Community-led Programs Review
About The 519 Established in 1975, the 519 is one of Toronto’s longest-standing community centres. For over 35 years we have been the hub of community life, serving the Church and Wellesley Village and beyond.
What We Do
The 519 is a meeting place and focal attraction for the diverse downtown Toronto communities it serves. Within a supportive environment, we respond to the needs of the local neighbourhood and broader Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) communities by supplying resources and opportunities to practice self-determination, civic engagement and community participation. Every year, The 519 houses over 75 volunteer-run programs (including community services, education, recreation, and self-help), as well as welcoming over 150 user groups (in areas such as community fundraising, off-site recreation, professional associations and unions, social activists, social service organizations and tenants’ organizations). Every year over 50,000 individuals make over 200,000 visits to The Centre.
Introduction– Community-led Review The 519 welcomes over 200,000 visitors to The Centre every year. While many of those visitors attend staff-led programs such as our Family Resource Centre or Meal Drop-in Programs, the majority of our visitors come to The Centre to participate in our diverse community-led programs.
On behalf of the Board, staff and members of The 519, thank you for your contributions to making our community stronger, healthier and more welcoming. Our centre is invaluably shaped by your contributions, commitment and efforts.
The Centre is working with our partners at the United Way and the Hunter Foundation to establish processes and systems that will allow staff-led programs and community-led initiatives to better complement one another and function collaboratively. Understanding that our staff resources are best when utilized to enable community leadership, we aim to better support both our communityled and staff-led initiatives and to develop a spectrum of programming that is responsive, expandable and flexible.
This project aims to adapt our organizational model to ensure consistent support and resources are provided for all of our programs. As such, through this project we aim to understand how to better serve our community through a diverse offering of experiences and opportunities. Specifically, our areas of focus in achieving these aims are our community-led programs, our Space Use Policy and our community engagement strategies.
Community-led Review Outcomes The Community-led Programs Review will aim to achieve the following outcomes:
Increased understanding of the diversity of community-led programs at The 519
Documentation of the needs and challenges community-led programs experience
Increased engagement between community-led programs and staff-led programs
Development of a common definition of both community-led and staff-led programming
A framework for effective staff support for community-led initiatives.
A planning, implementation and evaluation framework to formally support and facilitate opportunities for community innovation and program development
Develop, implement and evaluate training, increased collaboration and engagement programs for community-led program leaders
Increased representation and support of community-led programs in communications, representation and resourcing at The Centre
Develop best practices, documentation and tools that assist other facilities and organizations to replicate our success
Develop tools and processes that help evaluate and re-evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of our community-led programs and to enable these programs to adapt and change on the basis of emerging needs.
Community-led Review Advisory Committee The advisory committee will consist of a group of community group representatives to help review The 519's community-led programs, our Space Use Policy and our community engagement strategies. The advisory committee will meet monthly at The 519 to share opinions, address space concerns and discuss new opportunities for growth. We know that we can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with groups like yours, and this review will help to make that possible.
Phase One Survey Members of the 519 staff team completed information-gathering interviews with many of our community-led program leaders between (insert timeline). The information gathered was harnessed to create the following survey tool.
This preliminary survey is 16 questions long and is intended to provide us with a needed ‘snap shot’ of the types, volume and specific audiences that our community-led programming covers and serves. The survey asks respondents for information such as:
Primary Contact Information
Group Size
How your group promotes itself
Phase One Survey Results
The survey was sent to 289 Community-Led Groups who booked space at The 519 in 20132014
Of the 289 groups contacted, 48 emails (16.6%) bounced back indicating incorrect contact information or that the group is no longer operational.
The survey was sent to the contact list twice over a two month period (insert months ex: MayJune2014).
In total, 82 Community Groups completed the online survey.
Phase One Survey Results- Meet Participate Celebrate
60
21 12
Phase One Survey Results- Meet Participate Celebrate
Phase One Survey Results- Meet Participate Celebrate
42
37
Survey respondents’ comments of alternate meeting
Yes, for social events that are not suited to The 519
spaces used:
Hart House in U of T, any coffee shop, or members' house near downtown
Local cafe or shop
Occasionally we go to movies during inside out or
CNIB central Toronto office
other gay events
Metro Hall, Wellesley Community Centre, St. Simon -
At the home of one of the directors
In our own personal homes if they can accommodate
the Apostle Church Toronto, ARCH Boardroom, LHIN Boardroom, Toronto Public Library meeting halls
the number of people, outside, any other accessible
CultureLink
locations we can access at no cost
We've held events at the Adelaide Women's
If we reach 140 members, then no
At locations of our various member organizations
Diane Frankling Co-op building Community Room
CNIB
City Hall and various boardrooms of member offices
We have moved to a different venue in the city which allows us to hold our evening play parties on the
Resource Centre, Ryerson and College Street United Church
Women's College Research Institute
Other spaces or people's homes when the 519 is not available
Bishop Marrocco Auditorium
We meet at other AIDS Service organization spaces and at community health centre
same premises as our workshops
Pub Nights at the Fox and Fiddle, Dinners at various
Buildings
restaurants in the GTA, other social events in various locations
Regent Park CHC
St. Stephens Community House, South Riverdale CHC
Various locations throughout Ontario
The Friends House, Libraries, Community Centre, City
Sponsor locations
Phase One Survey Results- Meet Participate Celebrate
Survey respondents’ comments of target audiences:
Gay men with substance use issues
People who currently or previously identified as
Everyone recovering from alcoholism & addictions
women and who are open to or just discovering their
are welcome at our group
interest in non-binary relationships.
Everyone in the queer community but it tends to attract mostly gay men
Gay Fathers
Gay bisexual trans women lesbians
Youth
Writers
Korean-Canadian or any person who is able to
Seniors
Same sex partners with Canadian regular
communicate with Korean and/or English.
allies)
immigration needs
Mainly survivors of sexual violence, and anyone
Organizations providing services to people living with, affected by, or at risk of HIV
Any Transsexual, Trangender or Trans identified individual FtM and MtT and their concerned families
impacted by sexual violence
We are a mixed group of women (Indigenous and
or meaningful related ones.
Our events typically attract staff from social service agencies and most of the events are focused on
Asian LGBT
issues related to homelessness, but anyone is
Health Care, AIDS Service and Support Care
welcome
Providers caring for People Living with HIV
Aboriginal
BDSM and leather community
Politicized queers with a critical progress queer
Queer Muslims (allies are welcome based on requests)
liberation perspective
Phase One Survey Results- Meet Participate Celebrate
46
31
Phase One Survey Results- Meet Participate Celebrate
Phase One Survey Results- Meet Participate Celebrate
Survey respondents’ additional comments:
Word-of-mouth
Through our partnership with OCAD
Outreach to other agencies via telephone and in person presentations
Meetup.com
Pride booth but Pride reduces the effectiveness of this for community groups
Media interviews and through other SlutWalk organizers worldwide
Palm cards
Out and Out Club newsletter and emails
Media sponsor: ProudFM
Phase One Survey Results- Meet Participate Celebrate Is there a specific reason why your group meets at The 519?
Its a safe, central location.
Because it is a group that help queer people around
primarily for the LGBT community. The 519 is a safe space for most people and is free from the religious
coming out.
We live in the neighbourhood.
Many of our members are queer or trans identified, and we feel that 519 offers a safe space for us.
Good location for seniors living downtown.
The location. it's closed to most of our members.
Neutral locations, great relationships with the staff,
trappings often found in church venues where other fellowships may meet.
location for our Board meetings
helps members feel comfortable. There is also a lot of programming that happens at 519 (i.e. the newcomers group) that is relevant to members.
whose mandate we support and whose values align
access for free. It's also a supportive space for us as
with our own.
working, low-income, living with disabilities, etc. and
Easily identified location.
Central for our members, accessible, can serve the capacity. Our work can be conducted in a safe space. Availability of catering through Fabarnak for lunch meetings Because the venue is free and we have no budget. Also the environment is LGBT friendly and inclusive.
The 519 is a well known inclusive and accessible community gathering place, centrally located, familiar and welcoming to our attendees.
It is more convenience
519's mandate reflects those of the TPS Pride Network as well as being part of City of Toronto community.
519 Community Centre is in a central location, is a safe space, and is the hub for LGBTIQ+ groups like ours and others to collaborate.
We want to support the mandate of The 519 and there is no charge to use the meeting room.
The 519 recognizes us.
Accessible, free, convenient location in an institution
The 519 is a physically accessible space we can many of our participants are queer, trans*, sex
It's a central location, i.e. easily accessible by TTC. It provides actual security personnel, and hope that
Inexpensive, well known, welcome, close, covered by insurance
As a Trans support group we want to support the work of The 519, and it provides a convenient, central
excellent space.
The group was initiated as a service from and
We fill a community need.
Phase One Survey Results- Meet Participate Celebrate Is there anything else you would like us to know?
We are respectful of the space we use and would
by the 519? We are considering ways to apply for
love to be part of a fun and safe community such as
grants for additional support, as well as through
the 519.
large events. There is no question that without the support of the 519 we would not be able to operate
519 treats our group very well, always try the best to
as we do currently. Space in this city is a premium,
help us. Seniors are very happy to have this place for
and the 519 is the optimal space for us to host the
the activities.
most difficult conversations queer Muslims can have,
Some of our organizers have heard community
but also the most joyous ones as well. As much as
criticisms about The 519 not being a safe space for
519 may not be seeing these members, I hope the
some queer and trans* people but we are not sure
impact can be made clear: without 519, many queer
what we can do about it or where else we can meet.
Muslims would not be able to reconcile psycho-
We're grateful to have the space at The 519 and the
spiritual complexes, find community and build a
ability to use the envelopes at the reception desk to
network of support to help them live their lives as
pass information to each other when needed.
residents in Toronto.
Having the safe haven of The 519 each week has
supported the development of leadership within the
the front desk was showing lack of professional
group and increased participation. We are very
attitude about cultural differences like a different
grateful for this support.
accent and a specific race. We all are different and need to respect each other.
The regular cost of a two-day rental at the 519 was prohibitive when we had to add the cost of a
to be flexible about pricing, but unfortunately communications were confusing and the pricing changed on us several times before settling at a number we could afford only 48 hours before our event. It was very stressful for us as organizers to deal with this fluctuation along with delayed replies and mixed messages. This contributed to our choice to work with a different venue for later editions of the event, despite the 519's considerable advantages in terms of space accessibility. We are sad that it didn't work out better. Developing joint activities with The 519's Older LGBT group
We wonder if there is any leadership development or community development facilitators to help move our group from strictly volunteer run to more developed (i.e. developing a mission, constitution/by -laws, procedures, and program overviews) provided
It would be nice to see some signage in large print and braille.
separate night-time venue as well. The 519 was able
Sometimes, personally I feel like that, some staff at
It would be great if you try to provide office space for organizations because it is a big need.
Phase One Survey Review
35% of Community Groups do not know or do not have a mission statement
96% of users said they required space that could accommodate more than 5 people. Out of 18 rooms at The 519, only 9 can host more than 5 people comfortably
47% of Community Groups only use The 519 to host their meetings
60% do not have a permanent address or office
42% do not have a budget
48% receive private donations as their main source of funding
55% of services are open to everyone and only 5% of services are directed at the maleidentified community
33% of Community Groups use the calendar at The Front desk to promote their events or services. Email and website were the most common method of communication
Phase One Survey Recommendations The following recommendations have been created after reviewing the Community-led Review Survey results. The recommendations are as follows:
The following workshops should be hosted at The 519 is order to address some of the needs of Community Groups: fundraising and grant writing, communication and marketing, crisis management and harm reduction, and Trans 101
The alternative space list should be updated and made available at the Front Desk to re-direct Community Groups and members if space is not available
Since 60% of Community Groups do not have a permanent address or office, opportunities for additional mailboxes and phone lines should be reviewed and made available if possible
The basement storage should be cleared out and re-built to make room for new Community Groups
A policy should be created outlining who should receive additional support including items like mailboxes, phone lines, storage space and administrative support
Community Groups should have a space on The 519 website to promote their programs and services to a wider community
A communication tool should be created between Community Groups to assist in building relationships between Groups and allow The 519 to communicate important information when needed
Additional administrative tools should be made accessible to Community Groups
Community-led Review- Next Steps
Engage Community Groups to create a Community-led Review Advisory Committee with scheduled meetings for updates and input.
In partnership with the Advisory Committee, the results of the phase-one survey alongside ongoing informational interviews will be used to develop a second-phase survey. The second phase survey’s aim is to gather more qualitative data regarding areas for future engagement and to surface information that will contribute to the Space Use Policy review process. Our goal is to ensure an 80% response rate.
Analyze and summarize phase II survey results in the form of a report to the Advisory Committee.
Meet with at least 20 key informants/ stakeholders/ other organizations to better inform the review process and capture emergent themes and directions for growth and improvement.
Host an annual summit of space users in conjunction with The 519 Annual Meeting of Members as an opportunity to build capacity, engage leaders in further review planning and implementation and to offer additional skill-building opportunities.
Host at least 6 workshops on topics/ issues that have been identified by community-led groups leaders (e.g. dealing with difficult people, conflict resolution, developing a mandate, communications and outreach, etc.)
Develop a system for sharing information with community-led group leaders including: important agency information, best and promising practice research, third-party training and education tools, etc.
Deliver at least 10 updates over the course of the year.
Review current usage patterns and implementation success of The 519’s database tool to identify gaps in usage and opportunities for broader application.
Undertake a review of the existing Space Use Policy to identify issues and challenges with its application and surface opportunities for discussion and review.
Develop a process for soliciting additional feedback and information from stakeholders, staff, community-led groups and other resources beyond using the community-led program review as a spring-board for direction and guidance.
Contact Information The community-led programs review is being led by a team of staff and volunteers including the Strategic and Program Planning Committee of The 519 Board of Management; Amber Moyle, The 519's Volunteer and Community Engagement Specialist; Becky McFarlane, The 519's Director of Programs and Community Services and Matthew Cutler, The 519's Director of Strategic Partnership Initiatives. If you have questions or feedback about the community-led program review or you would like to get involved in future planning and review efforts, please contact any of the team members listed below.
Amber Moyle AMoyle@The519.org 416.355.6779
Becky McFarlane BMcFarlane@The519.org 416.392.6874 ext. 6775
Matthew Cutler MCulter@The519.org 416.392.6874 ext. 6775
Our mailing address is: The 519 Church Street Community Centre 519 Church Street Toronto, ON M4Y 2C9 Canada