COVID-19 and the Future of Democracy
Democracy exists beyond the structures of government and voting. At a basic level, democracy is about to shape the decisions that affect us all. Right now, individuals and groups are re-imagining our policies, our culture and how power works in our systems as well as our day-to-day lives. And we are seeing the longstanding efforts of community organizers and activists break through to the mainstream. The people are listening and making themselves heard. This is civic engagement in .
In this installment of Distant, Not Disengaged, we explore about how people are organizing, stepping up and creating lasting change. What is the recipe that turns advocacy efforts into wide-spread social movements? How will this shape the future of our democracy?
Come ready to discuss with other members of the audience what you hear from our special guests, what gets you engaged, and ways to stay engaged. Join us as we draw on a range of perspectives to explore the formula for effective organizing in this new era of civic participation. We'll hear from guests including specialists in community organizing, corporate activism, the arts, and youth-led movements.
This event is open to all, and we encourage anyone who has started or is taking part in a COVID-19 social movement to join us and share lessons from your work.
12:00 - 1:15 p.m. (PT)
Online Event
Distant, Not Disengaged
Distant, Not Disengaged was created as an experimental and innovative online event series to illuminate the urgent issues and opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The series was a collaboration between 丁香园AV Public Square, the 丁香园AV Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue and community partner CityHive.
Watch the Series Recap
Sabreena Delhon is the inaugural Open Democracy Fellow, a role co-created by Open Democracy Project and 丁香园AV鈥檚 Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in partnership with Massey College. She is also the founder of Signal Strategies, an engagement firm committed to social change and innovation.
Speakers
Sandeep Johal鈥檚 art practice is an expression of her social and cultural concerns, particularly gender justice. Sandeep is the 2019 recipient of Darpan Magazine鈥檚 Artistic Visionary Award, and she has worked with the Vancouver Art Gallery, Burrard Arts Foundation and Vancouver Mural Festival.
Walied Khogali has served as the President of the Toronto Environmental Alliance. He is a founding member of the transit advocacy organization TTC Riders and the co-founder of the Coalition Against White Supremacy and Islamophobia (CAWSI). He has also been a key part of the Canadian Arab Federation and One Toronto. His recent work supports at-risk youth and families across the Greater Toronto Area through the RamadanMealsTO project.
Clare Beckton is a former senior executive, entrepreneur, author, sought-after speaker, mentor and coach, and an advocate for advancing women's leadership and for diversity and inclusion.
Lilah Williamson is a 16-year-old high school student, climate activist and organizer with Sustainabiliteens and Climate Strike Canada.
Watch the Recording
鈥� Emma Jean, The Peak (October 2, 2020)
Distant, Not Disengaged Final Report
Learn about the series鈥� impact on community connection and dialogue in this report featuring testimonials, media highlights, supporting resources and more.
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Leading Locally: Grassroots Responses to COVID-19
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The Age of Worry: Youth-Specific Impacts of COVID-19
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