Tony Boston has built a reputation as a respectful, thoughtful communicator and connector across multiple settings and sectors. He facilitates processes that maximize inclusion of all relevant voices in decision-making, from development of neighbourhood associations to instructing public policy. He began his work in community development as a social worker in urban renewal projects in Scotland. He came to Canada on a Commonwealth Scholarship in the late 1980s and subsequently worked as a policy analyst in the mental health field and as a community organizer in the Regent Park neighbourhood. He has been self-employed since 1996 and has been the senior associate at Public Interest since 2003.
Accomplishments:
Tony has produced major studies that have built the case for and secured multi-year funding for new community initiatives.
Tony has managed successful community development initiatives in many of Toronto’s priority neighbourhoods and beyond. Some, including his role in the federal Action for Neighbourhood Change Initiative have served as pilots for widely used models of intervention.
He has worked extensively with newcomer and longer-term immigrant and ethnocultural groups to build internal capacity and intercultural and broader civic engagement.
He has conducted research, led strategic planning processes, large-scale public consultations and community engagement for community groups, non-profit agencies, hospitals, foundations and municipal and federal government.
Tony has taught community development at University level, supervises students, and in his volunteer life is an external reviewer for the United Way’s Quick Start funding program for priority neighbourhoods and a long-time volunteer and past president of the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture.
