With everything going on with our neighbours to the south, it’s natural to want to help in whatever way you can, but you don’t need to cross the border to do it. Here is a diverse handful of local feminist organizations that are bringing some stand-up work to Toronto — and they need our support now! Spread the word, check out an event, podcast or workshop or lend your hand as a volunteer if you like. We can all support the work being done to make sure women in Toronto and beyond get heard, can stay supported, stay empowered, creative, healthy and living well. AND LET’S! Here are some place you might start:
The program pairs up young female Torontonians with female City Councillors for six months where they can gain exposure to the process of policy-making, committee and council meetings, media interviews and other parts of the gig. It’s all about engaging young women in municipal politics and making “running for office one day” that much more accessible. Applications for the 2017 cycle have closed, but tell any friends who might be happy to know this exists about this now.
This co-working space at 703 Bloor St. is all about supporting women who want to bring their whole self to work as a female entrepreneur or freelancer. It’s a space where women on their hustle can show up authentically, take part in seminars and well-being workshops and generally benefit from the supportive sisterhood of other professional women working toward the same goal.
The team at this 1139 College St. studio is made up of artists and educators teaches 2D, 3D and time-based art mediums to women and offer a direct connection to female artists working today. G.A.L.S offers regular eight-week courses, workshops and artists talks, self-directed learning programs and mentorship programs to help artists make an impact.
There’s still a dismal number of women in tech compared to men in the industry — and Ladies Learning Code is working to change that. Here, women interested in learning how to create, not just consume, technology, can learn technical skills in a hands-on, collaborative way. There are tons of ways to volunteer and support this crew in making their sessions what they are.
Founded by Toronto Women’s March co-founder Kavita Dogra, We Talk Women is all about starting conversations that break the silence surrounding women’s rights injustices and sexual, physical and emotional violence. Lend your voice and share your stories or experiences with readers. Email in your ideas to [email protected].
This locally made magazine is an independent Canadian voice for smart, strong, sassy young women and trans youth” and it’s a joy to read. Shameless covers topics like news, culture, politics, alternative beauty, fashion and more. Grab a subscription, check out their podcast or submit your work. And keep an eye on their site for calls for submissions to other like-minded magazines.
Rise Up! is a digital archive of feminist activism in Canada from the 1970s to the 1990s. You can help support by contributing materials — your old photos, flyers, buttons and documents to help keep the diversity of feminist activism well represented in the archive, or help scan and digitize materials or other volunteer activities.
Women’s Health In Women’s Hands Community Health Centre
WHIWH Community Health Centre provides healthcare to women from the African, Black, Caribbean, Latin American and South Asian communities in Toronto and surrounding areas. They offer counseling services, HIV testing, diabetes education and more. They’re currently seeking volunteers also, FYI.
TOFemCO Toronto Feminist Collective
This collective started in 2015 as a book club, then grew into a podcast, blog and potluck series. They hold lots of different social events. Check one out and make new friends!
