About

History of ACT

ACT originated from the work of a group representing Aboriginal initiatives, labour, literacy, university-based community partnerships, faith communities and social ministries. Its evolution continued, when, over the past few years, a coalition of community residents and organizations began investigating the possibility of establishing a popular education centre in Winnipeg. PESTFEST (Popular Education for Social Transformation) was held on Labour Day weekend in 2004 to determine community interest in popular education. Twenty-five people attended from different educational institutions and community organizations. This gathering requested ongoing training in popular education through the establishment of a popular education resource centre which would be directly involved in social action.

Who Are We?

We are a group of individuals from all walks of life, who have come together to work for social justice and human rights.

We use popular education approaches and tools to provide opportunities for people to share their knowledge on working together for social change.

We work in community organizations, political systems, faith communities, colleges, universities and other educational settings.

We believe in positive social change led by individuals who think for themselves and take responsibility for transforming local and global communities.

A community based consultation group provides guidance to ACT’s working group. We have also been supported by a number of organizations who have supported ACT’s projects.

Working Group Members

Our working group is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives. The working group consists of:

Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd is a United Church minister, currently serving Augustine United Church, an inner city congregation in Winnipeg. She is also Adjunct Faculty with the Faculty of Theology at the University of Winnipeg. Loraine is an educator, mediator, writer, activist, and outdoors enthusiast, volunteering with ACT, Amnesty International and Mediation Services.

Debbie Schnitzer is an educator, activist, editor, writer and gardener, professor in English at the University of Winnipeg, and 3M Teaching Fellow and Director of the Institute of Transformative Learning and Literacy at the Global College.

Louise Simbandumwe works in the field of community development with a focus on immigrant issues and inner-city community economic development. Her volunteer commitments include Amnesty International, ACT and Empowering Women of Burma.

Janine LeGal is a human rights activist, refugee advocate and writer. She believes in the power of learning, dialogue, honesty, respect, community peace building, and living every day with passion and humor wherever possible.

Susie Taylor is a recent graduate of the Honours English program at the University of Winnipeg. She volunteers as the coordinator of the Winnipeg chapter of STAND Canada (Students Taking Action Now for Darfur) and with an environmental program at a Winnipeg seniors' centre.

Consultation Group Members

We also have a consultation group made up of several individuals and organizations from the community. The consultation group provides advice and guidance to the working group. Members of the consultation group consist of:

• Wendy Kroeker, Mediation Services Trainer
• Colin Russell, Registrar, Student Services, University of Winnipeg
• Jennifer DeGroot, UN Platform for Action Committee
• Irene Rainey, United Church Minister
• Nancy Pinnell, Curriculum Developer and Plain Language Specialist
• Lorri Apps, Executive Director, Literacy Partners of Manitoba
• Kathleen Venema, Associate Professor of English, University of Winnipeg

Supporters and Partnerships

We thank the following organizations for providing us with in-kind contributions and financial support:

• Augustine United Church
• Faculty of Theology, University of Winnipeg
• President's Innovative Fund, University of Winnipeg
• The United Church of Canada - Education for Church Leadership
• St. Stephen's Broadway Foundation
• The Global College, University of Winnipeg
• Assiniboine Credit Union
• Amnesty International
• Association of Commercial and Technical Employees

ACT has partnered with the following organizations to deliver courses and programs:

• Augustine United Church
• Menno Simons College
• Amnesty International Group 19