MOSAIC announced the expansion of its services through its newly funded Civic Opportunities for Newcomers: Networking and Engaging Communities Together (CONNECT) program.
With $258,102 in funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program, the program aims to increase social and civic engagement among immigrants, refugees and newcomers, fostering intercultural understanding and equitable opportunities for full participation in Canadian society. (newcomers networking)
“We saw an increased demand from newcomers and immigrants in wanting to be engaged in their community, surpassing the capacity of our existing services and programs,” said Mimoza Pachuku, Manager of Civic Engagement at MOSAIC. “We’re excited to announce the CONNECT program, which will offer new opportunities for social and civic engagement to meet this growing demand.”
By actively involving newcomers and immigrants and cultivating inclusive spaces in collaboration with various organizations and stakeholders, the program seeks to address racism and discrimination while promoting community cohesion. The need for such programs stems from the 2019 MOSAIC survey, which found that while 100 per cent of newcomer clients wanted to be civically engaged, only 30 per cent were in engagement.
Respondents highlighted a lack of access to information and opportunities as barriers to engagement. In the past two years, MOSAIC has been working to bridge these gaps through the Social and Civic Opportunities: Pathways to Equity Program (SCOPE) program, which effectively trained three cohorts totaling 104 newcomers, resulting in 41 individuals serving on 67 boards and committees across Metro Vancouver.
Recognizing the importance of accessibility and sustainability in addressing systemic issues, the CONNECT program will provide an online course on Civic Engagement and Community Participation, organize networking events, and host a Visionary Leadership Conference. Additionally, the program will expand its collaborative efforts with regional stakeholders to maximize impact and reach across communities.
“For almost half a century, MOSAIC has been an unwavering pillar of support for newcomers coming to Canada. Through our Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism funding, our government ensures that we provide the necessary support to these community organizations to foster connections and build bridges between communities through activities tailored to their needs. Through this initiative, CONNECT will help newcomers find a welcoming community right here in British Columbia, one in which they can fully engage. Social and civic participation of newcomers not only positively shape their integration, but also drive positive change for the whole country,” said the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities.
Interested in learning more about the program and how you can participate? Click here or reach out to us at civicengagement@mosaicbc.org for more information.
