Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Adrienne Montani, with First Call BC, Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, shared with us the shocking statistics of child poverty in BC. 1 in 5 BC children is living in poverty, and some groups are much more highly affected than others (including single parent families led by females). The average family is $10,000 below the poverty line.? She also shared some of the encouraging work the First Call member organizations are doing on behalf of children and youth, to prevent poverty and give them a better chance in life. For example, they have worked to prevent child support from being clawed back from Income and Disability Assistance so that the money actually goes to the parent to provide for the child.
Although it was rainy and blustery and many of us were late, we were all glad that we came out to hear this inspiring speaker and enjoy each other’s company.
Vice-president Vickie Mitchell and speaker Adrienne Montani.? Our president, Deanna Evertt, is away on vacation.
After the speakers, we took some time for Table Talks again to refine our advocacy ideas from last time. The Vancouver Council of Women is also working on the Highway of Tears issue, and has sent a letter to the Ministry of Transportation regarding bus service on Hwy. 16. At our September meeting, we discussed whether we could do something about the new tax laws for small businesses; at this meeting, we were informed that the government has realized some of the issues and is rethinking the matter already. Our fifth topic, support for newly single women, resonated most with us this time and tied in neatly with some of the issues Adrienne talked about.? For example, she mentioned $10/day childcare, and this ties in with empowering single mothers to upgrade their life skills and education and gain stable employment.
Our next Resolutions Committee meeting is at 6 pm on Wednesday, October 25th. If you are interested in joining us, please use our Contact Form to request the address.
(PS due to thousands of spam comments, I’ve had to turn off commenting. Please submit your comments using the contact form.? Thanks!)
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