Toronto Region Board of Trade

The Toronto Region Board of Trade is one of the largest and most influential chambers of commerce in North America. Our constant flow of ideas, people and introductions to city-builders and government officials firmly roots us as connectors for—and with—the business community. We act as catalysts for the region's growth agenda. Backed by more than 12,000 members, we advocate on your behalf for policy change that drives the growth and competitiveness of the Toronto region. We want Toronto to be recognized as one of the most competitive and sought after business regions in the world, and we believe this reputation starts with you and your business.

Canadian Society of Association Executives

CSAE is many things to many people – a source of information, education, inspiration and motivation to name just a few. First and foremost, however, it is an association. Considered by many as Canada's "association of associations," CSAE is the premier organization of professionals and volunteers who manage many of this country's most progressive associations, as well as those who supply the sector with essential products and services. #associations #associationexecutive #notforprofit #CAE #governance #education #nonprofit

Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment

MISSION The Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment is committed to building the self-esteem and self-worth of young women and girls by positively influencing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons, and helping them to empower themselves. VISION To enrich the lives of girls ages 7 to 17 years old with opportunities that place special emphasis on personal development and experiential learning. CORE VALUES Empowerment is essential for young women and girls to develop the skills, and acquire knowledge, information and the resources they need to achieve a high quality of life and optimum health and wellbeing. Mentorship is long term, centered in community and built around relationships between positive adult role models and young women facing challenges in their social and personal lives. Embodying responsible leadership with integrity, from a shared vision that inspires and motivates, and with the capacity to grow through change and deliver sustainable outcomes, perfects the ability to enable others to greatness. Civic Engagement is working to make a difference in communities. It is essential as young women and girls become empowered that they learn the importance of giving back and helping to build thriving communities.

Daily Bread Food Bank

Daily Bread Food Bank works toward long-term solutions to end hunger and poverty and runs innovative programs to support individuals living on low incomes and experiencing food insecurity. Daily Bread distributes fresh and shelf-stable food and fresh-cooked meals to 128 member agencies and 193 food programs across Toronto. Daily Bread also publishes the influential Who's Hungry report — an annual survey measuring trends in food insecurity and poverty in Toronto — to educate the public and spark policy change.

National Reading Campaign

The National Reading Campaign is leading the development of an action plan to deliver a reading strategy for all Canadians. Reading allows us to communicate, consume media and perform the activities of daily life, including our jobs in an ever-changing workplace. Reading is under pressure from a range of sources: screen-based learning materials in classrooms and screen-oriented entertainments in homes are reducing the access that children have to print materials. The reduction of book budgets for school and public libraries that many provinces experienced in the 1990s has made it harder for libraries to engage students and adults in developing reading habits and skills. Yet, at the same time, more research is available than ever before to confirm the importance of reading in academic success, enhanced quality of life, stable economies, and strong communities. Becoming a reader is at the very heart of responsible citizenship, but we often lose sight of what reading — as an intellectual activity — contributes to our sense of self, our cultural awareness, our capacity for self-expression and, ultimately, our notions of engaged citizenship and the collective good. Reading, after all, is about so much more than a technical act that allows us to communicate, consume media and perform the activities of daily life. To be literate is necessary, but it is not enough.