Presidents Report 2011

After bearing witness on the ongoing conflict that is currently occurring in the world, one is just overwhelmed by the courage of everyday citizens to stand in opposition to oppression. They demonstrate the courage to speak, to march, to demonstrate, to demand respect and dignity for all.  We can ever be so thankful that in this incredible country of ours that our duty is to educate others on what we have accomplished is such as short time in our history. Again MARL has demonstrated the necessary courage to continue questioning how best to keep citizens informed and active by voicing that all rights need to be protected.

This year at MARL we displayed courage and vision by always examining and reflecting on how best to educate and inform others on protecting our rights. This year MARL has had a voice as executive members at large with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. One of the contentious issues that is currently being debated at the Ontario Supreme Court is the right of prostitutes to work in a safe and secure environment.

MARL has also had the courage to tackle new initiatives, such as the first MARL Film fest that was held in March. This vision of Cindy Murdoch has allowed for a different genre to be used in educating others thus attracting another segment of our society.

Through the passion and dedication of Vicki Vaags and Roland Dion we were able to see our youth program flourish and resource toolkit be standardized and supplemented. They also provided numerous workshops on how to start social justice clubs and professional development for teachers. Due to their efforts they achieved a new level of accessibility in our schools, for both students and teachers alike. 

All of the above requires a significant level of organization and time especially in the area of grant proposals. Accolades need to be given to Cindy for the level of success that she has achieved in obtaining funding for these programs. A new example is that MARL has just received new funding for offering our youth programs in French.

This is also the time of the year to welcome on our new directors. We are very confident that in the capable hands of Manny Calisto, Marty Dolin and Sinh Nguyen MARL will continue to be visible and active in our community.

After six years I will take leave as a voting member of the executive of MARL. I will return as the past president in the fall.  It was a privilege to be part of such an incredible organization and watch the level of visibility and involvement increase in many areas.  It is truly amazing what a group of like-minded people can accomplish.

Thank you for your ongoing support.
-Estelle Lamoureux