Sankofa: An Akan term that means “to go back and get it”, the idea of moving forward while reaching back to connect to one’s heritage. The Akan people are primarily found in today’s Ghana in west Africa. Sankofa has sat unspoken on my lips since the summer when the African Refugee Claimants abandonment in Toronto and their diverse experiences of disregard in communities throughout southern Ontario first came to our attention at the Council.
Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI)
Tropicana Community Services is the Ontario intermediary organization for SBCCI grants. Application deadline December 15, 2023. The grants are meant to increase the capacity of grassroots nonprofit organizations serving Black communities in Canada. The intermediary delivery model aims to make the funding process fair, transparent, and otherwise support Black community organizations. SBCCI is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada.
There is no room for racism in Canadian Society. OCASI has launched two new videos that put a loud focus on casual racism. Don’t let it pass, and don’t let it go unnoticed. Share the videos. Let’s speak up against racism.
Indigenous Peoples In Toronto: An Introduction For Newcomers
Join us for a guided presentation of the City of Toronto resource, “Indigenous Peoples In Toronto: An Introduction For Newcomers” and the accompanying facilitator’s guide. Facilitated by Patricia Sutherland, Settler and Melissa Somer, Anishinaabe. Online on Wednesday December 13, 1-2:30 pm.
Les peuples autochtones à Toronto : une introduction pour les nouveaux arrivants
Soyez des nôtres lors de cette présentation de la ressource « Les peuples autochtones à Toronto : une introduction pour les nouveaux arrivants », et du guide d'animation qui l'accompagne. Animé par Patricia Sutherland, colonisatrice et Melissa Somer, Anishinaabe. En ligne, mercredi, le 13 décembre 2023 de 13h00 à 14h30.
Submit an Expression of Interest! Adapting and Implementing an Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression Policy
OCASI invites eligible member agencies to submit an Expression of Interest to adapt and implement an Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression Policy at their organization using OCASI's recently released ARAO Policy Toolkit. We will provide strategic support to two IRCC funded service provider organizations to undertake the ARAO adaptation between March - September 2024. For more information, please visit OCASI's GBA Plus webpage.
OCASI - SBLROs - Proposal Writing Part Two: Walking through IRCC’s CFP Application Two-Part Workshop
Register for the free Online Workshop; Workshop December 21, 2023 and Follow Up Q&A January 4, 2024. The Workshop is Proposal Writing Part Two: Walking through IRCC’s CFP 2024 Application for (SBLROs) Small Black-led and Racialized Organizations.
The OCASI Professional Development Conference on October 26-27 was a tremendous success, with more than 400 people in attendance in person and online. The event featured stimulating plenary presentations and lively discussion. View plenary events on the OCASI YouTube channel.
Are you looking for a client management system that works well for your agency? Try OCMS! Please watch the OCMS video. We are proud of our work and our clients. To join our growing list of clients contact us at ocmssupport@ocasi.org.
SECTOR HAPPENINGS
Addressing Harmful Gender Norms and Attitudes to Support Women's Equality
Times Change Breaking Barriers Program invites you to a Roundtable to identify and discuss action steps on addressing persistent harmful gender norms and attitudes in the workplace. Share your best practices, stories, action ideas and motivation with the attendees, or receive them to make first steps in your organization. Tuesday, Dec. 12th, 10am EST.
Recent ruling could benefit migrant farm workers injured on the job
Tuesday December 12th, 12-1:30pm. This webinar gives community workers information about recent decisions from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal that could have significant impacts for migrant farm workers. Speakers: Maryth Yachnin, Staff lawyer and David Arruda, Community legal worker/paralegal at Industrial Accident Victims Group of Ontario (IAVGO). ASL Interpretation provided.
Afghanistan is experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises – if not the worst. Food security and health care have all but collapsed. While thousands have been evacuated, many are left behind. Consider becoming a private sponsor of an Afghan individual or family; hire an Afghan refugee; make a donation. Afghan refugees need your help. Contact Lousia Makhtar at lmakhtar@torontomu.ca.
Canadian Council for Muslim Women is compiling a nation-wide roster to keep Muslim women safe. If you are a legal professional or service provider interested in receiving client referrals from CCMW, please complete the form below to join the roster.
CivicAction Report: Diversity and Inclusion in Non-profit Leadership in Ontario
This first-of-its-kind report finds that women hold 56.6% of leadership roles in Ontario’s non-profit sector but racialized people occupy 18.2% of leadership roles and Indigenous Peoples less than 3%. Representation varies according to an organization’s size, location and funding source.
State of Black & Indigenous Youth in Ontario: An Examination of the Experiences and Impacts of Policing on Racialized Youth
The report released by the Laidlaw Foundation, gives insight into the experiences and repercussions of policing on Black and Indigenous youth in Ontario, with a particular focus on their interactions with the criminal, child welfare, and education systems.
In 2018 Black families in Canada faced 3.5 times higher rates of food insecurity than white families, with over one-third of Black children living in food-insecure households. This chronic issue highlights how systemic inequality adversely impacts the health of Black Canadians. Black Food Sovereignty aims to address inequitable food access by empowering Black communities to steward their own food systems.
The Trillium Foundation Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) invests in community-led projects that play an essential role in creating safe spaces, empowering youth and families, supporting career pathways and addressing issues faced by our communities. Application deadline is March 6, 2024, at 5 PM ET.
For the fourth year, Indigenous communities, charitable organizations and municipalities are invited to apply and share how they’re focused on safety to address pressing needs in their local community.
Canada Summer Jobs 2024: Application period is now open
Employment and Social Development Canada has launched the employer application period for Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2024. Employers including not-for-profit organizations, can apply for funding to hire young Canadians next summer. Full-time job placements will become available starting in April 2024. Application deadline is January 10, 2024.
A Government of Canada Grants & Contributions program that promotes civic engagement among young people aged 15 to 30 years old, while exploring ways to reach youth as young as 12 years of age, with a particular focus on youth from Indigenous and under-served communities. Application deadline is December 19, 2023
Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiatives
This funding program from Canadian Heritage will review applications on an ongoing basis. The program aims to support Canadian communities in combating racism and discrimination while promoting diversity and inclusion. Funding is provided under the following components: Events, Projects, Community Capacity Building, and Paul Yuzyk Youth Initiative for Multiculturalism.
OCASI Client Management System (OCMS)
