Toronto Civics 101   –   Sessions   1   –   2   –   3   –   4   –   5   –   6

December 3, 2009
Mayor Miller started the session with remarks to the audience, including advice to program participants for the upcoming election period. He then moderated a discussion among a panel of experienced city-watchers comprised of award-winning journalists and a distinguished academic. In the second half of the session, participants had a chance to reflect on what they learned through Toronto Civics 101. They formed small groups to discuss issues of interest and ways to make the city a better place, and reported back on their ideas. City Manager Joe Pennachetti closed the evening with his reflections on the session and the overall program.

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• Session 6 agenda (PDF)
• Remarks by Mayor David Miller (introduction by Meg Shields)
  (video 12 minutes)
• Panel Discussion - Experiences and insights working to connect government and community at City Hall
• Pamela Robinson, Ryerson University (video 6 minutes)
• Jennifer Lewington, The Globe and Mail (video 6 minutes)
• Matthew Blackett, Spacing Magazine (video 5 minutes)
• John Lorinc, journalist (video 6 minutes)
• Questions for the panel, moderated by Mayor David Miller
  (video 16 minutes)
• Questions for the panel from the audience (video 21 minutes)
• Group Discussions - Introduction and Reporting Back
  (video 4 minutes)
• Participants broke into groups to discuss a range of topics that were of interest to them, from homelessness to using social media to whether growth is good for Toronto. After the discussion period, each group reported back.
• Notes from the reporting back will be posted soon.
• Closing remarks on the program and civic engagement in Toronto by City Manager, Joe Pennachetti (video 20 minutes)

Resources

• Background Paper - Civic Engagement and the City of Toronto: Review and Reflection on Current Practices and Future Approaches, Pamela Robinson, Ryerson University (PDF)
  In September 2005, the Governing Toronto Advisory Panel requested the completion of a research report with two objectives: An assessment of the current modes of citizen involvement and engagement in decision making at the City of Toronto; and identification and analysis of practices that should be considered by the Panel in its deliberations. This report has been written in a non-academic style.



• Status Report - Update on the Implementation of Auditor General's 2008 Recommendations on Access, Equity and Human Rights (PDF)
  This report provides City Council with an update on the status of implementation of the recommendations made by the Auditor General in 2008 regarding the implementation of Access, Equity and Human Rights initiatives. Some of these recommendations were in response to the Background Paper described above.



• 15 Things Journalist Should Know About Public Engagement (PDF)
  An article published in the National Civic Review in the summer of 2008. Though written as a guide for media professionals, it describes the core principles of effective public engagement applicable to members of the public and others.



• Volunteer Toronto
  For thirty-five years the Volunteer Centre of Toronto has been serving Toronto. Their mission is to promote volunteerism and connect people to volunteer opportunities. This site provides a searchable database of volunteer opportunities.



• Community Resources for Civic Engagement
  Contains links to resources developed by the City of Toronto, other cities and organizations. They may be helpful as you explore your community and your role in local issues.

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