Street Census. It is a much more extensive survey though that is looking to focus on the physical and mental health status of people experiencing homelessness, how they use health care and social services and their experiences accessing these systems. The goal is to help the WRHA (the project’s main funder) to better understand and meet their needs. Over 500 people will be surveyed for the research with each receiving a small honorarium for their time and willingness to share their stories. It is their generosity in sharing sometimes very tragic histories that should allow us all to take a hard look at how and what services we are providing and their effectiveness.
If you are interested in where and when the surveys are happening, both EHW and SPCW websites regularly post updated schedules and you can also check out our FB. Look for the full report in early 2019!
Kate
Kate Kehler,
Executive Director
Please join us in welcoming Oke Ojekudo, our new Office and Communications Coordinator!
We had well over 200 applications for this critical role at SPCW. We are so excited (and relieved) to have found Oke! Oke completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Manitoba, where she learned to appreciate progressive approaches to social justice and development through active involvement in diverse volunteer programs. She is passionate about combatting social justice issues and supporting youth in our community. Oke has received merit awards for her service in the community including NICCOM and the Congress of Black Women of Manitoba (COBW) Award for Outstanding Achievement. Oke is our first point of contact and assists all SPCW staff in their myriad of projects and initiatives. When she’s not handling SPCW duties, you might find her singing in a choir, dancing with her choreography team or in full Warriors gear – watching Golden State basketball!
With Oke in place, we will be once again updating and backfilling our website with all the archival material we have on hand. Our community calendar and employment opportunities will be up to date and we will begin regular blogs on points of interest.
Just to highlight one, please check this out, here at our office, 432 Ellice, next Thursday, July 26th, 2018! 
Thanks,
Kate