Taking advantage of the power you have; Part II

BY: BRITTNEY CHANNER 

When I discuss matters pertaining to social justice with those around me, I tend to find that there is a common theme that exists, which surrounds the availability and the access to local organizations that are geared to help people in need. When crises arise, many people are left to fend for themselves and their families without the proper resources; leading many to experience feelings of grief and despair.

For, those who’ve had the opportunity to read my last column regarding utilizing your power when in search for justice, I spoke about the numerous outlets one could employ to ensure their concerns were being heard by the right people in authority. This week’s entry is a continuation of last week’s submission regarding some of Toronto and Canada’s best organizations relating to housing, child care and worker and employer relations, which aim to target and fight inequality through proper education and advocacy.

Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario

The ACTO is a community legal clinic which is accessible to those living within the province of Ontario. The organization aims to increase the legal rights of low-income persons with respect to their need for affordable and adequate housing. According to ACTO, four out of ten tenants in Ontario spend over 30% of their income on housing which creates a growing gap in Ontario between the cost of housing and what people can afford.

In addition, they report that many low-income tenants are at risk of losing their home which further demonstrates that many Ontario tenants housing needs are not properly being met. Although ACTO does not provide individualized services to tenants, what they do is work alongside many community legal clinics to advocate for safe and affordable housing while providing much-needed education regarding landlord and tenant rights.

Workers Action Centre

The Workers Action Centre is an organization that is developed by workers who are committed to refining the lives and working conditions of people in unstable and low wage employment. Members of the organization come together and fight for better wages and working conditions for all workers. Individuals apart of the WAC are all workers who have chosen to come together through shared experiences, supporting each other and creating a stronger movement for change.

Active members of the WAC are immigrants, workers of colour, men, women, youth or anyone who has first-hand experience of being manipulated, forced into unsafe working conditions or an abuse of power relations at the hand of their employer. In addition, they provide support clinics, workers’ rights information, chat lines and strategies to anyone hoping to resolve or discuss workplace issues. For those who choose to take on an active role in fighting for social justice within the workplace, the Workers Action Centre continues to accept new members who are ready and willing to fight for change.

Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care

The Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care is an organization also organized in the province of Ontario that helps advocate for the development of high quality, non-profit childcare services. The OCBCC was formed in 1981, whose members consist of early childcare educators, child care workers, parents, grandparents and anyone who cares about affordable and adequate childcare within the province of Ontario.

Most of their organization’s funding comes from membership income, which supports the work they do in advocating for more affordable and high-quality childcare; which includes high wages for hardworking and professional childhood educators. The members of the OCBCC work with parents to ensure a strong voice for affordable childcare while monitoring provincial, national and local changes that affect early learning, child care, and parents all over the province.

So, What Have We Learned?

In Ontario, there are many organizations that are dedicated to helping people like you and me, who may need someone to act on our behalf when injustices arise. Through minimal research, I was able to find a plethora of groups and non-profit organizations that assist vulnerable individuals in attaining the necessary help needed to overcome difficult situations. It is important that we spread awareness with respect to the available resources that exist within our communities because there are many people going through similar situations who can possibly utilize these platforms to help themselves.

As I reflect on the many social justice issues that exist within Canada, it does not require much for one to feel overwhelmed, intimidated or hopeless. Many of these feelings stem from one’s inability to find accurate information connecting them to the right people and solutions to their problems. As someone who has also shared in similar emotions when trying to find proper information about common social issues, I do admit that the idea of justice sounds unfeasible at times, however, creating proper awareness regarding the current resources available for Canadian citizens is the first step in utilizing your power and creating the justice you seek.