Calling all library supporters! We need your help. Oshawa Public Libraries' budget will be presented on Friday, January 31st the day is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM but can go long. We would like to invite any supporters to come out and listen to the budget talks - but first, we need your action!

Please visit this online form and let them know how important Oshawa Public Library services are to you. If you don't know what to write, here's something you can copy and paste:

I am writing in support of  the Oshawa Public Libraries budget. The library offers services that are in align with the core values of Oshawa. The library budget needs to be supported by council for the families, marginalized members, and everyone in the great city of Oshawa.  Cuts to library funding are cuts to everyone in the community. Few would dispute the relevance of libraries to the quality of life in our city, but not many people realize the scope of service provided by Oshawa Public Libraries. In addition to circulating hundreds of thousands of books, DVDs, CDs, and other materials, our libraries present thousands of programs for everyone from kids to seniors, provide free Internet access to residents who do not have it in their home, deliver materials to those who cannot leave their homes, and answer thousands and thousands of questions about everything from homework assignments to how to find a job. Please support funding for Oshawa Public Libraries. 


Budget schedule

• November 25, 2013: Approval of 2014 Time Sensitive Capital Projects (read the Report)
• December 5, 2013: Finance Committee review of 2014 Anchor Grant and Partnership Grant Requests (read the Finance Committee Report and the Committee Meeting Minutes for Committee’s recommendation)
• January 29, 2014: City Council Special Meeting - Budget Overview presented to Council 
• January 31, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.: City Council Special Meeting - Grants, External Agencies and Advisory Committees
• February 7, 2014 at 9:30 a.m.: City Council Special  Meeting -  Operating Budgets
• February 10, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.: City Council Special  Meeting - To Receive Comments from the Public
• February 11, 2014 at 1:30 p.m.: City Council Special Meeting -  Capital Budget and 9 Year Forecast
• February 2014: Open House Meetings and Facebook Town Hall Event (details to be announced shortly)
• February 14, 2014: City Council Special Meeting - Budget Review and Approval

Share your suggestionsThe City has introduced new ways to inform and solicit feedback on the 2014 City Budget process, including online options for the public to submit comments and share their thoughts (read the Report). The online engagement tools aim to enhance public engagement, increase participation and offer online options for gathering valuable input for the preparation of the proposed 2014 City Budget.

We invite feedback and questions about the budget process and 2014 City Budget:

• Online Feedback Form – complete our online form to submit your feedback and questions about the budget process and 2014 City Budget.
• 2014 City Budget public meetings and Facebook Town Hall – more details will be announced shortly; we hope you can attend.
• Stay informed – updates on the budget process and 2014 City Budget, including further details about upcoming public meetings and a Facebook Town Hall, will also be posted to the City website homepage and Twitter and Facebookaccounts. Or, contact Finance Services by phone at 905-436-3311 (TTY customers only: 905-436-562) or by email at budgets@oshawa.ca.

Good trade union activists aren't just born. It takes encouragement, excitement and education to get people motivated. That's what CUPE Ontario's School is all about.
 
Nowhere in the education system do you learn the things you need to know to be a good trade unionist. That's why our School is so important to all CUPE locals.
 
It's an opportunity to create activists at every level, from front line worker, to stewards to elected leaders. Think how much stronger your local will be with well-trained activists who can help members on a variety of issues—from health and safety to injured workers, benefits and pension plans to job evaluations, from equality issues and how to deal with harassment to empowering youth and women to speak up and play a greater role in your organization.
 
CUPE Ontario school—it's a really effective investment in your members. So volunteer your time to attend a CUPE educational event today! There are many schools coming up, including a February School in Toronto.  Our recording secretary, Katy Brennan, attended Fall School in Toronto called 'Women Breaking Barriers' and this is what she had to say:


In early November I had the opportunity of attending Fall Cupe School in Toronto. I took an amazing course called Women Breaking Barriers which focused on women's issues in the workplace. It was a really inspiring and empowering course and I feel like I have a better understanding of the issues that women face at work. Coming from a work environment where the majority of the employees are female, I felt this would be an interesting course to take. I look forward to sitting on our Women's Committee sometime in the New Year.