Fall Newsletter: Marshall Ganz in Toronto

Blog Post

Ottawa

The past two months have been an exciting time here at the DCLF going from coast to coast promoting social democracy with our annual lecture series with stops in Halifax and Victoria. Plus, a book launch in our Ottawa office, and promoting our work with a membership drive at the NDP Federal Convention this past weekend. 

But it doesn’t stop there. Looking forward, we have two major events next month including the David Lewis Lecture on November 1st at the University of Toronto with Havard Professor and the architect of Barack Obama’s field campaign Marshall Ganz, as well as our marquee fundraising event in Ottawa on November 22nd; The Mouseland Gala.

Marshall Ganz in Toronto

Let’s start with the most exciting and pressing news we have to share with you. The inaugural David Lewis Lecture will take place on Wednesday, November 1st in the Hart House Grand Ballroom at the University of Toronto. 

The lecture will be given by the renowned organizer and trainer Marshall Ganz who teaches, researches, and writes on leadership, narrative, strategy and organization in social movements, civic associations, labour unions, and politics at Harvard University. Interestingly, Marshall Ganz cut his teeth canvassing with David Lewis himself in the 1970’s in Toronto where he learned the legendary “Riverdale” organizing model.

Doors open at 5pm. A networking reception with food and beverages will follow the stage programme. 

Like all of our Lecture Series events, this event is free to attend in-person. However, space is limited. Please register today to attend.

RSVP to attend in-person: www.douglascoldwelllayton.ca/the_david_lewis_lecture

Sponsorships are needed - please contact Emily Scott in our office for more details: [email protected]

Dave Barrett Lecture

The inaugural Dave Barrett Lecture took place on October 4th at the University of Victoria which focused on Innovation in Government featuring a spectacular lineup of speakers. 

Our star studded panel included former BC Premier John Horgan, former Deputy Premier Carole James, and former Cabinet Minister and Chair of Innovate BC Andrew Petter, moderated by our good friend Geoff Meggs who entertained a packed room of guests that were riveted and inspired by the conversation. 

From learning what Dave Barrett meant to them personally, the lasting innovations of the first NDP government in BC, the challenging of conservative concepts, and raising awareness of the power of social democracy to tackle today's biggest issues, it was refreshing to hear how we can implement solutions that put people first.

To watch the Dave Barrett Lecture click here: www.douglascoldwelllayton.ca/videos

Additionally, we announced the Dave Barrett Scholarship at UVic which will award two students with $5000 each at the graduate level.

Donations in memory of Dave Barrett and in support of the UVic Scholarship can be made on our website here: www.douglascoldwelllayton.ca/dave_barrett

Special thanks to our event sponsors: Founding Sponsor LiUNA 1611, USW District 3, IBEW Local 230, and the BC Federation of Labour.

Alexa McDonough Lecture

We hosted the Alexa McDonough Lecture on September 20th at Mount Saint Vincent University which focused on Women in Leadership. We were honoured to have former MP and author Peggy Nash be our featured speaker who was joined on stage by special guest speakers Sandra Mullen, the President of NSGEU and Claudia Chender, Leader of the Nova Scotia NDP. 

It is vital to be having conversations about lifting women’s voices and making space for them. This lecture in collaboration with the department for Women and Gender studies focused on making more space for women so they can lead. We heard stories from Peggy’s journey on the campaign trail, how we can learn from our successes and failures, and tips for surrounding yourself with a support system who will be there for you. To watch the lecture click here: https://www.douglascoldwelllayton.ca/videos

Peggy Nash’s new book Women Winning Office; an Activists Guide to Getting Elected, can be found here: https://btlbooks.com/book/women-winning-office

Special thanks to our sponsors: the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union, Halifax District Labour Council, and the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour.

Dr. Ryan Meili’s Book Launch

We were glad to host one of Dr. Ryan Meili’s tour stops in Ontario promoting his latest book; “A Healthy Future: Lessons from The Frontlines of a Crisis”. Dr Meili is a Canadian Physician and former leader of the Saskatchewan NDP.

This event featured a conversation between Ryan Mieli and Dr. Danyaal Raza. Danyaal Raza is a renowned family physician with Unity Health Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital, and Assistant Professor with the University of Toronto’s Department of Family & Community Medicine.

The book is filled with moving stories of how COVID changed people’s lives. It is a deeply humane account of the pandemic that draws on his unique experience as a doctor in politics. A Healthy Future reveals how COVID exposed and made worse problems in health care, elder care, education, and social supports – and details how we can do better. 

To watch the conversation click here: www.douglascoldwelllayton.ca/videos

Copies of A Healthy Future: Lessons from The Frontlines of a Crisis, can be found here: www.ubcpress.ca/a-healthy-future

The Mouseland Gala

Lastly, please Save the Date! On Wednesday, November 22nd, we will host the annual Mouseland Gala, our marquee event and biggest fundraiser of the year which celebrates social democracy and everyone working towards a better Canada. 

Tommy Douglas famously told the story of Mouseland; a place where one little mouse had a big idea. Thanks to Tommy Douglas the mice have been regularly electing governments and making things better for everyone.

On this night each year we celebrate our leaders past and present, share their achievements, and keep those memories alive to inspire future victories at the annual Mouseland Gala. 

Please join us for fine fellowship and networking, inspiring speakers, gourmet cuisine, craft beers and VQA wines in Ottawa’s most beautiful venue. Stay tuned for the speaker announcements

Check out our 50th Anniversary Highlights Video from last year: www.douglascoldwelllayton.ca/videos

The funds raised from this event supports the work of our charity. If your organization or union is interested in sponsorship or reserving a table please contact: [email protected] 

To attend in-person RSVP here: www.douglascoldwelllayton.ca/the_mouseland_gala

That’s a wrap

From all of us at the Foundation, we are grateful for you following along with us as we bring new energy to Tommy’s charity. We hope you stay warm during the fall and enjoy time with your loved ones. 

All the best!

 

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