No Images? Click here Funding re-instated for Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) May 2017 Issue No. 58Quotation of the month
Funding re-instated for CoSAThe Ottawa Office welcomes the May 6 announcement that the federal government will provide $7.48 million in funding to Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) over the next five years. CoSA is a program that helps reintegrate convicted sex offenders back into the community upon their release, with the support of circles of trained volunteers and professionals. Numerous studies have demonstrated that CoSA prevents recidivism (reoffense) by rates of between 67 and 92 per cent. It is a proven way of reducing sexual offense and making communities safer. CoSA emerged from a 1994 experiment in which a group of Mennonites in southern Ontario, with the backing of MCC Ontario, brought together a circle of volunteers to work with one particular offender upon his release. The experiment caught the imagination of others and there were soon similar circles across the country, with MCC playing a pivotal role in their development. Over the years the federal government provided some financial assistance to CoSA programs, but initial exploratory funding ended a number of years ago. The new grant will strengthen and grow the work of CoSA in 14 sites during the first year of funding. MCC currently is significantly invested in nine CoSA sites across the country. Women matter in making peaceOn April 20-21, 50 civil society representatives came together with at least 25 civil servants from various foreign and domestic departments for a consultation on the future of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in Canada. Canada’s previous National Action Plan (C-NAP) on WPS expired in March 2016. WPS is a critical policy theme. Studies have shown that the participation of women in peace processes greatly increases prospects for long-term success. This consultation included critiques of the past C-NAP, lessons learned from international contributors, and opportunities to make concrete suggestions for the next stage. Some of the top suggestions included clear and dedicated funding for WPS programming, a domestic component to address WPS issues within Canada, and a focus on input and programs from innovative grassroots partners, particularly women’s organizations, both in Canada and around the world. A full report from the WPS consultation will be available in the coming days via the Canadian WPS Network and the Consultation website.
Staff update: Diversity and inclusionOver the past year, MCC Canada staff – including all of us in the Ottawa Office - have participated in a series of trainings to strengthen our commitment to and capacity for diversity, inclusion and inter-cultural competence. We have appreciated the opportunity to learn about Indigenous history, worldview and cultural richness. |