Heather Majaury of the Festival of Neighbourhoods (FON) is welcome back to Civic Hub Podcast Series. In this podcast, Heather talks about FON’s Community Summit, held on November 24th Noon until 3pm at the City Hall Rotunda. See below – FON Press Release
Trends in rapid neighbourhood change across Kitchener, greater vulnerability of residents in underserved areas, rise of homelessness, intensification and infills with the high pace of developments, has called for a thoughtful response from our Festival and we have been learning a lot. We are taking careful consideration about our role in our civic future. Now it’s time to hear from you.
In 2022 Councillor Paul Singh/Ward 6 Kitchener expressed the intrinsic value of Festival of Neighbourhoods and its capacity to work with grassroots when he stated that “We [the city counsel] cannot possibly replace what you [neighbours] can do for yourself in your neighbourhoods.” With this in mind, and after reaching our 30th year milestone in 2023, we paused our regular operations to take stock of our accomplishments and consider our future direction. And now we want to share our findings with you.
This year we considered challenges for Vertical Villages and Tiny Home Neighbourhoods when confronting an epidemic of loneliness. We considered the relationships and tools needed to support ongoing mentorship when it comes to creating inclusive gathering and how to encourage peer planning and support for those new to organizing. Those with ideas, dreams, and desires, but not quite knowing where to begin, or how to get started. We have been considering and enacting new ways to engage neighbors in building capacity for more inclusion, propinquity and well-being while nurturing a kinder future where everyone belongs.
What makes our neighourhoods great? What could be improved? How do you wish you could connect better with your neighbours especially if your neighbourhoods is experiencing rapid change or you are new to the area where you are now living? Come and share with us, and your neighbours, your thoughts and ideas around these important questions.
Join the conversation and connect the dots through participating in interactive roundtables about making a difference where you live. The Festival of Neighbourhoods is empowering our grassroots to grow while asking: “What does it take to transform strangers– into neighbours– into friends? What does it take to make space for everyone?” Help us get a clearer picture by helping us join the dots of belonging, inclusion, propinquity, kindness, and well-being for everyone.
With uncertainty comes potential and opportunities to make a real difference. If you or your neighbourhood has hosted an inclusive gathering come and share with us your challenges and successes. The summit is an opportunity to connect, network, share, and learn from each other. It helps us set goals and look forward to possibilities while building upon successes. We want to meet you and hear from you. Come and be a part of it!
For more information:
PODCAST
Heather Majaury of Festival of Neighbourhoods
Connecting Hubs for Collective Impact is a new year long project made possible through the funding from the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. Connecting grassroots community hubs and hub-like initiatives was our dream! We cross paths with may mutual-aid entities, some are formal organizations and some are unique grassroots hubs. Most are struggling with resources. We hope to join our minds and hearts and envision our common future, while supporting Indigenous leadership and land-based being in the world to amplify the impact of joint advocacy and mutual aid.
“Being part of the Civic Hub has connected us with many people and groups, allowing us to collaborate, support one another, and better understand challenges in housing, settlement, diversity, the environment, food security, Indigenous issues, and more. It’s an invaluable gift, offering space, support, and true community connection.” Mo Markham, Waterloo Region Climate Initiatives
“Women of Dignity International (WODI), a Black women-led organization, partnered with the Civic Hub in 2024 and it’s been the best step for our community. With space for training, food programs, youth services, and our Cookcraft Summer Session, the Hub has helped us thrive and serve over 500 members.” Mercy Itohan Osayi, Women of Dignity International
