Thunderbird Rising - This website outlines Elder Lloyd Fournier's project to secure adequate educational resources for Canada's First Nations communities.

The Uphill Battle to Scale an Innovative Antipoverty Approach - This report summarizes the results - and challenges - of an innovative poverty-reduction program that puts low-income families in control called the Family Independence Initiative. The obstacles confronting FII’s struggle for wider acceptance are informative because they highlight assumptions and biases that are inherent in the development of many poverty-reduction programs.

Nunavut Poverty Address -This video clip is the launch of Nunavut’s poverty-reduction strategy.

A Better Yukon - This website highlights Yukon’s Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction Strategy.

No Place for Poverty – This website includes highlights from Northwest Territory’s workshop on poverty-reduction.

Falling Down the Social Media Rabbit Hole - Vibrant Calgary Rides the Social Media Wave – This paper, published by the Caledon Institute, illustrates how social media is being used to build awareness about poverty issues.

Code Red - This series, published by the Hamilton Spectator, presents research based on 24 health and socioeconomic indicators, demonstrates the link between poverty, health and life expectancy.

Cutting Through the Fog - This paper, developed for the Metcalf Foundation, provides a rigorous, sensible and easy to understand discussion of “income poverty,” which an increasing number of people feel is only one part of the poverty puzzle.

New Brunswick Business Leaders Get Activated - Activate: New Brunswick’s Business Leaders Talk About Poverty-Reduction – This paper, written by the Caledon Institute of Social Policy, tells the story of a workshop co-sponsored by the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative and the New Brunswick Business Council in 2009 that offered 75 business people an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the realities of living on a low income, and facts about poverty.

Getting Everyone On the Bus: BC's Transit Ticket Assistance - BC Transit Ticket Assistance Program – This paper, by the Caledon Institute of Social Policy tells the story and highlights the impact of the BC Transit Ticket Assistance Program that is now being replicated elsewhere in the province.

Peacock Poverty: Giving Poverty a Voice - Peacock Poverty is an online forum created to showcase the talent and strength of the poor. All the effort needed to create this site came from poor people using pooled resources and hard work. No agency help or guidance was required. Managing editor, Cheryl Smith says, “We believe that ALL voices need to be at the table, not only those groomed by agency. We seek to tell the truth about our experiences, desires and needs, in a safe and supportive environment. We seek to partner with agencies in a way that maintains our autonomy and dignity.” Visit the Peacock Poverty website here.

Canada’s World - Shauna Sylvester, one of Canada’s leading social innovators, writes in a recently released paper entitled, Moving Beyond Dichotomies: Canada’s Role in the 21st Century?, “We learned that our country is fragmented - the spaces where we come together to learn and share as Canadians are few and far between. Finding the voices that are not a part of the foreign policy choir requires finding those spaces and playing within them. It also means creating new spaces where citizens can come together as citizens to really hear each other, explore nuances, grapple with complexity, make informed choices and express their desires and wants for their country.” Read the full paper here.

Ending Poverty in Ontario - This manual has been developed by Campaign 2000 and Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) to assist facilitators to hold community-based workshops with low income people and other community members active in ending poverty. The workshop is designed to encourage discussion about what is needed to end poverty in Ontario, and to identify actions that can be taken within your community. Download the manual here. [Source: CSRL news]

Communities in Support of Local Development - This report from SRDC indicates that communities can play an important part in improving local development and helping populations at risk of social exclusion. Access the full report here. [Source: SRDC]

Vision--Staying Local, Going Global - Suzanne Morse, President of the Pew Partnership for Civic Change and author of Smart Communities, has begun a blog series on "Staying Local, Going Global" to explore the things that must be done and could be done to make communities more competitive in the global economy.  Learn more here.

Economic Integration of Immigrants - This study, commissioned by the Casey Foundation, looks at factors that affect the vulnerability of immigrants, such as language, legal status and country of origin, in order to assess the impact of these characteristics on closing the gap between family well-being and economic opportunity. The study concludes that education, access to a reliable car, English language acquisition and citizenship help immigrants to close the gap with native-born whites on most measures of economic integration, even when living in the same low-income urban neighborhoods. Download the full report here. [Source: Annie E. Casey Foundation]

Net Gains - This handbook provides the growing number of people who are developing networks for social change with practical advice based on network builders' experiences, case studies of small, large, local and international networks, and emerging scientific knowledge about “connectivity.” Learn more here. [Source: Aspen Philanthropy Letter]

Banking on Literacy - A new study by CPRN for the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada finds that difficulties with financial literacy - the ability to understand, analyze, and use information about financial decisions in day-to-day life - affect Canadians at all income levels. The report examines efforts to improve financial literacy in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, as well as research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Learn more here. [Source: CPRN]

Helping Youth into the Labour Market - In the late 1990s newly elected governments in the UK, France and Australia seemed keen on launching employment programmes targeted at young people. This paper examines the expected obligations young people have to fulfil to be considered good citizens as well as the suggestion that they are a potential threat to community building. The part played by the community in the inclusion process is also considered as it reveals the legitimacy of the state in tackling social issues. Read more here. [Source: CSRL-Newsletter]

Promoting Social & Economic Justice - The Atkinson Charitable Foundation (ACF) has a rich track record of partnerships geared towards advancing our mission of promoting social and economic justice. While it has made significant strides, the Foundation is committed to doing better and to strengthening a process whereby everything it does is viewed from a definition of an "inclusion lens." With this in mind, ACF has established the ACF Inclusion Task Force to advise the Foundation as it seeks to promote social and economic justice through an inclusion lens. Learn more here. [Source: Atkinson Charitable Foundation]

Canadian Adults lose a Grade over Lifetime - Many Canadians experience a significant loss of literacy skills during adulthood, and this loss appears to be concentrated in adults from lower socio-economic backgrounds, according to a Statistics Canada study. The study, based on findings from the 1994 International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) and the 2003 Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey, examined how Canada's stock of literacy skills evolved during the nine-year period between the two surveys. Learn more here. [Source: CSRL-News]

Real Poverty Experts Learn to Speak - Toronto Star Columnist Carol Goar writes about a program that equips men and women who have experienced poverty and homelessness to speak out, challenge society's stereotypes and become community leaders. Read more here. [Source: Atkinson Charitable Foundation]

Blogging for Inclusion - Glenda Watson Hyatt has lived with cerebral palsy for 40 years, and shares her experiences, thoughts and activities through her chatty and witty blog. In May 2007 Glenda joined over 100 other bloggers in “Blogging Against Disablism,” an online conversation about the discrimination still facing people with disabilities. Read Glenda’s blog here, then join the conversation here. [Source: @philia]

Children`s Role in Forging Close Communities - Children play a key role in strengthening local communities and making people feel safe in their neighbourhoods, according to a study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Learn more here. [Source: HandsNet WebClipper]

Canada Create`s Disability Savings Plan - The Disability Savings Plan will benefit more than 700,000 people with severe disabilities. Download the PLAN newsletter here. [Source: PLAN e-zine]

Report on Capital Access for Women - There has been a proliferation of successful programs over the past decade that provide women entrepreneurs access to capital, yet women entrepreneurs still lag behind men in obtaining capital for their businesses. This report identifies characteristics that contribute to success and reviews constraints and barriers that remain. Learn more here. [Source: The Urban Institute]

Overcoming Cultural & Linguistic Barriers - Communicating with Indigenous communities in an effective and understandable manner has been a challenge for both public and private organizations alike. Cultural and linguistic barriers sometimes prevent the necessary information from being understood by Aboriginal communities. This report, published by the Applied Research and Analysis Directorate, examines the factors that affect communication with Aboriginal communities and provides recommendations for improving the communication process with Indigenous peoples. Read the summary of the report here. [Source: OHPE Bulletin]

Getting Ready for Next Generation of Older Adults - Recently released studies have raised concern about the "aging readiness" of our communities. A Healthy Community Perspective on Aging Well features six case studies where communities are making a difference in the health and quality of life of older adults. Learn more here. [Source: HandsNet WebClipper]

Effectiveness of Post-Prison Employment Programs - Offering transitional jobs to ex-convicts - immediate, closely supervised work and help finding permanent employment - is a growing tactic in the effort to usher felons back into society, while curbing recidivism. The effectiveness of this approach is about to be tested scientifically for the first time. Read the NY Times article here. [Source: NY Times]

Social Inclusion Health Indicators – This Inclusive Cities Canada (ICC) paper by Philip O’Hara explores the close link between the dimensions of social inclusion and social determinants of health. Key outcomes and lead indicators will be identified for each of the ICC dimensions of social inclusion, which will point to recommendations for public policy and community practice. Download the paper here. [Source: OHPE Bulletin]

The Belonging Initiative - This new social network is based on the premise of "belonging knows no outsiders." Learn more about this initiative to end isolation and loneliness for persons with disabilities here. [Source: PLANfacts newsletter]

From Poverty, Opportunity - This report from the Brookings Institution examines 12 major metropolitan areas and the higher prices facing lower income families. The report also looks at policies and strategies that can help low-income families get ahead by bringing down the inflated prices they pay for basic necessities, such as food and housing. Learn more here. [Source: Annie E. Casey Foundation's Family Economic Success Quarterly Newsletter]

The Economics of Access - Increases in university tuition fees are having a devastating effect on low-income families in Canada. "The shocking reality is that low-income families in most provinces simply don't have the resources or access to credit needed to finance a post-secondary education at today's costs. This report illustrates how financial barriers are shutting out low income families from colleges and universities," said Greg Allain, President of the Canadian Association of University Teachers. Download the full report here. [Source: Charity Village]

Comprehensive Prisoner Reentry Program - According to MDRC, from 1980 to 1995, the number of people incarcerated in federal and state prisons and local jails in the U.S. more than tripled. Since almost all prisoners are eventually released, an incarceration boom necessarily translates into a reentry boom. With state and local budgets strained by the high cost of incarceration, breaking the cycle of recidivism is one promising way to shrink the prison population as well as to increase public safety and to improve the well-being of former prisoners, their families, and their communities. Learn more here. [Source: HandsNet WebClipper]

Women in Canada - Women are playing stronger roles in the workplace and their profile is rising in many professional fields, according to a new assessment on the evolving status of women in Canadian society. However, the report still shows substantial gaps between the sexes in many key areas. Read more here. [Source: CSRL-news, Statistics Canada]

An Unequal Playing Field - A landmark report by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) shines the spotlight on unmet needs of Canadians who are blind or living with vision loss. Scores of highly educated and qualified blind and visually impaired Canadians are living in poverty because they cannot find work. Download the executive summary of An Unequal Playing Field here. [Source: CSRL-news, CNIB]

Inclusive Community Organizations - The Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition (OHCC) has developed a Tool Kit to assist community organizations in becoming more equitable, diverse and inclusive. Learn more here. [Source: OHCC]

The Disability Savings Plan - The proposed registered disability savings plan is an idea put forward by the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN). The registered disability savings plan (RDSP) is a way to help families improve the quality of life of their relative with a disability and to ensure the financial security of their relative over the longer term. The RDSP would operate as a tax-assisted savings plan in much the same way as a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).

Fair Fares Calgary: Reduced Fare Transit Passes - The City of Calgary recently began to issue reduced fare transit passes to citizens who receive benefits from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program. Beginning in January 2006, The City will also make these passes available to all low-income Calgary residents. This story chronicles the drive by community groups, municipal employees, elected representatives and Vibrant Communities Calgary to make Fair Fares a reality. Download the story here.

"There are No Banks Here" - Financial exclusion is a matter of growing concern in Canada considering the decline in the number of mainstream bank branches in some inner-cities and the concurrent rise in the number of fringe banks. This study reports on results from a survey of residents from Winnipeg's North End, a low-income area of the city. The study seeks to understand resident's experiences with financial and insurance services: which ones they use, which ones are important to them and how accessible the services are. Download the study here. [Source: WIRA]

Institute for Caring Citizenship - PLAN Institute has launched a new website that features a myriad of resources, information and activities that promote caring citizenship and contribution. Register for events, download articles and papers, order products and find out how you can bring a PLAN workshop to your community by visiting PLAN's website here. [Source: PLAN Institute]

Count Me In! - The Count Me In! Project from Health Nexus (formerly known as the Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse) engages others in raising and sustaining the work of health promotion, with emphasis on the strategies of inclusion and engagement. Health Nexus has designed forums across Ontario to bring together people from a range of sectors to listen and learn - to strengthen our collective understanding of what it means to change health through meaningful inclusion, to plan for a strong, healthy future. The forums provide stepping stones for new collaborations, knowledge and actions that support inclusion as a way to improve the health of our communities. Learn more here. [Source: OHPE bulletin]

Women’s empowerment: Measuring gender gap - This study from the World Economic Forum measures the extent to which women have achieved equality; includes information on child care availability and cost and the impact of maternity laws. Access the report here. [Source: Canadian Social Research Newsletter]

The New Social Architecture - The Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD) has released two papers in the New Social Architecture series, the project designed to highlight and examine key social challenges facing Canada, and set out some strategic options for change. The new papers are:

Learn more about the the New Social Architecture Series and other CCSD Policy Initiatives here. [Source: Canadian Social Research Newsletter]

Renovating Canada's Social Programs - The most recent issue of CCSD's publication, Perception, focuses on the state of Canada's Social Programs and includes articles by Ken Dryden, Ed Broadbent, and Al Hatton, among others. Download the issue here. [Source: Canadian Social Research Newsletter]

Inclusive Cities Canada - Inclusive Cities Canada is a unique partnership of community leaders and elected municipal politicians working collaboratively to enhance social inclusion across Canada. The goals of Inclusive Cities Canada (ICC) are to strengthen the capacity of cities to create and sustain inclusive communities for the mutual benefit of all people, and to ensure that community voices of diversity are recognized as core Canadian ones. Learn more here.[Source ICC]

Neighbour to Neighbour Capacity Building - Waterloo Region's Neighbour to Neighbour Toolkit for community capacity building provides the stories and tips of people who worked with others to create and act on their visions for improving their community as well as resource tools and links to other sites. What makes this toolkit so unique is that the Stories & Tips have come from local citizens in Waterloo Region and are based on real life experiences. Read these stories for inspiration and new ideas. Implement the tools within your own settings or situations and use the links to explore these ideas further. Check it out here. [Source: OHPE Bulletin #368.0]

Closing the Distance - This website hosted by the Social Planning Network of Ontario lists contact information for each region involved in the Closing The Distance -Economic Inclusion Initiative and a number of other project-related individuals and organizations. Visit the website here. [Source: OHPE Bulletin #330.2]

An Inclusion Lens - Social and economic exclusion and inclusion have emerged as new ways of understanding poverty and disadvantage and their impacts on well-being, by creating a shared understanding across sectors and jurisdictions. An Inclusion Lens is a twenty-page workbook for analyzing legislation, policies, programs and practices to determine whether they promote the social and economic inclusion of individuals, families and communities. It is designed for use by policy makers, program managers and community leaders who work in the context of social and economic exclusion, in both the public and non-profit sectors. It is also a tool for activists in social movements, women, people with disabilities and community developers working toward healthy, sustainable communities. Access the tool here. [Source: OHPE bulletin]

Key Learning on Social and Economic Inclusion - In the late 1990s, PPHB Atlantic (then the Health Promotion and Programs Branch) adopted the concepts of social and economic inclusion as an overarching goal. Key Learning Two is the second set of learning from the resulting work on social and economic inclusion. The seventeen-page report describes the actions taken since the 1998 Think-Tank on Child Poverty and identifies seventeen key learnings. Read the report here. [Source: OHPE bulletin]

Laidlaw Foundation examines social inclusion - As part of the new focus of its Children's Agenda Program, the Laidlaw Foundation has released working papers on social inclusion. The papers are part of a two-year process in which the foundation adopted social inclusion as a tool for evaluation and advancing social policy that supports children and their families. These papers, and others that were previously released, discuss the importance of building communities that embrace inclusiveness. For more information or to download the papers, click here.

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