youth action project on poverty: report to mayor's task force

youth ACTion projecton Poverty

Recommendations submitted to the Mayors Task Force on Poverty #yapyeg #endpovertyyeg

February 18, 2015

Youth Action Project on Poverty

John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights 1

BackgroundIn response to the Mayors Task Force on Poverty, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, with partner Young Diverse and Proud, has brought together a team of young Edmontonians to provide direct input into #endpovertyyeg. With three out of ten Edmontonians living in poverty being children, we felt it was essential that in the process of creating a plan for the City of Edmonton, the voice of children and youth needed to be included.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, child participation is essential and youth should be involved in the decisions that affect their lives. Over the past six months, these young Edmontonians have spent time visiting community agencies, conducting street outreach as well as engaging with advocates in debate and dialogue on the issue of poverty.

Using a human rights based approach, the youth looked at poverty through four key themes; all core elements to living a life of well-being and to ones full potential:

Justice Security Freedom Dignity

The following recommendations are a result of the work among these young Edmontonians; a group of diverse youth and many experiencing poverty themselves.

We would like to humbly thank the City of Edmonton, Telus Community Foundation and the Edmonton Golden Gate Lions for their support to this project. Your support has helped to transform lives.

We also would like to thank our partner Young Diverse and Proud for their amazing commitment and support through this project.



Recommendation One: JUSTICEBylaw ticketing (jaywalking, LRT tickets, etc.) targets those who experience poverty, placing many in the justice system and consequently criminalizes them for their inability to pay fines. This can open up a life within the criminal system. We recommend that summary offences such as these be dealt with differently: creative repayment options rather than jail time; more mentorship programs and supports for ticketed individuals; flexible court dates; and, a sliding pay/community service repayment option.

Proposed Action(s):Change existing penalties for summary offences (jaywalking, LRT tickets, etc.)

Lead Responsibility and Partners :City of Edmonton lobby Provincial Courts and Government; Municipal Police

Issues Being Addressed or Rationale:Bylaw tickets often target the most vulnerable in our community, leading to criminalization of the poor who cannot pay tickets and end up in jail. It costs the system $171.00/day for each individual who ends up incarcerated due to summary offences such as unpaid fines. We see this as an unnecessary burden to the system and an unfair consequence for those who already experience multiple barriers to resources.

Population Groups Impacted or Will Benefit from This Action:Low income individuals, Youth, Seniors, Aboriginal Peoples and Newcomers

Implementation Approach, Steps or Suggestions:We recommend the City of Edmonton engage in lobbying the Provincial Government/Courts to see changes to penalties as well as advocate on behalf of those targeted and criminalized by the Edmonton Police Service, Bylaw and Transit Officers (see Security Recommendation for suggested education/training program).

Resources Needed:Political commitment to lobbying at the Provincial level and educational and policy changes at the municipal level. Funding needed to support mentorship and supports provided by community agencies that support individuals who have a difficult time paying fines.



Recommendation Two: SECURITY Mistrust of police and law enforcement is a key factor when looking at issues of safety and security for those struggling with poverty. Cultural sensitivity training for police is not adequate. We recommend a mandatory Criminalization Simulation for all officers and managers in justice and enforcement. This program will be developed and delivered by youth and other individuals who have lived experience with the criminal justice system, poverty and criminalization.

Proposed Action(s):Implement education and training for law enforcement/bylaw officers that challenges existing perceptions and negative interactions between officers and the public thus reducing instances of targeting and criminalizing those in poverty.

Lead Responsibility and Partners:City of Edmonton and Edmonton Police Services support development and delivery of this training offered by agencies working with criminalized and street-involved individuals.

Issues Being Addressed or Rationale:Interactions between law enforcement and marginalized populations are often fraught with tension and can lead to safety and security issues for these individuals as well as the wider public. The simulation, composed from true stories of criminalization, would provide insight into how negative stereotypes influence police-citizen interaction; how police might communicate more effectively with vulnerable persons; and, how empathy and understanding can play a positive role in enforcing safety in our community.

Population Groups Impacted or Will Benefit From This Action:Low income individuals, Youth, Aboriginal Peoples, Newcomers and other vulnerable persons. Individuals in law Enforcement will benefit as well.

Implementation Approach, Steps or Suggestions:Seek input from iHumans Uncensored program as well as the United Ways poverty simulation, both programs have records of success and impact in the community.

Resources Needed:Funding to support the development and delivery of criminalization simulation by local agencies/individuals



Recommendation Three: FREEDOM Those experiencing poverty often face difficulties when trying to access services, supports and resources. We recommend the City of Edmonton support local organizations in developing an effective method of inter-agency communication to reduce the frustration and confusion experienced by those trying to access services. We recommend revitalizing 211s functionality and accessibility and ensure that it is a well-publicized, easily accessible, single resource.

Proposed Action(s):211 must be better advertised ensuring all citizens are aware of it; this includes television, social media, radio, billboards and social media promotion with phrases like What do you need?. The City should support a Hackathon open to all Edmontonians to see who could create the best 211 App and come up with a fresh publicity strategy to engage the public and local agencies.Lead Responsibility and Partners:City of Edmonton and non-profit sector to enhance inter-agency communication. City of Edmonton and business sector support and provide incentives for hackathon or other computer programming development/competitions for 211.Issues Being Addressed or Rationale:Those who are most vulnerable and in need of supports and services are frequently discouraged and frustrated when getting the run-around from multiple departments or agencies. Sometimes the greatest barrier to someone accessing resources is when agencies and departments dont have the correct information or strong inter-agency networks to help connect individuals with the services providers or supports they need. Population Groups Impacted or Will Benefit From This Action:All Edmontonians; especially those facing barriers such as persons with physical and mental disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, vulnerable persons, low and middle income families and individuals, seniors, newcomers and Aboriginal persons.Implementation Approach, Steps or Suggestions: Support existing agencies and services to be connected via a common resource centre or online

information hub such as 211; but make it easy to use, effective for all and properly resourced. Support, through advocacy or lobbying, financial sustainability for agencies who are integral

service providers in our community and ensure that individuals seeking supports and services are not being left behind due to red-tape, misinformation and frustration.

Resources Needed:Funding to support the development of an app and for revitalization of 211; support for inter-agency networking and collaboration.



Recommendation Four: DIGNITYShifting attitudes about those who experience poverty is an integral piece of poverty elimination work. We recommend a City sanctioned and sponsored day to celebrate Dignity (corresponding with Global Dignity Day - mid October) this day will encourage storytelling, conversations and creative collaborations that humanize the experiences of those in poverty. Bringing together marginalized and mainstream communities to share stories of dignity can change perceptions of how the poor are seen and stigmatized in our community.Proposed Action(s):Adopt a City-wide day of dignity promoting it through social media using the hashtag #DailyDignity; Allow sub-events to pop up in neighbourhoods and agencies that build trust and relationships among diverse populations, challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusive respectful interactions.Lead Responsibility and Partners:City of Edmonton, community agencies, artists and individuals who want to contribute to main event or sub-events (perhaps at local libraries and community leagues)Issues Being Addressed or Rationale:Many people who live in poverty are seen with disgust and disregard; we need to address this before we can truly end poverty in Edmonton. One way to promote dignity for all is to ensure that individuals on the margins are heard and included in speaking about barriers they face. Focusing on dignity as a key piece of poverty elimination work acknowledges the lack of respect, trust and voice experienced by those in poverty. Storytelling is a powerful way to change the minds and hearts of those who cant see past a label. Population Groups Impacted or Will Benefit From This Action:All Edmontonians; especially those facing barriers and subject to stereotypes such as persons with physical and mental disabilities, low and middle income families and individuals, LGBTQ individuals, seniors, newcomers and Aboriginal persons.Implementation Approach, Steps or Suggestions:We suggest using social media and grassroots organizers to gain excitement and interest in this project to promote and celebrate dignity (#dignitydiaries, #Dailydignity). Connect with local artists, agencies and individuals to tell stories in a dynamic way. Use sub-events to gain momentum for larger city-wide event.Resources Needed:City of Edmonton funding; opportunities for grassroots storytelling and support for agencies and individuals engaged in this creative work in the community.



The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights is an organization committed to advancing the principles enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international documents, through education, dialogue and change. Named after John Peters Humphrey, a Canadian lawyer and principal drafter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Centre believes that education in human rights has an immense power to transform.

On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable development. (Kofi Annan)

www.jhcentre.org

2014/2015 Board of DirectorsJoan Cowling, President

Lewis Cardinal, Vice PresidentRobert Gardner, Treasurer

Norm McLeod, SecretaryGurcharan Bhatia

Dominique ClmentClaire EdwardsSalma LakhaniRaffath Sayeed

Roxanne Ulanicki



youth action project on poverty: report to mayor's task force

Documents