Doors Open

This weekend is Doors Open, always a neat opportunity to see what's inside some of Toronto's historical buildings. In case, say, you've had a hankering to go to the Don Jail.

I haven't done a hard count to compare, but it looks like venues north of, say, St. Clair are a bit thinner on the ground this year. Still, worth a subway trip to investigate a few places.

The Star has some articles and handy maps here.

Policy Wiki

Now here's a cool idea. Did you ever think that you could write a better law than what's out there already? The Globe and Mail has started a Policy Wiki where you can collaboratively do just that:
 

What is this site for?

We want you to help us send the government a message about what you think federal policy should look like, and the principles it should be based on. But we don't just want you to give us your comments (although that's fine too, and you can do that in the forum). We'd also like you to use the wiki's built-in tools to help us create a series of positions on policy issues, which we can pass on to the government as a tangible sign of what you think must be done. Although we are asking for you to rate the positions and rank? the issues you care about, however, it is not meant to be a simple popularity contest

Issues such as Immigration, Climate Change and Afghanistan are currently featured on the front page.

(Another similar wiki can be found at OpenPolitics.ca)

Toronto Civics 101

A new initiative from the City of Toronto:

Welcome to Toronto Civics 101 - the new public learning
series offered by the City of Toronto!

Do you wonder how decisions affecting your neighbourhood are made?

Do you wish you were more involved in your community and the city?

If you have questions, we have answers.

Mayor Miller invites you to get involved You'll need the Window Media Player. If you don't already have the player, you can safely download it for free.

The City of Toronto invites you to learn about your City government through the first Toronto Civics 101 program, starting this fall. In just six sessions you can find out how decisions are made, what's behind the numbers and news, who-does-what, and take a peek into the City's future. The sessions are free, and include visits to interesting City sites.

Toronto Civics 101 is for people who are interested in learning about how the City works, and want to make a difference in Toronto. The sessions are designed to be interesting and informative for people with little or no previous experience or knowledge of City government. Participants will represent a diversity of backgrounds and come from across the city.

To attend in person, you must live or own a business in Toronto and be at least 18 years of age. Space is limited but each session will also be posted on-line and archived for those wishing to follow along at their own convenience.

Full information here.

AGM and other news

Minutes from our AGM are here.  We elected a new executive, which is listed here.

 

Resolutions on "Israel/Palestine" and "Internal Organization" were passed at the AGM and will be sent to the federal convention.

We are still looking for potential delegates to the NDP Federal Convention (to be held in Halifax, August 14th to 16th 2009). Get in touch ASAP if you are interested.

The members of the executive are doing our best to maintain all the bureaucratic infrastructure required of a riding association. We always want to do more things, and have more meetings that don't revolve around agendas and committees. If that sounds like a good idea to you, we need your help! If there's a kind of event you think we should be holding, and you have a little time to help us get it organized, please let us know! Just leave a comment - even if you just want to pass along some ideas.

Keep an eye out in this space for (almost) up-to-the-minute news and notes. If you know of something going on in our neighbourhood, or if you're involved in activity you want people to know about, or just have an interesting link to share, just drop a note and I'll get it posted.

Hearts & Minds Online - Second Issue

Our friends in the Parkdale-High Park NDP (check out their stylish new website!) have the second issue of their snazzy, informative magazine online:

Hearts & Minds Online - Second Issue

After the positive comments received for the first issue of Hearts & Minds, we are pleased to announce the second issue of Hearts & Minds. We hope that you will find the articles both informative and a stimulus for discussion. Indeed, we soon hope to launch an online forum so that you will be able to share your feelings and opinions on individual items.

Start Reading Now

Fundraiser for Toronto Centre NDP

Sunday May 24, 2009

The Toronto Centre NDP Present:

Raoul and the Big Time

The evening will feature the music of acclaimed blues artists Raoul and the Big Time and a live auction. Tickets are $40 (with a tax receipt for $25)

Location: The Berkeley Church 315 Queen Street East

Auction items include tickets to Soulpepper Theatre, unique jewellery by designer Anita Agrawal, dancing lessons with Johnny A. Wright - star of Dirty Dancing, and much much more.

For tickets visit www.ticketbreak.com/event_details/2856

A Portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.