Share Your Pandemic Story
Tell us how you supported refugees, immigrants and migrants during the pandemic. OCASI is creating a collection of stories from Ontario’s immigrant and refugee-serving sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We want to collect and publicly share your experience of working through such an unprecedented time, in recognition of your hard work, creativity and sheer determination to be there for the people and communities you support.
View submissions_____
Who can submit a story?
Anyone from an OCASI member agency (employee or volunteer) can submit a story.
Can I share my story but remain anonymous?
Yes! We require you to use your real name when you submit your story and you must read and accept the terms of agreement. But we will maintain confidentiality and will not disclose your name when your story is posted on the website. To preserve your anonymity please make sure your submission does not contain any information that can be used to identify you.
When is the last day that I can submit my story?
We do not have a closing date at present for submissions, but we encourage you to submit your story as soon as possible. The sooner you submit, the sooner you will see your story on the website.
What is a ‘story’?
A story can be told through writing, drawing, photo, audio recording or video recording,
How can I submit my story?
Stories can be submitted in the form of text, images, audio, or video.
If you have already shared your story on any social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok etc.) or YouTube, Soundcloud or other sites, please share the link, and include your username in your submission.
You can send us your story by email as an attachment [maximum file size 16MB] if it is not already uploaded on any of the sites above.
What should I put in my story?
Your story can be about a memorable event, a special effort, how you adapted to doing your work or living your life during the COVID-19 pandemic, any challenges you faced, or about what a typical day was like for you.
Will everyone’s stories be posted onto the website?
We plan to post every submission that meets our criteria.
How long will it take to see my story on the website?
It may take us up to a few weeks to post your story on the website as it will be reviewed by our internal committee to make sure it includes all the necessary information.
I’m having trouble creating my story, what should I do?
If you have trouble expressing your story, please do not hesitate to contact us for support and ideas on the best way to create your submission. If you have any other questions or concerns please contact us.
What are some good resources that I can refer to when creating my story digitally?
Here are some links that give step-by-step instructions on how to use iMovie and Movie Maker to edit your story:
iMovie: https://blog.storyblocks.com/video-tutorials/getting-started-imovie/
Movie Maker: https://moviemaker.minitool.com/moviemaker/use-movie-maker.html
Here are some links that will help you create your story through audio:
iPhone: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT206775
Android: https://www.verizon.com/articles/how-to-record-audio-on-your-smartphone/
What are some tips to create an audio or video recording?
To get the clearest audio it is best to be in an area with minimal background noise when recording. Also, speak close to the microphone or the audio may not catch what you are saying.
If creating a video, it is best to have your camera stable on a tripod if possible. Pay attention to who and what is in the background of your video. And remember to have fun when creating your story!
What rights do I grant OCASI when I agree to submit my story?
When submitting your story, you will be asked to read and accept the Terms and Conditions which describes how you retain the copyright to your story but allows OCASI to use it and post it on our website. Your story will be accessible to the public.
Read the Terms and Conditions.
Who can I contact if I have any questions or concerns?
Please email policyevents@ocasi.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for participating in the OCASI Pandemic Stories project!