World Refugee Day - June 20th

For years, many countries and regions have been holding their own Refugee Days and even Weeks. One of the most widespread is Africa Refugee Day. The UN General Assembly, in December of 2000, adopted the resolution that marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. The General Assembly therefore decided that June 20th would be celebrated as World Refugee Day.

People honour the spirit and courage of millions of refugees worldwide on World Refugee Day and it is a day to recognize the contributions of refugees in their communities. Organizations such as Amnesty International and the International Rescue Committee often get involved in various activities for the day.

Some communities dedicate an entire week to encourage people to think about the lives of refugees and the human right necessary to a secure place that one can call “home", while screenings of films about the lives of asylum seekers living in a western country are common. Regardless of how one commemorates World Refugee Day,  being aware of the grim fact that currently 60 million human beings worldwide are being forced to flee their homes due to war, conflict and persecution and how one can help them sits at the day's core. CIES will keep you updated on community events coming next month.

Community Investors XVII - Youth Central

The 16th non-profit highlighted in the  CIES Community Investors Series is Youth Central Founded nearly 25 years ago as Child and Youth Friendly Calgary, Youth Central envisions a society where all youth participate in shaping a vibrant community. This vision is based on the firm belief that young people who experience involvement and philanthropy at an early age grow up with an ongoing sense of responsibility. Youth in modern society are undervalued and should be challenged to do more: they need to be included in all aspects of community life.

Inspiring, engaging and celebrating youth through community participation via various initiatives, Youth Central provides youth the opportunity to volunteer, serve on steering committees, voice their opinions to business leaders and politicians, learn about the diversity in their community, serve on a youth foundation and develop citizenship skills. Youth Central achieves its mission by way of nine innovative programs and events – each with a different focus on youth engagement. The programs are primarily aimed at youth between the ages of 12-18.

When junior and senior high school aged youth get involved in Youth Central’s programs, they gain experience in areas of voluntarism, philanthropy, teamwork and leadership. In addition, youth enhance their self-esteem while making new friendships. The community is opened up to them and they learn about its rich diversity, at the same time gaining valuable employment skills to help prepare them for the future!

CIES would like to congratulate Youth Central on all their mazing work and thank them for building Calgary into a better city with a bigger heart in the process. For more information on their programs and how you can get involved visit their website. 

Momentum's Free Money Party - Canada Learning Bond Enrolment Event

Long time CIES collaborator Momentum, founded in 1991, is one of Canada’s most successful Community Economic Development organizations. At Momentum, individuals and families take control of personal finances, secure meaningful employment, borrow and repay loans for business or education, and even purchase homes. Participants achieve these results through award-winning programs designed to build personal, financial and social assets. Additionally Momentum’s community leadership activities address the broader systemic issues that make it difficult for people in Alberta to exit poverty. The results are individuals and families with sustainable livelihoods, who are able to contribute to their community. Momentum conducts presentations at CIES several times a year and we count them as an invaluable partner in the services we provide our clients.

Momentum will be hosting an RESP Sign up event on June 2nd, 2:30-6:30 pm. This family friendly event will give parents the chance to open an RESP account for $0 at the bank of their choice. Eligible low income families can get up to $2000/ child from the Canada Learning Bond once they’ve opened the RESP. Banks in attendance include TD, RBC, CIBC, BMO, Scotiabank, ATB, First Calgary Financial and Servus Credit Union. Parents need to bring ID & SIN for themselves and their children in order to open the account on-the-spot. The event will also feature children’s activities, prizes, a photo booth & snacks! To register for this great event simply CLICK HERE. 

In the end Momentum envisions every person as having a sustainable livelihood who can contribute to their community and to work towards this vision, momentum partners with people living on low incomes to increase prosperity, and inspires the development of local economies with opportunities for all. CIES would like to extend a healthful thank you to Momentum for the incredible impact you have on the life of Calgarians  the last 25 years.

CIES Joins 12CSI In Its Mission

Late last week CIES attended the monthly 12CSI (Community Safe Initiative) meeting at the Dover Community Centre. The organization represents Crossroads, Malborough, Malborough Park, Applewood, Penbrooke, Forest Heights, Forest Lawn, Alberta Park / Radisson Heights, South View, Dover and Erin Woods and is a local crime prevention collaborative that fosters community action on the issue of crime prevention by providing support, facilitation and advocacy, thereby creating safer neighbourhoods for all who live, work and volunteer in the Twelve Communities. A truly collaborative approach that involves many local organizations and individuals,  multi-faceted strategies incorporating Community Education, Community Engagement, Community Energy and Community Evaluation serve as the 12CSI engine.

The organization's Planning Council, and its Action Committees believe every community member has the right to feel safe in their community and to be treated with dignity and respect. Their work aims to foster an enhanced feeling of community pride and a greater involvement of residents. This involvement includes children and youth which will lead to a reduction in youth crime, which by extension produces a greater understanding of our diverse community and a greater involvement from those within it to help eliminate hate crimes and build inclusion. Above all else, 12CSI 's ultimate goal is to be sustainable and effective organization that will raise community expectations and standards of the residents in the twelve communities.

CIES couldn't have been happier to attend the meeting and immediately joined the Diversity Committee. We look forward to attending each month in order to brainstorm, collaborate and strategize the best ways serve the community of Calgary. See you next month!

CIES Attends Screening of Elder in the Making

Elder in the Making is an important film.

With the unjust stereotypes of Canada's Aboriginal population and the selective processing of the history of Southern Alberta sitting at it's core, Elder in the Making pairs two film makers, first generation Chinese Canadian Chris Hsuing and Blackfoot Cowboy SmithX, as they embark on a journey of discovery into Alberta's Blackfoot territory. Director Hsuing, with an underlying theme of reconciliation, sets out to explore the Blackfoot Nation, discovering he has much in common with his Aboriginal counterpart.

An emotional, educational and funny odyssey of experience, the film reveals the complexity of Indigenous culture and the historical Treaty 7, while exploring the idea of what it means to be an Elder and more importantly, the ownership and responsibility we all have of to pass on knowledge to the next generation. Simply put, the film is a must see for all Canadians.

I was fortunate enough to see both of these young film makers in person speaking about this film upon it's conclusion and if given the chance to hear them speak, don't pass on it. This interesting odd couple of brothers in arms carries the message of the film with both humour and empathy and it remains the same when seeing them in person.

Although unavailable on DVD at the moment, CBC has recently bought the broadcast rights for the film which means many will be able to see it soon. A special thanks to the artBOX on 17E for providing the space to screen this important film and most of all, to Chris and Cowboy for being there to share their work. For more photos of the event CLICK HERE.

Director Chris Hsuing and star Cowboy Smithx

Family Bazaar Coming Soon!

Saturday March 21st come on down for an afternoon of community spirit, bargains, and fun at the Falconridge / Castleridge Family Bazaar. Open to all! There will be a photo booth, henna painting, free vending tables to sell used items, free coffee/tea, raffle, button-making, bike activities, & live performers! Book your table by March 14th to sell crafts, children's items, housewares, clothing, or pre-packaged food or register to perform. You can download your registration form here. See poster Below for contact details and see you there!

AAISA Announces New Membership Model

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) is a regionally and nationally recognized leader in the settlement and integration sector. AAISA’s mandate is to build sectoral capacity by providing member agencies that serve newcomers access to relevant and meaningful professional development opportunities, to act as a liaison with stakeholders, and provide a centre for knowledge, expertise, and leadership.

Now, for the first time, AAISA is opening up membership beyond the settlement sector. They are welcoming any non-profit organization that works with newcomer Canadians to become part of Alberta’s premiere association for settlement and integration. Members have access to initiatives such as training, professional development, and research designed to build capacity to serve newcomers. Learn more about how to become an AAISA Member.

In further development news, AAISA’s Learning Community is a new online tool containing practical resources and ongoing skill development for professionals working with newcomer Canadians. • Resource Database • Community Forum • Calendar of Events • Professional Development Information and Opportunities. Moreover, the Learning Community is launching with an extensive collection of anti-racism and anti-discrimination resources. Visit aaisalearns.ca to access these resources and more! 

CIES is a proud and long time and member of AASIA and couldn't be happier to see them expanding their reach, as doing so only makes the sector stronger more capable of achieving its goals. Keep up the great work guys!