| Volume 5 | July 2023 | |  | | Welcome to the snapshot! A curation of quick reads that provide you with the latest information on social issues to help you promote awareness, advocacy and action. From our resources team to you, the snapshot will empower you with the resources you need to be an informed advocate in this digital age. | The topic of this month’s newsletter is Social Programs Around the World Learn about the importance and impact of social programs. Explore real-world examples of successful case studies across the globe. See why social innovation is needed in Canada.
This newsletter is about 1,000 words and can be read in 5 minutes. | | Social Programs Make People’s Lives Better:A Look at Social Programs Around the World |  | A “social program” can be defined as a program that is operated by the government or another organization that provides services directed at improving opportunities, reducing economic burdens, and empowering those in disadvantaged situations to become self-sufficient. While they are most beneficial to those in need, social programs are essential for everyone. (Cornell Law, 2023) | | Why are Social Programs Needed? | Current research and trends that display the need for social innovation: |  | | Positive Impacts of Social Programs | | It is no coincidence that the countries with the greatest social spending also appear on the list of world’s happiest countries (Finland, Denmark, Sweden). Social spending in these countries significantly reduced rates of poverty, reduced crime, and heightened the trust of citizens in its government.
Other impacts include improved health outcomes, such as longer life expectancy and greater life satisfaction and improved mental health. Additionally studies also showed significant economic growth.
Further, these impacts are experienced by all levels of income - meaning everyone benefits from social programs. |
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| | | Case Studies of Success |  | HOW THE DUTCH ARE CLOSING THEIR PRISONS
What
The Netherlands has closed 23 prisons since 2014, turning the buildings into temporary asylum centers, housing, and hotels.
How
1) Shorter Prison Sentences: 2) Psychological Rehab Program: Major Impacts (The Guardian, 2019; US News, 2019; John Howard, 2019) |  | DRUG DECRIMINALIZATION IN PORTUGAL
What
In 2001, Portugal decriminalized all drugs as part of a health approach to reduce drug use. Prior 2001, drug use, especially heroin, was becoming a significant problem in Portugal. Increased rates of HIV/AIDs was also of concern due to needle sharing.
How
1) 2001 Drug Policy of Portugal: Personal possession was no longer treated as a criminal offence meaning no criminal record or associated stigma. Now, a commission made up of legal, health and social work professionals, will decide on an appropriate penalty, including fines, community service, and referrals to drug rehabilitation for high-risk situations.
2) Health-Centered Drug Policy Reform: Major Impacts Drug-related deaths fell and still remain below the EU average since 2001. The proportion of those in prison for drugs has fallen from 40% to 15%. Rates of drug use have remained consistently below the EU average. Portugal has gone from accounting for over 50% of yearly HIV diagnoses linked to injecting drug use in the EU to 1.7%.
(Transform, 2021; Time, 2018) |  | THE LIVING GOODS PROJECT IN AFRICA
What
Living Goods is a non-governmental organization that works to reduce maternal and child mortality from preventable diseases in low-income countries, such as Uganda.
How
1) Community Health Promoters (CHPs): 2) CHPs as Micro-Entrepreneurs: CHPs also sell health products while they provide their health services, including safe delivery kits and water filters. Living Goods uses targets and monetary incentives to encourage activity and drive performance among CHPs. CHPs are also provided with mobile tools for registering households, checklists of tasks to perform during visits and protocols, and ways to monitor their own performance.
Major Impacts Living Goods has made a significant impact in reducing child mortality by up to 27%. Living Goods is also an effective business model: revenue from the health product sales sustains 60% of its operations and allows for the cost of delivery of services at under $2/person/year (USD).
(Social Innovation in Health, 2023)
| | NEXT STEPS |  | Social Programs in Canada | So how does all this relate to Canada?
As stated earlier (see graphic above), there is a need for social programs to help all Canadians. This is especially true post-pandemic as many Canadians try to get back on their feet and address the consequences of the pandemic.
Canada does have active social programs today, however, they are not always accessible or relevant, and availability is inconsistent across provinces/territories.
The research and the success stories outlined above demonstrate important evidence that social programs can work and are effective in addressing the needs of our country. With this in mind, we hope to see similar success stories as Canada works towards a better future for all.
Part 2 - August special edition of the Snapshot! In the next snapshot, we will continue to explore social programs but specifically in Canada. We will discuss what is currently available, what is and isn’t working, and the future of social innovation. This will be released in August, only one month from today’s release.
Mark your calendars and see you soon! | | Read, Watch, and Learn Club | Are you interested in social justice? Want to learn more? Canada Confesses’ Read, Watch, and Learn Club will allow you to broaden your horizons and discuss important social justice issues with others like you! Virtual sessions will start in September. Sign up at canadaconfesses.ca | Got Feedback? | Canada Confesses values the input from our project participants (YOU!) and affiliates/partners so we can continually improve our project, ensure we're not doing harm to any communities, and create initiatives that better serve you. Submit feedback here. | | | | |
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