Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership Successes
Since funding from the federal government was received in December 2015, the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership has worked hard to establish strong working relationships with organizations and individuals throughout the community. To date, there are 23 organizations and individuals that commit their time and energy into the work of the LIP.
It is important to recognize the great work already being done throughout the city by so many. We look to enhance this work, as such, the LIP sits at the tables of the Collective Impact Youth Strategy, Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network, and the Downtown Community Development Committee. The work of these collectives help to build a strong. vibrant. Community; something we feel very passionate about, and are so pleased to work alongside so many others.
Over the past year, the Local Immigration Partnership has worked hard to help bring $30,000 of funding, leveraged over $27,000 of In-Kind contributions, and forged new and exciting collaborations resulting in hundreds of hours of volunteer hours for various initiatives including:
Collective Impact Youth Strategy
Hip Hop Music Studio
Drop-in recreational programming
Community Arts Utility Box Wrap Arts Project
The combination of research and grassroots initiatives provides a good balance of tangible outcomes whilst working to build the structures and framework of the LIP.
We all have a role to play in keeping Red Deer a strong and vibrant community.
We all have a role to play in keeping Red Deer a Strong Vibrant Community.
Here are two things you can do:
Here are two things you can do:
Share
Sharing information helps to illustrate all the amazing work being done by so many. The more we all know and understand, the better off we are to make informed decisions, to be active participants in our community, and to support one another in all of our efforts. Let us know of upcoming events, training, courses, projects etc. We would be happy to share this information through our networks and our various platforms.
Participate
The Local Immigration Partnership continues to seek out engaged and enthusiastic stakeholders – community organizations and individuals. Whether as a member on a working group or as a representative on the Central Planning Council; participating leads to positive, tangible outcomes for newcomers to Canada and Red Deer as a community. Contact us to discuss where your skills, experience, and enthusiasm can be best utilized.
For more information regarding the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership, contact Duane Moleni, Project Coordinator
403-346-8818 – Ext. 268
403-347-5220
Share
Sharing information helps to illustrate all the amazing work being done by so many. The more we all know and understand, the better off we are to make informed decisions, to be active participants in our community, and to support one another in all of our efforts. Let us know of upcoming events, training, courses, projects etc. We would be happy to share this information through our networks and our various platforms.
Participate
The Local Immigration Partnership continues to seek out engaged and enthusiastic stakeholders – community organizations and individuals. Whether as a member on a working group or as a representative on the Central Planning Council; participating leads to positive, tangible outcomes for newcomers to Canada and Red Deer as a community. Contact us to discuss where your skills, experience, and enthusiasm can be best utilized.
Learn more about LIP at Pathways to Prosperity here http://p2pcanada.ca/lip/
As an individual, or part of an organization, you have the ability to make a difference in your community. We hope these tip sheets spark ideas of how you can make meaningful actions that contribute to a strong, Vibrant, Community.
By no means is this an exhaustive list, just a way to help generate thoughts and ideas. If you are doing something that is not on any of these lists, we would love for you to share it with us, we’ll share it through our networks via social media and other communication platforms
Tips for Community Development, Municipal Leaders & Community Organizations
- Ensure that basic information about community groups and community services is available in hard copy and on community websites. Consider making this available in different languages – google translate for websites is one option.
- Learn how to say different salutation in the newcomers language http://www.wikihow.com/ .
- Provide current, readily accessible information on community services and things to see and do in the area, as well as community and regional events http://www.reddeer.ca/ .
- When planning major community events, get input from newcomers and try to include newcomers in events (showcasing cultural displays, that can include food, special skills, dance).
- When community groups are looking for volunteers or wanting new people to get involved in community projects, provide a simple volunteer job description for each task. Don’t expect newcomers to know how your organization has always done things, and be open to new ideas.
- Volunteer groups need to ask newcomers to help – don’t expect newcomers to come to you. If newcomers have offered to help, be receptive to new ideas and new ways of doing things.
- Become informed about new cultures in the community and create, on an ongoing basis, ways of integrating new cultures, activities and newcomers interests into the community. Connect with your local settlement agencies for ways to work together Catholic Social Services https://www.cssalberta.ca/, Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association http://www.caiwa.ca/ , Central Alberta Refugee Effort http://immigrant-centre.ca/ ).
- Participate in initiatives, organizations, networks, and committees that are committed to building a strong, vibrant community such as service clubs – Rotary and Kinsmen, Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network http://www.reddeer.ca/ , and the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership https://richiem22.sg-host.com/.
Tips for Employers
- Match up newcomers (buddy system) with another staff member to act as confidant, mentor or ‘go to person’ for any questions about the community, and help integrate the newcomer into the social life of the community.
- Make a concerted effort to get staff members (especially new staff) involved in community functions.
- As part of new staff member orientation, make special efforts to have him/her and his/her family attend community events or functions, as a way to get to know the community.
- Provide newcomers with basic information about the community and help introduce them to people in the community that can help them…such as the librarian, the municipal administrator, the economic development officer, the recreation director, etc. http://www.reddeer.ca/.
- Connect with agencies that provide support to employers and employees such as http://albertaglobaltalent.ca/ Catholic Social Services https://www.cssalberta.ca/, Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association http://www.caiwa.ca/, Central Alberta Refugee Effort http://immigrant-centre.ca/.
- Host a diversity lunch and invite a newcomer to speak at your workplace.
- Consider having newcomer volunteers in your business/organization. This is a great way for newcomers to gain work experience and connect and contribute to the community. http://www.volunteercentral.ca/.
- Connect new immigrants with your friends and colleagues with similar professional backgrounds.
- If you speak another language, help develop multilingual resources at your workplace.
- Participate in initiatives and committees that are committed to building a strong, vibrant community such as service clubs – Rotary and Kinsmen, Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network http://www.reddeer.ca/ , and the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership https://richiem22.sg-host.com/.
Tips for Local Residents
- Share the successes of newcomers in your community, i.e., in community papers or at your place of worship.
- If you immigrated to Canada, share your story and experience with a newcomer. Help people understand the barriers and challenges new immigrants face.
- Chat with newcomers about the culture and background of their home country.
- Learn some interesting demographic facts of your neighbourhood, i.e. the number of newcomers and their countries of birth.
- Learn some common phrases in a newcomers language.
- Listen to a newcomer’s story.
- Acknowledge news and events happening in home countries. Some newcomers have left turmoil and family/friends who may be suffering.
- Share Canadian culture and values with a newcomer. For example, talk about sports and customs.
- Invite newcomers to come with you to Canadian cultural events and festivals. A list of events can be found here http://www.reddeerevents.ca/ , sports clubs http://www.playitagainsportsreddeer.com/ , arts and culture programs http://www.reddeer.ca/.
- Make yourself the “go-to” person for a newcomer if they have any questions.
- Offer a tour of the neighbourhood. http://www.reddeer.ca/
- Be a newcomers contact in case they need something. They might not have anyone.
- Be patient with language barriers.
- Learn cultural references and etiquette. Thumbs up might not mean OK to everyone. http://www.commisceo-global.com/
- Take the time to learn a newcomers name, and the proper way to pronounce it.
- Learn what organizations and resources are available in your community so you can help to make referrals and connections.
- Participate in initiatives and committees that are committed to building a strong, vibrant community such as service clubs – Rotary and Kinsmen, Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network http://www.reddeer.ca/ , and the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership https://richiem22.sg-host.com/.
Tips for Newcomers
- Learn about and participate in popular community events; join community groups; take part in some sport or popular recreation activity. A list of community events can be found here http://www.reddeerevents.ca/, sports clubs http://www.playitagainsportsreddeer.com/, arts and culture programs http://www.reddeer.ca/.
- Find out about some of the local community groups and projects…volunteer to help with a community event or project. For volunteer opportunities click here http://www.volunteercentral.ca/.
- Find settlement agencies in your community. These agencies provide assistance on a range of topics including: employment, education, English as a second language, healthcare, and general orientation to the community. (Catholic Social Services https://www.cssalberta.ca/,Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association http://www.caiwa.ca/,Central Alberta Refugee Effort http://immigrant-centre.ca/).
- Connect with local ethno-cultural groups as a way to meet new people. A list of cultural organizations can be found here http://www.rdchs.com/.
- Introduce yourself to your neighbours, learn their story http://www.reddeer.ca/.
- Take advantage of free or low-cost activities in your community – parks, splash pads, libraries.
- Participate in initiatives and committees that are committed to building a strong, vibrant community such as service clubs – Rotary and Kinsmen, Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network http://www.reddeer.ca/, and the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership https://richiem22.sg-host.com/.