From Community Conversations to Collective Change: Our Journey with LSJC
From Community Voice to Institutional Engagement
We are excited to share that MyInLaw was selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Leading Social Justice Collective (LSJC), a leadership initiative created through a partnership between the University of Toronto School of Cities and United Way Greater Toronto.
Being selected into such a competitive program was both an honour and a reflection of the important work happening within our community. Our project was recognized for addressing real social justice challenges affecting newcomer, Black, and working-class families — particularly around youth access, recreation, leadership development, family engagement, and long-term opportunity.
Through LSJC, we had the opportunity to connect with inspiring leaders, organizations, educators, and changemakers from across Toronto. The program challenged us to think beyond individual programs and toward long-term systems change rooted in collaboration, community engagement, and collective impact.
What started as conversations around recreation access and youth opportunities has now evolved into a broader vision focused on building pathways for children, youth, and families through:
youth leadership,
recreation and mentorship,
tutoring and family engagement,
and workforce development opportunities.
Over the past several months, we have strengthened partnerships, expanded our community outreach, collaborated with city and community stakeholders, and continued building a model that places lived experience and community voices at the center of the work.
Most importantly, LSJC reminded us that meaningful change happens when communities are not simply included in conversations — but empowered to help lead them.
As we move forward, we remain committed to building inclusive opportunities for youth and families while continuing to advocate for systems that are more accessible, equitable, and community-driven.
What LSJC Is Helping Us Do
The LSJC program supports teams to:
Build a Theory of Change
Map the ecosystem and power structures
Design and test a pilot intervention
Develop a sustainable model for long-term impact
This means we are not working alone—we are learning, testing, and building alongside other leaders committed to social justice across the GTA.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Resistance is a natural response to change, often fueled by fear of the unknown. However, understanding the root cause of this resistance can help in overcoming it. Recognizing that change is a necessary part of progress allows us to confront these fears more effectively.
Communication is key in this process. By openly discussing concerns and potential impacts, we can ease anxieties and work toward solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Join Us!
We invite families, youth, partners, and community leaders to be part of this journey.
Whether you are:
A parent looking for support
A youth interested in leadership opportunities
A partner organization seeking collaboration
There is a place for you in this work.
Together, we are building something bigger than a program.
We are building pathways, equity, and opportunity.
We are deeply grateful to the LSJC team, University of Toronto School of Cities, United Way Greater Toronto, our partners, volunteers, youth, and families who continue to believe in this vision.
This journey is only beginning — and we are excited for what comes next.
#MyInLaw #SocialJustice #CommunityOwned #EastAfricanCommunity #BlackCommunity