Youth Action Project on Poverty

youth ACTion project

on Poverty

Recommendations submitted to the Mayors Task Force on Poverty

#yapyeg #endpovertyyeg
February 18, 2015

John Humphrey Centre

for Peace and Human Rights

Youth Action Project on Poverty

Background
In response to the Mayors Task Force on Poverty, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace
and Human Rights, with partner Young Diverse and Proud, has brought together a team of
young Edmontonians to provide direct input into #endpovertyyeg. With three out of ten
Edmontonians living in poverty being children, we felt it was essential that in the process of
creating a plan for the City of Edmonton, the voice of children and youth needed to be
included.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, child participation
is essential and youth should be involved in the decisions that affect their lives. Over the
past six months, these young Edmontonians have spent time visiting community agencies,
conducting street outreach as well as engaging with advocates in debate and dialogue on
the issue of poverty.
Using a human rights based approach, the youth looked at poverty through four key
themes; all core elements to living a life of well-being and to ones full potential:

Justice

Security

Freedom

Dignity

The following recommendations are a result of the work among these young
Edmontonians; a group of diverse youth and many experiencing poverty themselves.

We would like to humbly thank the City of Edmonton, Telus Community Foundation and
the Edmonton Golden Gate Lions for their support to this project. Your support has helped
to transform lives.
We also would like to thank our partner Young Diverse and Proud for their amazing
commitment and support through this project.

John Humphrey Centre

for Peace and Human Rights

Youth Action Project on Poverty

Recommendation One: JUSTICE

Bylaw ticketing (jaywalking, LRT tickets, etc.) targets those who experience poverty, placing many
in the justice system and consequently criminalizes them for their inability to pay fines. This can
open up a life within the criminal system. We recommend that summary offences such as these be
dealt with differently: creative repayment options rather than jail time; more mentorship programs
and supports for ticketed individuals; flexible court dates; and, a sliding pay/community service
repayment option.

Proposed Action(s):
Change existing penalties for summary offences (jaywalking, LRT tickets, etc.)

Lead Responsibility and Partners :

City of Edmonton lobby Provincial Courts and Government; Municipal Police

Issues Being Addressed or Rationale:

Bylaw tickets often target the most vulnerable in our community, leading to criminalization of the
poor who cannot pay tickets and end up in jail. It costs the system $171.00/day for each
individual who ends up incarcerated due to summary offences such as unpaid fines. We see this
as an unnecessary burden to the system and an unfair consequence for those who already
experience multiple barriers to resources.

Population Groups Impacted or Will Benefit from This Action:

Low income individuals, Youth, Seniors, Aboriginal Peoples and Newcomers

Implementation Approach, Steps or Suggestions:

We recommend the City of Edmonton engage in lobbying the Provincial Government/Courts to see
changes to penalties as well as advocate on behalf of those targeted and criminalized by the
Edmonton Police Service, Bylaw and Transit Officers (see Security Recommendation for suggested
education/training program).

Resources Needed:
Political commitment to lobbying at the Provincial level and educational and policy changes at the
municipal level. Funding needed to support mentorship and supports provided by community
agencies that support individuals who have a difficult time paying fines.

John Humphrey Centre

for Peace and Human Rights

Youth Action Project on Poverty

Recommendation Two: SECURITY

Mistrust of police and law enforcement is a key factor when looking at issues of safety and security
for those struggling with poverty. Cultural sensitivity training for police is not adequate. We
recommend a mandatory Criminalization Simulation for all officers and managers in justice and
enforcement. This program will be developed and delivered by youth and other individuals who
have lived experience with the criminal justice system, poverty and criminalization.

Proposed Action(s):
Implement education and training for law enforcement/bylaw officers that challenges existing
perceptions and negative interactions between officers and the public thus reducing instances of
targeting and criminalizing those in poverty.

Lead Responsibility and Partners:

City of Edmonton and Edmonton Police Services support development and delivery of this training
offered by agencies working with criminalized and street-involved individuals.

Issues Being Addressed or Rationale:

Interactions between law enforcement and marginalized populations are often fraught with tension
and can lead to safety and security issues for these individuals as well as the wider public. The
simulation, composed from true stories of criminalization, would provide insight into how negative
stereotypes influence police-citizen interaction; how police might communicate more effectively
with vulnerable persons; and, how empathy and understanding can play a positive role in enforcing
safety in our community.

Population Groups Impacted or Will Benefit From This Action:

Low income individuals, Youth, Aboriginal Peoples, Newcomers and other vulnerable persons.
Individuals in law Enforcement will benefit as well.

Implementation Approach, Steps or Suggestions:

Seek input from iHumans Uncensored program as well as the United Ways poverty simulation,
both programs have records of success and impact in the community.

Resources Needed:
Funding to support the development and delivery of criminalization simulation by local agencies/
individuals

John Humphrey Centre

for Peace and Human Rights

Youth Action Project on Poverty

Recommendation Three: FREEDOM

Those experiencing poverty often face difficulties when trying to access services, supports and
resources. We recommend the City of Edmonton support local organizations in developing an
effective method of inter-agency communication to reduce the frustration and confusion
experienced by those trying to access services. We recommend revitalizing 211s functionality and
accessibility and ensure that it is a well-publicized, easily accessible, single resource.

Proposed Action(s):
211 must be better advertised ensuring all citizens are aware of it; this includes television, social
media, radio, billboards and social media promotion with phrases like What do you need?. The
City should support a Hackathon open to all Edmontonians to see who could create the best 211
App and come up with a fresh publicity strategy to engage the public and local agencies.

Lead Responsibility and Partners:

City of Edmonton and non-profit sector to enhance inter-agency communication. City of
Edmonton and business sector support and provide incentives for hackathon or other computer
programming development/competitions for 211.

Issues Being Addressed or Rationale:

Those who are most vulnerable and in need of supports and services are frequently discouraged
and frustrated when getting the run-around from multiple departments or agencies. Sometimes
the greatest barrier to someone accessing resources is when agencies and departments dont
have the correct information or strong inter-agency networks to help connect individuals with the
services providers or supports they need.

Population Groups Impacted or Will Benefit From This Action:

All Edmontonians; especially those facing barriers such as persons with physical and mental
disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, vulnerable persons, low and middle income families and individuals,
seniors, newcomers and Aboriginal persons.

Implementation Approach, Steps or Suggestions:

Support existing agencies and services to be connected via a common resource centre or online
information hub such as 211; but make it easy to use, effective for all and properly resourced.
Support, through advocacy or lobbying, financial sustainability for agencies who are integral
service providers in our community and ensure that individuals seeking supports and services are
not being left behind due to red-tape, misinformation and frustration.

Resources Needed:
Funding to support the development of an app and for revitalization of 211; support for interagency networking and collaboration.

John Humphrey Centre

for Peace and Human Rights

Youth Action Project on Poverty

Recommendation Four: DIGNITY

Shifting attitudes about those who experience poverty is an integral piece of poverty elimination
work. We recommend a City sanctioned and sponsored day to celebrate Dignity (corresponding
with Global Dignity Day - mid October) this day will encourage storytelling, conversations and
creative collaborations that humanize the experiences of those in poverty. Bringing together
marginalized and mainstream communities to share stories of dignity can change perceptions of
how the poor are seen and stigmatized in our community.

Proposed Action(s):
Adopt a City-wide day of dignity promoting it through social media using the hashtag #DailyDignity;
Allow sub-events to pop up in neighbourhoods and agencies that build trust and relationships
among diverse populations, challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusive respectful interactions.

Lead Responsibility and Partners:

City of Edmonton, community agencies, artists and individuals who want to contribute to main
event or sub-events (perhaps at local libraries and community leagues)

Issues Being Addressed or Rationale:

Many people who live in poverty are seen with disgust and disregard; we need to address this
before we can truly end poverty in Edmonton. One way to promote dignity for all is to ensure that
individuals on the margins are heard and included in speaking about barriers they face. Focusing
on dignity as a key piece of poverty elimination work acknowledges the lack of respect, trust and
voice experienced by those in poverty. Storytelling is a powerful way to change the minds and
hearts of those who cant see past a label.

Population Groups Impacted or Will Benefit From This Action:

All Edmontonians; especially those facing barriers and subject to stereotypes such as persons with
physical and mental disabilities, low and middle income families and individuals, LGBTQ
individuals, seniors, newcomers and Aboriginal persons.

Implementation Approach, Steps or Suggestions:

We suggest using social media and grassroots organizers to gain excitement and interest in this
project to promote and celebrate dignity (#dignitydiaries, #Dailydignity). Connect with local artists,
agencies and individuals to tell stories in a dynamic way. Use sub-events to gain momentum for
larger city-wide event.

Resources Needed:
City of Edmonton funding; opportunities for grassroots storytelling and support for agencies and
individuals engaged in this creative work in the community.

John Humphrey Centre

for Peace and Human Rights

Youth Action Project on Poverty

The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and

Human Rights is an organization committed
to advancing the principles enshrined in the
United Nations Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, and other international
documents, through education, dialogue
and change. Named after John Peters
Humphrey, a Canadian lawyer and principal
drafter of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, the Centre believes that
education in human rights has an immense
power to transform.
On its foundation rest the cornerstones
of freedom, democracy and sustainable
development. (Kofi Annan)

www.jhcentre.org
2014/2015 Board of Directors
Joan Cowling, President
Lewis Cardinal, Vice President
Robert Gardner, Treasurer
Norm McLeod, Secretary
Gurcharan Bhatia
Dominique Clment
Claire Edwards
Salma Lakhani
Raffath Sayeed
Roxanne Ulanicki

John Humphrey Centre

for Peace and Human Rights