Welcome Project Podcast

On this episode we update you all on daily life in Toronto and Warkworth, chat about a new book study pick (Unsettling the Word: Experiments in Decolonization), and more! ABOUT THE HOST: Jordana Wright leads a placemaking and community development practice focused on introducing new audiences to their local churches, while helping congregations reach their sustainability goals and expand their social impact. ABOUT THE GUEST: Rev. Meggin King is the Minister of St. Paul’s Warkworth United Church in Warkworth, Ontario. An Affirming, inclusive, and supportive community of faith that welcomes the ministry and full participation of all. __________ WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED ON AN UPCOMING EPISODE? Please send interest in participation, news and current events that can be included in the show, and recommendations on interesting and insightful United Church folks to have as a guest on future episodes to Facebook.com/JordanaActivatesSpace via instant message. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jordanawright/message

As a city's homelessness crisis worsened, a unique partnership between faith communities and social changemakers organized to step up to meet the need for additional local shelters - temporarily. But what happens when this community-funded and -led network of shelters in faith properties is relied upon by government to meet an essential service need for over 25 years? ....................................................................................................... Subscribe if you like the #WelcomeProject and if you want more podcasts -- please share! ....................................................................................................... Hosted by: Jordana Wright https://twitter.com/jordanawright Guest: Gloria McPherson, Out of the Cold at Eastminster Coordinator ....................................................................................................... ABOUT THE WELCOME PROJECT ⇣ As we all know, cities like Toronto are becoming increasingly difficult places to find and secure affordable, inspiring, operational spaces. At the same time, many faith communities with shrinking and aging congregations are exploring new approaches to expanding the use of their urban infrastructure – including nearly 30,000 campuses across Canada. The Welcome Project is a multi-sectoral partnership that connects changemakers in need of space with stewards of faith properties committed to meeting emerging sustainability goals through creative co-location approaches and community building. The #WelcomeProject Podcast invites diverse stakeholders to come together to discuss and lend their skill sets to efforts to expand the use of century-old churches as locally responsive community hubs. This includes churches across Canada, prospective partners in the social service and cultural sectors, and curious local champions. Episode 103 focuses on sharing learnings from the partnership between East End United Regional Ministry and the Out of the Cold Program uniting a community to step as a city's homeless crisis worsens. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jordanawright/message

A network of nearly 30,000 relatively affordable kitchen spaces across Canada sits largely under the radar and underutilized. These 'secret' kitchens exist in church basements, parlours, and other spaces within faith properties. Find out how one Regional Ministry is making the most of its kitchen spaces, and how your organization can get involved! ....................................................................................................... Subscribe if you like the #WelcomeProject and if you want more podcasts -- please share! ....................................................................................................... Hosted by: Jordana Wright https://twitter.com/jordanawright Guests: Katrina McGuire, Zero Waste Station Founder https://twitter.com/kokocat Chantal Stepa, Withrow Park Farmers’ Market Manager https://twitter.com/WithrowMarket ....................................................................................................... ABOUT THE WELCOME PROJECT ⇣ As we all know, cities like Toronto are becoming increasingly difficult places to find and secure affordable, inspiring, operational spaces. At the same time, many faith communities with shrinking and aging congregations are exploring new approaches to expanding the use of their urban infrastructure – including nearly 30,000 campuses across Canada. The Welcome Project is a multi-sectoral partnership that connects changemakers in need of space with stewards of faith properties committed to meeting emerging sustainability goals through creative co-location approaches and community building. The #WelcomeProject Podcast invites diverse stakeholders to come together to discuss and lend their skill sets to efforts to expand the use of century-old churches as locally responsive community hubs. This includes churches across Canada, prospective partners in the social service and cultural sectors, and curious local champions. Episode 102 focuses on sharing learnings from the partnership between East End United Regional Ministry and the Withrow Park Farmers' Market to help fuel a zero waste movement. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jordanawright/message

Why would a century-old church partner up with a team of data scientists? To build local innovation hubs, of course! ....................................................................................................... Subscribe if you like the #WelcomeProject and if you want more podcasts -- please share! ....................................................................................................... Hosted by: Jordana Wright https://twitter.com/jordanawright Guest: Eunice Lo, Data for Good Toronto Chapter Lead https://twitter.com/eunicewlo ....................................................................................................... ABOUT THE WELCOME PROJECT ⇣ As we all know, cities like Toronto are becoming increasingly difficult places to find and secure affordable, inspiring, operational spaces. At the same time, many faith communities with shrinking and aging congregations are exploring new approaches to expanding the use of their urban infrastructure – including nearly 30,000 campuses across Canada. The Welcome Project is a multi-sectoral partnership that connects changemakers in need of space with stewards of faith properties committed to meeting emerging sustainability goals through creative co-location approaches and community building. The #WelcomeProject Podcast invites diverse stakeholders to come together to discuss and lend their skill sets to efforts to expand the use of century-old churches as locally responsive community hubs. This includes churches across Canada, prospective partners in the social service and cultural sectors, and curious local champions. Episode 101 focuses on sharing learnings from the partnership between East End United Regional Ministry and a team of data scientists to utilize data-driven insights to increase the vibrancy of it’s campuses and responsiveness to local need in surrounding neighbourhoods. ....................................................................................................... EPISODE BREAKDOWN ⇣ Here are some things you don’t want to miss from this conversation with Eunice Lo, Data for Good Toronto Chapter Lead: 00:00 – Why this matters 07:15 – Insights from participating data scientists 09:46 – Insights from forward-thinking church congregation members 14:43 – Behind the scenes at Data for Good 32:47 – Smooth jams --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jordanawright/message