Show Up Toronto - July 29, 2025
Hi comrades,
This week I am thinking a lot about Omar El Akkad's One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. Specifically, the post that sparked the book that reads:
One day, when it's safe, when there's no personal downside to calling a thing what it is, when it's too late to hold anyone accountable, everyone will have always been against this
I am trying to balance relief that tide of public opinion seems to be starting to turn towards that day, with rage that this is what it took, that two years of bombing hospitals and shooting children and killing journalists and aid workers and throwing bodies in mass graves wasn't enough, that the same politicians now decrying starvation were posing for photos with Netanyahu merely two weeks ago.
It also reminds me that the only people coming to save us is us. We would not have gotten even this far if it hadn't been for the incessant, courageous, and deeply compassionate advocacy from community organizers around the world. Every little bit added up, and every little bit will add up if we keep showing up.
Jenny
Take heart: So many things have happened it's hard to believe this was only last week, but city council voted to approve priority transit lanes on Bathurst and Dufferin, and to approve six new shelter sites. Both of these votes faced heavy opposition, with plenty of bad-faith campaigns and fearmongering (and in one case, AI slop masquerading as concerned citizenry). I'm so grateful for the tireless work of community organizers such as TTC Riders and Shelter Support Collective. This fight isn't over, but when we fight we can win.
Take action: Today, the Arms Embargo Now coalition released a groundbreaking report that uncovered hundreds of arms shipments from Canada to Israel despite our government claiming that Canada has stopped exporting weapons. It is an incredible piece of work that is nothing less than a labour of love for both the Palestinian people and for Canadians who deserve better from our government. Take a look at the report, contact your MPs with their tool, and join the briefing call on Thursday July 31 for next steps.
⭐️ = events updated since the last newsletter
Events this week
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
12-1PM — Basic Tenants Rights Workshop (Virtual)
Hosted by Federation of Metro Tenant's Associations - Are you a tenant living in the GTA? Do you have questions about your rights under the law? This free interactive workshop will explain how leases work, how rent increases are calculated, what to do to get repairs done, how to end a tenancy, and much more.
5:30-7PM — Black & Indigenous Youth Share Circle (Virtual)
Hosted by 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 — Pathways to Liberation Workshop (Downtown Toronto)
Hosted by Furdose - Join Furdose for a $10 two-hour workshop with facilitated individual and group activities to think critically about land, resistance and collective liberation. This event will use writing, drawing and mapping prompts to ask the hard-to-answer questions about how to stay rooted in local and global anti-colonial struggle and unpack pathways to collective liberation and freedom. Furdose is a Palestinian-led art resistance collective producing anti-colonial graphics, wearables, and creative community projects.
6-9PM — Sprout Gathering for Food Sovereignty: City Planting Workshop (Regent Park)
Hosted by Sumudna Protest Choir - Our modern food system is rooted in colonialism and capitalism, with Black and Brown folks forced to toil on stolen Indigenous land. Today, major corporations dominate the growing, production and distribution of what we eat. Growing some of our own food is a small but powerful way we can resist these systems and nourish ourselves and our communities. Join FoodShare’s Orlando Martín López Gómez for a beginner workshop on food growing. You’ll learn the basics of how to seed, care for and harvest a garden of your own in your yard, balcony or home. Email sumudna.toronto@gmail.com to RSVP.
7-8:30PM — Water Grabs: Ford’s Next Agenda and How We Stop It (Virtual)
Hosted by Water Watchers - In the wake of Bill 5, Ford’s water grabbing agenda is becoming more clear and it includes gutting Ontario water-taking regulations. The Ontario government is proposing a radical change to the way water-taking is permitted in Ontario that operates without scrutiny, without environment assessment, without public comment, and without duty to consult Indigenous nations. Join this panel to learn how you can help safeguard our collective water future.
⭐️ 7-9PM — Civic Hacknight - Service Design Lessons from Toronto's Largest Food Bank (Hybrid)
Hosted by Civic Tech Toronto - Civic Tech Toronto's weekly hacknights bring together Torontonians who want to improve the city through design, tech, and data. tech, and data. This week will showcase how service design transformed the volunteer experience of Toronto’s largest food bank and how these lessons can be used to address similar challenges at other organizations. The presentation will be followed by the usual breakout group sessions.
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
⭐️ 11AM-2PM — Gaza Family Reunification Weekly Sit-In (25 St Clair Ave E)
Hosted by Gazan Canadians - Join The Gazan Canadians League for a weekly sit-in to demand that the Canadian government evacuate their family members from Gaza immediately. All are welcome at this family-friendly event. There will be music and art, and signs to hold.
12-1PM — Getting Repairs Done Workshop (Virtual)
Hosted by Federation of Metro Tenant's Associations - Are you a tenant living in the GTA? Do you have questions about how to get things fixed in your apartment? This free interactive workshop explains rules for getting repairs done, whether a tenant has to pay for repairs, how quickly the landlord needs to fix things, and what to do if there is disrepair.
⭐️ 4-7PM — Emancipation Day Roots for Resilience (Maloca Community Garden)
Hosted by Black Environmental Initiative - Roots for Resilience is a garden engagement initiative that connects Black and other marginalized youth from the Jane and Finch with land-based learning. This session is in celebration of Emancipation Day.
⭐️ 5:30-8PM — Black Trans Care Day (163 Queen St E)
Hosted by Ubuntu Black Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse Collective - A care centred drop-in for Black trans, non-binary and gender diverse community members. Come by for dinner, a massage, a haircut, and access to a clothing swap.
6:30-7:30PM — WAC Information Session (Virtual)
Hosted by Workers Action Centre - Are you a worker who is fed up by bad bosses and working conditions? Do you want to get involved in the fight for decent work? Come to a free information session hosted by the Workers Action Centre to learn about the movement for decent work.
⭐️ 6:30-8:30PM — Building a Worker's Fightback: Lessons from the Picket Line (427 Bloor St W)
Hosted by International Socialists - Come for a public forum on how to build a worker's movement. Listen to Matt Jeffrey from Unifor Local 4271, Pam Johnson from OPSEU, and Katherine Grzejszczak from CUPE Ontario on lessons from the picket line. Zoom option available.
Thursday, July 31, 2025
⭐️ 11-11AM — Policing-Free Schools Press Conference (Queen’s Park South Lawn)
Hosted by Policing-Free Schools - Join the Provincial Campaign for a Policing-Free Schools Ontario for their press conference speaking out against Bill 33, a dangerous power grab by the Ford Government.
⭐️ 6-8PM — Volunteer to Demand School Meals for All (Lawrence Ave and Morningside)
Hosted by Progress Toronto - Mayor Chow and Toronto City Council have voted to expand school meals, but to feed all students, the Ford government must match the city’s investment. We urge the provincial government to provide funding for a universal school meal program to ensure students do not go hungry. Join Progress Toronto in speaking to residents across Toronto on the street, at farmers’ market, and festivals to help them tell the Ford government to fund school meals.
⭐️ 7-8PM — How to Run a Doorknocking Campaign (Virtual)
Hosted by Davenport 4 Palestine - If you're part of neighbourhood riding looking to engage your community in grassroots organizing, join our webinar on how to run a doorknocking campaign Learn best practices, tips, and tricks so you can set up a campaign in your local riding! RSVP by emailing at davenport4palestine@gmail.com.
⭐️ 7-9PM — Urgent Movement Briefing on Arms Embargo (Virtual)
Hosted by Arms Embargo Now - A groundbreaking new report uncovered hundreds of shipments of weapons and military goods from Canada to Israel in the last two years, many in the last three months, despite the Foreign Minister claiming that Canada had stopped all arms transfers to Gaza. Join the Arms Embargo Now coalition to get up to speed on what the report and plan next steps as a movement.
⭐️ 10:45PM-12:30AM — Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride (Transit Park, 100 New Park Place)
Hosted by Blackhurst Cultural Centre - The Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride is symbolic of the great sacrifice and risks that were made by formerly enslaved people during their journey to Canada. This immersive experience will feature performances of singing and drumming, as well as moments of reflection on the significance of Emancipation Day.
Friday, August 1, 2025
⭐️ 6-8PM — Mississauga Protest: Stop Starving Gaza Now (Burnhamthorpe Rd & Confderation Parkway)
Hosted by Palestinian Youth Movement - The people of Gaza are facing the worst stage of Israel’s deliberate mass-starvation campaign, while also under relentless bombardment and killings by the IOF. The Canadian government offers empty forms of reparations, announcing that they plan to recognize Palestinian statehood while continuing to sell weapons to the entity oppressing, occupying, and ethnically cleansing the Palestinians on their land. PYM calls on all people of conscience to join in demanding an end to the genocide and a total two-way arms embargo on Israel - NOW!
7:30-11:30PM — From Turtle Island To Palestine - Hunger Strike For Gaza (Tapestry, 224 Augusta)
Hosted by Yehia - Come for a benefit show at Tapestry for a night of music in solidarity with Gaza. This is a fundraiser to raise donations for the ongoing mass starvation of Gaza and show our support for the people of Palestine. Let's stand together and make our voices heard. Together, we can make a difference. All proceeds go to Hunger Strike For Gaza: Save Gaza From Mass Starvation.
Saturday, August 2, 2025
⭐️ 1-2PM — BDS Leafletting (900 Dufferin St)
Hosted by Davenport 4 Palestine - Join Davenport 4 Palestine for the weekly BDS leafleting campaign at Dufferin Mall. Meet outside south entrance and buddy up – no experience necessary!
⭐️ 4-9PM — Harm Reduction Happy Hour Summer Bash (Christie Pits Park)
Hosted by Harm Reduction Happy Hour - A monthly social hang for harm reduction workers, peers, and allies to connect and share the struggle of working in this space.
Sunday, August 3, 2025
11AM-3PM — Swap & Stitch Social (Worth Gallery, 830 Dundas)
Hosted by Worth Gallery - A clothing swap and mending event! Bring gently used clothing to exchange and discover new-to-you treasures while reducing textile waste. Our cozy mending station will be hosted by local artist and textile enthusiast, Jenneen Marie, ready to help you patch, stitch, and personalize your clothes with care. Whether you're a seasoned sewer or just curious, all skill levels are welcome. PWYC - Proceeds from the event will go to The Period Purse. Unclaimed items will be donated.
⭐️ 11AM-1PM — Gaza Square (371 Wallace Ave)
Hosted by Davenport 4 Palestine - Join Davenport 4 Palestine and High Park for Palestine every Sunday for hot chocolate, coffee, buttons and posters, lawn signs and colourful chalk. Come say hi and meet your fellow neighbours/organizers and continue to build safety in the community.
1-3PM — Phillipine Society and Revolution, Pt 2 (Christie Pits Park)
Hosted by Anakbayan Toronto - Join Anakbayan Toronto for part 2 of a two-part potluck and workshop series to discuss the readings and teachings of Philippine Society and Revolution. Open to all! Through our studies of Philippine Society, we grow closer to our roots and understand our revolutionary history as Filipino People.
Monday, August 4, 2025
12:30-1:30PM — Weekly Phone Zap for Palestine (Virtual)
Hosted by Toronto Zaps For Palestine - Join with organizers from coast to coast in calling, emailing, and faxing demands to elected officials to stop Canada's complicity in the genocide.
Down the road
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
⭐️ 6-8PM — No Cops In School: (Re)Imagining Education Without Policing (EarlyON, Jane Finch Mall)
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
⭐️ 11AM-2PM — Gaza Family Reunification Weekly Sit-In (25 St Clair Ave E)
4:30-9PM — Commemoration Ceremony on the 80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Nathan Phillips Square)
⭐️ 6-8PM — Renovictions: Our Homes, Our Rights (105-1911 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough)
Thursday, August 7, 2025
⭐️ 3-7PM — Volunteer to Demand School Meals for All (Dufferin Grove Park)
Friday, August 8, 2025
⭐️ 6-8PM — Toronto Spring Monthly Meeting (Trinity-St. Paul's United Church, 427 Bloor St W)
⭐️ 6-11PM — The Teacher: Outdoor Screening + Souq (Christie Pits Park)
Saturday, August 9, 2025
⭐️ 12-5PM — Council Fire’s 8th Annual Youth Gathering (Regent Park)
⭐️ 1-2PM — BDS Leafletting (900 Dufferin St)
⭐️ 3-5:30PM — Solidarity Academy for Asian Workers: Speak Up & Be Heard (105-1911 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough)
Sunday, August 10, 2025
11AM-5PM — The Disability Arts Festival (Wychwood Barns)
⭐️ 11AM-1PM — Gaza Square (371 Wallace Ave)
⭐️ 12-2PM — Volunteer to Demand School Meals for All (Scarborough Town Centre)
⭐️ 12-8PM — Palestine Day Toronto (JC Saddington Park, Mississauga)
1-5PM — Prisoner’s Justice Day Toronto (Grange Park)
⭐️ 1-5PM — Skate & Paint 4 Palestine (Christie Skate Park)
2-3:30PM — Strong Towns Toronto's Monthly Meeting (The 519, 519 Church St)
2-4PM — History of Revolution Pt 3: Challenging empires decolonization and independence (427 Bloor St W)
2:30-7:30PM — Sketch-a-thon Fundraiser for Spring Magazine (Christie Pits Park)
Monday, August 11, 2025
12:30-1:30PM — Weekly Phone Zap for Palestine (Virtual)
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
5:30-7PM — Black & Indigenous Youth Share Circle (21 Cecil St)
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
⭐️ 11AM-2PM — Gaza Family Reunification Weekly Sit-In (25 St Clair Ave E)
⭐️ 2:30-4:30PM — Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Housing Workshop (St James Town Community Centre)
Thursday, August 14, 2025
6-9PM — The Green Summit (Metro Hall, 55 John)
Friday, August 15, 2025
⭐️ 5:30-8PM — WAC Summer Social (Christie Pits Park)
Saturday, August 16, 2025
⭐️ 10AM-5PM — Civic Spark (Myhal Centre, U of T)
⭐️ 3-5:30PM — Solidarity Academy for Asian Workers: Organize and Take Action (105-1911 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough)
Sunday, August 17, 2025
⭐️ 10AM-5PM — Civic Spark (Myhal Centre, U of T)
11AM-2PM — Spring's Book & Bake Sale (720 Spadina, #202)
1-2:30PM — Friends and Families for Safe Streets Peer Support Meeting (401 Richmond St W, Room 215)
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.