Finally some protection for our community from the courts! Justice Groves acknowledges that hatred is a motivation in Kandola’s vicious attack on Jordan Smith.
“Mr Kandola must know that his actions are not only contrary to the law but are abhorred by Canadian society,” Groves said.
This story was carried by various sources today:
At Davie Day this year WERA introduced a new initiative of opening a dialogue about how communities can prevent acts of hate. In particular WERA is attempting to develop a proactive community response to acts of hate and violence base on sexual orientation and race. These are the most pressing issue for the West End, but in each of the different communities of Vancouver there will be a different emphasis base on the particular area. The common theme is around the respect for diversity and developing educational dialogue to promote a “Hate Free Zone” in Vancouver.
Here are some of the comments that WERA received at our table at Davie Day and WERA is still inviting comments of what folks think of the idea. Please fill out a “WERA contact forum” and let us know what you think.
Comments from Davie Day Sept. 12, 2009
How can we educate visitors to the West End about tolerance and respect for our diverse community?
• Build bridges among people
• Start with the students
• Store front educational centre
• Education – our kids in school on No Hate. Love one another
• Website where we can share experiences & ideas \
• Education particularly in suburban schools
• Show a film about the truth of sexuality…If it can occur in nature, then why can’t it occur in mankind
• Post: This is a gay friendly zone. Please refrain from entering if this offends you.
What does it mean to live in a hate free community?
• IT STARTS AT HOME! Raise your kids right – NO prejudice!! Live and let live.
• Right thinking Right speech Right action
• LOVE
• Everybody will be nice to each other (written by 7yr old)
• FREEDOM!
• Acceptance
• I hate hate!
• Legal prostitution
• Friendship safety & care
• Not tolerating acts of hatred and discrimination
• Hot line to report
• More car free activities – People mingling and COMMUNITY
• Free your mind and the rest will follow
• Tougher laws. Enforce laws we have – dogs on leashes – bicycle helmets – jay walkers – etc.
• I like the sign post idea!
• A (nuclear weapons) HATE FREE ZONE (written by Adrianne Carr, GPC)
What would it mean to you if the Mayor & Council declared the West End a Hate Free Zone?
• Listen!
• A victory!
• Why don’t we declare it a hate free zone?
• A united voice against hate violence
• Promote the RAK “random acts of kindness”. RAK day happens every year. Even as a BC Legislature declared event
• People can be nice to each other
someone drew a heart with a smiley face
The Megaphone is reporting that a binner was assaulted in the West End two weeks ago. If this indeed happened, it is deplorable. The West End is an inclusive, welcoming community for everyone. If you notice anybody being oppressed or mistreated in any way, call 911.
created by Christine Ackermann, a director of WERA.
Who has the authority to set speed limits in Vancouver? The speed limit in the City is posted on a sign at the entrance to at the city’s limits. On entering Vancouver motorist are informed that speed limits are 50 kph on streets and 20 km per hour in alleys unless otherwise posted. Curiously though, the City of Vancouver (CoV) does not have the power to set speed limits. The authority lies in Victoria. The provincial government through the Motor Vehicle Act regulates speed limits in Vancouver.
< %image(20090210-2coyote.jpg|450|582|hand print poster from haro st. info kios)%> continue reading…
<%image(20081124-att2ac8d-1.jpg|120|42|If you would like additional information about Safe Harbour, visit www.safeharbour.ca, or please contact The Centre at 604 684-6548; or educationoutreach@lgtbcentrevancouver.com)%>
Safe Harbour invites storefront businesses and organizations to serve as sanctuaries for anyone who experiences discrimination or harassment and briefly needs a safe place to go. On a broader level, Safe Harbour is about making a commitment to celebrating diversity in our neighbourhoods and treating everyone with respect – including seniors, youth, families, cultural communities, people living with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people.
There are about currently 21 communities involved in this project throughout the province. The Centre has entered a partnership with the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA) to organize the Safe Harbour Program for the West End area.
The following West End businesses and organizations are designated Safe Harbours. Look for the colourful Safe Harbour decal proudly displayed on our doors:
§ Best Western Sands Hotel
§ Central Presbyterian Church
§ The Centre
§ Daryl's Café
§ The Fountainhead Pub
§ Gordon Neighbourhood House
§ Little Sisters Bookstore
§ Priape
§ Pumpjack Pub
§ The Quick Nickel
§ Sandman Suites on Davie
§ St Paul's Anglican Church – Advocacy Office
§ Super Valu
§ Ten Thousand Villages
§ Three Bridges Community Health Centre (Drake & Horny)
§ Topdrawers Apparel (on Denman)
§ West End Business Improvement Association (1033 Davie St.)
§ West End Coal Harbour Community Police Centre
Know that Safe Harbour sites welcome you, and if feeling threatened or harassed, our doors are open to provide a safe place for you.
If you would like additional information about Safe Harbour, visit www.safeharbour.ca, or please contact The Centre at 604 684-6548; or educationoutreach@lgtbcentrevancouver.com
< %image(20080527-2epworkshop.jpg|450|337|ep workshop)%>
On Sunday May 25 approximately 65 Coal Harbour and West End Residents attended a workshop on Emergency Preparedness. Lt. Michael Smith from Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services’ explained what do to do in case of an earthquake. At the Coal Harbour Community Centre Resident learned of the importance of protecting their head in a natural disaster.
photo by Doug Shanks
In a article entitle “Citizens take satety into their own hands” by West Ender reporter Jackie Wong, Randy Helten describes his efforts to facilitate emergency preparedness and to create a well-prepared community.
For for the full story visit the link below:
< %image(20080521-1Emergency Prep Poster_Coal Harbour CC_25May2008.jpg|449|582|wera workshop)%>
