MANIFESTO goes global

TORONTO, CANADA – Manifesto Community Projects has been engaging the city’s youth with Arts and Culture ever since 2007, not long after Toronto came to grips with widespread violence that became known as the infamous ‘Summer of the Gun’ two years prior. From inspiring town hall meetings to exciting performances at its annual Manifesto Festival of Community and Culture, the non-governmental organization has been making its presence unmistakably felt in the Greater Toronto Area. Not only that, but its steady growth has inspired the birth of a sibling organization outside of Canada.

“MANIFESTO was born out of pure and honest love. That love is universal and it was felt by our brothers and sisters working on similar missions in Kingston, Jamaica. It is with great joy that we announce the official birth of the Manifesto movement in Jamaica,” said Founding Executive Director of Manifesto Canada, Che Kothari. “I’ve been going back and forth to Kingston for a while now building with the team and the level at which this team is operating and the depth of their experience is truly powerful. The things they have already done in a short period are major successes for an organization still in its infancy and speaks to their capacity and connections on a grassroots and institutional level. Their methodology, approach and activities are truly genius. Without a doubt this team is about to set things ablaze in Kingston and its coming at a time when love must be the message.”

Manifesto|Jamaica Festival Director, Lesley-Ann Welsh explained, “We feel extremely blessed by the connection made with Manifesto Community Projects. Che’s energy is infectious and, before we knew it, we were integrally involved with his movement. The Manifesto approach truly has the potential to be a healing force in Jamaica, especially among the youth.”

Although this cross-cultural partnership comes as a pleasant surprise for arts and culture practitioners in Jamaica, it has actually been in the making since 2008. In February of that year, Kothari attended the Africa Unite Youth Symposium in Kingston, where he met Welsh and her colleague, Gavin Hutchinson; both were organizers of the symposium on behalf of the Bob & Rita Marley Foundations. He also met Reginald Bell who, along with Hutchinson, co-produced and co-hosted a youth talk show called Reasoning on Jamaican national radio. The three would soon collaborate with Che on Project Nine Mile, a computer literacy project in the rural Nine Mile community where Reggae icon Bob Marley was born and raised. Incidentally, Che also became acquainted with Marley’s granddaughter, Donisha Prendergast, at the symposium; she is currently working on her globetrotting documentary, Rasta, and is an integral part of the Manifesto|Jamaica team.

By the summer, Hutchinson was selected to be on the planning committee for the inaugural Ignite The Americas youth arts forum in Toronto. Today, he considers his experience there to be the single greatest contributor to his current passion for the arts.

“Toronto is where I first appreciated the true effect of arts and culture on youth in society,” confessed Hutchinson, Advocacy Director for Manifesto|Jamaica. “All I kept thinking about was how we could apply the Manifesto formula back home. Jamaica has the most culture per square mile and I feel like that potent and characteristic energy that we are known for just needs some positive realignment.”

With the recent outbreak of violence between law enforcement and inner city residents at the end of May, it seemed like Jamaica’s ‘Summer of the Gun’ arrived in 2010. Manifesto|Jamaica’s emergence could not be timelier. On the afternoon of May 23, as the team was in the middle of its first official community impact activity, a sports day uniting several communities in the Three Miles Development Area, the first gunshots sounded just one block away. The experience had the effect of setting the tone for the organization, putting into perspective the importance of empowering the youth with opportunities for self-expression at a time when violence constantly surrounds them. This view continues to shape Manifesto|Jamaica’s development as it grows from infancy to become a leader in Jamaica’s arts and culture revolution.

We are writing to you today to share an exciting opportunity for young people in the City of Toronto and ask for your help in achieving our goals. We invite you to participate in The Cause, the Toronto Youth Cabinet’s 9th Annual Celebration of Youth Involvement on Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 at Ryerson University from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. It is a celebration by and for Toronto’s youth and their “causes”.

We know that young people want to be involved in their communities. They have creative ideas for addressing issues, and they need more opportunities to network with other young people. We also know that youth can find opportunities to address these issues by connecting with existing organizations in the city.

If your organization would like to get involved in this exciting event, please read the attached backgrounder and expo form. Spaces are available for a sliding scale fee of $15.00. Please submit the fee and attached form by September 20, 2010.

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Hattie Zhou

Cause Expo Organizer

Toronto Youth Cabinet

C: (647) 285 5806

P: (416) 392 8975

F: (416) 392 8492

hattiezhou_@hotmail.com

Victory: Council Passes 17.5 Million Increase to Arts Investment 40-1!

Toronto // Today Toronto city Council passed a recommendation to increase arts funding to $25 per capita by 2013. This should result in 17.5 million dollars in additional yearly investment by 2013.

This city building decision was made possible by the hard fought billboard tax initiated in 2001 by Beautifulcity.ca — but goes above and beyond the projected revenue. The effort was also boosted forward by an unfulfilled council decision from 2003 from the Culture Plan and recent studies showing the critical importance of increased investment in arts and culture in Toronto.

Devon Ostrom, founder of the Beautifulcity. Alliance stated: “This is an amazing day in Toronto’s development. Council has fulfilled the obligation to leverage the revenue from the billboard tax revenue into the arts, build a vibrant cultural capital, put food in the fridges of thousands of artists and has given a voice to hundreds of under-served communities across the city.”

Regarding the upcoming election co-coordinator Sabra Ripley noted that, “Almost all of the front-running mayoral candidates have endorsed using the billboard tax to rejuvinate the arts and cultural industries in this city. The next step is to get out and vote, encourage others to do the same and elect arts friendly, city building politicians to make sure this decision sticks.”

/ Inquiries
Sabra@beautifulcity.ca | 4169998903
julia@beautifulcity.ca | 4169281978
devon@beautifulcity.ca | skype: devon.ostrom

/ Save the Date!
Mayoral Arts Debate – Wednesday, September 29- AGO 7pm – 8:30pm
Presented by Business for the Arts, in partnership with ArtsVote Toronto, the Toronto Arts Council, the AGO and Manifesto

As a small organization (3 FTE shared among 6 part-time staff) with big impact (we serve over 300 children and youth, and 200 adults per year), and an exciting future ahead (the revitalization of Regent Park and the building of the new Regent Park Arts and Cultural Centre) ArtHeart is seeking an Executive Director who is able to wear multiple hats: part General Manager, part Fundraiser, part Artistic Director, part community builder. This position is a full time position, with a salary range of $45,000-$52,000 depending on experience, and is a one-year renewable contract.

We are looking for someone who is creative, passionate yet practical, has a background in the arts, experience in fundraising and the not-for-profit sector, and experience and ease working with low income and marginalized communities. Someone who has managed people and projects, knows how to manage a budget, how to build and sustain partnerships, has strong administrative skills, and is a good organizer and a great oral and written communicator is needed. You also need to be able to roll up your sleeves and help out in the studio. If this sounds like you, please apply! ArtHeart has a great staff and a committed Board. This, along with the enthusiasm, creativity and talent of the participants is what makes it a wonderful place to work.

Main Responsibilities:
Governance
• Keep ArtHeart’s Board of Directors informed of all important issues affecting ArtHeart and implement and administer ArtHeart policies;
• Work with the Board of Directors to support governance structure and committees;
• Serve as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors;
Program Excellence
• Provide leadership and vision to staff in program development;
• Ensure programming is consistent with the mission and values of ArtHeart and anchored in community arts practice;
• Lead the ArtHeart staff and manage the short-term program goals to meet the long-term strategic direction of ArtHeart;
• Oversee the outreach, coordination and promotion of ArtHeart;
• Be available to execute front line programming should the situation arise;
Fiscal Management
• Guide the preparation of the budget/financial plan by developing budget projections and estimates in conjunction with the finance committee;
• Work closely with the bookkeeper in reviewing and monitoring budgets and ensuring appropriate operating systems and fiscal controls;
• Supervise regular reviews of the Budget to control expenses;
• Be fiscally responsible for effective and efficient management of the ArtHeart budget and execution of the strategic plan;

Fundraising
• Develop and execute a short, medium and long-term funding strategy and program in collaboration with the fundraiser consultant and Board of Directors to ensure that the organization’s long-term and annual development plans and strategies are being met;
• Obtain and increase external funding by writing grants, creating partnerships, and general solicitation;
Personnel
• Lead and build an integrated team that works together to actualize ArtHeart’s vision;
• Ensure staff provides exceptional service to the participants;
• Oversee recruitment, hiring and training of staff and instructors, and supervise and evaluate core staff consistent with the policies, staffing plan and budget approved by the Board;
• Responsible for taking any and all steps necessary to protect employees and others against occupational accidents, injuries and illnesses;
Community Relations
• Lead a culture of inclusiveness, helpfulness, and professionalism within ArtHeart;
• Manage the growth of strong partnerships with agencies, organizations and artists to increase the capacity to deliver services at ArtHeart;
• Initiate, maintain, and cultivate relationships with funders, community organizations, government agencies, the media, program participants and other stakeholders so as to achieve ArtHeart’s mission; and
• Become an active participant in community organizations and activities as appropriate.

Requirements

Qualifications:
• 3-5 years of experience in the not-for-profit, community-based, charitable organization sector (management experience is required);
• 3-5 years of developing, coordinating, managing and evaluating art and community projects;
• Excellent project management skills;
• Experience in financial management and budget overview;
• Ability and experience in managing staff and conflict resolution;
• Facilitation skills to assist in running smooth and effective meetings;
• Experience working with a Board of Directors;
• Experience and success in fundraising and proposal writing;
• Someone who is proactive and thrives on organization and order as well as creativity and problem solving;
• Passion for the arts and the importance of community-based arts programming;
• Experience working with and in low-income communities, engaging youth, newcomers, children and adults, and operating from an anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework;
• Excellent oral, written communication skills and computer literacy (must be competent in word and excel; familiarity with CADAC, Income Manager and QuickBooks is an asset);
• Someone who is friendly and personable; and,
• Post secondary education or equivalent required.

Additional Information

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and résumé no later than 4 p.m. on September 7, 2010. Ideally the successful candidate will be able to begin work by the start of October. Please send your application to jobs@artheart.ca. Please include “Executive Director” in the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

web source http://www.workinculture.ca/apps/index.cfm?fuseaction=job.showDetails&jobid=49839&termid=

Target: Youth 17-24 years old, 6 month full-time experiential learning program, 40 hours/week, Deadline for application Sept 22, 2010

Money: Although it’s not a job, it does provide an allowance. “Bi-weekly living stipend (every two weeks) of $400 (increases to $450 and $500 later in program) for consistent and active daily participation and demonstrated commitment. Plus public transit subsidy.”

See attachments and email below for more information.

ATTENTION: YOUTH AGENCIES/ORGANIZATIONS

It is outreach time again at Serve! We are seeking youth 17 – 24 years old for the 6-month full-time experiential learning program called Experience This! Please see the accompanying flyer for information on this upcoming program and activities. Feel free to make additional copies and let youth know who would be interested and would benefit from the experience.

Also note that this is not a job (although youth do receive a living stipend for consistent participation and attendance). It is a program and learning opportunity for experience. It may not suit folks who are focussed only on getting a job or on receiving financial compensation.

Serve! (formerly known as Serve Canada) is a youth organization operating since 1993. We deliver programs for diverse youth 13 – 24 years old that focuses on teamwork, education, personal growth and development, as well as community involvement. Youth participants are facilitated and supported in establishing personal direction, overcoming obstacles, achieving goals, and contributing to the community.

Program activities will mainly take place in the downtown area or near-downtown (though there may be some project activities in another area of the city….this will depend on community partners that will be established later on). Youth participants will get a transit subsidy for commuting to projects.

Please post, circulate, and spread the word as soon as possible and note that the application deadline is September 22nd, 2010. Applications can be downloaded from our website (www.servecanada.org) or I have attached a copy of the application form/package here as well. Interested youth can also contact us to arrange to pick up applications too.

If you require further information or have any questions, please call us at

(416) 933-2950.

Thank you for your assistance.

Elaine
P.S. We may be able to do a couple of presentations to groups of potential applicants at agencies/centres in mid-September.

Reimagining Your Organization
with Nick Saul, Executive Director, The Stop Community Food Centre
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Nick Saul, Executive Director of The Stop Community Food Centre, will share Five Good Ideas gleaned from his work in transforming a small, local food bank into a thriving community food centre: a place where people come together over food to build health, hope, skills, self-confidence, environmental sustainability, community and greater equity. The Stop’s story has lessons and inspirational ideas for everyone interested in building healthy community organizations, inclusive public space and creating social change. Today, The Stop serves up dignity and empowerment to a large community by bringing together people from all socio-economic backgrounds and helping make connections through eating, growing, sharing and advocating for good food for all.

Upcoming sessions:

Financial Management
with Lois Fine, Finance & Information Technology Director, YWCA Toronto
Thursday, October 21, 2010
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Not-for-Profit Corporations Law

with Sheila Crummey, Partner, McMillan LLP
Monday, November 29, 2010
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Five Good Ideas is a lunch and learn program where industry or issue experts discuss powerful yet practical ideas on key management issues facing nonprofit organizations. The sessions are most useful for staff and board members of small and mid-sized nonprofits. Each expert presents five practical, strategic ideas and explores with the audience how these ideas can be translated into action.

Register Now arrow
Space is limited so register early. There is no cost for the workshop and a light lunch will be provided.

Location
St. Michael’s College – Elmsley Hall, Charbonnel Lounge
81 St. Mary Street (MAP)
Closest subways are Bay Station and Museum Station

Presents
Friday, August 27th @ 7pm

The Absence of Black Fathers in the Black Community

Speaker: Brandon Hay from the Black Daddies Club will discuss parenting issues as well as the issues facing the Black Community. At the age of 24, Hay became a first time father. Raised by a single mother, he was filled with anxiety and fear about his own ability to be a father.

Topics include:

¨ The effects and struggles of fatherless youth in the black community
¨ Strategies for change

Venue: The Brampton Civic Centre
Address: 150 Central Park Drive
Lower level, Library Meeting Room
Elevator A – Not in the Brampton Library

Call: 416-725-4909
Registration $10.
All are welcome

Its time for change!
This event will be filmed for a documentary

This mural honours the spirit of a “dear brother, friend, and cousin to all of us who has gone on to the Spirit world; Dylan Jade Corbiere.”

Dylan was instrumental in the creation of the mural and brought his incredible gifts to the mural and to the space that we all shared.
Expect to see the plaque created in Dylan’s honour arrive in the display case in the upcoming weeks.

We would also like to officially introduce our two new part-time staff:

charysse robinson: Events, Outreach & Fundraising Goddess

gabi rodriguez: Arts & Equity Programming Magic Being

They are both much welcome additions to our team and we are excited to continue our journey with them beside us.

We would also like to thank Punam Kholsa, our Organizational Mentor who is supporting us through our strategic planning and the strategic direction of The People Project. Expect to hear more from us in the coming months with the launch of our new website.

“What’s Your Story? LGBTTQQ2SIA Young Leaders’ Self-Portraits”

This photo exhibit was produced by 10 diverse youth from the LGBTTQQ2SIA community as part of the 2010 OUTwords Arts and Leadership program facilitated by The People Project.

What does it mean to be lesbian, to be gay, bisexual, transgendered or two spirited and a youth living in Toronto? This photography exhibit subverts the ways that mainstream media has negatively or wrongly portrayed the LGBT community and challenges stereotypes perpetuated in society by creating our own images. By us, for us.

Program participants considered the politics of identity and representation in order to create self-portraits that express the diversity of sexual orientations, gender performances and all of the many intersections of identity that make us the unique and expressive people that we are.

OUTwords is A free 5 month program, mashing up media arts, leadership, queer-stories and current issues from around the world to fuel an OUTWords movement of young Spectrum LGBTTQQ2SIA leaders.

OUTwords is an intensive arts and leadership program for spectrum youth ready to take their ideas, creativity and advocacy to the next level. Participants will have access to art, readings, videos, and activities that explore our histories and the issues that affect us most today. This program encourages critical thinking, creative expression and collective advocacy. Participants develop skills in creative writing, storytelling, performance, video, public speaking, workshop development and community organizing and spectrum networking. Sessions mix up hands on learning with group discussion, free writing, guest artists from the spectrum community sharing their work and giving workshops, media clips and activities. Participants are also supported to perform and/or exhibit the works they produce through ongoing mentorship and group projects.

Photographs:

1. “Meinthe Mirror”, Amefika “Afi” Browne

2. “The Door”, Anna Belayev

3. “Gay Positive”, Gaby Rodriguez

4. “Tuff Homo”, Heidi Cho

5. “Untitled” Jae Thuo

6. “Javi 3”, Javier Cacheiro

7. “Gender Mirror”, Lilian Gessner

8. “Prince Romeo”, Romeo Pierre

9. “Fragments”, Sarah-Lee Umraugh

10. “I got a moustache”, Sofia Guerrieri

11. “The Barber Shop”, Alyssa A.

About The SOY CommUnity Mural:

“Birds of a Feather”
The SOY CommUnity Mural project was facilitated by The People Project and brought together over 100 diverse Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transexual, Queer, Questioning, Two Spirit and Intersexed youth as well as many newcomers and youth of color from across the many groups at Supporting Our Youth, a program of The Sherbourne Health Center.Participants came together to discuss the significance and import of SOY as a safe space and community hub for LGBTTQQ2SIA youth of Toronto. We drew upon our discussions to sketch out and paint these ideas into a visual that integrates a multitude of voices and ideas. This mural acknowledges the challenges that queer and trans youth experience every day while celebrating our determination, creativity and brilliance.

Our Concept:
The tree with outstretching branches surrounded by the rainbow represents the safe haven that SOY provides; a place for LGBTTQQ2SIA youth to meet, to connect, to nourish ourselves, and to take shelter, to get support, to learn, to build new skills, to have fun and to grow our chosen families.
The birds represent and celebrate the gorgeously diverse and expressive LGBTTQQ2SIA youth who are drawn from far and wide to come together, share and learn from one another at SOY. We are the color of our community.
The earth is made up of significant words for our community; elements of our individual and collective history & identities within which the SOY tree is firmly rooted.

Special thanks to Jordan, Belinda, Reed, George, Hiro, Dylan, Luka, Dainty, Brescia, Jocy and all of the amazing staff, volunteers and participants at SOY!

This mural project was generously funded by The City of Toronto Arts Services.

Supporting Our Youth (SOY) is an exciting, dynamic community development project designed to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgendered youth in Toronto through the active involvement of youth and adult communities. We work to create healthy arts, culture and recreational spaces for young people; to provide supportive housing and employment opportunities; and to increase youth access to adult mentoring and support. www.soytoronto.org

The People Project is a collective and social enterprise dedicated to the practice and engagement of people empowerment for social change. Founded by youth leaders Kim Crosby and Natalyn Tremblay, The People Project works closely with Toronto’s LGBT youth community providing innovative and participatory arts and leadership programs and projects. The People Project also allies with and supports diverse youth servicing groups and organizations in the GTA through equity consultation, strategic planning, supporting decision-making processes, evaluation and accountability measures, resource development as well as anti-oppression workshops and trainings. www.thepeopleproject.ca

So some of you may know and some of you may not! 889 Yonge Yoga and Wellness is hosting an event on September 19th called the Global Mala. The purpose is to bring together the global yoga community to form a “mala around the earth” by practicing 108 sun salutations simultaneously.

889 has teamed up with SWB to host their most inspiring Mala yet. All of the proceeds from the event will be going to support SWB! I encourage you to reach out to your friends, families and community to support this great cause!!!

To sign up go to: http://www.889yonge.com/globalmala/