Sharon Avery’s Post

I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to contribute to the 2024 Toronto #VitalSigns research report. It highlights significant poverty and vulnerability growth in Toronto, with close to half of the population earning below a living wage. Over 2.7 million people report struggling financially, up by 700,000 from last year. Rising living costs and low wages mean many residents can't access or afford nutritious food, increasing reliance on food banks, which are strained by high demand. Food sovereignty is critically impacted as low-income and racialized communities lack resources to grow or control their food systems, heightening vulnerability. There’s a call to support local food initiatives like Black Creek Community Farm that empower communities, prioritize affordability, and tackle food sovereignty through policy changes and sustainable practices.

I am thinking of movement leaders navigating hostile workplaces that perpetuate systemic inequities where white privilege marginalizes voices of color, stifling individual growth and undermining the vitality of entire communities, reinforcing cycles of exclusion and limiting access to crucial opportunities for community development and resilience. #diversityequityandinclusion #DEI #leadershipdevelopment

Radical Acceptance: Building Community in a Divided World. Join us in this enlightening discussion on radical acceptance as a powerful tool for community building and accountability. Discover how to embrace differences and foster a safe space for genuine connections, even amidst disagreements. It's time to bridge divides and create inclusive communities! #RadicalAcceptance #CommunityBuilding #InclusionMatters #SocialAccountability #UnderstandingDifferences #Neurodiversity #SafeSpaces #EmpathyInAction #BuildingBridges #MentalHealthAwareness

Interesting article that reconfigures #engagement practice in #planning by examining situatedness and diversity. Abstract: In this article, nine dimensions based in core concepts of engagement in decision-making are explored using data co-produced with community researchers. #Empowerment, influence and inclusion are distinguished as: connection and legitimacy of voice; enacting change in development or plans; and the representation of minorities or disadvantaged groups. When articulated in terms of process and outcome, and planning context, they offer a nine-dimensional framework (or 9DF) for a more community-oriented evaluation of community engagement.

🛑Innovation in the Most Unexpected Places🛣️ In our rapidly evolving world, creativity🤓and intelligence🧠 often appear in the most unexpected places. Take this ingenious individual, for instance, who has found a unique way to engage the public while highlighting a critical social issue. With a simple question and an array of bowls, this person challenges passersby to think about homelessness and the role of different religions🕉️☪️☯️✝️🪯 in addressing it. It's a powerful reminder that innovation✨ isn't confined to boardrooms or tech labs—it can thrive anywhere. How can we bring such creativity and impactful thinking into our own work and communities? Feel free to address your preferences or any personal thoughts! #Innovation #SocialImpact #Creativity #Homelessness #CommunityEngagement #DiversityAndInclusion

As professionals, we're committed to making a difference in personal and community development initiatives. But is traditional training enough to create sustainable change? I challenge you to go beyond training methods and examine the entry points to interventions, as this challenge was presented to me also. In today's complex socio-economic and political environment, comprehensive approaches are necessary to truly transform lives and uplift societies. While training serves as a foundation, sustainable change lies in holistic interventions that address systemic barriers and inequalities. Let's create a vibrant ecosystem where individuals and communities can thrive. I am quick to think of the business ecosystem. How are you mapping the personal/community development ecosystem. Join me in advocating for policy changes that empower our communities and create real social impact. #PersonalDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment #SocialImpact #SocioeconomicChange #PolicyAdvocacy #Empowerment #SFECHRONICLES #socialandfinancialInclusion

Genect's Social Missions 💫 1. Addressing Social Isolation: Combatting loneliness among seniors by providing regular social interactions with younger generations. 2. Challenging Ageism: Breaking down stereotypes and fostering respect for individuals of all ages. 3. Bridging Generational Disconnect: Creating opportunities for open dialogue and cultural exchange to foster understanding between generations. #Genect #SocialImpact #CommunityEngagement #SocialIsolation #Agesim #GenerationalGap

Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Today, we discuss why inclusivity is so important in the sober community and how it helps create a space where everyone feels welcome. 💬 Building a Sense of Belonging: Inclusivity in sober spaces allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to feel valued and seen, which is critical for fostering a strong sense of community. When people feel that their unique experiences and identities are respected, they are more likely to engage and participate fully in the recovery process. This engagement can lead to stronger social connections and support networks, which are vital for sustaining long-term sobriety. Breaking Down Stigmas: Inclusivity also plays a significant role in challenging and breaking down the stigmas associated with both addiction and recovery. By creating an environment where all voices are heard and respected, the sober community can help dispel misconceptions and encourage a more open dialogue about the challenges and successes of sobriety. This openness not only supports individuals in their recovery but also helps to create a more understanding and compassionate society. Enhancing Social Connections: Inclusive spaces encourage diverse groups to come together, share their experiences, and learn from each other. This diversity enriches the community by bringing in a wide range of perspectives, which can lead to more creative and effective support strategies. For example, initiatives that focus on creating inclusive public spaces, like community gardens or social activities, help strengthen social bonds and promote a sense of shared purpose among community members. #SoberLifeRocks #InclusiveCommunity #SoberLiving #CommunitySupport #WellnessJourney #SoberSupport

Top-down approaches to community engagement can be problematic for a number of reasons: ➡ They miss the opportunity for genuine insight or reform ➡ Selective participation excludes certain stakeholders ➡ Direction is often aligned with pre-determined outcomes, rendering efforts ineffective and outcomes harmful ➡ Inequalities are perpetuated

I attended my department's seminar last week, featuring Dr. Gilbert as the speaker. As someone passionate about development and social impact activities, I was eager to learn about engaging rural and underserved communities to address health disparities. *** Some key takeaways that resonated with me beyond just academics include: ✅Understanding the difference between community outreach and community engagement (a crucial distinction for social impact work) ✅Community engagement involves partnership and collaboration with the community to drive positive change ✅In community-engaged research, findings can inform policies and interventions that benefit the community, which sometimes include co-designing with the community. I think I am personally drawn to community engagement because it has the potential to influence systems, policies, and practices, leading to meaningful change. Have you been mistaking outreach for engagement? #CommunityEngagedResearch #CommunityEngagement #CommunityOutreach #GloriaOladeji #SocialChangeMaker #CommunityandPublicHealth