Diversity & Immigration
Our diversity and immigration research and community development projects promote the value of diversity and equity in communities throughout the Region of Durham. We use empowering and anti-oppressive approaches to promote communities that are welcoming and inclusive for all.
Immigrant and Newcomer Youth Advisory Committee (INYAC)
- Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (2011-2012)
- Community Development Council Durham provides central coordination
Providing a voice to newcomer youth in the Durham Region, this project has recruited 1-2 youth from multiple municipal areas to form a distinct advisory body to existing local diversity and immigration organizations and groups. With the guidance and assistance of staff from the Community Development Council Durham, approximately 7 youth have undertaken a needs assessment of their peers and designed suggested actions to improve the circumstances of this group. In addition to leadership and team-building skills, youth participants are gaining a sense of empowerment through hands-on experience in community development and engagement.
The CDCD gratefully acknowledges the support of the Government of Ontario.
Newcomers to Canada Walking Together!
- Community Development Council Durham provides central coordination
- Community partners include the Town of Ajax and community volunteers
This walking program is for people with all abilities and everyone is welcome. The newcomer walking program will begin again on Monday May 30th 2011 at Carruthers Marsh Pavilion from 9:00am to 10:00am!!! The walking group will take place three times a week in the Ajax community, rain or shine! This project is designed for newcomers to Canada who are interested in walking, being more active, and connecting with other people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Non-immigrants are welcome to take part in the newcomer walking group in order to meet people from different cultures, share their Canadian experiences and get involved with their community.The walking sessions will be used to facilitate discussions on the barriers and facilitators of physical activity among newcomers and allow for friendly conversation and relationship building.
The Newcomer Walking Group will meet at the following dates, times and locations starting on Monday May 30th 2011:
Mondays from 9:00am to 10:00am
at the Carruthers Marsh Pavilion (5km)
~ Ashbury Blvd. & Audley Blvd.
Thursdays from 9:00am to 10:00am
at the Carruthers Marsh Pavilion (5km)
~ Ashbury Blvd. & Audley Blvd.
Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
at the McLean Community Centre (5km)
~ 95 Magill Dr.
Click here to read a news article about the Newcomer Walking Group, published by the Ajax News Advertiser in 2010.
For more information contact Megan Cramer at mcramer@cdcd.org or by phone at (905)-686-2661, ext.132 or visit the Town of Ajax website, www.townofajax.com.
Prideline Durham
- Community partners include the Distress Centre of Durham, Community Development Council Durham and the Durham LGBTQ Communities Involved Committee
The purpose of this project is to create a LGBTQ resource inventory and establish a crisis line with dedicated support at the Distress Centre.
For more information contact Ben Earle at
bearle@cdcd.org or by phone at (905)-686-2661, ext.115.
Poverty Reduction
Poverty is a real and difficult reality for many people living in Durham Region. Poverty affects the young and old, families and singles, and people from all cultures and diverse backgrounds. Our poverty reduction work engages local citizens (of all levels of income) by using positive and creative approaches to determine community needs and assets, and put plans into action.
Community Health
The social detriments of health, such as poverty, food security, social exclusion, and unequal distribution of resources, are some of the underlying causes of disease that impact our community as a whole. Our work considers these impacts and promotes health equity, which includes fair access to community assets making healthy and sustainable living achievable for all.
Food Security & Local Food Systems
Food security occurs when everyone has access to healthy food that is produced in a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and just way. Our work involves all stakeholders in the local food system, including: farmers and producers, processors/distributors, chefs, waste managers, food and environmental advocates, health providers, local decision-makers and consumers.
Shaping Food Policy in Durham Region
- Community Development Council Durham provides central coordination and staff support to the Durham Food Policy Council
This project is designed to support actions to promote sustainable food policy and the development of a healthy and sustainable food system in Durham Region. This project has led to the development of the community-based committee, the Durham Food Policy Council (DFPC).
The Durham Food Policy Council grew out of the Durham Lives! Food Charter Working Group, and is now taking action on food and food issues. The Durham Food Policy Council's mission is to create an environment that supports community food security through food sovereignty and a sustainable local food system in the Region of Durham. They are governed by the basic principles outlined in the Durham Food Policy Charter.
To read more about the Durham Food Policy Council, click here.
For more information contact Ben Earle at bearle@cdcd.org or by phone at (905)-686-2661, ext.115.
Put Food in the Budget / DO THE MATH Campaign
- Community Development Council Durham provides central coordination for Durham Region
- Join partners across the province and participate in the campaign to Put Food in the Budget and help reduce poverty!
To access Put Food in the Budget / DO THE MATH Campaign, click here.
For more information contact Ben Earle at bearle@cdcd.org or by phone at (905)-686-2661, ext.115.
Collaboration and Voluntary Sector Development
The voluntary sector plays a role in shaping the social and economic well-being of our community. We aim to strengthen capacity through networking, collaboration, and educational opportunities.
The New Friends Book Shop
- A social enterprise with proceeds going to the Community Development Council Durham
- Local volunteers provide central coordination
- The Community Development Council Durham collaborates with the New Friends Book Shop
Come visit the New Friends Book Shop for gently used books, music, movies and more!
OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 10a.m - 4p.m.
520 Westney Rd. S. Unit # 8
Ajax, ON
For information call (289)-314-6096 or (905)-619-8867
To view The New Freinds Bookshop flyer, click here.