Take a moment to learn more about our Advocacy Working Group (AWG) Co-Chairs and why they got involved in ProsperUs!
Meet Rose
Where do you live? Do you have a favourite place you visit in your neighbourhood/community?
Rose lives downtown near the Walkerville area. She enjoys spending time at home on her patio and having neighbors come by to chat. She also visits the Budimir Public Library branch, neighbourhood parks and the Riverfront frequently.
Rose described feeling very comfortable in Downtown Windsor as well, where she connects with the vibrancy and the familiar faces of the people she sees on a regular basis.
When did you join ProsperUs and why did you decide to join?
Rose joined the CAN in 2019 and the advocacy group in 2022. After going through a difficult time in her life, Rose began looking to rebuild a support system within the community. Rose explained she has always been passionate about being of service to the community and wanting to give back in any way she can. Rose described feeling supported by the community when she went through difficult times and that this was a focal motivator in wanting to give back.
Rose explained that the AWG was the best opportunity she had to do this. “I feel very lucky to be a part of this,” she said as she described resonating with the vision of ProsperUs – building generational wellness – and how her own interests, ethics and morals have aligned with this work. “I feel like I fit in, that my voice is important and that I have a lot to give in terms of ideas”.
In what ways do you think the voices of residents can be further prioritized in advocacy-related work in Windsor-Essex?
Rose believes that ProsperUs is doing good work in terms of prioritizing resident voices. She highlighted positive aspects like transparency, inclusivity and building capacity and empowerment amongst residents. She stated that ProsperUs can continue to improve by including more youth in advocacy-related work.
On a community level, Rose believes that holding the City of Windsor and other organizations and stakeholders accountable is crucial. She explained that the intent to elevate the voices of residents is there but that there is not consistent follow through. She believes that recognizing the importance of lived experiences in decision-making remains something to be improved upon. Rose also highlights how inaccessible meetings around community issues and decision-making can be, especially at the municipal level. She describes there being too much red tape, jargon and a lack of intrigue for the younger generation. Rose emphasizes that dismantling these barriers can encourage youth buy-in and elevate the voices of such an important group.
What is one thing you love about your community?
Rose loves how small the community is and how everyone is connected in some way. “It’s a big city, but a small town”, she says and believes that this makes Windsor unique.
Meet Caroline
Where do you live? Do you have a favourite place you visit in your neighbourhood/community?
Caroline lives in Old Sandwich Town. There are multiple places she enjoys visiting throughout the neighbourhood, including restaurants, shopping and historic sites. Her top picks include Rock Bottom, Hurricanes and the Bake Shop. She describes the Riverfront Park as standing out above the rest.
When did you join ProsperUs and why did you decide to join?
Caroline joined the AWG a year ago. She decided to join because she is an advocate herself. She described herself as being “woken up” after houses in her community started being bought for the building of the Ambassador Bridge twin span and other residents were advocating against it. Caroline has also participated in challenging the City on the location of the new acute care hospital.
Caroline explained that throughout this community involvement, she began learning a lot and paying attention to her surroundings. As a result, she wanted to teach others about what she had come to learn herself and to also continue learning about the community. These were her main reasons for deciding to join the AWG. “I believe there’s strength in numbers and that we stand strong when we stand together”.
Caroline emphasized that chairing the Windsor AWG has aided her professional development, has continued to challenge her and has contributed to her lifelong learning.
In what ways do you think the voices of residents can be further prioritized in advocacy-related work in Windsor-Essex?
Caroline believes that residents need more education on how to engage the city and other levels of government. She emphasized examples like learning how to be a good delegate, how to write a good letter to council, and how council administration works. Caroline believes that prioritizing these opportunities and providing more platforms for residents to speak authentically about their experiences will catch the attention of community leaders and stakeholders and encourage them to listen.
Additionally, Caroline emphasizes that the “wins” of residents should be celebrated more with the greater community. She explains that this makes the advocacy work more inspiring and exciting, encouraging other residents to put their voices forward.
What is one thing you love about your community?
The resilience of the people. “There are people in the community who are passionate about improving upon the city”, despite the challenges they face like income level, boarded up houses, community cleanliness and access to services.
Caroline also loves the connection Windsor has to Detroit, the “jewel” of a Riverfront with its unique skyline, our beautiful parks and the flat terrain that makes it great for bike riding.