News
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.
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“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_ _ _
Civic Hub has been funded by the Upstream Fund since 2023.
Category Archives: مرحبا بكم في سيفيك -هب (Welcome to the Civic Hub)
Episode 012 – Avon Chang and Kelly Hung of the KW Taiwanese Canadian Association
The Kitchener-Waterloo Taiwanese Canadian Association (KWTCA) was established in 1964 for Taiwanese-Canadian residents to enjoy activities together and share information about local lifestyles. Avon Chang and Kelly Hung speak with Bob Jonkman about the introduction of Taiwanese culture to Canada, … Continue reading
Episode 011 – Brad Ullner of the Disabilities and Human Rights Group
The Disabilities and Human Rights Group is a group of people that talk about disability from a human rights perspective. Some agencies that deal with disability forget the human rights aspect, and DHRG provides advocacy. Brad Ullner and Bob Jonkman … Continue reading
Episode 010 – Chris Hussey of Reception House
Reception House is a government-designated hub to welcome government-sponsored refugees to Waterloo Region. Chris Hussey, the Community Engagement Specialist, talks to Bob Jonkman about the process of refugee application and placement, the difficulties refugees face, and the services offered by … Continue reading
Episode 009 – Oz Cole-Arnal of Alliance Against Poverty
Oz Cole-Arnal started Alliance Against Poverty as Jubilee Wedge in 2008, to redistribute money from the “haves” to the “have very little”. But AAP is not just a sharing group, it’s a direct action group that advocates for free transit; … Continue reading
Episode 008 – Heather Majaury: Letter in support of the unsheltered
With the measures in place to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic the Civic Hub is temporarily closed, as are many other facilities such as coffee shops, public washrooms, day drop-ins, internet access, community food distribution, and service programs. … Continue reading
Episode 007 – Fadhila Balogun and Lillian Vitale of the African Women’s Alliance
The African Women’s Alliance started as an organization to get together as families, for women to teach their children their social culture, to know that Africa is not a country, but a continent of 54 countries. It started as a … Continue reading
Episode 006 – Laura Hamilton of Divest Waterloo
One of the original partners of the Civic Hub, Divest Waterloo educates about climate change, and moving investments away from the 200 most egregious fossil fuel industries and into climate solutions. Not just renewable energy, but solutions to help us … Continue reading
Episode 005 – Shiv Talwar of the Spiritual Heritage Education Network
Shiv Talwar is the founder of the Spiritual Heritage Education Network. He and Bob Jonkman talk about the intersection of spirituality, religion, science, humanity, and his new book, The Common Ground: A unified basis of existence. About Spiritual Heritage Education … Continue reading
Episode 004 – Alan Coughlin of the Community Kitchen Cooperative Kitchener Waterloo
Alan Coughlin tells Bob Jonkman about the Community Kitchen Cooperative Kitchener Waterloo, and a little bit about being a warden at the Civic Hub‘s host, the St. John’s Evangelical Church. About Community Kitchen Cooperative Kitchener Waterloo Contact: Alan Coughlin Address: … Continue reading
Episode 003 – Ayiko Solomon of Peace For All Canada
Ayiko Solomon talks to Bob Jonkman about the mission of Peace For All Canada to bring the spirit of caring to youth and the community The Record interviewed Ayiko Solomon in 2012: A voice in two worlds About Peace For … Continue reading
Episode 002 – Peter Jantzi and Rene Sellier of WR Nonviolence
Peter Jantzi and Rene Sellier chat with Bob Jonkman about WR Nonviolence, the events they put on, the meaning of Nonviolence, and how the Civic Hub has helped the organization. About WR Nonviolence Contact: Matt Albrecht Website: https://wrnonviolence.org/ Twitter: @WRNonviolence … Continue reading
Episode 001 – Aleksandra Petrovic of the Social Development Centre
Aleksandra Petrovic speaks with Bob Jonkman about the origins of the Civic Hub, the Social Development Centre’s involvement in getting it set up, “Third Spaces” and their importance in the community, and the contributions of St. John The Evangelist church … Continue reading