The CONNECT program is an opportunity for racialized immigrants and newcomers to participate in social and civic engagement activities such as: 

Program Objectives 

This program aims to:  

• Enhance interaction and dialogue among diverse community groups, increasing knowledge and practical skills of immigrants related to active social and community involvement.
• Promote and engage in discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism, and religious discrimination at the domestic or international levels.
• Support communities in confronting racism and discrimination, promoting intercultural and interfaith understanding, and fostering equitable opportunities to participate fully in the Canadian society.

Get Involved In 

• Online Course Development 

Collaborate with fellow participants to share insights and give feedback on an interactive online course designed to promote community involvement and intercultural understanding. Gain practical skills and knowledge essential for active civic engagement. Your contributions will help shape a comprehensive online resource supporting newcomers in Canada to actively contribute within their communities.

• Regional Collaboration Group Meetings 

Network with diverse community members and organizations in BC and Alberta to explore collaborative opportunities and exchange best practices. This is a platform to build partnerships and develop regional approaches to promoting civic engagement and social integration with a focus on racialized communities. Regional partners will also be invited to participate in the leadership conference and other activities.

• Visionary Leadership & Community Engagement Conference

This conference will be a transformative opportunity tailored for immigrants, refugees, newcomers, and partner organizations in BC and Alberta. It is designed to delve best practices of leadership, equity, diversity, inclusion, and civic engagement. Engage in dynamic panel discussions and interactive roundtables, fostering collaboration and sharing innovative strategies to enhance social integration and break down systemic barriers. It will be a chance to elevate your leadership and drive positive change in communities. Stay tuned for more information.

• Immigrants and Community Action Network (iCan) & Mentoring Opportunities 

This network is a way for racialized members of the community to connect, share, and take part in their community. It is a peer-led platform to connect with like-minded professionals and access informal mentorship opportunities.

Additional Civic Engagement Opportunities:  

Elections in Canada 

We welcome all Canadian citizens or soon to be citizens to participate in Elections in Canada. We will be hosting activities throughout the year to create more awareness about the electoral process. 

In the coming year, we plan on hosting workshops on topics like: 

• Running in a Federal Election,  
• Working in a Federal Election, or  
• Registering and Voting in a Federal Election.  

Sessions will talk about Inspire Democracy and equip attendees with the necessary knowledge to confidently register and vote in a federal election. 

These events will be hosted to enhance awareness of newcomers regarding the Canadian electoral system, provide information on the voter registration procedure, electoral safeguards, and encourage immigrants to obtain Canadian citizenship sooner to enable their participation in the electoral process. For more details explore here: New Canadians.