April is tax month. While we all know that our taxes pay for public services, it can be easy to forget when we see that total tax owing on the forms. Over the course of the month, the CCPA will host and support a number of initiatives to help remind us why taxes matter and how they affect inequality. With your help, we can get British Columbians talking about the relationship between taxes, our quality of life, and our ability to reduce inequality.
Here are the highlights, with full details below:
- Community Conversations – We're asking you to host an easy-to-run discussion with friends, family or colleagues on taxes and inequality. We will provide all the supports you need. You don’t need to be an expert!
- Intensive Bootcamp on economics, taxes and inequality: For those who want to really immerse themselves in the issues, we are offering an in-depth course over a day and half on the evening of Thursday, May 1st and the full day of Friday, May 2nd. Details and price below.
- Webinar – How to talk about taxes so people will listen: A free 50-minute session on the basics of taxes, why we need them, how to talk about them, and options for a more fair system that would reduce inequality. We're offering this session twice, on Monday April 14th at 3:00 PM, and on Monday, May 12th at 10:00 AM.
Community Conversations on Taxes and Inequality
Dates: We hope you will host a conversation between April 14th and May 9th (but later is fine too). We're happy to provide advanced support and guidance upon request.
Sign up: Click here to sign up.
A majority of British Columbians believe that taxes are the price we pay for a high quality of life, and that we need to ensure everyone pays their fair share. Yet public debates are too often dominated by anti-tax rhetoric. Help us create space for a more thoughtful discussion by organizing a Conversation on Taxes and Inequality.
We will support individuals and organizations to organize conversations with up to ten people in their homes, communities or workplaces. You don’t need to be an expert to do this – we will provide everything you need.
These conversations will provide an opportunity for people to:
- Learn more about the tax system and the role it plays in relation to the economy and inequality.
- Engage in meaningful discussion with friends and/or colleagues on these issues.
To support you, we will provide:
- A short video presentation that covers some basics.
- A detailed facilitation guide that offers step-by-step guidance for hosting a conversation.
- Support materials for the participants.
If you are interested in organizing a conversation, but nervous/unsure about the idea of facilitating a group discussion, we offer a number of additional supports. We will hold a series of conference calls from April 7th to 11th, where you'll be able to ask questions and get facilitation tips. We also have a limited number of volunteer facilitators in the Lower Mainland and Victoria who we can team up with you to help run your conversation.
We hope you will host a conversation between April 14th and May 9th. Click here to sign up.
Have questions? Feel free to contact Randy at randy [at] policyalternatives [dot] ca or 604-801-5121 x242.
Intensive Bootcamp
Dates: May 1st and 2nd.
Sign up: Click here to buy tickets.
This is a one and a half day session for people who want to deepen their understanding and hone their communication skills.
Topics include:
- Economics, inequality, and taxes with Seth Klein, CCPA-BC Director
- Communications and framing with Shannon Daub, CCPA-BC Director of Communications
- Storytelling for community engagement with Randy Galawan, Community Engagement Specialist
When:
- Thursday, May 1st – 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday, May 2nd – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
*Participation is required on both days.
Cost:
- $200 for participants from established organizations.
- $75 for those from small, lower-income organizations or unaffiliated individuals.
*Price includes dinner on Thursday, and lunch and snacks on Friday. We don’t want cost to be a barrier to anyone. To arrange alternate pricing, please contact Randy Galawan at randy [at] policyalternatives [dot] ca, or phone 604-801-5121 ext. 242.
To register: A limited number of spaces are available, so sign up now.
Webinar: How to talk about taxes so people will listen
Dates: April 14th or May 12th.
Sign up: Click here to sign up.
Do you have a sense that our tax system could be more fair, but you're looking for concrete evidence? Do you find yourself arguing that fair taxes can benefit society but you stumble when it comes to explaining how? Join Seth Klein, CCPA-BC Director, for one of these free 50-minute webinars, including ample time for Q&A.
When:
Monday, April 14th at 3:00 PM
-or-
Monday, May 12th at 10:00 AM
To register: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/taxwebinar2014