Programs & Services > Social Reform > Advocacy and Public Education

Advocacy and Public Education

Taking Action

The Social Reform Unit carries out FSA Toronto's mission of achieving strengthened families and individuals in just and supportive communities by advocating for positive changes in public policies and programs that affect our communities.

For example, we urge all levels of governments to invest in the well-being of children, and we promote social policies to ensure adequate and affordable housing across Toronto.

If you are interested in learning about an issue or getting involved in influencing public policy, there are several steps you can take, including:

1. Gathering information

• try to read the newspapers regularly
  
• do research on the Internet for helpful background information on topics of interest to you. For example, if you are keen on issues related to children and families, we suggest you check out the following Web sites:
  
  • Campaign 2000 at www.campaign2000.ca
    
  • Canadian Council on Social Development at www.ccsd.ca
    
  • Child Care Resource and Research Unit (University of Toronto) at www.childcarecanada.org
    
  • Child and Family site at www.cfc-efc.ca

2. Attending public events that focus on issues that you feel strongly about.

For example, find out more about the public forums held at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front Street East, Toronto, (416) 366-7723 or (416) 366-1656 )

3. Express your views and voice your concerns by:

• Writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper and/or magazine
• Calling or writing to your elected official - City Councillor, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Member of Parliament (MP)
  
  To find out your city councillor, call 416-338-0338.
  To find out your MPP, call 1-888-668-8683.
  To find out your MP, call 1-800-O Canada; 1-800-622-6232.
  
  
• Calling in to a talk show which is discussing an issue that interests you
• Sending an e-mail to a television show, newspaper columnist or elected official or writing an op-ed piece on a social issue that you feel strongly about.
• Talking with your friends, family and neighbours to understand their views on an issue.

4. Taking action by:

• joining others in a letter-writing or postcard campaign
• signing a public petition
• participating in a planned public rally, protest or demonstration

 

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