Vital Signs: Be the Change

LCF’s Vital Signs report challenges us all to take action in tackling our community’s greatest issues

Over the past two years the social atmospheres in London and Middlesex, as well as across the country, have shifted dramatically. Be it COVID-19 perpetuating issues like unemployment and the lack of affordable housing, hyper-visual acts of racial violence, or the discovery of thousands of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across the country - tides are shifting, and people are becoming ever increasingly engaged.

We have witnessed a heightened public awareness of these issues and desire to take action. However, as individuals, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Acknowledging that meaningful systemic change can only occur through collective action, Vital Signs 2021 acts as a resource for changemaking. Guided by local data and the expertise of local thought leaders, the report provides a series of simple, accessible actions that can be taken anytime and suggests local organizations and causes where further action can be continued.

“Awareness and education are important but we know that social change requires so much more than just listening and learning,” says Dr. Jerry White, Vital Signs Chair & LCF board member. “The pandemic has exacerbated many deeply entrenched inequalities and exposed enduring problems - it’s time to be acting and not just talking.”

The 2021 report continues to focus on the six issue areas identified in 2020 as those that were significantly impacted by the pandemic - housing, racial equality, gender equality, health and wellbeing, education and food security.

New this year, LCF has launched the London Vital Signs Data Hub. Using the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as a framework, this data hub will act as a resource for citizens, non-profit agencies and local government to help support advocacy efforts as well as evidenced-based program and policy decision making.

“Good data is essential to informing social change,” says Dr. White. “By tracking social trends over time we can use that information to make positive changes that benefit our community.”

The aim of Vital Signs is to create awareness of the issues facing our community and demonstrate these problems touch us all. The takeaway message is that together, we have the power to shape the future of our community. Change can’t wait any longer and we all play a role in making it happen.

To learn more visit bethechangelondon.ca