Activism in Niagara: May - August highlights

HIGHLIGHTS

• The May Day 2023 Niagara Organizing Coalition, made up of representatives from 30+ groups including OPIRG Brock and Justice for Workers Niagara, celebrated Niagara's 2nd annual May Day celebrations with multiple community events, and a gathering for International Workers Day in Welland.

• Niagara Reproductive Justice hosted 2 trainings as part of their webinar series "Abortion in Niagara" with "How to Access Abortion in Niagara" in May, and "A Skill-Building Webinar for Service Providers in July!

• 50by30 Niagara garnered 450 signatures in their petition against the expansion of a church on to protected Greenbelt land, while the region ultimately decided to move forward.

• 100 people gathered in downtown St. Catharines for a climate rally hosted by 50by30 Niagara hosted a climate.

• Niagara African Caribbean Cultural Association (NACCO) held their Food and Music Festival in Montebello Park

• Both the DSBN and NCDSB decided to continue flying the Pride flag amongst pushback from far-right mobilizers, after pressure from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies.

• Community activists rallied at the Housing is a Human Right Peaceful Demonstration at Niagara Regional Headquarters, to demand adequate shelter and approaches to homelessess in Niagara.

• Niagara Movement for Justice in Palestine/Israel held a potluck and fundraiser in support of Israeli conscientious objectors refusing military service in occupied Palestine.

• 17,123 Niagarans voted no to privatized health care, in the citizen-led health care referendum led by the Ontario Health Coalition.

• The Niagara Regional Native Centre and community partners honoured Red Dress Day with a community walk, a performance from Strong Water Singers, and an Indigenous Vendor Market.

• The Willow Arts Community showcased their exhibition VISIBLE: An Exploration of Intersecting Identities in downtown St. Catharines.

• The Niagara Free Store hosted 9 pop-ups across 3 cities in Niagara!

• The Titillating Talks team hosted two more community discussions: "For the Love of Labour" and "Speaking with Sages: What Sex Work Has to Teach Us".

• The OPIRG Brock community garden has been thriving and sustaining many community members!

• Niagara celebrated Emancipation day with a flag raising at City Hall, and a community picnic, vendor market, music, and celebrations at Lakeside Park hosted by Matter of Black Niagara and Black Owned 905!

CALLS TO ACTION

• Our wonderful staff member Kerry and their family have been supporting their mom Cathy through her recent breast cancer diagnosis. This family has been a pillar of community and activism in Niagara and for OPIRG, and now they need the community's support! Follow Cathy's cancer journey and check out some tangible ways to support at caringbridge.org/visit/cathyrochon

• 50x30 Niagara is petitioning the city of Thorold to say "NO" to a proposed gas plant expansion. Email Thorold’s Council and tell them to vote no on this plan using the template here.

• 3 ways you can support migrants in Niagara from @mfwsupp0rt on Instagram

  • 1. Call or email Mayor Jim Diodati of Niagara Falls who falsely blamed refugees for straining healthcare and social services. (Email: jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca; Phone: 9053567521 ext. 4201)

  • 2. Support local grassroots organizations who work directly with refugees, like NACCO

  • 3. Take action to win changes to unfair immigrant laws at migrantrights.ca/actnow

• Niagara Reproductive Justice is fundraising for their Abortion and Reproductive Support Network! Support them monthly on Patreon and help folks access abortion in Niagara.

• Subscribe to Rad Snax on Patreon to support their weekly servings and outreach for unhoused community members.

• NACCO is raising funds to help newcomers to Niagara at risk of homelessness as they are forced to leave their temporary accomodations or move to a different city. Donate to the GoFundMe here.

• Migrant Farmworker Support is looking for items including long sleeved shirts, pants, a microwave, bikes in new & gently used condition, and more! Check out their Instagram for more ways to support.