SHOUT OUT AGAINST DISPLACEMENT AND GENTRIFICATION IN EAST VAN
*Learning from grassroots struggles for affordability*
*Neighbourhoods working together toward an inclusive city*
This is a community event, followed by a COPE general membership meeting
Location: Dodson Hall, 25 East Hastings Street, Downtown Eastside, Coast Salish 
Territories
Date: Sunday June 3rd, 2012
1:30-2:15pm: Sign in and refreshments
2:15-3:30pm: Open community event – “Shout out against displacement and gentrification in East Van”
3:30-4:45pm: COPE general membership meeting
OPEN COMMUNITY EVENT 2:15 – 3:30pm:
COPE invites you to a community event about housing affordability and economic inequality in Vancouver. This event is wheelchair-accessible and open to the general public. Admission is free, and food and child care will be provided.
Across our city, people are shouting out loudly about unaffordable housing conditions and distressing economic struggles. At the same time, diverse neighborhoods are organizing to preserve and create affordable housing, and to stop gentrification. Come to this event to hear community organizers from different neighbourhoods share stories of organizing successes and set-backs, and discuss strategies for city-wide movement-building.
Also, come to give testimonies and to “Shout Out” your grievances and solutions. The “Shout Out” concept is being used around the world to promote a safe space for people to tell their truths, and to recognize real life struggles. This event is about individuals, organizations, and neighbourhoods learning from each other, and working together in a united front to assert a right to the city.
The event will be held in the Downtown Eastside, ‘ground zero’ of gentrification in Vancouver, where displacement disproportionately impacts poor people, as well as aboriginal and migrant communities. This event will prioritize learning from these communities engaged in grassroots struggles.
COPE’s historical roots lie in empowering and building diverse social movements, and employing community organizing methods. COPE is committed to deepening these roots at this crucial juncture in Vancouver’s history.
Panelists:
Kelvin Bee – Aboriginal Front Door
Harold Lavender – Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood Council (DNC)
Didi Dufresne – First United Community Legal Advocate
Kim Hearty – Vancouver Renters’ Union
Sandeep Johal – Residents Association of Mount Pleasant (RAMP)
Debbie Krull – Traditional mother, Strong Woman Productions
Andy Lai – Mount Pleasant Lions Manor Tenants Union
Hugh Lampkin – President, VANDU
Herb Varley – Co-President, Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood Council (DNC)
Moderator: Ellen Woodsworth
COPE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 3:30 – 4:30pm:
Report from COPE Executive – Strategic Goals and Objectives
Reports from COPE Caucuses – Council, Parks and Education
Reports from COPE Committees – Policy and Constitution, Areas and Wards, Fundraising, Events and Fun!
Organized by Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE)
Endorsed by DTES Neighbourhood Council
