As community organizer at a large multi service community centre in downtown Toronto named St. Sebastian House.This well-known agency is over one hundred years old and is famous for being one of the first Catholic social justice settlement houses in Toronto. Today, the program services are completely secular, and religion does not play a part in any of their programs.

 

Some community members and staff members believe it is time to change the name of the agency.They believe some people will not access their services if they see "St" in the name of the of the agency.In addition, they are concerned it may impact potential funders who do not understand or appreciate the history of the agency.On the flip slide, several community members and staff believe it is not necessary to change the name because a wide range of the ethnic groups are already using their services and it will cost a great deal of money to change the signage. They are proud of the tradition and reputation.One community member stated "I've been a part of this agency for 60 years.Why change the name now? Tensions are running high amongst these two groups.They are threatening to leave the agency if they do not "win" the argument.

how can this meeting be facilitated to discuss the community concern.

3a. Identify 8 things that could take to prepare for the meeting in advance. ( sure to be inclusive)

3b. What could be done at the beginning of the meeting to create a "safe space"?

3c. What is the objective of the first meeting?

3d. Why it important to set priorities?

3e. What is a cinch victory?