On behalf of the staff team who planned, developed and ran the inaugural Toronto Civics 101 I'd like to thank all of you for your participation and for making our first attempt so successful.
We has some worries (would anyone apply?), some bumps along the way (how come the videos of each session couldn't be viewed by everyone?), excitement (meeting session participants and anticipating how you would react to each session) and some wistfulness when we said good by to all of you and to the last session.
We are sifting through all of the evaluations and will be posting summaries in the next few weeks here and on the City's website. Many of you have commented that you enjoyed the program, would like to continue to learn about the City and recommend a similar opportunity for other Torontonians - we'll be figuring out our plans for 2010 soon - and will be in touch with you over the coming months.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Guest Blogger - Toronto Civics 101 Final Session: Grassroots
~ Guest Bloggers can submit posts to this site - the opinions of the authors are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the postion of the City of Toronto, Civic Engagement Toronto or Toronto Civics 101. ~
The following post comes to us from Adil Dhalla:
Do you demand more from your government?
I do and I have often felt that by demanding more, I was doing my leaders somewhat of a service. Having high expectations, after all, may be considered foolish by some but it can also be a flattering indication of one's perceived potential. I know my city is consistently ranked among the world's best but like many, I have this prevailing feeling that we can be better. It’s for this reason why I originally applied for Civics 101 - to determine whether or not my expectations were flattering or in fact foolish. It turns out that they were indeed flattering but rather than finding myself demanding more from City Hall, I'm now demanding more from us.
The following post comes to us from Adil Dhalla:
Do you demand more from your government?
I do and I have often felt that by demanding more, I was doing my leaders somewhat of a service. Having high expectations, after all, may be considered foolish by some but it can also be a flattering indication of one's perceived potential. I know my city is consistently ranked among the world's best but like many, I have this prevailing feeling that we can be better. It’s for this reason why I originally applied for Civics 101 - to determine whether or not my expectations were flattering or in fact foolish. It turns out that they were indeed flattering but rather than finding myself demanding more from City Hall, I'm now demanding more from us.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Discussion Topics for Session 6 - Preliminary List
Listed below are topics proposed for small group discussion during Session 6 of Toronto Civics 101. These topics have been submitted by participants and City staff. In some cases, similar discussion topics submitted have been synthesized into a single topic.
New topics can still be submitted by posting a comment here or sending an email to engagement@toronto.ca up to the start of discussions on December 3.
1. Next Steps - Post Toronto Civics 101
Now that you have completed Toronto Civics 101 and gained this information – what will you do with it? Discuss your plans with your fellow participants.
2. Compare Notes on Organizing with Social Media
Blogs, Facebook and Twitter are some of the tools gaining popularity to communicate with and organize people with common interests. Share your stories about using these tools.
3. Volunteering Stories
Volunteering is one way to get involved in your community and contribute to your City. Discuss some of your lessons from volunteering experiences.
New topics can still be submitted by posting a comment here or sending an email to engagement@toronto.ca up to the start of discussions on December 3.
1. Next Steps - Post Toronto Civics 101
Now that you have completed Toronto Civics 101 and gained this information – what will you do with it? Discuss your plans with your fellow participants.
2. Compare Notes on Organizing with Social Media
Blogs, Facebook and Twitter are some of the tools gaining popularity to communicate with and organize people with common interests. Share your stories about using these tools.
3. Volunteering Stories
Volunteering is one way to get involved in your community and contribute to your City. Discuss some of your lessons from volunteering experiences.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Session 5 - Themed Report on Elections Exercise
Attached are images of the themed report on the elections exercise participants discussed during Session 5. There were two questions asked during the exercise:
1. What influences your decision to vote?
2. What is the one thing that you think would increase voter turnout in Toronto?
Themes that emerged from question 1:
1. Youth Outreach
2. Special Day, Date and Time
3. Making the issues relevant to Citizens
4. Fines or Incentives
5. Education, information, awareness and Advertising
6. Hold Candidates/ Elections Accountable and Civic Duty
7. Representative Electorate
8. Other
Themes that emerged from question 2:
1. Duty, Rights and Privilege
2. Local or Critical Issue
3. The Candidate
4. Don't vote
5. Each Vote Makes a Difference
6. Good Information
7. Political Platforms
8. Other
1. What influences your decision to vote?
2. What is the one thing that you think would increase voter turnout in Toronto?
Themes that emerged from question 1:
1. Youth Outreach
2. Special Day, Date and Time
3. Making the issues relevant to Citizens
4. Fines or Incentives
5. Education, information, awareness and Advertising
6. Hold Candidates/ Elections Accountable and Civic Duty
7. Representative Electorate
8. Other
Themes that emerged from question 2:
1. Duty, Rights and Privilege
2. Local or Critical Issue
3. The Candidate
4. Don't vote
5. Each Vote Makes a Difference
6. Good Information
7. Political Platforms
8. Other
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Agenda for Session 6 - Send Us Your Ideas!
This is a message for all participants in Toronto Civics 101.
For the sixth and final session of Toronto Civics 101, we want you to help us form the agenda.
Throughout this series, you've had the opportunity to meet and talk with people who share your curiosity and passion for Toronto - people with an interest in making a great city better.
In this session, “Lessons and Leadership”, you will have the opportunity to discuss what you have learned through the program with other participants. Topics may include something people were curious about coming into the program, something mentioned during one of the sessions, or an idea you have generated from what you've learned. You will have at least 45 min during the session for this purpose.
Do you have an idea for discussion? Submit your idea here by commenting on this post, or send it directly to us at engagement@toronto.ca by November 26. Keep your description brief (no more than four lines) and with a clear title. We will post proposed topics here leading up the session, so that participants can see what groups they are interested in joining.
For the sixth and final session of Toronto Civics 101, we want you to help us form the agenda.
Throughout this series, you've had the opportunity to meet and talk with people who share your curiosity and passion for Toronto - people with an interest in making a great city better.
Friday, November 13, 2009
T.O. Civics 101, Session 5 – Are City Councillors Overworked?
~ Guest Bloggers can submit posts to this site. The opinions of the authors are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the position of the City of Toronto, Civic Engagement Toronto or Toronto Civics 101. ~
The following post comes to us from Bill Gaw:
During yesterday evening's discussion on municipal elections and the councillor's presentation on the roles/activities of a municipal councillor, I started out being impressed with the scope of effort required, and gradually became concerned about the weight of that work on the poor folk who win election. As their employer I began to worry that we are over-stressing our representatives.
If councillors find themselves overworked, I'm sure there is some mechanism for them to bail out without too much harm, but what about the effect on work quality?
Do we have research to suggest limits on how many roles a councilor can manage before their performance in terms of level of understanding, attention to detail, ability to attend meetings, and the ability to focus on the critical agenda, begins to fall apart and produce poor quality decisions? Have councillors themselves expressed a view on work load versus work quality?
I found it educational to attend the Budget Committee Capital Budget Hearing this morning. The member councillors seemed to have a fair grasp of the issues; the non-member councillors appeared to be vague on detail; a surprising number of councillors did not appear to be paying attention to the public presentations; and two councillors were asked to leave the committee room so that their side conversation would not distract a presenter. It was also interesting to note how often staff did not know the answers to perfectly reasonable questions from councillors.
Bill Gaw
The following post comes to us from Bill Gaw:
During yesterday evening's discussion on municipal elections and the councillor's presentation on the roles/activities of a municipal councillor, I started out being impressed with the scope of effort required, and gradually became concerned about the weight of that work on the poor folk who win election. As their employer I began to worry that we are over-stressing our representatives.
If councillors find themselves overworked, I'm sure there is some mechanism for them to bail out without too much harm, but what about the effect on work quality?
Do we have research to suggest limits on how many roles a councilor can manage before their performance in terms of level of understanding, attention to detail, ability to attend meetings, and the ability to focus on the critical agenda, begins to fall apart and produce poor quality decisions? Have councillors themselves expressed a view on work load versus work quality?
I found it educational to attend the Budget Committee Capital Budget Hearing this morning. The member councillors seemed to have a fair grasp of the issues; the non-member councillors appeared to be vague on detail; a surprising number of councillors did not appear to be paying attention to the public presentations; and two councillors were asked to leave the committee room so that their side conversation would not distract a presenter. It was also interesting to note how often staff did not know the answers to perfectly reasonable questions from councillors.
Bill Gaw
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Your City on the Web - an event at the Toronto Reference Library
Here is news of an event that may be of interest to Toronto Civics 101 participants. Thanks to Michael Shelley for suggesting it!
_____________________
Your City on the Web
Learn about the City of Toronto's website and how to find housing and job information, financial assistance programs, recreational events and more. Find out about your neighbourhood, who your City Councillor is and how to get in touch.
Thursdays, Sept. 17, Oct. 22, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, 2:00-3:00 pm
Le@rning Centre 1
For more information, call the Toronto Reference Library user education line at 416-393-7209 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm or visit their website.
_____________________
Your City on the Web
Learn about the City of Toronto's website and how to find housing and job information, financial assistance programs, recreational events and more. Find out about your neighbourhood, who your City Councillor is and how to get in touch.
Thursdays, Sept. 17, Oct. 22, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, 2:00-3:00 pm
Le@rning Centre 1
For more information, call the Toronto Reference Library user education line at 416-393-7209 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm or visit their website.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
T.O. Civics 101, Session 4 – Engagement, the Underfunded City and the Citizen Response
~ Guest Bloggers can submit posts to this site. The opinions of the authors are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the position of the City of Toronto, Civic Engagement Toronto or Toronto Civics 101. ~
The following post comes to us from Adil Dhalla:
After telling a friend that I couldn’t go out last Thursday because I was attending a Toronto Engagement event, he jokingly responded “Okay buddy, have a good time getting engaged to the city”. Obviously, had I clarified the entire title of the series, he would not have had the chance to play with my words but it did force me to consider the important distinction between education and engagement.
To the onlooker, Civics 101 might appear more about educating citizens about the city and certainly, there has been a great deal of information shared. But what elevates the experience to ‘engagement’ is the fact that participants for 101 are hearing from actual decision makers and then being encouraged to work together to tackle the city’s challenges. This approach not only leaves participants with a much deeper understanding of how the city operates, but can lead to collaborative thinking which could manifest into real solutions.
This week, for example, we were led into a deep discussion of the city’s finances by Shelley Carroll (the city’s Budget Chief) and Cam Weldon (the City’s CFO). The session was part informative, part interactive, as we sat at circular tables and attempted in small groups to balance the city’s budget. The exercise had a profound impact and helping me understand how hard it is for the city to match the needs of its citizens without raising taxes or making cuts and redistributing resources.
With neither option welcoming, there are two conclusions that can be drawn:
The second point, however, allows me to return to this concept of engagement. Listening to Councilor Carroll, my mind began racing with ideas on how the city could generate more revenues. My ideas weren’t about what the city could do, as much as they were about what we citizens could do. For example, we could crowd-source for needed projects (akin to what President Obama has been doing) or create an initiative that encourages businesses to make a small contribution back to the city. For example, I am launching a new business soon and am now considering a give-back to the city as part of our social contribution. Sure, my contribution might only be enough at first to install a new swing set but to the detractors, I would say one swing set is better than no swing set and what would happen if we all thought about one thing we could do?
The point is, education leads to learning whereas engagement leads to collaboration and new thinking. I hope it’s doing the same for you and would love to hear how.
_____________________________________
Adil Dhalla (@TheNetTale) is the founder of creativitykilledtherecession.org.
The following post comes to us from Adil Dhalla:
After telling a friend that I couldn’t go out last Thursday because I was attending a Toronto Engagement event, he jokingly responded “Okay buddy, have a good time getting engaged to the city”. Obviously, had I clarified the entire title of the series, he would not have had the chance to play with my words but it did force me to consider the important distinction between education and engagement.
To the onlooker, Civics 101 might appear more about educating citizens about the city and certainly, there has been a great deal of information shared. But what elevates the experience to ‘engagement’ is the fact that participants for 101 are hearing from actual decision makers and then being encouraged to work together to tackle the city’s challenges. This approach not only leaves participants with a much deeper understanding of how the city operates, but can lead to collaborative thinking which could manifest into real solutions.
This week, for example, we were led into a deep discussion of the city’s finances by Shelley Carroll (the city’s Budget Chief) and Cam Weldon (the City’s CFO). The session was part informative, part interactive, as we sat at circular tables and attempted in small groups to balance the city’s budget. The exercise had a profound impact and helping me understand how hard it is for the city to match the needs of its citizens without raising taxes or making cuts and redistributing resources.
With neither option welcoming, there are two conclusions that can be drawn:
- The city must continually work to ensure that each of its arms are accountable and maximizing the potential of what they are allotted and
- Assuming no one wants more taxes and that we cannot rely on larger contributions from other levels of government, the City needs to get creative in deriving revenue.
The second point, however, allows me to return to this concept of engagement. Listening to Councilor Carroll, my mind began racing with ideas on how the city could generate more revenues. My ideas weren’t about what the city could do, as much as they were about what we citizens could do. For example, we could crowd-source for needed projects (akin to what President Obama has been doing) or create an initiative that encourages businesses to make a small contribution back to the city. For example, I am launching a new business soon and am now considering a give-back to the city as part of our social contribution. Sure, my contribution might only be enough at first to install a new swing set but to the detractors, I would say one swing set is better than no swing set and what would happen if we all thought about one thing we could do?
The point is, education leads to learning whereas engagement leads to collaboration and new thinking. I hope it’s doing the same for you and would love to hear how.
_____________________________________
Adil Dhalla (@TheNetTale) is the founder of creativitykilledtherecession.org.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Guest Blogger - Session 3: How City Council Makes Decisions
~ Guest Bloggers can submit posts to this site. The opinions of the authors are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the position of the City of Toronto, Civic Engagement Toronto or Toronto Civics 101. ~
The following post comes to us from Adil Dhalla:
There were two competing feelings I had following Session 3 of Toronto Civics 101 – How City Council Makes Decisions – and I’m still not sure if I’ve reconciled between the two.
The first feeling was motivated by realizing the sheer dearth of information the city shares online with its citizens. For example, we are the first municipality in Ontario to provide all of our councilor’s expenses online. It turns out; Mayor Miller’s use of a broom during his first Mayoral campaign was indeed representative of his desire for accountability and not some bizarre attempt to appeal to the Harry Potter obsessed voters (we know you’re out there). Joking aside, you really get the sense that the city goes to extreme lengths to share their activities online and for this act of ongoing transparency they must be lauded.
The following post comes to us from Adil Dhalla:
There were two competing feelings I had following Session 3 of Toronto Civics 101 – How City Council Makes Decisions – and I’m still not sure if I’ve reconciled between the two.
The first feeling was motivated by realizing the sheer dearth of information the city shares online with its citizens. For example, we are the first municipality in Ontario to provide all of our councilor’s expenses online. It turns out; Mayor Miller’s use of a broom during his first Mayoral campaign was indeed representative of his desire for accountability and not some bizarre attempt to appeal to the Harry Potter obsessed voters (we know you’re out there). Joking aside, you really get the sense that the city goes to extreme lengths to share their activities online and for this act of ongoing transparency they must be lauded.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tour by Toronto's Ombudsman October 20
From Toronto Civics 101 participant Bill Gaw comes this note:
You can read the whole article on line here
Blog thought for anyone interested (but it is time-critical)... Following Fiona Murray's introduction to the City of Toronto Accountability Officers on Thursday, I noticed this tiny newspaper announcement in Friday's Scarborough Mirror:
"What should I know about Toronto's Ombudsman?
Find out Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 7-9 p.m. at the Scarborough Civic Centre"
An accompanying article by David Nickle reports:
"Toronto Ombudsman Fiona Crean is coming to Scarborough next week to find out from residents what's working, and what could be working better, at the City of Toronto.
The visit marks the first time that Toronto's new ombudsman has met with residents beyond the downtown confines of Toronto City Hall. The meeting will be sort of a get-to-know-each other session. Crean is hoping that she'll be able to explain the purpose of her office..."
You can read the whole article on line here
Friday, October 16, 2009
Governance Quiz
At last night's session on governance and decision-making we did a short quiz and we've reproduced it here. The quiz results are below as well - try it out, see how many you get right!
Session 3: How City Council Makes Decisions – Quiz
1. The authority and power that the City of Toronto has is granted by:
a) Federal legislation
b) Provincial legislation
c) A municipal by-law
d) The Canadian Constitution
2. Community Councils are:
a) Local neighbourhood organizations
b) City Committees run by members of the public
c) A type of municipal court
d) Geographically-based committees of Council made up of City Councillors
3. Can the Mayor override City Council decisions?
a) Yes, in emergency situations
b) Yes, if the issue impacts the Ward where he or she lives
c) No, the Mayor does not have this power
d) Yes, anytime he or she wants to
4. Meetings of City Council:
a) Are always open to the public
b) Can be held in private only under strict rules
c) Can be held in private at the request of any Councillor
d) Are never held in public unless the majority of Council makes that request
5. What is the relationship between the Toronto Public Library and the City of Toronto?
a) The Library is governed by a Board made up of City Councillors and members of the public appointed by City Council
b) There is no formal relationship between the Library and the City
c) The Library is funded and run by the Provincial government
d) The Library is overseen by a Board made up of senior librarians
6. Who are the members of a Standing Committee of Council?
a) Volunteer members of the public
b) Staff with expertise in various subject areas
c) Special appointees similar to Senators in Federal Parliament
d) City Councillors
Session 3: How City Council Makes Decisions – Quiz
1. The authority and power that the City of Toronto has is granted by:
a) Federal legislation
b) Provincial legislation
c) A municipal by-law
d) The Canadian Constitution
2. Community Councils are:
a) Local neighbourhood organizations
b) City Committees run by members of the public
c) A type of municipal court
d) Geographically-based committees of Council made up of City Councillors
3. Can the Mayor override City Council decisions?
a) Yes, in emergency situations
b) Yes, if the issue impacts the Ward where he or she lives
c) No, the Mayor does not have this power
d) Yes, anytime he or she wants to
4. Meetings of City Council:
a) Are always open to the public
b) Can be held in private only under strict rules
c) Can be held in private at the request of any Councillor
d) Are never held in public unless the majority of Council makes that request
5. What is the relationship between the Toronto Public Library and the City of Toronto?
a) The Library is governed by a Board made up of City Councillors and members of the public appointed by City Council
b) There is no formal relationship between the Library and the City
c) The Library is funded and run by the Provincial government
d) The Library is overseen by a Board made up of senior librarians
6. Who are the members of a Standing Committee of Council?
a) Volunteer members of the public
b) Staff with expertise in various subject areas
c) Special appointees similar to Senators in Federal Parliament
d) City Councillors
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Guest Blogger – More Questions on Planning
~ Guest Bloggers can submit posts to this site. The opinions of the authors are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the position of the City of Toronto, Civic Engagement Toronto or Toronto Civics 101. ~
Toronto Civics 101 participant Bill Gaw writes: During the Local Planning session we ran out of question time before I could raise these items with Paul or Jane. If there is space and time available perhaps they could comment through the blog spot.
Paul Bain and Jane Welsh of Toronto's City Planning Division respond to Bill’s questions below.
Question 1.
Bill asks: The Toronto Official Plan indicates that we want to reduce the need for automobile trips and increase cycling and walking as replacements. With that goal in mind, why do planners concentrate employment areas in segregated places instead of integrating them with other roles, similar to the way we integrate residential and commercial roles into mixed-use zones.
Paul answers: The Official Plan does call for reducing auto dependency. A majority of jobs in Toronto are actually in 'Mixed Use Areas' such as Downtown and the Centres that allow both commercial and residential uses. We are finding condominiums going up on the same block as office buildings downtown and in the Centres allowing people to walk to work. The Employment Districts, although they have about a third of Toronto's jobs, are different because they allow a fairly full range of industrial uses which are not a good idea to mix with residential because of truck traffic, noise, odours etc.
Toronto Civics 101 participant Bill Gaw writes: During the Local Planning session we ran out of question time before I could raise these items with Paul or Jane. If there is space and time available perhaps they could comment through the blog spot.
Paul Bain and Jane Welsh of Toronto's City Planning Division respond to Bill’s questions below.
Question 1.
Bill asks: The Toronto Official Plan indicates that we want to reduce the need for automobile trips and increase cycling and walking as replacements. With that goal in mind, why do planners concentrate employment areas in segregated places instead of integrating them with other roles, similar to the way we integrate residential and commercial roles into mixed-use zones.
Paul answers: The Official Plan does call for reducing auto dependency. A majority of jobs in Toronto are actually in 'Mixed Use Areas' such as Downtown and the Centres that allow both commercial and residential uses. We are finding condominiums going up on the same block as office buildings downtown and in the Centres allowing people to walk to work. The Employment Districts, although they have about a third of Toronto's jobs, are different because they allow a fairly full range of industrial uses which are not a good idea to mix with residential because of truck traffic, noise, odours etc.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Follow-up from Session 2 - exercises and feedback
The commitment of participants at both of the first two sessions has been great. We've tabulated some of the inputs from the opening and break-time exercises as well as reviewed all of the evaluation forms we've received so far.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Demystifying Local Planning
At last night's session - session 2 - cover a great deal of information about urban planning - design, legislation, Acts, who-does-what, policies and trends. For those of you who want to see the presentation from Paul Bain and Jane Welsh, we'll be posting it early next week - in the meantime here's the first 9 to whet your appetite! You can click on the images to see them in a larger format.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Guest Blogger - A View from the Crowd at T.O. 101
~ Guest Bloggers can submit posts to this site - the opinions of the authors are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the postion of the City of Toronto, Civic Engagement Toronto or Toronto Civics 101. ~
The most important premier to happen in Toronto last week was also the least reported. Over a hundred Torontonians making up a representative sample of the city came together at City Hall for the first of six Toronto Civics 101 events. There may have only been one camera and the presence of only one celebrity (Mayor Miller), but no other event could claim to have as much future potential for the prosperity of Toronto.
Toronto Civics 101 is an important step in civic engagement and although it’s a new initiative, it felt like a throwback to an era before we would just crowdsource opinions online. For that reason, it felt extra special to be among the delegates for the rare opportunity to learn firsthand about our city and engage with strangers who we shared at least one commonality with: to make Toronto even better.
The most important premier to happen in Toronto last week was also the least reported. Over a hundred Torontonians making up a representative sample of the city came together at City Hall for the first of six Toronto Civics 101 events. There may have only been one camera and the presence of only one celebrity (Mayor Miller), but no other event could claim to have as much future potential for the prosperity of Toronto.
Toronto Civics 101 is an important step in civic engagement and although it’s a new initiative, it felt like a throwback to an era before we would just crowdsource opinions online. For that reason, it felt extra special to be among the delegates for the rare opportunity to learn firsthand about our city and engage with strangers who we shared at least one commonality with: to make Toronto even better.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A few thoughts following the first session Sept 17 09
Many of the registered participants at the first session mentioned that it was great to be in Council Chambers - at the end of the session the question of how people can see the Chambers, or take a tour came up. Access Toronto has a self-guided tour of City Hall available - the link to the information is here. Council Chambers are open during Council meetings -to find out when those are you can visit http://www.toronto.ca/city_council/index.htm
One thing I noticed is how often we use acronyms in our writing and speeches - must watch out for that. Many people might be unfamiliar with OMB (Ontario Municipal Board); GTA (Greater Toronto Area) or even TPS (Toronto Public Service - the staff of the City, but is sometimes used to refer to the Toronto Police Services). Hope everyone can help us to be mindful of this - just let us know if we slip one or two in that we haven't adequately explained.
One thing I noticed is how often we use acronyms in our writing and speeches - must watch out for that. Many people might be unfamiliar with OMB (Ontario Municipal Board); GTA (Greater Toronto Area) or even TPS (Toronto Public Service - the staff of the City, but is sometimes used to refer to the Toronto Police Services). Hope everyone can help us to be mindful of this - just let us know if we slip one or two in that we haven't adequately explained.
Friday, September 11, 2009
It's Fall - I can feel the "back-to-school" excitement in the air!
September has always seemed like an extra new year to me - a second chance to keep some of those resolutions and get organized, make time to learn new things, find a new pencil and sharpener and lay down some ideas on fresh paper.
The idea of a civic education series started a few years ago. We looked at the kinds of information other cities provide to their residents, how civic literacy is taught by other levels of government and around the world, and we started to developed our plan. We soon realized we could spend every one of the next hundred evenings discussing how cities work, how decisions are made and the roles within local government - because issues, economies, communities, ideas and more, are always changing.
The idea of a civic education series started a few years ago. We looked at the kinds of information other cities provide to their residents, how civic literacy is taught by other levels of government and around the world, and we started to developed our plan. We soon realized we could spend every one of the next hundred evenings discussing how cities work, how decisions are made and the roles within local government - because issues, economies, communities, ideas and more, are always changing.
Commenting?
First thing you need to know: This blog is moderated and comments are read before being posted.
Moderation times are generally Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. but you can make comments at any time. They may not appear until the next business day or after the weekend. That doesn't mean that postings won't happen on the weekends or in the evenings, it just means that generally we do try to take some downtime now and again.
What will get posted: Anything related to Toronto Civics 101 - questions arising from the presentations, discussions on the various topics covered in the sessions, questions to other posters, comments on posts or questions by other readers, your evaluation of the sessions, this site, the resources etc.
What's not going to get posted. Please note, we encourage you to let us know what`s on your mind about the website, sessions or content but let's be mannerly in how we talk to each other. We will not be able to post:
(thanks to Keith for help in writing this!)
- Meg Shields
Moderation times are generally Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. but you can make comments at any time. They may not appear until the next business day or after the weekend. That doesn't mean that postings won't happen on the weekends or in the evenings, it just means that generally we do try to take some downtime now and again.
What will get posted: Anything related to Toronto Civics 101 - questions arising from the presentations, discussions on the various topics covered in the sessions, questions to other posters, comments on posts or questions by other readers, your evaluation of the sessions, this site, the resources etc.
What's not going to get posted. Please note, we encourage you to let us know what`s on your mind about the website, sessions or content but let's be mannerly in how we talk to each other. We will not be able to post:
- comments with information deemed to be someone's "private or personal" information,
- profanity, abusive language, abusive comments, threats, off topic comments, racist comments, sexist comments, pornography
- comments requesting services or comments about service delivery complaints and,
- anything even remotely resembling spam. No malicious links, advertising or advertising of services
(thanks to Keith for help in writing this!)
- Meg Shields
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