On the eve of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation - Orange Shirt Day, I had an interesting exchange with a colleague. She shared that there was a critique emerging of organizations who did nothing but share lists of things to do for this second year of what I call ‘truth-telling’. I pushed back a bit against this criticism. For me, amplifying the messages and events and demands of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples is an act of solidarity. But the critique has stayed with me.
Sister2Sister ALP is a free skills and leadership program that provides intensive training in soft and hard skills capped by a paid internship. It is a partnership between Newcomer Women's Services Toronto and Schulich Executive Education Centre at York University. The program centrepiece is the Project Management certificate, a highly transferable and recognized credential offered by Schulich School of Business.
It was quite a night when Debbie Douglas was awarded the 'Lifetime Achievement Award; at COSTI's 70th Anniversary Celebration. This could not have been presented to a better-deserving individual. Debbie, you have been instrumental in advocating for prevalent issues in our sector; from human rights issues to equity and inclusion affecting immigrants and newcomers; we thank you! For over 23 years, you have been fearless, stood with the marginalized, and most importantly, did it with grace and professionalism. We are all so proud to have you lead the pack, and again congratulations!
Have you registered yet for the OCASI 2022 Leaders Forum on October 26-28 in Toronto?
Join us to hear a keynote by Ketty Nivyabandi - Amnesty International, on October 26 and keynote by Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship on October 27.
Êtes-vous déjà inscrit au Forum? Joignez-vous à nous pour écouter un discours de Ketty Nivyabandi - Amnesty International, le 26 octobre, et discours prononcé par l’honorable Sean Fraser, ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté, le 27 octobre.
You are invited to our in-person / virtual AGM. Wednesday, October 26, 2022
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Featuring: Defining Leadership: A Special Panel Discussion
Vous êtes invité(e)s à notre AGA en personne ou virtuelle. Mercredi 26 octobre 2022 15 h 30 — 17 h 00. Avec : Définir le leadership : Un panel de discussion spécial
Webinar: "Building a more diverse politics: stories from the front lines"
Join Habon Ali, former member of the Prime Minister's Youth Council and ranked one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women; and Safeeya Faruqui, one of Ontario's youngest ever City Council candidates, and for an insightful discussion on diversity in politics.
The webinar will be at 11 AM Eastern time on Thursday, October 13.
Le nouveau contenu du cours d'apprentissage en ligne sera disponible du 1er novembre 2022 au 10 janvier 2023. La formation fournit les besoins spécifiques des immigrants et des réfugiés qui recherchent des services de soutien à l'emploi et les outils pour relever les défis et les obstacles auxquels ils sont confrontés. Le webinaire d'introduction le 17 octobre 2022. Questions? Veuillez contacter tsultan@ocasi.org
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..."
Support the #StayAwakeCampaign by Youth Alliance Against Human Trafficking. This three-week social media campaign raises awareness about Human Trafficking among precarious migrant youth.
The Eviction Process: Rights of Tenants with Disabilities
A CLEO webinar on Thursday October 13th, 12-1pm. Community workers will learn about how to request accommodation, a landlord’s duty to accommodate tenants where possible - ‘to the point of undue hardship’, and the range of changes a landlord may have to make to allow tenants with disabilities equal access to housing.
De-brief with the Council Team behind the Safe Third Country Agreement appeal being heard at the Supreme Court of Canada. October 13, 4:00-5:30 PM EST via Zoom.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is accepting proposals from Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits and registered charities. It will provide endowment funding to an eligible organization that would seek the broad goals of reducing anti-Black racism; and improving social and economic outcomes in Black communities. Deadline is November 25, 2022 at 12 pm (noon) Eastern daylight time.
ESDC is accepting applications for the community-based stream of the NHSP. Apply for up to $25,000 for projects led by seniors and are volunteer based. Deadline November 1, 2022 at 3pm Eastern.
People with precarious or no immigration status played a critical role in getting Canada through the pandemic. But they continue to be made invisible and left out. The Alternative Federal Budget (AFB) published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives calls for an immigration status regularization program that leaves no one behind. Read the immigration chapter of the AFB.
Refugee-Led Organisations in East Africa: Community Perceptions
A study of refugee-led initiatives and organisations looks at various forms they can take, how refugee communities perceive them, and the factors that condition their work. It was led by researchers with lived experience of displacement in camp/settlement sites across Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania, including Mary Gitahi (Uganda), Andhira Kara (Kenya), Abis Getachew (Ethiopia) and Uwezo Ramazani (Tanzania).
Congratulations Debbie Douglas
OCASI 2022 Leaders’ Forum
Forum des leaders d’OCASI 2022
Webinar: "Building a more diverse politics: stories from the front lines"
The Stay Awake Campaign
Inside The STCA Appeal
Refugee-Led Organisations in East Africa: Community Perceptions