December Newsletter 2022

Blog Post 

Ottawa

Our 2023 Plans Revealed! 

It’s been a wonderful year and we have much to celebrate here at the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation for Social Democracy. Please read this email thoroughly to ensure you don’t miss out on any of our exciting announcements.

Over the past year we have grown immensely as a foundation this year thanks to your support allowing us to launch the Alexa McDonough Women’s Leadership Centre, publish research on mental health in the workplace, host world class events, and create new scholarships and awards. We have a lot of momentum heading into 2023!

Plans for next year approved by Board of Directors

At our December meeting the Board of Directors approved a very ambitious programme for the upcoming year including a lecture series at five major universities, in five provinces, from coast to coast. Research on improving healthcare for seniors, new publications, extra training opportunities, growing our outreach and much more!

All of this will allow us to build upon the foundation we have set, advance social democracy and share new ideas in Canada. In the face of the pandemic, a healthcare crisis, the wealth gap, and inflation on the rise, Canadians are tired of the status quo. They are seeking bold leadership for solutions. They want to see communities uplifted, and ensure no one is left behind. 

These are the values at the heart of the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation and we have a great opportunity through our events and outreach plans to inspire activists and neighbors alike to be part of that change!

50th Anniversary Dinner Videos!!!

Before we move forward we have to take pause to reflect on our leaders in our movement and the progress we have made together. It was with great enjoyment that we were able to have BC Premier John Horgan speak at our 50th anniversary dinner in Ottawa last month where we learned how he got involved in politics, how he advanced social democracy, life-changing moments and lessons from him. We wish Premier Horgan the very best in his new chapter of life. 

Please take advantage and watch John Horgan’s incredible speech and our 50th Anniversary Dinner highlights video - it’s time well spent.

Watch Premier John Horgan’s full speech:

www.douglascoldwelllayton.ca/50th_anniversary_keynote_video 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to watch the 50th Anniversary Dinner highlights video:

www.douglascoldwelllayton.ca/50th_anniversary_highlights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lecture Series

The Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation is extremely proud to announce the establishment of an annual Lecture Series at five universities!  

Each lecture and reception event will be co-hosted by a university and feature guest speakers from across the country and around the world to talk on the theme of social democracy and its relevance for today - topics will vary at each event. 

As Tommy Douglas instructed, we have a lot of work to do to ensure that we do not get stuck in a rut on the left. We must provide a clear alternative to the status quo and stale ideas that do not work for people. 

That is why we are thrilled to be establishing a nation wide lecture series that focuses on advancing social democracy today and pushing back against the rise of far right extremism. We need thought provoking discussions and fresh ideas that prioritize people's needs rather than the elite and well connected.

Here is the list of the 5 currently participating universities for this annual lecture series;

  1. University of Victoria - Dave Barrett Lecture
  2. University of Winnipeg - Blaikie, Knowles, Woodsworth Lecture
  3. McGill University - Jack Layton Lecture
  4. Mount Saint Vincent University - Alexa McDonough Lecture
  5. David Lewis Lecture TBA**

**We are currently in negotiations to finalize a proposed agreement with a 5th university in Toronto recognizing the many contributions of David Lewis. 

We are grateful that LiUNA 1611 has come on-board as the founding sponsor of the Dave Barrett Lecture and Scholarship at the University of Victoria. Thank you LiUNA 1611 for your annual commitment to this incredible project.

If you or your union would like to sponsor one, or all of these lecture events, please contact our Executive Director Josh Bizjak: [email protected]

More information and event details will be shared early in the new year.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Alexa McDonough Leadership Interviews

A major component of the operational plan for 2023 is to bolster the activities of the Alexa McDonough Women’s Leadership Centre.

We are planning to host a series of interviews with leading social democratic women today who have inspired so many with their strength, intelligence, and determination. 

These interviews will take place live online so that people can join us from anywhere in the country. Each video interview will be recorded and made available on our website for you to enjoy again in the future.

More information will be made available in the coming weeks including our guests, interviewer(s), and dates.

You can make a year-end donation to the Alexa McDonough Women’s Leadership Centre by clicking here.  

Another new staff member joins our growing team

With three full-time staff now in place we have more resources to execute our plans, ensure your voices are heard, and solidify our national standing as a charity. 

We would like to welcome Emily Scott, our new Stakeholder Relations Officer. She comes to the organization with a wealth of knowledge from political campaigns, nonprofits and grassroots movements. We are excited to have her on board to build relationships, ensure we have meaningful connections, and grow our momentum. 

Contact Emily Scott: [email protected]

It's people like you that make this possible

We are happy to say that this past #GivingTuesday was our most successful single fundraising day in our history thanks to generous supporters like yourself. We are grateful for everyone that was able to pitch in and those who support us in other ways. 

Special thanks to our union partners: USW, UFCW, and PIPSC for their annual core funding contributions. These commitments help us budget on an annual basis.

The reality is this charity is funded by donations, and the more people who are able to chip in what they can, the more we are able to advance social democracy in Canada.

If you would like to contribute before the end of the year click here.

Your year-end gift is 100% eligible for generous tax credits. 

Thank you again for supporting us as we build upon our founder’s legacy. Share this email with all of your friends, family and contacts who would be interested in our work.

We look forward to hearing from you and sharing more details for the new year.

Have a happy holiday season!

Sincerely,

Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation

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The Alexa McDonough Lecture
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