Raising the alarm bells in this 19th Toronto’s Vital Signs Report is not enough. The problems are persistent but not new.
Let’s focus on the problem that underlies them all—restoring the connection between us and our city.
It’s time to get involved and reignite our love for Toronto.
Join the #PowerOfUs.
The Findings.
Vital Signs tracks 10 indicators of quality of life in the city. So, how are Torontonians doing?
See More Findings in the Report:
Take Action:
150 Days to Believe
Simple actions. New commitments. More hope.
That’s what’s needed from each of us for a better city.
Join us by committing to ONE act of civic optimism over the next 150 days.
Share Civic Optimism
In your neighbourhood and
across Toronto.
Re-engage
Discover ways to connect
and give back.
Engaged Employers
A rallying cry for
organizations and businesses.
Apply: Microgrants
Turn your civic optimism idea into reality.
Post #PowerofUs
Share how you're recommitting to Toronto and inspire others.
Re-engage
There are many ways to participate in and support community. Volunteer Toronto has developed new tools to help you step up your engagement and find opportunities that best suit you.
Explore the engagement continuum to consider different ways to get involved.
Take the self-assessment quiz for personalized suggestions.
Civic Optimism Map
More than a city of neighbourhoods, let’s be a city of neighbours. Our map displays how Torontonians are reengaging with the city. Make and add your own commitment. These don’t need to be big organized efforts. Simple actions count too.
For map issues contact: smcclelland@torontofoundation.ca
Individuals
Share your personal action or commitment to reconnect with the city and community.
ex) Moncur Park could use more love! I’ll be convening neighbours to talk about their ideas and how to make them happen. - Claire, East York
Organizations
Show how your workplace is connecting and getting into the community.
ex) We're spending our holiday party budget on going the theatre, knowing how hard the pandemic hit the arts community. -Toronto Foundation
Microgrants
Civic optimism initiatives by resident-led groups, grassroots organizations, and informal collectives.
We'll showcase the recipients in 2024.
Microgrants
Be a catalyst for community connection! The Power of Us Microgrants provide resident-led groups, grassroots organizations, and informal collectives with up to $1000 for projects that help reconnect Torontonians to their neighbours and city.
Welcoming gathering for newcomers
Community garden
Street or apartment or condo building party
Park clean up
Skills sharing workshop
Thank you to our Power of Us Microgrant partners for their generous support.
Engaged Employers
When a city thrives, so do its employers. But when a city struggles, we feel less connected to each other and the place we call home.
If we want our city to succeed, we need people to believe in Toronto again. That’s where you come in.
We’re asking leaders to commit to ONE act of civic optimism over 150 days, kicking off with the release of Toronto’s Vital Signs Report this November 15.
Thank you to our early believers who have already joined the Power of Us campaign.
Employers Get Involved…
Join the Power of Us campaign and become a believer by committing to ONE act of civic optimism over 150 days, kicking off with the release of Toronto’s Vital Signs Report this November 15.
You can share your civic optimism commitment on our map. We'll feature your commitment on our social media feeds. Here are some ideas to get started.
Amplify the message on social and on internal channels
Share your organization's act of civic optimism on socials #PowerOfUs
Encourage your staff to get engaged, apply for a microgrant at info.volunteertoronto.ca/powerofus
There are 7,737 charities in Toronto. The early stages of the pandemic severely affected the sector with key trends that have been ongoing:
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Increased revenue fails to offset pandemic losses for many
- Rising costs and surge in service demands strain nonprofits
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Staffing and volunteer challenges plague the sector
