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Toronto Seniors' Forum

The Toronto Seniors' Forum (TSF) was established to "give a voice to seniors not often heard". Forum members work to ensure the City of Toronto meets its commitment to provide services equitably to all senior residents and to become an age-friendly city for all. The Toronto Seniors' Forum facilitates engagement between the City and older Torontonians and reflects the diverse geographic and socio-economic aspects of seniors in Toronto. TSF members provide input to City staff and Members of City Council on issues that affect older Torontonians through advocacy, ambassadorship, and advice to City Divisions and Agencies as they develop policies affecting seniors.

The Toronto Seniors' Forum is a program advisory body that advises the Social Development, Finance and Administration division.

Responsibilities

To liaise with Members of Toronto City Council and where appropriate advise City Councillors and the Mayor on issues of concern to older Torontonians.

To liaise with and where appropriate advise City staff in all City divisions and agencies responsible for program and service delivery.

To advocate on behalf of the needs of older Torontonians as Ambassadors of the Toronto Senior Strategy and applicable City policies.

To promote civic engagement on the part of seniors and seniors’ organizations throughout the City and facilitate the inclusion of marginalized, racialized, equity-seeking seniors and seniors’ groups.

To lead workshops and events in the community to promote engagement with the Toronto Seniors Strategy and other issues of importance to older Torontonians.

Committee Size and Composition

Membership of the committee in the Toronto Seniors’ Forum shall be comprised of geographic areas of Toronto and reflect the LGBTQ and ethno-cultural and linguistic diversity of the city and shall reflect voices of seniors less often heard. There shall be a total membership of no more than 29 members including the Chair(s) of the Work Groups.

Term of Office

TSF Members will serve a maximum of two terms not exceeding two years each. Members wishing to continue after the end of their second two-year term may reapply after at least one year absence from TSF membership.

Qualifications

Knowledge of issues impacting seniors including those pertaining to health, housing and transportation.

Ability to work with a diverse communities.

Experience in community development, familiarity with non-governmental, community organizations working and/or advocating with and for seniors.

Knowledge of municipal government, familiarity with City issues, decision making processes and budgets

Working knowledge of information technology, computer programs, data base building and email monitoring.

Working knowledge of policy development, marketing and grant writing.

Time Commitment and Meetings

The Toronto Seniors' Forum meets once a month and the time commitment expected of members is at least 12 hours per month. Additionally, each TSF Member must participate in at least one issue based work group and be willing to provide administrative support when needed to sustain the work group.

Remuneration

Membership is voluntary and a public service. Members will not be remunerated or receive an honorarium.

Related links

Toronto Seniors' Forum

Toronto Seniors Strategy