Revisited

I think I might start up this blog again. I going to cover some Anti-Poverty issues in the local HRM - Halifax Regional Municipality in NS Canada. I have been out of the game for a bit so I am going to gather some research and see what develops.

So we have just had the biggest baddest storms in recent Halifax history. I cranked all through it, like most about the shoveling, about the cold, about the icy roads. But really through it all I was also reminded that I am damn lucky. I braved that terrible storm in, although small, a warm, safe, lit apartment. I had food and companionship, TV and computer access through the whole thing. Some were not so lucky. I often wonder, especially during the winter...what happens to the poor, the homeless and under/poorly housed. What is it like to not even have to basics, like adequate food and shelter in the cold of winter. Fucking horrible that is what it is like! Why in a country as wealthy as Canada do we have poverty and homelessness at all...we have enough money to house and feed every single person that lives in this country....so why don't we?.....hummmm I wonder

so this is Xmas?

Well it is that time of year again...when we set unrealistic expectations about family closeness, spend more than we have on things we do not need and are deluged with consumerism equates love and happiness propaganda.

I don't hate Xmas, I, like most people in the western world, fall under the warm and fuzzy spell of good will toward men and peace on earth...blah blah blah...you know the tune. But really this time of the year is the hardest on the poor...as Dickens reflects they feel their want more especially in this time of excess. We as a culture try to make ourselves feel better about our indulgences by giving to the poor this time of year. By giving I mean very controlled close ended giving that rips away the power of low income people. We feel good, they feel powerless,dependent and choke down with bitter gratitude that can only come with lose of control.

The wonderful charity minded people give, it makes them feel good...those in need take it because it is necessary. But relying on charity to put food on the table and have a little warmth and comfort around the holidays is a bitter pill. It is hard to let others choose the gifts you will give your children, the food you will feed yourself - you are grateful but it also robs you of your power. If we truly believed that people had a right to these things then begging should not be required - money could be given so families could choose for themselves how they would celebrate - if they choose to...if you do not trust that they will make good decisions you should keep your money.

Truth is not everyone has family or friends, enough food or presents or a warm home or even a small measure of comfort..so be kind, be generous, be nonjudgmental and have a happy holidays...as the world may end on Friday Dec 21...might be a moot point anyway - bah humbug!

Affordable Housing my Ass!

So the NDP are at it again, as part of some mysterious affordable housing strategy they have made some changes to the NS Tenancy Act.

Changes include:
-- automatic lease renewal

I think this was the long hoped for security of tenure clause...however the way it reads sounds like nothing different then what already happens. In the past, unless you have a fixed term lease, if you or the landlord do not give notice the lease rolls over to the next year. There appears to be nothing in the updated act to imply that tenure is achieved...maybe its implied...implied laws are useless.

- improving the process to deal with unpaid rent

This is where it gets scary, with the changes a landlord can evict a tenant for non payment of rent after 15 days this is reduced from 30 days. This will profoundly impact people who receive only one cheque a month, whether that is income assistance or CPP/etc it will be nearly impossible to come up with arrears in between cheques.
This will mean more homelessness, more burden upon community based organizations who will be hit up for resources so people can stayed housed. Not really sure what kind of critical thinking went into that one.

-- a simpler process for rent adjustments in land-lease communities (formerly mobile home parks)

Will that mean it will be easier to increase...sounds like it to me

-- tenants on fixed-term leases can end their leases early, without financial penalty, for health reasons

This already happens

-- be able to award the application fee for those successful in the residential tenancies hearings
Yup this too

Overall, the changes are very one sided in the landlord's favour, some changes like the new arrears to eviction time frame will be devastating to those on monthly income and will increase homeless. So NDP if this is part of your affordable housing stragety....EPIC FAIL!

humm its been a sometime since we talked

Well I haven't written in this for sometime...truth is I have been so discouraged with the anti-poverty movement as of late, I feel like we have been co-opted by professionals. It is a dangerous thing to be poor and an activist...it keeps you under employed, it keeps you poor, it gets you either tokenized or in trouble. Am I bitter, a little.

I had great hope in the NDP government. Finally a government that thinks and believes in equity and justice for people living in poverty like I do, or so I thought. Wow was I wrong. Maybe the reason I feel betrayed is because I expected more. I expected that they would keep all their promises..you the ones they made when they were not yet government. I expected they would make things better for the poor, instead on this anniversary of the declaration of the international day for the eradication of poverty we are worst off then ever before, why, because our hope that we could have an elected government that sides with low-income people was just an illusion. This government sides with big business, and with the owners of this country, and we the low income populus...are not important to them at all, unless it is election times then they are smiles and promises.

I went to a rally and a panel discussion today and the stories I heard are the same ones I have been hearing for the last 20 years...exactly the same. One story today broke my heart, a single Mom of 3 children, living on income assistance and working part-time. She talked about not being able to afford her children's asthma medication and needing to make choices of paying rent, power, food and meds. She told us her story of not being able to get her children into sports or other recreational activity. Her voice trembled as she acknowledge her children were at a disadvantage and would be more likely to be poor because she was poor. How can this still happen, after all our activism, all our advocacy...how can all that work mean nothing, after all this time why haven't we moved forward.

What will it take to make a change? I for sure no longer believe government is the answer. We need to bypass them completely...create our own poverty elimination strategy. Maybe make them obsolete...ah my red is showing again...and I am not talking liberal..

As for me, I will keep moving forward...because there is no going back

gentrification - you jerk is not....

The definition of gen·tri·fi·ca·tion (jĕn'trə-fĭ-kā'shən)
is - The restoration and upgrading of deteriorated urban property by middle-class or affluent people, often resulting in displacement of lower-income people.

It is not - new low-income/modest housing - rental and others
- community based small business
- libraries, community schools and recreation centres
- community based organizations

To the middle class white boy, who had probably only a half a year of intro sociology, stop defacing our community with your damn graffiti - you don't know what you are talking/writing about or you would know better than to trash these places.
Poor people like nice things too, they want to be able to shop and access services in their community, take their kids to clean community spaces, you are not speaking or standing up for us....so knock it off

Hey so I haven't written in awhile.....

The truth is it has been grim, I was sad when HCAP ended and there felt for me no focus in my Anti-Poverty work. I did not fit in with the middle class do gooders, but was also getting a little too old for overtly radical action. Not nimble enough any longer to risk a tussle with the cops at a demo, not fast enough to get away. I have instead been focusing on generating political dialogue, changing opinions through active debate, challenging stereotypes, debunking poverty myths and sharing advocacy strategies. We will see where this takes me, now that I will have a new work schedule and more time to write, I am hoping to get out something at least a reaction piece to the federal budget.....now there should be a good fairytale

UPDATE 1-Bank bailout tax plan splits G20 | Reuters

Have I stepped into the looking glass? Canada, the land of the social left, free health care, education, publically funded social programs has now become more right winged that the US?  We now do not want the banks to pay their fair share? As the number of  people who fall into poverty increases, we will step up and  bailout banks because… why – they are struggling with their billion dollar profits? 

Our banks rode this last financial crisis well, it is time they step up and pay their fair share…..fair defined as equitable and just share not just a percentage.  The tax burden of this country has shifted from those who can afford to pay on their wealth and profit to a fragile consumer based tax system levied against an increasingly poorer nation…this is unsustainable and will put everything we as Canadians hold dear at risk………….think about it

UPDATE 1-Bank bailout tax plan splits G20 | Reuters

People’s Kitchen feeds G20 protesters - thestar.com

So this is probably one of the most terrifying acts committed by the protestors, feeding people for free.  I seemed to remember that it is when our group would have the most trouble, give someone a tofu sandwich and the police are all over you.  All jokes aside this is really an act of community solidarity and its not just about feeding people, but is about developing a shared community space and a chance to share political ideas, and for this government that is terrifying.

The government has worked so hard over the last couple of months to paint those who demonstrate as irrational thugs who are only out to destroy.  In reality the people who are out there on the streets are there because they want to make a difference, they know the decisions these so called “leaders” will be making will have dramatic and significant impact on our world and how we treat our people and resources. Given the past track record of most of those leaders seated around the table we have the right to be afraid that the decisions made there will exclude us and negatively impact all of us. As well as Canada has shown already in their excess and need to show off will waste the precious resources we have left and set oppression instead of liberation as its underlying agenda.

 

 

People’s Kitchen feeds G20 protesters - thestar.com

CTV Toronto - Police ride herd as G20 protesters march the streets - CTV News

Security is way over the top, anti-poverty activists OCAP and crew first to take the streets in what seems to be one of many protests planned for the upcoming week.  A water cannon has now been added to the arsenal of weapons to be used against protestors.  What are they so afraid of, Canada security forces are going to the extreme, it is like using an Uzi to kill a house fly.  Not that the protestors efforts are in vain, it is just the magnitude of force and resources being used to silence dissent is out of control.  This bullying tactic is not the “Canadian Way” – where is this coming from? Have we veered so far right we have forgotten who we are as a nation?  We are more paranoid than the Americans and that is saying something.  I know…..all the Bush advisors headed north and Harper hired them all…..argh! Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, Stephen Harper HAS GOT TO GO….Toews too!

CTV Toronto - Police ride herd as G20 protesters march the streets - CTV News

The Goldilocks effect

So what has been happening in Halicentral? It has been pretty quiet on the activist front at least from what I can see. There have been some structured events but no real taking it to the streets or radical action. Groups out there seemed to be quietly plugging away at their own individual anti-poverty and or oppression mandates none really overlapping or intersecting with each other.

We seem so content with the status quo and yet there is a lot of stuff to address, like we need a new tenancy act, one that does not favour landlords, we need more social and public housing that is affordable and accessible. The department of community services is planning to revamp their system again, we haven't got a clue what they are planning but if their recent behaviour is any indication then I do not believe it will be good. This whole focus on the worker, the shift to the American model, time limits, harder to qualify, harder for those who are not ready or able to work or train at this time. Benefit levels not enough leaving those in need struggling for essentials,community agencies and group struggling to meet the ever growing need ....yikes! (I know there are groups and people plugging away out there at that stuff)

It feels like a certain malaise has settled upon us, maybe it is just me...I have been searching for a group that is connected across the province doing anti-poverty work and really I have come up lacking. The groups I have come across are either too focused on one population or too academic or too radical or not radical enough...damn I sound like goldilocks maybe there isn't a just right. I want to do political action, look at poverty critically but not remove it from the individual, have solid discussions that include a variety of points of view respectfully and have a little fun in the process....is that possible? Is it out there?

Lowly but highly skilled anti-poverty activist seeks anti-poverty activist group willing to work hard all that is asked in returned is solidarity, inclusion and respect..... email me, I am serious

so are we done?

Well thanks to money troubles and activist burnout HCAP no longer has an office....are we done yet? Are people still interested in doing the type of anti-poverty organizing, advocacy and direct action we were doing in the past? or is something different needed...............something more creative?....less radical? more radical? more grassroots? political? I am still available to take on individual cases and will wrap up what is left...............but really what is next?

Winter...and Homeless.

Winter...and Homeless.

The Out-of-the Cold Shelter is in big need of the items listed below. They'd really appreciate if any of you 'Santas' out there could donate the following items, although financial donations, no matter how small...$5 even, would be most helpful. Shelter supply needs are assessed weekly, then specific purchases are made. Tax receipts are provided for financial donations.

Maybe you have stuff you haven't worn in a while, or friends or family do, or, toss in a couple extra food items, listed below, in your basket at the supermarket. If you can get down to Barrington and Spring Garden Road to the Shelter at St. Matthew's ANY TIME over the holidays or when you're back in town at work, please do. The Shelter hours are between 8.15AM to 8PM, Monday to Sunday and you can call them at 225-1142 or email halifaxwintershelter@gmail

.com if you have questions regarding donations or about the Shelter itself.

* hoodies sixe XL
* good quality winter boots/sneakers size 9 and up
* men's new underwear / longjohns
* small back packs
* milk crates
* juice
* milk / coffee cream
* coffee
* granola / breakfast bars
* FITTED ONLY single sized bed sheets
* large plastic tubs for storage
* laundry Detergent
* bus tickets

HCAP Lives?

Well its been more than a month but we are finally settling in to the new office space. We are now on 5687 West St suite 220 - B3K 1H6 Halifax NS - the phone number and email are the same 902-444-5060 and hcap@riseup.net

We are actually across the street from where the old office space was located. This office is also not accessible - which is a drag given I walk with a cane now....however anyone who wants the services of an advocate and cannot make it up here I will make arrangements to meet you in an accessible location. We are also going to hold all meetings off site in the community as well.

Lots and lots of changes, many of the old time members have gone their separate ways some were here as students, and are now done others have gone on to jobs where being directly involved in this organization might be in conflict while others have developed different interests. Needless to say things will be very different. We are fortunate this year to have great office volunteers as well as 4 pro-bono students from Dalhousie law school who will be doing a project for us. I am very excited as to the direction the organization is moving.

We need to focus on some fund development so we can keep our doors open but we also need to reach out to a membership base. We will see what happens................I am hopeful

Cheers
Susan

Really? Death panels?

While this is for Americans - I thought those of us in Canada could take a read - lets be in solidarity we our brothers and sisters to the south and say yes to publicly funded healthcare

Really? Death panels?

There are some bizarre things being said about health reform these days. Scare tactics about so-called "death panels," misinformation, and disruptions have replaced debate.

But don't be fooled: this is a calculated strategy by opponents of reform who hope you and your representatives in Congress will just give up.

We can't let that happen. Members of Congress are now on their August recess and have just traveled back to their home districts to get a sense of their constituents' feelings about health care reform before voting on the issue in the fall. This is a critical time to cut through the noise and let your representatives know you support reform.

Tell your member to keep up the momentum and fix our broken health care system this year >

The reform proposal on the table right now will make the following commitment to all Americans:

• No more coverage denials because of your age or pre-existing conditions;
• Decent, guaranteed benefits like members of Congress get;
• A cap on what you pay out of your pocket so no one faces medical bankruptcy;
• A national insurance market with more choice, clear pricing and no hidden costs; and
• Discounts on polices for those who can’t afford coverage.

As important, if you have insurance through your job that you like, you can keep it. But if you lose your job or you want to launch your own business you will always be able to get good coverage.

But to make this happen, lawmakers need to know that the majority of Americans want Congress to fix our broken health care system and not squander this opportunity on politics and infighting.

Tell your member of Congress you support reform that guarantees affordable, reliable health coverage this year >

Baby injured in rooming house

Our local paper just released a story about a young family living in a rooming house - they had a small baby and that baby was injured. The parents are being charged with assault causing injury to the child. The parents are young - 23years old, and both are said to have an university education - and of course they are poor.
Things we do know - The landlord rented the room to this young family knowing that it was not suitable for children as the other tenants are single men many (not all) who have been in conflict with the law and are in addiction recovery.
The public health nurse was in to see the family on a regular basis
Source of income - I will speculate it was social assistance (welfare) so then the caseworker would have been aware of the living conditions.
So what happened? The system let this family down - they were young inexperienced and in need of adequate housing and supports - why did this not happen? Why did not the professionals involved in their lives step in sooner.
Would adequate housing and better income have improved the situation. From what I know the Mother never left the room - they stayed locked inside - only mixing with others in the rooming house when they needed the bathroom or kitchen -
Think about the impact of being young, new parents, forced to live in unsuitable conditions, under resourced - even perhaps being fearful for you and your child's safety - think of the pressure that would put on the parents - in my opinion it was a recipe for disaster - the results - could be a lost of life and for certain a destruction of a family
What could have been done - better housing, more supports - the department of community services as well as the health care providers - really needs to review their policies to ensure adequate resources are provided in a timely manner to those in need.

Who is likely to be poor?

In the light of the following fact sheet on poverty - can we at this time in our history have gender balance in government? When we use the term balance are we talking about equity or equality? Given the depth of women's poverty in Canada I say that equity needs to be met first before equality is ever achieved - look at the facts as listed below - are we really equal?

Who is likely to be poor?

This fact sheet was written by Marika Morris and updated by Tahira Gonsalves.

A newborn child, just because she happens to be born female, is more likely to grow up to be poor as an adult. Women form the majority of the poor in Canada. One in seven[2] (2.4 million[3]) Canadian women is living in poverty today.

• Women raising families by themselves: 51.6% of lone parent families headed by women are poor[4]. With many of these families, financial support agreements with the non-custodial parent (usually the father) are either not in place or in arrears.[5]

• Senior women: Almost half (41.5%) of single, widowed or divorced (“unattached”) women over 65 are poor[6]. While the poverty rates for all seniors have improved overall, there is still a large gap between men and women. The poverty rate for all senior women is 19.3%, while that for senior men is 9.5%[7].

• Women on their own: 35% of women on their own under 65, live in poverty.[8]

• Women with disabilities: More women than men live with disabilities in Canada. Aboriginal people have twice the national disability rate[9]. Of all women with disabilities living in a household rather than an institution, and who had any income at all, those aged 35-54 had the highest incomes: an average of $17,000, which is 55% of men with disabilities in that age range. Women with disabilities under 35 had an average income of $13,000, and women with disabilities over 55 had an average income of under $14,000. The more severe a woman’s disability, the lower her income.[10]

• Aboriginal women: The average annual income of Aboriginal women is $13,300, compared to $18,200 for Aboriginal men, and $19,350 for non-Aboriginal women.[11] 44% of the Aboriginal population living off reserve lives in poverty, but things are worse on reserve: Almost half (47%) of Aboriginal persons on reserve have an income of less than $10,000.[12] Aboriginal women are also more likely than Aboriginal men to be trapped in low-paying jobs[13], and because of the continuing effects of the Indian Act, they face insecurities related to housing, access to services and abuse both on and off reserve[14].

• Women of colour: 37% of women of colour are low income, compared with 19% of all women. The average annual income for a woman of colour in Canada is $16,621, almost $3000 less than the average for other women ($19,495) and almost $7,000 less than that of men of colour ($23,635).[15] Women of colour are also overrepresented in precarious (part-time and temporary) work and often have to live in substandard, segregated housing. They are also more vulnerable to violence and other health risks[16].

• Immigrant women: Education does not reduce the income gap between immigrant women and Canadian-born women. New immigrant women between the ages of 25-44 who have a university degree and who worked full-year, full-time earn $14,000 less than Canadian-born women.[17] This is partly because of overt racism, but also the structural racism of lack of recognition of foreign credentials and experience. New immigrant women, suffering from abuse, may have few options to escape this, if they are financially dependent on their male relative sponsors in Canada.

• Lesbians: There is little information about the economic status of lesbians. We only have isolated bits and pieces to go by, such as a Winnipeg study that found that 14% of gay men over 65 reported incomes below the poverty line, compared with 42% of lesbian seniors.[18]

• Migrant Women: Migrant women who are often refugees or foreign domestic workers are also particularly at risk of poverty and exploitation, as they are often forced to work in unregulated or hidden employment. Women make up the majority of migrant workers from Asia and many work here to sustain their families back home. They are paid low wages, and despite the fact that they contribute significantly to the Canadian economy, they are not entitled to many benefits such as EI[19].

• Low wage earners: In Canada it is not enough to have a job to keep you out of poverty.[20] Most poor people do work full- or part-time.[21] Poverty level wages are a particular problem for women. Women and youth account for 83% of Canada’s minimum wage workers.[22] 37% of lone mothers with paid employment must raise a family on less than $10 per hour.[23]

Women also make approximately 71%[24] of what men earn for full-year, full-time work. Education does not reduce the wage gap much: women with university degrees, employed full-year, full-time earned 74% of what men earned with university degrees.[25] The gap between what women and men (with University degrees) earn also widened between 1995 and 2000[26]. In fact, in 1997, a man employed full-year, full-time with less than a Grade 9 education earned on average $30,731, whereas a woman with a post-secondary certificate or diploma earned less for full-year, full-time work: $29,539.[27] Women earn less than men even if they work in the same sectors or even in the same jobs. There are no occupations in which women’s average earnings exceed men’s, not even in female-dominated areas such as clerical work and teaching.[28] Canada has the largest wage gap between women and men full-time workers out of world’s 29 most developed countries. Only Spain, Portugal, Japan and Korea have larger wage gaps.[29]

• Women on welfare, and their children: In 2001, 60% of single mothers relied on welfare at some point[30]. 52% of Canada’s social assistance recipients are made up of families with children[31]. One quarter (24%) of welfare families are headed by people with some form of disability.[32] All welfare rates in Canada are far below the poverty line, ranging from 20% to 76% below

• http://www.criaw-icref.ca/factSheets/Women%20and%20Poverty/Poverty%20Fact%20sheet_e.htm

Queer and Rebel Days

Queer and Rebel Days- fantastic and free (donations gladly welcome but not necessary) at the Robert St. Social Centre

Kick off Party- Friday July 10, 7pm (Roberts street social centre- 5684 Roberts st.) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)- meet some folks and discuss, among other things, the importance of challenging consumerism and assimilation (and talk about what those words mean)

Queer Costume, Water-Fight Bike Ride, Saturday July 11 (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)11am-2pm- bike fixing, costume making, water balloon filling, face painting, target practice etc.2pm- the bike ride leaves 5684 Roberts st.

Queer Performance Night, Saturday July 11, 8pm, (5684 Roberts st.) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)Raindate: Sunday, July 12, 7pmStill accepting performers- contact queer.and.rebel.days.2009@gmail.com or call 446-1788

Queer Expressions: DIY art workshops and fair, Sunday, July 12, 12-5pm (5684 Roberts st.) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)-There will be zine making, button making, patch making and hair cutting stations.-there will also be art for sale by and for Queers and their allies.

Are You Queer Enough?, Sunday July 12, 3-6pm (5684 Roberts st., upstairs) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)We will discuss the peer-policing of queer identities in the queer/gay communityThere will also be a story telling element, where folks can speak to times they did not feel 'queer enough' and what that even means.This will be followed by a collaberative zine making workshop for those interested.

Lunch Time Discussions Monday July 13-Thursday July 16, 12-2pm (5684 Roberts st.) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)There will be some food and a few folks hanging around to discuss any topics that might have been missed, and also to just generally hang out. Also, the button-maker will be available and so will the zine-making supplies.

How to be an Ally, Monday, July 13, 7pm (5684 Roberts st., upstairs) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)Have you even wondered how to be an ally, not just to queer or trans folk, but in general?We will discuss principles and tactics of how to be a supportive ally.

Lunch Time Discussions Monday July 13-Thursday July 16, 12-2pm (5684 Roberts st.) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)There will be some food and a few folks hanging around to discuss any topics that might have been missed, and also to just generally hang out. Also, the button-maker will be available and so will the zine-making supplies.

Flag Wars Screening - Tuesday, July 14, 7pm (5684 Roberts st., upstairs) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)-Movie has strong content-Will be followed by a discussion

Lunch Time Discussions Monday July 13-Thursday July 16, 12-2pm (5684 Roberts st.) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)There will be some food and a few folks hanging around to discuss any topics that might have been missed, and also to just generally hang out. Also, the button-maker will be available and so will the zine-making supplies.

Queer Activist History: Guest Speaker and Discussion- Wednesday, July 15, 7pm (5684 Roberts st., upstairs) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)-Talk about some historical moments of queer activism, and discuss where current activism is headed now-An opportunity to meet other folks interested in queer activist actions.

Lunch Time Discussions Monday July 13-Thursday July 16, 12-2pm (5684 Roberts st.) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)There will be some food and a few folks hanging around to discuss any topics that might have been missed, and also to just generally hang out. Also, the button-maker will be available and so will the zine-making supplies.

Wrap-up with Wraps- Thursday, July 16, 6pm (5684 Roberts st.) (FREE and everyone friendly-friendly)- Feedback and reflection- did anything make you uncomfortable? Did we miss anything? We want your feedback!- Direct action planning- Are there any actions you want to see happen? Are you interested in being an active queer activist? Come to this event!

For more information, to request childcare or to volunteer contact: queer.and.rebel.days.2009@gmail.com or (902)-446-1788
Contact Info
Email:
Location:
Halifax, NS

Advocacy and Activisim

I tend to have my best and most enlightening conversations on the Commons a public field about a block from my living space. Yesterday's dialogue really brought home to me one of the most challenging parts of my role as an advocate. It is understanding the difference between advocacy and activism. This person related to me that he had had been fighting this particular issue for years and had not been able to get it successfully resolved. After reviewing the issue it was not a matter of being treated fairly it was that the rules did not fit his situation and could not be used to resolve the issue. He needed new, better rules.

Basically in the terms of the service role I provide, advocacy is about the rules and whether or not they have been applied correctly and if I can assist the person I am working with to get the best treatment possible under the rules- not whether or not the rules are fair. Activism is about challenging those rules and lobbying to change those unfair rules. It may also mean going outside those rules for equity and justice to get the best resolution.

If we cannot clearly see the difference as it relates to what we are looking for- we spend great amounts of our time spinning our wheels, getting very frustrated and never getting our issue resolved. So bottom line if you think the rule is not applied correctly - get an advocate - however if you think the rule is not fair.....be an activist and find a way to challenge and change it.
Challenging the rules - basic
gather allies (friends, like minded people who will be on your side - people with similar issues)
listen to each other
look at what you want changed and discuss options on how to make that happen (research)
understand and discuss the consequences of the actions you take on yourself and others
make an action plan and implement it
contact the media
contact the decision makers - rule makers (politicians and senior bureaucrats)
keep at it until you get the results you want/need

lots can be added to this - but that is a basic outline - your activism can change the world use it widely and wisely! As many Advocates I find that I must also be an Activist as I know the rules are often unfair and I want to change that.

We are Moving!

I am super excited to announce that of August 1st, 2009 we will have a new office space - our new address will be 5687 West St. Suite 220 Halifax, NS - our phone number will remain the same 902-444-5060
The space is smaller than our previous storefront - however it will be warmer and more affordable as we are a voluntary organization with very limited resources. The other downfall is that it is up a number of stairs so it is not accessible, any person seeking advocacy services and cannot do the stairs will be accommodated with an appointment in an accessible location.
We hope to plan an open house when we are moved into our space.
We will be closed for the month of July -however if you are currently working with an advocate that work will continue. In addition the message line will be monitored during the month and if you find yourself in a crisis situation needing an advocate and cannot access one elsewhere please leave a message and someone will contact you.

Thanks for your on-going support!