December 2012 marked the 22nd anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. In Canada there is much to reflect on: The strides we've made over the past decades in creating a nation that is welcoming, that values the contribution of immigrants and that takes its obligation to protecting those in need of asylum and refuge seriously.
Skills for Change believe that immigrant women are key to having vibrant communities and a prosperous economy. Immigrant Women in Leadership seeks to support the ways in which immigrant women can fully participate in their workplaces and communities as leaders. The organization is on the move and ready to impact real change through the following related projects:
United Way's Bhayana Family Foundation Awards
In December 2012, our own Paulina Maciulis received the Partnership Builder - United Way Bhayana Family Foundation Award. The Award recognizes and rewards employees of United Way funded agencies who have made outstanding contributions to their community.
Paulina was recognized for the impact she has made to the Council and the immigrant-serving sector in Ontario. Her commitment has greatly strengthened our sector for over quarter century and we are proud and thankful for her critical thinking around effective programming, fostering of sector leaders and her selfless giving over the years.
Paulina Maciulis has always fought injustice and inequality by speaking out and by applying democratic principles to promote change. Paulina is the voice of reason at OCASI, always calling people's attention issues that matter and encouraging fairness. She humbles us with her big heart, sincerity, dedication and passion for equity and justice.
Congratulations Paulina on a well-deserved Award!
To read more about the award and the other recipients visit here.
OCASI Happenings
OCASI School of Social Justice Launching Spring 2013!
OCASI is proud to announce the launching of its School of Social Justice (SSJ) in spring 2013. Applications for the first "semester" is being accepted until February 8, 2013.
The OCASI School of Social Justice (SSJ) is a learning opportunity for sector practitioners to build on talents and skills so that they become stronger social change agents in their communities. The OSSJ recognizes the leadership of sector practitioners and the need to strengthen collective and individual social justice analysis, facilitate leadership development, build solidarity across sectors and issues, and strengthen skills in the areas of organizing and communications.
Changes to Immigration and Refugee Policies
OCASI ramps-up its electronic learning with new webinars on Policy and Advocacy. By popular request, OCASI is pleased to provide a series of webinars to update and inform the settlement and integration sector about the recent changes to immigration and refugee policies and the implications for your communities and clients. The webinars will provide information as well as an opportunity to pose questions to experts on the subject.
Webinars can be accessed both individually and as a group. It could be an opportunity to bring colleagues together for group training, and to then have a discussion about the service implications for your organization.
Announcing OCASI's New Board of Directors
At the recent OCASI Annual General Meeting held in Toronto on October 22, 2012, the OCASI membership elected a new Board of Directors for 2013. The Executive, Regional and Provincial Directors were elected at the board meeting that followed. Please join us in welcoming the new Directors.
Sector Happenings
Symposium: Happily Ever After?
Social Planning Toronto (SPT), along with partner organizations, Toronto Neighbourhood Centres and the City Wide Agency Network, will hold its 2013 Symposium titled “Happily Ever After?” at the Central YMCA.
This years Symposium, Shotgun Weddings, Arranged Marriages, and Friends with Benefits: Evolving Relationships in the Community Services Sector, will focus on responses and alternatives to consolidation and standardization in the community services sector.
The Ontario Women's Directorate (OWD) is pleased to announce the release of an Invitation for Applications (IFA) for the Neighbours, Friends and Families (NFF) Immigrants and Refugees public education campaign.
NFF is a community-based public education campaign that teaches people how to recognize the signs of woman abuse and what they can do to help.
Ask just about any woman in this country if she or a woman she knows has experienced violence, and the answer will be “yes.” And yet, for the most part, the policies and public discourse of this country imply violence against women in Canada is no big deal. But violence against women is a big deal.
Multi-Language Services To Potential Clients Of Legal Aid Ontario
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is conducting an evaluation of its services to New Canadians who do not speak English or French. This evaluation should be of interest to all agencies which serve or represent New Canadians who do not speak English or French at a level allowing good access to LAO services.
Recognizing that good practices already exist in the sector, this event will bring together service providers from agencies and organizations from across the GTA with the aim of sharing resources and increase our capacity to more effectively serve LGBTQ+ newcomers.
December 2012 marked the 22nd anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. In Canada there is much to reflect on: The strides we've made over the past decades in creating a nation that is welcoming, that values the contribution of immigrants and that takes its obligation to protecting those in need of asylum and refuge seriously.
