Power Up! Rally, Saturday 4 November 2023 at Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener

What: Power Up! Rally
When: 1:00pm on Saturday, 4 November 2023
Where: Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener City Hall
Location: 200 King Street West, Kitchener Map

You and your family are invited to the Power Up! Rally where we’ll bring clarity not only to the anticipated near to medium term impacts and implications of climate change on Southwestern Ontario, but also explore the progress being made on Waterloo Region’s Transform WR Plan (to achieve 50% reduction of fossil fuel use in the Region by 2030). In addition, there will be brief presentations by experts in solar power,heat pumps and geothermal projects to highlight clean energy options, and a local federal Member of Parliament about federal initiatives and programming. The Rally will end with ‘what WE can do NOW’ presentations by a variety of local activists and experts.

This Rally is being organized by 350 (left-pointing arrow to the left of numbers 350, white on a blue background)350.org in partnership with 50×30, Council of Canadians, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and Faith Climate Justice. We hope you’ll encourage your children and grandchildren to have fun creating signs, solar panels and heat pumps out of craft materials that they could bring and showcase. Also, please feel free to share this invitation and the graphic below widely through your personal and professional networks. The impacts of climate change are coming at us faster than we may have ever imagined but, together, we can work to ensure the ongoing security and quality of life of people in Waterloo Region.

Edit:
Our first Speaker is Kathryn Bakos from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation. She will talk about the expected climate impacts for Southern Ontario, the urgency for transition off of fossil fuels, and steps we can take to enhance energy efficiency, flood and fire protection, while saving money on energy and home insurance premiums.

A variety of speakers will highlight local or nearby climate solutions, such as West 5, which is Ontario’s first mixed-use Net Zero community, and Heather McDiarmid about the potential of Air Source Heat Pumps. We will also have Aislinn Clancy and Deb Chapman give their perspectives on local initiatives, and Mike Morrice, MP, will talk about Federal initiatives.

The rally will end with “What We Can Do Now” to support local initiatives and join local groups. One action is to sign a petition calling on the Federal Government to apply a 15% windfall profit tax on fossil fuel companies operating in Canada, and directing that revenue to support further action on climate change and improve affordability for Canadians, such as investments in public transit, retrofitting buildings and greening the electricity grid.

November 04, 2023 | Join us at Carl Zehr Square, 200 King St W at 1:00pm | Be part of a global day of action calling on our leaders to speed up the shift to renewable energy | Power Up for Climate Solutions! | Find out more at globalpowerup.org/canada

Queer Youth Defence, 11am on Saturday 21 October 2023 in the Gaukel Block

UWSN (five queer-coloured fists in the power salute entering the frame from all angles)GroundUpWR (green, yellow, and black letters beside three yellow up-pointing arrows with green roots)
What: Queer Youth Defence | Second Assembly
When: 11:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday 21 October 2023
Where: Gaukel Block, 44 Gaukel Street, Kitchener Map
Who: GroundUpWR and UW Solidarity Network

What's Happening?

A hate group “Hands Off Our Kids” is using anti-queer rhetoric to take away the rights of youth in determining their own identities. This is the second such “Million March” they have planned. We are denying them a space to spew their bigotry and queerphobia, and protecting the rights of youth to safety and privacy.

What's at the event?

  • Drag performances
  • Music and Art
  • Spoken Word
  • Allies
  • Community Organizations
  • Resources

What to bring?

  • A Face Mask (some masks will be available)
  • Anti-Hate Banners / Signs
  • Water / Snacks
  • First Aid Supplies
  • Earplugs and/or Sunglasses

Queer Youth Defence | Second Assembly | Saturday October 21st (2023) | Gaukel Block (44 Gaukel St) 11am - 3pm | What's Happening? | A hate group "Hands Off Our Kids" is using anti-queer rhetoric to take away the rights of youth in determining their own identities. This is the second such "Million March" they have planned. We are denying them a space to spew their bigotry and queerphobia, and protecting the rights of youth to safety and privacy. | What's at the event? | Drag performances | Music and Art | Spoken Word | Allies | Community Organizations | Resources || What to bring? | A Face Mask (some masks will be available) | Anti-Hate Banners / Signs | Water / Snacks | First Aid Supplies | Earplugs and/or Sunglasses || #NoSpaceForHate | (logos of UWSN and GroundUpWR)

Instagram: groundupwr Join the Second Queer Youth Defence!

Vigil for Gaza, 5pm Thursday 19 October 2023 at CBC on King St, Kitchener

What: Vigil for Gaza
When: 5:00pm, Thursday 19 October 2023
Where: In front of the CBC building
Location: 117 King Street West, Kitchener Map
Online: Vigil for Gaza (KW in support of Palestine on Facebook)

Join KW in support of Palestine for a vigil this Thursday, 19 October 2023 at 5:00 pm in front of the CBC building to honor all those murdered in Gaza by the ongoing Israeli bombing campaign and call out the media for their role in manufacturing consent for this ongoing genocide.

Since Tuesday, the Israeli regime has bombed more than one hospital filled with civilians seeking shelter. The death toll of just that attack is 800+. This is GENOCIDE.

In just the past 9 days we’ve seen the death toll rise to more than 4000, with more than 1000 of them being children. Entire neighborhoods have been wiped out and entire families. More than 47 families have been entirely removed from the Gaza civil registry. They’ve targeted and murdered medics, nurses and journalists. They’ve bombed schools, hospitals, ambulances, and residential buildings. There more than a million and a half Palestinians now internally displaced. This is genocide.

Come out and demand the end of media complicity, the end of the brutal bombing campaign and an end to the 17 year siege on Gaza while we honor those murdered by the Israeli regime.

Vigil for Gaza | Thursday, October 19 (2023) 5pm | CBC Building, 117 King St W, Kitchener (white and yellow letters over a background photo of a war-torn city, with two candles at the bottom. A number of organizations' logos are at the top)

Waterloo Regional Labour Council host a Movie Night, Thursday 2 November 2023 at the Apollo Cinema

What: Labour Movie Night in Waterloo Region — CLiFF 15
When: 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Thursday 2 November 2023
Where: Apollo Cinema
Location: 141 Ontario Street North, Kitchener Map
Register: https://waterloolabour.ca/events/labour-movie-night-in-waterloo-region-cliff-15/

Join the Waterloo Region Labour Council for an evening of Labour Films from the Canadian Labour International Film Festival.

Included in the evening will be seven short films:

Bergie (film poster of a man lying under a pink blanket; credits are illegible) Bergie: The term “bergie” is a South Africanism that refers to people that are homeless. This short film presents the view with a problem — a law enforcement officer has to remove homeless people sleeping on a path in the city in order to make way for a 10km fun-run. To do this, he has to wrestle with fundamental questions about the dignity of human life.



When We Fight | Inside the 2018 L.A. Teachhrs' strike (Film poster: B&W photo of people protesting on an orange background. There's a film award badge, illegible) When We Fight: In the second largest school district in the United States, in Los Angeles, California, 98% of the teachers vote to authorize a strike. Watch as one of the largest educator strikes in modern U.S. history unfolds in real-time, highlighting the stories and leadership of some of the women who led it, from union leaders to classsroom teachers. When We Fight goes behind picket lines, documenting how and why teachers strike.



Not Another Ballet Story (film poster: photo of four women against a black background, two ballet dancers in another photo; other film credits illegible) Not Another Ballet Story: Choreography is traditionally a male dominated occupation. In this inspiring documentary, a small contemporary dance company in San Francisco provides dancers, many of them female, with the unique opportunity to choreograph modern ballet productions. The hope is that this experience will give rise to more female creators, leaders, and choreographers.



Where Are You From? (Film poster: photo of a Black woman in a pink dress; award badges and other credits illegible) Where Are You From? This film depicts a true story based on the producer’s life. A young woman goes to an interview and is asked a simple question — one commonly asked in Canada. Her not so simple answer gives us a personalized glimpse into the often complicated histories, experiences, and identities of refugees, migrants, and immigrants.



Box Fox (film poster: illustration of a fox climbed atop a pine tree, looking out at something. Other credits are illegible) Box Fox: In this exciting animated film, a intrepid fox-adventurer travels through a dangerous fantasy world to find a enigmatic girl whose face appears in a a mysterious token. Is this really an adventure, or is this just a job?



(Film poster, no text. Photo of two men in an alcove looking out at brightly coloured clouds) We Are The Earth: A powerful short animated poem that takes us from anxiety and fear about the current state of our world to empowerment and hope for the future. It is is call to collective action.



Whitewash | A film by Golzar Taravati (gray and white letters on a light gray background, the film title is reflected upside down below the credit) Whitewash: Whitewash looks at the pressure felt amongst Iranian immigrants tin Canada to change their given names to Western names to increase their chance of getting a job, and the consequences that develop due to this act of cultural and identity erasure.

Rally for Peace to End the War in Ukraine, 5:30pm Tuesday 3 October 2023 at Waterloo Public Square

Global Days of Action to End War in Ukraine

1 to 8 October 2023

What: Rally for Peace to End the War in Ukraine
When: 5:30pm to 6:00pm, Tuesday 3 October 2023
Where: Waterloo Public Square Map
Location: 75 King Street South, Waterloo, Ontario
Organizer: Canadian Voice of Women for Peace https://vowpeace.org/
More Info: info@vowpeace.org

No NATO No War (person holding a black sign with red letters)

Peace Now!
Stop The War!
Stop NATO!

  • Fund Peace, Not War
  • Canada Out of NATO
  • Negotiations, not Escalation
  • Water Bombers, not Fighter Jets
  • Yes to Climate Justice & Peace, No to NATO

Waterloo action organized by Canadian Voice of Women for Peace
More Info: info@vowpeace.org

Coordinated Cross-Canada by:
Canada-Wide Peace & Justice Network

https://peaceandjusticenetwork.ca

Global Days of Action to End War in Ukraine | 1 to 8 October 2023 | Rally for Peace to End the War in Ukraine | 5:30pm to 6:00pm, Tuesday 3 October 2023 | Waterloo Public Square, 75 King Street South | Peace Now! | Stop The War! | Stop NATO! |  Fund Peace, Not War |  Canada Out of NATO |  Negotiations, not Escalation |  Water Bombers, not Fighter Jets |  Yes to Climate Justice & Peace, No to NATO | Waterloo action organized by Canadian Voice of Women for Peace | More Info: info@vowpeace.org | Coordinated Cross-Canada by: | Canada-Wide Peace & Justice Network | https://peaceandjusticenetwork.ca

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Event, 11am on Thursday 28 September 2023 at Willow River Park

What: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Event
When: 11:00am to 2:00pm on Thursday 28 September 2023
Where: Willow River Park (fka Victoria Park) Map
Website: https://www.npaamb.com/
Vendor Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/LuTktrK24n (Microsoft Forms)

Join the National Indigenous Youth Employment & Training for an afternoon in Victoria Park to celebrate the resiliency of our communities and Indigenous contributions to the economy and labour market

Food Vendors — Featuring locally owned, Indigenous Food Vendors

Performers — Traditional and Contemporary Indigenous singers, dancers, drummers

Artisan Vendors — Authentic Indigenous artisan and craft vendors

Speakers — Speakers with a background on Truth and Reconciliation, Residential Schools and more

Agency, Artisan & Craft Vendors: Fill in the Microsoft Form for Vendor Registration to apply!

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Event | Thursday September 28 2023 11AM-2PM | Victoria Park | Join us for an afternoon in Victoria Park while we celebrate the resiliency of our communities and Indigenous contributions to the economy and labour market | Food Vendors - Performers - Artisan Vendors - Speakers | Featuring locally owned, Indigenous Food Vendors | Traditional and Contemporary Indigenous singers, dancers, drummers | Authentic Indigenous artisan and craft vendors | Speakers with a background on Truth and Reconciliation, Residential Schools and more | Agency, Artisan & Craft Vendors | Scan the QR code to apply! Follow Us (with a selection of social media icons) | www.npaamb.com | Canada Heritage - Patrimoine canadien | (in the top right corner: NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment & Training)

Ride For Refuge at the Social Development Centre at 10am on Saturday 23 September 2023

What moves you? The Ride for Refuge, a family-friendly fundraising bike + walk in support of local charities serving people seeking hope, safety, and freedom. Join us!

What: Ride For Refuge: A Fundraising Bike and Walk
When: 10:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday 23 September 2023
Where: Meet at the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region
Location: 23 Water Street North, Kitchener, Ontario Map
Website: Kitchener Central sponsorship page
Register: https://rideforrefuge.org/register

kitchener central | sept. 23, 2023 | Social Development Centre WR | Ride for Refuge | what moves you? The Ride for Refuge is a family-friendly fundraising bike + walk in support of local charities serving people seeking hope, safety, and freedom. | register to fundraise | team up + bike or walk | donate / volunteer / #ride23

Queer Youth Defence Rally at Kitchener City Hall at 9am on Wednesday 20 September 2023 #NoSpaceForHate

What’s happening?

A hate group “Hands Off Our Kids” is using anti-queer rhetoric to take away the rights of your in determining their own identieies. We are denying them a space to spew their bigotry and queerphobia, and we are protecting the rights of youth to safety and privacy.

What: Queer Youth Defence Rally
When: 9:00am to 11:00am, Wednesday 20 September 2023
Where: Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener City Hall
Location: 200 King Street West, Kitchener Map

What to bring?

  • A face mask (we will also provide masks)
  • Sunscreen
  • Anti-hate banners and signs
  • A hydrating drink
  • A First Aid kit, if possible
  • Earplugs and/or sunglasses

What about safety?

  • Wear a face covering to prevent doxxing
  • Do not take any pictures or videos of allies
  • Arrive and leave in groups
  • Avoid direct confrontation with bigots
  • More info soon on our safety plan

From the Canadian Anti-Hate Network: Important Context About the “1 Million March 4 Children”

Organized by University of Waterloo Solidarity Network and Ground Up Waterloo Region.

What’s happening? | A hate group “Hands Off Our Kids” is using anti-queer rhetoric to take away the rights of your in determining their own identities. We are denying them a space to spew their bigotry and queerphobia, and we are protecting the rights of youth to safety and privacy. | What to bring? | A face mask (we will also provide masks) | Sunscreen | Anti-hate banners and signs | A hydrating drink | A First Aid kit, if possible | Earplugs and/or sunglasses | What about safety? | Wear a face covering to prevent doxxing | Do not take any pictures or videos of allies | Arrive and leave in groups | Avoid direct confrontation with bigots | More info soon on our safety plan | UWSN | GroundUpWR

Climate Rally at Willow River Park on Saturday 16 September 2023 at 2:30pm

Join 50by30WR for the Global Rally

What: Global Climate Rally: Protect our Environment, Protect our Greenbelt
Where: Willow River Park at the Clock Tower (aka Victoria Park) Map
Website: https://www.50by30wr.ca/event-details/climate-rally-protect-our-environment-protect-our-greenbelt
RSVP: with 50by30WR; with Green Party of Canada

A coalition of environmental and climate groups will stand together for the future of our Earth.

After a summer of smoke, fires, and devastating extreme weather events worldwide we will be calling out all levels of government to pass legislation and recognize the importance of our environment, that acknowledges how interrelated health care, land development, and future jobs are, and takes action to ensure the safety of our future. The lives and livelihoods of millions are being impacted, particularly Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities in Canada and the Global South.

On September 16th, we rally, we march, and we demand change!

We will meet at the Clock Tower in Victoria Park at 2:30 pm

Speakers will start at 3:30 pm until 4:15 pm. Come and listen to climate groups, activists, and environmental advocates from Waterloo Region and surrounding.

Local groups will be at the event to share information about their efforts.

Speaker List: 3:30 pm

  • Opening – 50by30WR – Stephanie Goertz
  • Smudging & Indigenous Opening – Cheryl Baker
  • Kitchener South Green MP Mike Morrice
  • Council of Canadians – Marilyn Hay
  • 50by30WR & Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign – Barbara Schumacher
  • Faith Climate Justice – Kai Reimer-Watts
  • Kitchener Councillor and NDP MPP Candidate Debbie Chapman
  • Waterloo Region Labour Council – Ramzi Abdi
  • Kitchener Councillor and Green MPP Candidate Aislinn Clancy

…additional speakers will be added shortly…

This is a great way for you and your family/friends to get more involved in local initiatives.

Information Tables:

Canada is burning. Time to act. | Global Rally | For our Environment | For our Greenbelt | Kitchener | Sat. Sept. 16 (2023) - Victoria Park, at the Clock Tower | 2:30 - 4:30pm | Bring your Signs!! | www.50by30wr.ca | www.endfossilfuels.ca | Faith Climate Justice WR | 50% emissions reduction by 2030 (white lettering with green and red highlights on a dark gray background to look like smoke clouds, red&white image of people marching carrying signs, with an illustration of a bullhorn near the bottom of the poster)
 

Waterloo Bookfest – 1pm-7pm Saturday 9 September 2023 at Waterloo Public Square

Waterloo Bookfest | Book sale. Local authors. Live readings. | Saturday September 9 (2023) 1pm - 7 pm | Waterloo Public Square | Calling all authors! Do you want to participate in BookFest 2023? Apply by July 15 | www.kwwritersalliance.com/2023-2 (illustration of a pile of colourful books on a graduated blue-pink background)Grand River Writers & KW Writer’s Alliance are hosting Bookfest 2023.

Featuring dozens of authors across numerous genres in fiction and non-fiction, as well as performances by local storytellers.

Schedule

  • 1pm – 4pm Author Readings
  • 4pm – 6pm Storyteller performances
  • 6pm – 7pm Q&As with Katie Mack and E.K. Johnston

What: Waterloo Bookfest 2023
When: 1:00pm – 7:00pm Saturday 9 September 2023
Where: Waterloo Public Square
Location: 75 King Street South, Waterloo Map
Website: https://kwwritersalliance.com/bookfest/2023-2/

CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo | Community Connections (black and purple lettering on a teal background)Listen to an interview with Bookfest organizer Vanessa Ricci-Thode on CKMS-FM 102.7 Radio Waterloo, 3:00pm on Friday 1 September 2023

Waterloo Bookfest | Local authors. Live readings. | Saturday September 9th (2023) | 1pm - 7pm | Waterloo Public Square (black letters on a graduated green-orange background, with a line drawing of an open book)