Show Up Toronto - August 26, 2025
Hi friends and neighbours,
It is, inexplicably, the last week of August, which means families are getting prepared for back to school. A thing that I've been watching with some alarm over the summer is the Ford government's efforts to erode the rights and resources of public schools. In June, the government quietly passed a regulation that allows the education minister to force school boards to sell land, and even to decide who buys it. In July, the Ministry of Education seized control of four major school boards (including the Toronto District School Board) under the guise of correcting financial mismanagement, and the democratically elected trustees from these school boards have been ordered to turn in their phones and computers and forbidden from speaking to their constituents. The Minister has said that he would be interested in eliminating the role of school trustees altogether.
This is the kind of brazen garbage the government feels empowered to do without Bill 33, a new proposal that would give the Premier even more sweeping power over school boards. A key clause of the bill would bring cops back to schools after they had been removed from many school boards years ago because their presence harms racialized students, furthers the school-to-prison pipeline, and makes education worse for everyone. Which, of course, doesn't matter if your goal is control rather than learning.
I'm not pretending that our education system is a bastion of progress and grace, but there's a reason public education is a favourite target of reactionaries and demagogues: it is a deeply imperfect but still crucial site for each new generation to encounter people who are not exactly like them, hear ideas their parents may not approve of, and explore identities they didn't know existed. Schools are a battleground. The right certainly knows it—that's why the same book bans that have been spreading like wildfire across America are now making their way into Canadian school libraries—so we need to show up in equal force.
Policing-Free Schools has been running webinars for the past week on all aspects of this power grab, with more events this week culminating in a rally at Queen's Park tomorrow (Wednesday the 27th) at 11am to say no to Bill 33. If you can't make it out, the Policing-Free Schools website has a ton of actions you can take to get involved in this campaign.
Thanks for showing up.
Jenny
⭐️ = events updated since the last newsletter
Events this week
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 🔗
12-1PM — Rules About Rent Explained Workshop (Virtual)
Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations - Join FMTA for a free and interactive workshop to learn about how and when rent goes up. Learn about giving notice of rent increases, legal and illegal rent increases, how above-guideline increases (AGIs) work, when deposits and extra charges are allowed, and more.
3-5PM — Organizing Against Policing-In-Schools (Virtual)
Policing-Free Schools - Join Policing-Free Schools for an Ontario Provincial Back-to-School Digital Teach-In & Training, where you will delve into CopWatch led by members of Orange Hats! Get skilled up for when you're organizing and mobilizing, including against policing-in-schools! Understanding what you are seeing when you are dealing with police is critical to improving your safety. CopWatch will help you predict when cops are about to take action, as well as give you tools to critically observe and document those police behaviours and actions.
5:30-7PM — Black & Indigenous Youth Share Circle (Virtual)
Rising From our Roots - This biweekly share circle, hosted by two Afro-Indigenous youth will help build connection, sense of community, and interact in meaningful conversations with voices that matter. The share circle will allow for Black and Indigenous youth to engage and share lived experiences, accomplishments, and tribulations. This session is virtual.
6-8PM — Talk to Voters in Scarborough—Rouge Park (Lawrence & Morningside)
Progress Toronto - Scarborough—Rouge Park is having a by-election to choose their next city Councillor on September 29, and it’s an opportunity to change who holds power at City Hall. Join Progress Toronto in knocking on doors in the ward to learn what issues matter to them and share information about the upcoming by-election.
6-7:30PM — Virtual lobby training: Learn how to make workers’ voices heard in Parliament! (Virtual)
Workers Together - You don’t need to be an expert to speak up for workers’ rights—you just need to know how to get your MP’s attention and share your story effectively. Join Workers Together to learn about how to meet with your MP and make sure they hear what matters to working people.
⭐️ 6-8PM — Harm Reduction Advocacy Open Meeting (College Street United Church)
Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective Toronto - An open working group meeting for anyone who’s interested in working on the art installation/vigil for International Overdose Awareness Day. This a great way to get involved in organizing and learn new skills! If you have any, please bring black and purple fabric!
7-9PM — Pan-Canadian Worker’s Organizing Meeting (Virtual)
Justice for Workers - Come join the Ontario Justice for Workers meeting to discuss critical updates, share strategies, and strengthen collective efforts to fight for better wages, safer workplaces, and fair treatment for all workers. Whether you're a long-time organizer, a curious first-timer, or a worker ready to take action, this meeting is for you! Together, we’ll plan the next steps to build power and win the changes we need.
7-9PM — Civic Hacknight – Toronto’s PayIT System (Hybrid)
Civic Tech Toronto - Civic Tech Toronto's weekly hacknights bring together Torontonians who want to improve the city through design, tech, and data. This week, public servant Sonali Chakraborti will dive into the case of PayIT, a technology procurement at the City of Toronto that sowed controversy from the outset and ended in an Auditor General's review and premature end to the contract. Breakout group to work on civic tech projects to follow.
7-9PM — Groundings in Little Xaymaca (1672 Eglington Ave W)
A Dutty Boukman Book Club - Inspired by Rastafari tradition, Groundings are communal gatherings rooted in open dialogue, where knowledge is shared and African identity, culture, spirituality, and political consciousness are centered. A Dutty Boukman is collaborating with Studio M to launch monthly Groundings to build stronger community ties, support grassroots organizing, and connect with elders to ignite the spirit of Black Political Consciousness.
8-11PM — Pals 4 Palestine (CC’s, 1564 Danforth Ave)
Pals 4 Palestine is a variety & drag show starring Will To Power and Kanna Worm, featuring amazing performances from many more performers. The show is free, donations are highly encouraged. All proceeds donated to Gazan families.
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 🔗
⭐️ 11AM-2PM — Policing-Free Schools Teach-In & Rally (Queen’s Park South Lawn)
Policing-Free Schools - Join Policing-Free Schools for a back-to-school teach-in and rally to say NO to Bill 33, which mandates the presence of police officers in schools. Come hear powerful speakers from a coalition of organizations across the province speak about why Bill 33 is exactly the wrong thing for our schools, and why our education system needs more support and resources, not carceral measures.
11:30AM-1:30PM — International Overdose Awareness Day Street Fair (339 George St)
Toronto Drop-In Network - Join the Toronto Drop-In Network and community partners for a free BBQ and an information fair to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day.
⭐️ 2-5PM — FoodShare Cooking Workshop (116 Industry St)
North York Women’s Centre - Join the North York Women’s Centre in the FoodShareTO kitchen for a hands-on workshop where food becomes connection, creativity, and care. Whether you’re here to learn, cook, or simply share a meal, you’ll leave with full plates and new memories. Email info@nywc.org to register.
6-8PM — Safer Together: Building Stronger Communities Through Connection (Unit 105 - 1911 Kennedy Road)
Scarborough Civic Action Network - An engaging community event for an open and essential conversation on what it truly means to feel safe in our communities. Topics will include creating safe and inclusive spaces, environmental & physical safetyaccess to food, community, and third spaces, and more.
⭐️ 6:30-9PM — Research Reimagined: A Student Sustainability Symposium (CSI, 192 Spadina)
Jane Goodall Institute of Canada - Join the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada for an inspiring evening where student researchers bring their academic work to life for the community. Through short presentations, posters, and meaningful dialogue, you’ll explore urgent sustainability topics in a creative and accessible way. Help amplify student voices and inspire sustainability action!
7-9PM — Stop Bill C-2 Webinar (Virtual)
Coalition of Canadian civil rights groups - Bill C-2, Mark Carney’s so-called “Strong Borders” Act, is cruel, useless and dangerous. Experts are calling it the most anti-privacy legislation since Harper’s C-51, and comparable to - and in some ways, even worse than - the Trump administration's anti-migrant and refugee measures. C-2’s flagrant attacks on our rights are so broad, it will make all of us less safe. Come learn about everything that's wrong with Bill C-2 and how it harms all of our civil liberties, and what we can do about it.
9-10:30PM — Virtual lobby training: Learn how to make workers’ voices heard in Parliament! (Virtual)
Workers Together - You don’t need to be an expert to speak up for workers’ rights—you just need to know how to get your MP’s attention and share your story effectively. Join Workers Together to learn about how to meet with your MP and make sure they hear what matters to working people.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 🔗
1:30-3:30PM — Better Transit, Better Streets (1911 Finch Ave W)
TTC Riders and Jane Finch Action Against Poverty - Join TTC Riders and JFAAP for a workshop with food and a raffle on how to improve the TTC and win more riders onto the system. Topics will include transit safety, affordability and fare capping, and more. Let's make sure the voices of riders are listened to as the city develops its Ridership Growth plan, especially from under-served areas like Jane and Finch.
⭐️ 3-7PM — Community Fridges and Bike Brigade at the Market (East Lynn Park)
Community Fridges Toronto - Community Fridges and Bike Brigade will be at the East Lynn Park Farmer’s Market to collect donations and talk to community members. Accepting fresh food purchased from the market, donations of food and personal care items brought to the market to share with us, or you can donate cash so we can buy highly requested items for the fridges (like milk, bread, eggs, and animal- and plant-based proteins).
⭐️ 5-8PM — ACABbq (Bellvue Square Park)
Food Not Bombs Kensington - Food Not Bombs Kensington is celebrating their 1 year anniversary! Come for free vegan hot dogs, meet your neighbours, and find out how to get involved in mutual aid.
6-8PM — Talk to Voters in Scarborough—Rouge Park (Ellesmere & Meadowvale)
Progress Toronto - Scarborough—Rouge Park is having a by-election to choose their next city Councillor on September 29, and it’s an opportunity to change who holds power at City Hall. Join Progress Toronto in knocking on doors in the ward to learn what issues matter to them and share information about the upcoming by-election.
⭐️ 7-8:30PM — Science for the People: Palestine Issue Launch (A Different Booklist, 779 Bathurst)
Science for the People - Join for the Toronto launch of the latest issue of the Science for the People magazine on Palestine. This issue will focus on the oppression and liberation of the Palestinian people through the lens of revolutionary science, technology, and healthcare. The innovation and ingenuity of Palestinians under the siege and occupation plays an important and often overlooked role in the vitality of their resistance. Nowhere is this more evident than the constant technical and political marvels in care practices that enable collective resistance through birthwork and nourishment for a besieged enclave at the brink of famine.
⭐️ 7-8PM — Virtual Writer’s Block Session for Prison Pen Pals (Virtual)
Prisoner Correspondence Project - The Prisoner Correspondence Project is a solidarity project for gay, lesbian, transsexual, transgender, gendervariant, two-spirit, intersex, bisexual and queer prisoners in Canada and the United States, linking them with people a part of these same communities outside of prison. Whether you already have a penpal and just want an accountability buddy, or whether you’re interested in becoming a penpal and want support in the sign-up process, drop by to support each other.
Saturday, August 30, 2025 🔗
⭐️ 11AM-1PM — Anti-Racism in Ontario’s Education (Virtual)
Urban Alliance on Race Relations - Educators, students, and advocates—you're invited to a virtual webinar on Anti-Racism in Education. Let's explore actionable strategies, share experiences, and build a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all.
1-3PM — Talk to Voters in Scarborough—Rouge Park (Lawrence & Centennial)
Progress Toronto - Scarborough—Rouge Park is having a by-election to choose their next city Councillor on September 29, and it’s an opportunity to change who holds power at City Hall. Join Progress Toronto in knocking on doors in the ward to learn what issues matter to them and share information about the upcoming by-election.
⭐️ 1:30-6PM — BIPOC Healing Fair Art Market (Christie Pits Park)
444 Real Change - Join 444 Real Change and Rising From Our Roots for a warm su mmer evening filled with creativity and community. Come support and celebrate Black, Indigenous, and POC artists and makers showcasing their work.
Sunday, August 31, 2025 🔗
⭐️ 11AM-12PM — IODA Day Flag-Raising (Toronto City Hall)
Black Coalition for Aids Prevention - Join Black CAP in honouring those lost and show your support. As a dedicated harm reduction agency, Black CAP is honoured to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day and invites the community to join in at City Hall, where the CN Tower will illuminate in purple to recognize this significant day.
⭐️ 3-6PM — Scarborough Rally for Palestine (Lawrence and Warden)
Action For Palestine - Calling on all community members to come out and stand together in Scarborough this Sunday, before back-to-school and demand that Canada stop funding genocide. Your presence matters. Every voice, every step, and every sign makes a difference in raising awareness and demanding justice for Palestine. Let’s show our unity and strength as a community. Bring your family, friends, and neighbours—together we can make our voices heard loud and clear.
⭐️ 6-7:30PM — IODA Day Art Installation and Vigil (Scadding Court)
Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective Toronto - To observe the annual International Overdose Awareness Day in Toronto, the Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective will host a visual and audio art installation and procession culminating in a community vigil. This years’ observance, titled We Miss You, Still, will mourn those affected by the drug toxicity crisis and spread awareness about overdose prevention. International Overdose Awareness Day is not only one day of action, mourning and education, but is a demand for drug-user liberation and life.
7-8PM — Mutual Aid Training (Virtual)
Democratic Socialists of Canada - Mutual aid is an organizational model where voluntary, collaborative exchanges of resources and services for common benefit take place amongst community members to overcome social, economic, and political barriers to meeting common needs. This 1 hour training has a strong focus on practical skills you can immediately use to start a mutual aid event or campaign in your city.
Monday, September 1, 2025 🔗
9:30AM-12:30PM — Labour Day Parade (Queen St W & University Ave)
Toronto and York Region Labour Council - This Labour Day, join the Toronto & York Region Labour Council to take to the street with over 20,000 labour members to honour the past, present, and future victories of the labour movement at this year’s annual Labour Day Parade! This year’s theme: A Canada for Workers: Made Here, Paid Here.
12-1PM — Weekly Kill Bill 5 Phone Zap (Virtual)
Nagweyaab Ishkode - Nagweyaab Ishkode is collaborating with SURJ Toronto to run weekly phone zaps onlien via Zoom to help educate Ontarians and protest Bill 5. Bring your friends, share with your community, spread the word! Let's advocate and rally together to repeal bill 5 and protect land rights. Scripts and templates will be provided, though folk sare encouraged to bring their personal writings.
7-8PM — Democratic Socialists of Canada Orientation (Virtual)
Democratic Socialists of Canada - In this one-hour session, you will listen to a brief presentation outlining the DSC's mission, structure, and activities, and learn how to get involved in your local Chapter. Following the presentation, there will be a discussion period and the organizers will answer any questions you may have.
Down the road
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 🔗
⭐️ 5:30-7PM — Human Rights and International Law: A Conversation On The Limits and Possibilities for Palestine (Available upon registration (TMU))
⭐️ 6-9PM — Ride and Learn: Community Land Trusts (Kensington Avenue and St. Andrew)
Friday, September 5, 2025 🔗
⭐️ 8-9:30PM — Co-Resistance in the West Bank (Virtual)
⭐️ 12-3PM — Shouldering Each Other Up Amidst Atrocity & Outing Enraged Grief (Virtual)
Sunday, September 7, 2025 🔗
2-4PM — History of Revolution Pt 4: The Arab spring and revolution in the 21st century (427 Bloor St W)
3-5PM — Jewish Musicians for Gaza (918 Bathurst)
Monday, September 8, 2025 🔗
6-8PM — Fighting To Win (Bloor-Yonge area (available upon registration))
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 🔗
5:30-7PM — Black & Indigenous Youth Share Circle (21 Cecil St)
Friday, September 12, 2025 🔗
6-8PM — Toronto Spring Meeting (Trinity-St. Paul's United Church, 427 Bloor St W)
Saturday, September 13, 2025 🔗
1-4PM — Toronto-St. Paul Tenant School (Hybrid)
⭐️ 2-4PM — Yiddish Art & Anti-Fascism: Radical Kensington History Tour (Queen & Spadina)
Sunday, September 14, 2025 🔗
1-3PM — Friends and Families for Safe Streets Peer Support Meeting (401 Richmond St W, Room 215)
1-3PM — Overdose Response Training (Thompson Memorial Park)
2-4PM — Race for MMIWG2S (Dufferin Grove Park)
For the full up-to-date event listing, visit the Show Up Toronto website. If you find this newsletter useful, I would love for you to:
- Forward it to a friend
- Tell me if you go to an event
- Send me other organizing events in the city I may have missed
You can reach me by replying directly, or by emailing organize@showuptoronto.ca.