I have vowed to myself for months that I would not expend any energy on the US election. But it’s difficult to turn away from our neighbour to the south as the body politic wrestles amongst itself for the nation’s collective soul. History will be the judge.
As I write this, I am reminded that this is my one hundredth rant. It is the 100th issue of OCASI In The Field.
In January 2020 Aisling Discoveries Child and Family Centre and East Metro Youth Services amalgamated to form Strides Toronto - a multi-service agency in East Toronto to address the needs of children, youth, their parents and families. The agency provides a range of community, residential and treatment services to strengthen their social and emotional well-being.
OCASI Member Agencies elected a new Board of Directors at the 2020 OCASI Annual General Meeting on October 29, 2020, virtually! Read more to see the new Board of Directors.
We thank the following former OCASI Board members for their remarkable contributions to the immigrant and refugee-serving sector and wish them well in their retirement from their respective agencies. They have inspired us with their dedication and commitment over the years.
Ibrahim Absiye - Past President, OCASI
Executive Director, CultureLink Settlement and Community Services
Moy Wong-Tam - Vice President, OCASI
Executive Director, Centre for Immigrant and Community Services
Karol Rains - Northern Regional Director, OCASI
Executive Director, Sault Community Career Centre
Ines Rios - Southern Regional Director, OCASI
Executive Director, Immigrants Working Centre
OCASI launched this dynamic project two decades ago giving millions of newcomer users access to accurate, reliable and timely information. Visitors can read a wide range of settlement-related articles and receive referrals to community agencies through the discussion forum. With a legacy like this, it is no surprise that Settlement.Org was awarded Ontario’s Merit and Diamond Award of Excellence.
Want your content on the community to be highlighted? Let the SettleNet.org team know before the 3rd Thursday of each month when the newsletter is sent.
Why Agencies Love OCMS
An OCMS user tells us, "OCMS is a great tool. For case management of our clients, it is extremely helpful. All of the client's information is located on this system... Workers can then see everything that has been done for the client. Furthermore, action plans and follow-ups can be done more easily..."
Allies for Refugee Integration (ARI) has been working with pilot partners to adapt to COVID-19 and to test a three-way case management model, as well as sponsor-settlement knowledge exchange events. For a refresher on our pilot projects, check out this explainer.
We are putting into action what we’ve been learning about settlement-sponsors collaboration; from tools that you can use, to policy recommendations.
Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) consultation provides a key opportunity for all those in the refugee and immigrant serving sector to connect with others across Canada, to dialogue with government and to learn from experts in many areas. With views from all Canadian provinces, the Consultation offers opportunities for professional development, networking and strategy. 26 November - 11 December 2020.
Canada’s No Fly List is made in secret, kept secret, allows for secret evidence and undermines fundamental rights. It has never been publicly scrutinized and is based on “security at all costs” logic. The International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group seeks your support in the fight to end the No Fly List.
Changes To Police Oversight Legislation In Ontario
Free webinar by Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal Clinic on the new Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Act. SIU is an independent body that investigates incidents involving police where there has been serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault. Learn about the new law what it means for Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities. November 24, 2020 - 1-3 pm
Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) is conducting a survey to assess demand for maternity and parental leave benefit top-up fund in Ontario’s nonprofit sector. Participate before November 19, 2020. ONN plans to develop financial models and a business plan based on results. Evidence shows top-up benefits help employers of all sizes to attract and retain top talent and reduce employee turnover.
Check out the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s newest version of Human Rights 101. This revised eLearning program offers a fresh new look, expanded discussions on types of discrimination and the latest directions in human rights, along with added scenarios and knowledge checks. The course is designed to provide an understanding of rights and responsibilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Découvrez la dernière version du cours Droits de la personne 101 de la Commission ontarienne des droits de la personne. Ce programme modifié d’apprentissage électronique offre une présentation améliorée, des discussions approfondies sur les types de discrimination et les dernières tendances en matière de droits de la personne, avec des nouveaux scénarios et des vérifications des connaissances.
Metropolis Canada and the COVID-19 Social Impacts Network will hold a Virtual Summit on November 12, 13 & 16 2020 on the Economic and Social Impact of COVID-19 on Immigration, Integration and Settlement in Canada. Metropolis is the largest annual gathering of researchers, policy makers and representatives from community organizations working in immigration and settlement in Canada.
Pathways to Prosperity will hold the virtual national conference, ‘Future of Immigration and (Re)Settlement in Canada’ on November 23-24, 2020, and Conference for Local Immigration Partnerships and Réseaux en immigration francophone on November 25. P2P is an alliance of university, community, and government partners dedicated to fostering welcoming communities and promoting the integration of immigrants and minorities across Canada.
