Community roles in policy

Federal_Policy_Updates_September.pdf and COP/Docs/Provincial_Policy_Updates_November.pdf 2. Building an evidence base One of the major components of policy work involves the development of a solid evi- dence base to explain the nature of a complex problem and the importance of taking multiple a [...] The rate of poverty refers to the percentage of households below the poverty line in a designated area. [...] The multiple risks of living in a poor neighbourhood are significant – and long-lasting – for children and youth, newcomers to the country and the entire community. [...] The collaborating partners planned a publicity and education campaign, selected and secured tax assistance locations accessible to low-income households, provided the required training and support materials for volunteers, and prepared the infrastructure to handle the higher number of applications. [...] In the summer of 2003, staff at United Way of Calgary and Area (one of two co-conveners of Vibrant Communities Calgary at the time) began a 20-month process to pilot a policy initiative that would help the Calgary nonprofit sector build and improve relations with the provincial government.