On Nov. 30, The Public Good Society of Dartmouth will be holding its annual general meeting and I'll be speaking at the event. The AGM will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Christ Church Hall in Dartmouth. Everyone is welcome. We'll be discussing a number of topics: the impact the recession has had on users of core services; an update on the Poverty Reduction Strategy; and what community groups do to help families in need. I'm expecting a lively discussion.
The Public Good Society started in 2004, when a group of citizens gathered to address complex social issues facing the Dartmouth area. Residents, educators, business people, community health professionals and representatives from all three levels of government decided to pool their resources and work together to make our community the best it can for the people who live, work and play here.
The name and founding principle reflect Joseph Howe's musing in 1835: "When I sit down in solitude to the labours of my profession, the only questions I ask myself are, what is right? what is just? what is for the public good?"
Committed to informed decision-making, developing partnerships, and building on what's working in the community, the society has become a catalyst for positive change. Not only has the group raised awareness and understanding about the root causes of social issues, it is helping to identify gaps in services and policies and to broaden support services for vulnerable persons.
In 2006, a survey conducted on consumers of core services heard first-hand about the well-being of those interviewed, as well as what services they would find most useful. Based on the information gleaned from the survey, the board of directors developed the Connections that WORK Project which helps users of core services, such as hot meal initiatives and food banks, connect with programs they identify as next steps towards employment and self-reliance.
For more information about the PGS of Dartmouth visit www.publicgoodsociety.ca To speak to me about this or any issue, please email marilynmoremla@ns.aliantzinc.ca or call 463-6673.
