Community Networks Ambassador Program
The Community Networks Ambassador program is an initiative led by the City of Toronto along with TNO – Neighborhood Organization. Its main aim is to foster continued engagement and provide support for the Toronto Strong Neighborhood Strategy (TSNS), Community Networks and resident tables. The project will be executed in partnership with Rexdale Community Health Centre (North Etobicoke – Black Creek Humber Summit), Progress Place (York West Pelham), Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (South Scarborough), St. James Town Community Corner (Downtown East/West), TNG – The Neighbourhood Group and TNO (East York Don Valley).
The Community Ambassadors will be placed in various communities across the City to improve communication, trust, and engagement while sharing information across equity-deserving groups and communities.
Project Outcomes – Community of Practice
Networking & Collaboration
Training & Capacity Building
Connection to Participation Opportunities
City Information Sharing
TSNS - Toronto Strong Neighborhoods Strategy - City of Toronto
The Toronto Strong Neighborhoods Strategy (TSNS) is a collaborative action plan by the City of Toronto designed to ensure the success and prosperity of every neighborhood in Toronto. TSNS is a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering healthy communities in partnership with residents, community agencies, and businesses. It involves strategic investments in people, services, programs, and facilities, specifically focusing on 31 Neighborhood Improvement Areas – Neighbourhood Improvement Area Profiles – City of Toronto– and eight emerging neighborhoods approved by the City Council in 2014. The strategy’s ultimate goal is to elevate the quality of life, stimulate social and economic development, and encourage community engagement in these areas.
City of Toronto
TSNS Community Networks
The map shows the Toronto Strong Neighborhood Strategy Community Networks. There are nine community networks throughout the city. Learn More
Ambassadors
selah.getahun.eastyorkdonvalley@gmail.com
Read Bio
Selah is the founder of the Afro Newcomers Organization, a nonprofit dedicated in serving newcomers of African origin in Canada. He has extensive experience in community service, including his role as Program Manager for the Black Community Access Program at Skills for Change. Selah is also a Newcomer Council Member at the Toronto South Local Immigration Partnership (TSLIP). From 2021 to 2024, Selah served as a Research Peer Leader for a research study on Newcomer Services funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Passionate about community empowerment and cross-cultural relations, Selah has not only established the vision for the Afro Newcomers Organization but also forged strategic partnerships with governmental and private entities. This showcases his ability to bridge sectors for collective impact. Prior to immigrating to Canada, he served as Director of the Empower Africa Research and Social Development Organization, where he led research and training projects, fostering dialogue on critical socio-political issues.
Selah holds a Master of Arts in International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations.
bashirkamugo.yorkwestonpelham@gmail.com
Read Bio
Enthusiastic and people-oriented community ambassador with a deep commitment to strengthening connections and helping others thrive. I have been involved in various community initiatives, from organizing events to managing online forums, always striving to create an open and welcoming environment for all. I believe in the power of engagement and teamwork to bring about positive change, and I’m dedicated to making a lasting impact on the communities I serve.
sheilafarr.blackcreek@gmail.com
Read Bio
Sheila is a dedicated resident of the Black Creek North York neighborhood with a longstanding commitment to serving her community. Embodying the belief that “Service to humanity is the best work of life,” she has been passionate about community support since her teenage years.
Bringing with her a wealth of experience in community engagement activities, Sheila is thrilled to join The Network Organization as an ambassador. Her goal is to enhance access to information, available resources, sector opportunities, and investments while empowering individuals and all community groups within the neighborhood.
In her role as Community Network Ambassador, Sheila will focus on deepening relationships and connections in the Black Creek Humber Summit neighborhood, working tirelessly to foster inclusivity among all residents. She looks forward to collaborating with other community leaders in order to inspire a strong sense of unity and belonging within the neighborhood.
janelsimpsonsouthscarborough@gmail.com
Read Bio
Community, allyship, philanthropic, empathetic, and resilient are just a few words to describe Janel Simpson. Graduated with her Degree in Sociology she is passionate about serving humanity and her community at large.
With over 20 years serving in her community; she is excited to step into her new role as a Community Network Ambassador for TNO- South East Scarborough. Janel’s hope is to continue building capacity and marketing resources and strengthen collaboration and leadership in communities.
She is an extraordinary mother who possesses a unique ability to engage with all people regardless of their situation in life.
zahrazareh.eastyorkdonvalley@gmail.com
Read Bio
I am a youth community ambassador for East York Don Valley. I applied to this role because it allows me to engage with community residents and strive to make an impact within the community while developing new skills.
raymondkavila.yorkwestonpelham@gmail.com
Read Bio
Raymond is a youth neighborhood champion with a passion for community policing and community centric projects. With experience in public relations and urban sociology, his commitment to fostering safer and more connected neighborhoods is in a class of its own. Raymond is enthusiastic about building positive relationships within the community and drives his efforts to create impact and sustainable solutions for a better and more reliable environment.
Our Partners
TNO will implement the Community Networks Ambassador program with the expertise and strengths of the following organizations that are well entrenched in the communities of the Toronto Strong Neighborhood Strategy at the neighborhood level
FAQ
Community Networks Ambassadors
How do I become an Ambassador?
Sign up for the Community Leaders Newsletter to stay up to date on future opportunities!
When will I get access to my email ID and social media accounts?
The project coordinator will set up for you and provide all the access after the onboarding sessions
Do I have to attend every meeting? What happens if I’m not able to attend?
If you can’t attend a meeting, please email your project coordinator to receive the information you missed.
Do I have to live in a Neighborhood Improvement Area or be part of a Community Networks to be an ambassador?
Yes! Having lived/living experience in Neighborhood Improvement Areas, Emerging Neighborhoods, and or other communities of focus is a requirement
Can I be an ambassador in more than one network?
No, the 18 ambassador positions will be filled by 18 separate individuals at this time. Each Community Network will have one youth (16-27 years old) and one adult supporting the network.
Do I have a budget for outreach and gathering activities?
There are no specific budget allocations for community networks. However, the project for this first implementation phase has provided a contingency fund. If any support is required, the project coordinator can be contacted to evaluate the corresponding support.
FAQ
Residents
Can I attend multiple networks?
Yes! Local leaders are encouraged to determine what Network best suits their needs, goals, and purpose.
I have a training need, but it's not being offered, how can I suggest topics?
Connect with your Ambassadors to inquire about other Community Network training areas or other opportunities.
How can I join the session if I don’t have a computer?
There is the option to join by Phone (call-in) if you don’t have access to a computer.
Do I have to attend every meeting? What happens if I’m not able to attend?
If you can’t attend a meeting, please follow up with your Ambassadors to receive information you missed via email.
Get In Touch
