AAISA Accreditation of Settlement Practitioners
The deadline for the submission of Portfolio for AAISA accreditation is January 30th, 2009.
Practitioners will be accredited as:
- Level 2: Practitioner - to recognize practitioners who have developed a level of competence in the settlement field.
- Level 3: Practitioner - to recognize experienced practitioners who have developed a level of excellence in the settlement field.
- Mentor - to recognize experienced practitioners who have developed a level of excellence and have provided leadership in the settlement field.
As this process is quite detailed and involved, I would appreciate anyone interested to quickly respond in order to be able to meet the deadline.
Thank you.
Submitted by Toyin Fatona.
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New, Convenient Way to Make a Donation to EMCN
We now have a convenient, new way to make donations! Monthly donations – a convenient way to support immigrant success.
Please share our new brochure with all of your friends, neighbours and families, so they can learn about it and sign up right away.
http://www.emcn.ab.ca/supportus/donation_brochure.pdf
Thank you!
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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RISE Awards Volunteer Meeting
Please note that the RISE Awards Volunteer meeting has been moved to Friday, January 16 at 12:00 noon in room #3-0 at 11713-82 Street.
Thank you
Submitted by Bill Hallam
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Food Bank – Thank You Letter
Submitted by Robyn Thomas
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Calendars/Agendas
There are a few calendars/agendas still available. If you want one, please see Helen Rusich.
Submitted by Helen Rusich
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Donate-a-Ride Bus Tickets
Donate-a-Ride Bus Tickets are available from Nadra. She can be reached at 780-423-9502 or natia@emcn.ab.ca.
Submitted by Helen Rusich
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Introduction Computer Class
Yohana will be instructing an Introduction Computer Class beginning next week
Dates:
Tuesday, January 13 3:30 – 5:30 pm until March 3
Wednesday, January 14 3:30 – 7:30 pm until March 4
This is a 48 hour course. Please let Yohana know if you have people that need to take the course.
The course is offered in Room 2 – 7 at 11713 – 82 Street.
Once we get the computer lab set up at Nova Plaza courses can be offered there.
Submitted by Helen Rusich
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Congratulations
Congratulations to Lubna, Lucia, Maria Divina, Mirela, Terry, Tzgereda, Yosief, Yolande, Eun Jin, Leila, Wanna and Remy who all successfully completed the most recent AAISA settlement practitioner training module, Client Needs Assessment and Action Plans, that was offered in late November.
The number of EMCN staff with credit in at least one of these training modules continues to grow and many staff have now completed several.
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Our Sympathies
The supportive thoughts and prayers of everyone at EMCN are with Yohannes in these days as we extend our sympathies at the passing of his loved mother.
Yohannes has just returned from a hurried trip to Ethiopia where he was able to have some time to spend with her and I know I speak for all of us in saying our hearts too are saddened by her passing. We have not had the privilege of knowing her, but we know she raised a son with a wonderful caring spirit and the best of values and that clearly speaks to what a good person she was.
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Good Wishes for 2009
I want to extend very good wishes for 2009 to each of you who are part of the talented and caring team at EMCN as the new year gets underway. I hope in our own work here we will see many positive things happen that permit us to be part of realizing our organization's vision of Edmonton as an intercultural and democratic city. Our work is connected at the same time to many global matters and I note that 2009 draws us near the end of the UN's decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for Children, and is part of the early years of the UN's decade for Education for Sustainable Development and the Literacy Decade. As well, 2009 is the UN's International Year of Reconciliation, as well as the International Year of Natural Fibres (for the cotton and wool wearers) and the International Year of Astronomy (for those with their heads in the stars). So, lots to work on, no matter what direction we come from.
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Free Online Income Tax Program
There is a free income tax program on line, called Studio Tax 2009. You are able to do up to 20 free tax returns and then either print and send it in or efile. I have done it for the last two years and had my money in my account within a couple of days.
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Effective Communication in the Workplace
Managers/Supervisor, please think about staff that might benefit from taking this course as part of their professional development.
“Effective Communication in the Workplace” on Fridays from February 6 to March 27 (no class on March 6) in
Room 3 – 0 at HQ, 11713 – 82 Street.
12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Objectives: Staff and students will learn the art of speaking, listening and thinking to develop effective communication skills and foster self-confidence by speaking in front of others. In addition participants will be given the opportunity to facilitate and evaluate presentations.
The course is open to staff, newcomers, ESL students and community members.
Registration is limited to 12 participants. Please register by contacting Helen Rusich
Facilitators: Rispah Tremblay, Terry Andriuk and Helen Rusich
Cost: Free, but commitment of attending all seven sessions is mandatory. A certificate will be provided to participants who complete the course requirements.
Submitted by Helen Rusich
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Cultural Brokering
Sophie Yohanni - March 5, 2009 - Edmonton Pulic Schools Educational Cultural Brokers and Newcomer Children's School Adaptation Collaboration between families and schools is vital when addressing the school needs of newcomer children. This is especially important for children with known histories of war exposure that increases the risk for mental health difficulties that impact learning. When faced with cultural and language differences, schools and families can enlist the services of third parties, such as cultural brokers, to assist and ensure appropriate service provision. This talk will be based on a current study that is examining the role of educational cultural brokers in adaptation of current and former refugee children and families. Preliminary findings will shed light on the strategies cultural brokers use to facilitate the adaptation of newcomer children in school settings and the opportunities and barriers to cultural brokering that exist in educational settings.
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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We’re Searching for Young Leaders Committed to Global Action
This Fall, thirty outstanding young leaders from the US, UK and Canada will reach across faith lines and work together toward building a movement of global social action.
We are now seeking applications from outstanding young people and potential host organizations to take part in a brand-new initiative run by the Interfaith Youth Core and the Tony Blair Faith Foundation called the Faiths Act Fellowship.
The Faiths Act Fellowship will empower thirty religiously diverse young leaders from the US, UK and Canada to serve as inter-religious ambassadors for the Millennium Development Goals <http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/> . In August 2009, these young leaders will embark together on a 10 month journey of interfaith service in the fight to eradicate deaths due to malaria. The fellowship begins with two months of intensive training with Tony Blair in London and the Interfaith Youth Core in Chicago. Fellows will then be placed with primary health care partners in Africa for a one month intensive immersion program. After having been introduced to the important role of interfaith cooperation in helping fight malaria on the ground in Africa, Fellows will return to their home countries where they will spend the next 8 months raising awareness and resources. Working in religiously diverse pairs, the young leaders will inspire others in their home communities to take action. Together, the Faiths Act Fellows will show their faith in a brighter future and prove to the world that Faiths Act.
Application Deadline is January 15, 2009!
Learn more at www.FaithsActFellows.org
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Case Processing Centre Vegreville
Hello All,
Our office has been advised by the CPCV (Case Processing Centre Vegreville) that they recently have had an unprecedented number of clients showing up at their door seeking assistance with applications, status updates, etc.
Would everyone please inform staff members, who assist newcomers and immigrants, that the Case Processing Centre is a mail in centre only and is not designated to take walk in clients.
Thanks everyone for your co-operation.
Golda Sharp
Office / Bureau: CIC Edmonton
780-495-2503 | facsimile / télécopieur 780-495-6739 Golda.Sharp@cic.gc.ca Citizenship and Immigration Canada | 9700 Jasper Avenue - Suite 240 | Canada
Place Edmonton Alberta T5J 4C3
Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada | 9700, avenue Jasper - Pièce 240 | Place Canada Edmonton Alberta T5J 4C3 Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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International Day for Sharing Life Stories - May 16, 2008
In case any of you have ideas of how we can connect with this event in 2009....
http://www.ausculti.org:80/english.html
Submitted by Helen Rusich
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National Day of Action to Stop the War on Gaza
Saturday is the National Day of Action across Canada to Stop the War on Gaza! called by the Canadian Peace Alliance. All out to Stop the Assault on Gaza! End the Siege! Free Palestine!
Rally and March
Saturday January 10th at 1:00 p.m.
Winston Churchill Square
(102 Avenue and 100 Street)
Organized by the Edmonton Coalition Against War and Racism and the Canada Palestine Cultural Association
Posters can be downloaded at: www.ecawar.org.
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Welcome to the Reel World film series
University of Alberta International is pleased to host the Welcome to the Reel World film series, which runs every Wednesday and seeks to raise awareness about global issues both on campus and in the larger Edmonton community. Check out our website for a complete series listing and for information on how to get involved in International Week 2009 - Hungry for Change: Transcending Feast, Famine and Frenzy, which will take place February 2-6, 2009: http://www.international.ualberta.ca/globaled/
Here is information on our first two films of 2009:
Wednesday, January 14
Abloni
5 PM , Civil Engineering Building (CEB) 325
Map: http://www.campusmap.ualberta.ca/index.cfm?campus=1§or=5&feature=44
(52 minutes, 2005)
You give an old shirt or dress to a charity. Then, you forget all about it. But - without knowing it - you have had a huge impact on people you don't know, people throughout the world; and that impact is not all good. By following the strange, colorful, unpredictable voyage of one second hand shirt, Abloni plunges us into the huge worldwide business of second hand clothes. In a variety of styles, exploring a vast range of locations, and entering into the lives of a colorful cast of characters, Abloni reveals how the second hand clothes business creates a livelihood for a whole chain of wholesalers and retailers; how it supports charities and recycles waste products in rich countries; how it destroys the textile industries and traditions in poor countries; how it revolutionizes style and fashion in places as far away as a small village in central Togo. In its suspense-filled, picturesque, colorful, intensely human way, Abloni reveals to us an unknown cross section of the economic structure of our contemporary world.
The film will be followed by a discussion.
***
Wednesday, January 21
Blood and Oil
5 PM , Civil Engineering Building (CEB) 325
Map: http://www.campusmap.ualberta.ca/index.cfm?campus=1§or=5&feature=44
(52 minutes, 2008)
The notion that oil motivates America's military engagements in the Middle East has long been dismissed as nonsense or mere conspiracy theory. Blood and Oil, a new documentary based on the critically-acclaimed work of Nation magazine defense correspondent Michael T. Klare, challenges this conventional wisdom to correct the historical record. The film unearths declassified documents and highlights forgotten passages in prominent presidential doctrines to show how concerns about oil have been at the core of American foreign policy for more than 60 years – rendering our contemporary energy and military policies virtually indistinguishable. In the end, Blood and Oil calls for a radical re-thinking of US energy policy, warning that unless we change direction, we stand to be drawn into one oil war after another as the global hunt for diminishing world petroleum supplies accelerates.
The film will be followed by a discussion.
Nancy Hannemann
Director, Global Education
University of Alberta International
ph. (780) 492-5962
fax. (780) 492-1134
nancy.hannemann@ualberta.ca
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Story Slam
Dare that creative person in your life to get on stage. Your friend, your neighbour, your spouse, yourself...
The Bunker Projects presents Season 3:
Edmonton Story Slam
Wednesday, January 21
(& the 3rd Wednesday of every month)
at The Blue Chair Cafe, 9624-76 Avenue
Sign up at 7 p.m. Stage opens at 8 p.m.
5 minutes. 5 bucks (sugg). 5 audience judges. 10 writers (max). Cash prize
phone Susan @ (780) 915-8869 or email thebunkerprojects@hotmail.com
Dear Slammers,
So, you resolved to live a braver life that gets your heart pounding, your head thinking and your soul searching? Push aside all those weak excuses* (see footnote) and get writing. Then sign up Wednesday, January 21, at the Blue Chair Cafe for Edmonton's Story Slam. Join our growing community of seasoned and novice writers who dare to share their original five-minute stories in gripping competition. Monthly winners hold their heads up high, earn audience donations and qualify for 2008-2009 Slam Off, a grand annual party that showcases the best of the best.
Since Story Slam began in Edmonton in February 2006, we have exposed dozens of writers to appreciative audiences who crave authentic entertainment in this potluck format. Story Slam has been embraced by writers of all kinds; it's an event that succeeds because of your creative offerings. Bring your best five-minute story to the stage. It feels like flying. Our five friendly audience judges use instinct to rate the contestants. There's nothing like this instant feedback. No waiting for that editor to never call. No stuffing your best work into a drawer where no one can ever witness your brand of brilliance, the unique way you view the world. Find out immediately if you hit a note that resonates with the hearts of our packed audience, or whether you need to dig a little deeper next time to make the crowd laugh, cry and nod their heads knowingly.
Sharing your work in front of a live audience makes you a better writer and inspires you to create more. Many past participants are now working on collections of short stories, magazine pieces and novels. Story Slamming makes you a stronger person. And it's fun. Whether you're a professional writer or a plumber with a creative streak, we want you to come out to our event and mingle with fellow scribes.
If you have never mustered the courage to sign up, or if it's been awhile, push yourself to take that leap this month. If you've always wanted to be a writer, then write, come to Story Slam, and instantly become one. Return to the stage as many times as you want. Past participants, including previous monthly winners, are absolutely encouraged to dazzle us with new material.
Story Slam is a celebration of the creative spirit, a fight club for writers, a community, a support group, a cheerleader, a booster, an adventure, a friend. It belongs to all who embrace it. We welcome everyone to our stage and our audience.
Sincerely,
Susan Hagan, on behalf of the Crew: Alison Hagan, Lisa Gregoire, Roxanne Felix, Harold Wollin and Marina Michaelides.
*Weak excuses include: I have no time, I'm not inspired, there's always next time, there's something on tv, I need to clean my junk closet, my pants don't fit, I like to work lots of overtime instead of really living, I have absolutely no imagination, nothing ever happened to me so I have nothing to write about, I need to go to the gym. Legitimate reasons for not writing include travelling the world. That's really about it. (in which case you will have plenty to write about later).Thank you to our sponsors The Blue Chair Cafe, Vue Weekly, Tracy Kolenchuk (photos -- he has been travelling the planet recently so we expect stories as well as photos!). Thank you also to CJSR radio for ongoing support!
Edmonton Story Slam Rules
- Writers must read/perform their own original stories (no rerun stories).
- Stop watch starts ticking as soon as contestant begins talking. So don't introduce yourself -- get right into it.
- 5 audience judges are selected by the organizers. Highest and lowest scores are dropped, middle three added together.
- Times of 5:05 minutes or less, no penalty (5 second grace period). Over 5 minutes and you receive a .5 point penalty for every 10 seconds (or portion) over (ie. 5:11-5:20 = 1 point. 5:51-6 min = 3 points).
- Gong at seven minutes.
- Writers names are drawn randomly from a hat for the order of appearance.
- Highest score after penalty deductions receives ALL audience donations from pass the hat. (Tied high scores share the prize) and is eligible for a spot in Slam Off.
- Sign up begins at 7 p.m. Cut off when the Slam stage opens/or 10 writers.
- No props.
- Past winners are welcome to compete again, but receive only one space in Slam Off.
Submitted by Helen Rusich
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Helping Seniors Eat Healthy and Shop Better!
Edmonton Meals on Wheels, in partnership with the South East Edmonton Seniors Association (SEESA) and West End Seniors Activity Centre is launching a new program to help seniors eat healthy and shop better! A Registered Dietician will lead 4 sessions that will include information on the nutrition needs of seniors, fibre, dietary fats, and sodium, label reading and cooking/shopping for one or two! Each session will include a cooking demonstration highlighting tasty, nutritious recipes for 1-2 people and a lively discussion on the topic of the day!
Tuesdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24, 2009 – SEESA Time: 1:00 to 2:30 pm
9350-82 St. Edmonton
To register call: 780-468-1985. Registration is limited to 8 participants
Thursdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, 2009 - West End Seniors Activity Centre Time: 1:30 to 3 pm
9629 – 176 St. Edmonton
To register call: 780-483-1209. Registration is limited to 8 participants
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Press release CRAT
Dear all,
This press release has been sent to local news papers in Cameroon.
In reaction to the Press Release of 6th January 2008 from IRCT in Copenhagen Denmark.
"Centre for Rehabilitation and Abolition of Trauma - CRAT Cameroon has received with a lot of consternation and sympathy the news about the destruction of the Gaza Community Mental Health Program (GCMHP) facility by a bomb on the 30th of December 2008 as well as the untold suffering of civilian populations of that locality. It is very sad to learn that a facility offering services for persons affected by the crisis is itself affected, leaving those needing help helpless and the workers willing to offer such help unable to reach out to the helpless persons.
CRAT Cameroon as a member of the IRCT and also as an Organization that seeks to promote the Fundamental Human Rights of people as well as working on the abolition of torture and all systematic violence against humanity sends its message of encouragement to the victims and the staff of the Gaza Community Mental Health Prpgram. CRAT equally condemns any further provocation that might worsen the present crisis and, joins its voices with those of the IRCT, the United Nations and other developed countries to call for an immediate end to these hostilities from the conflicting states".
Staff of CRAT
Dear all,
The following press release (also attached as a PDF) has been sent to our press contacts outside of Denmark, including major media outlets in the Middle East. I will co-ordinate with management after their meeting to get it out to all of the centres, but if you’d like to pass it along to others among your networks, please feel free to do so.
Best,
Brandy
PRESS RELEASE
6 January 2009
***for immediate release***
Amid intense bombings Gaza’s children suffer serious mental trauma
Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza is causing widespread mental trauma, especially among children. In parallel, delivery of desperately needed emergency mental health services has ceased.
Since its premises were destroyed by Israeli bombs on 30 December the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP) – a member of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) – has been unable to provide care to an ever increasing number of traumatised civilians. Another IRCT member centre in Gaza, the Jesoor Organization, is also unable to operate due to the security situation.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the traumatising effect of the bombs and shells raining down on densely populated civilian areas.
On Monday, speaking to the IRCT from his home in the town of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, a psychiatrist from the GCMHP described his three children’s intense fear in the midst of the frequent explosions:
“I have two boys of four and three and a girl of one year. The girl is too small to understand what is going on, but the boys are very scared – they act like they know something bad is going to happen any moment” he said.
“Each time we hear the sound of an incoming missile, people start running for cover, but you don’t know where it will hit, and there are no safe places anywhere – we don’t have shelters. The children scream and run, following the parents, sensing their fear and bewilderment.”
“When yet another building is hit”, he added, “children of 4-5 years of age ask questions like ‘how many dead?’ and ‘are they going to shell our house?’”
“The situation is horrific right now, but it does not stop when the bombings are over.” He concluded: “I cannot even begin to imagine the scale of trauma that is building up as this goes on; it will take enormous effort to deal with the mental trauma of our children afterwards.”
From the headquarters of the IRCT in Copenhagen, Denmark, Secretary-General Brita Sydhoff says: “I am absolutely appalled by Israel’s targeting of densely populated urban areas. Attacks on civilian areas by both sides are deplorable, but Israel's attacks are grossly disproportionate and are disrupting vital health services.”
“I am extremely alarmed that our two member centres in Gaza, the GCMHP and the Jesoor Organization, are unable to operate during a time when their services are desperately needed” she adds and concludes:
“Israel's reckless attacks and blockade are endangering the lives and health of the entire population of Gaza in blatant breach of international law and fundamental human rights. I urge the government of Israel to cease its offensive and immediately take all necessary measures to ensure the access of Gaza's civilian population to vital health services and other fundamental humanitarian needs.”
For more information, please contact Mr. Sune Segal, Head of Communications, at +45 33 76 06 00 or sse@irct.org
Submitted by Joanna Bukczynska
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Gaza: Ceasefire now!
Dear friends,
In less than 72 hours over 150,000 people from every country have signed Avaaz's emergency petition calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. But as the situation continues to escalate, and news emerges that calls for a temporary truce have been rejected, we must amplify our global public outcry and seek to end the violence on both sides.
It is not too late to add your name to the petition below!
The answer to this crisis, lies with the international community actively intervening and mediating between Israel and all Palestinian parties. Our petition is already being heard by the UN, the EU, the USA and the Arab League. But as the humanitarian crises worsens -- there are already over 370 dead -- we must raise our voices even louder. Over the coming days, we will increasingly use the petition numbers to advocate for a ceasefire, so click here now sign the petition and then send to your friends.
http://www.avaaz.org/en/gaza_time_for_peace
Thanks for all you do and have a peaceful 2009!
The Avaaz Team
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Dear friends,
The Gaza crisis has exploded -- put your name to our emergency petition demanding a ceasefire. We'll deliver it immediately to the UN Security Council, the Arab League, the US and other world leaders!
Take Action Now
As we watch the Gaza bloodshed with horror, appalled at how the crisis is spiraling further out of control, one thing is clear -- this violence will only lead to further civilian suffering and an escalation of the conflict.
There must be another way. Over 280 are dead so far in the Gaza Strip and hundreds more injured -- rockets are striking Ashdod deep inside Israel for the very first time, and the sides are mobilising for invasion. A global outcry has begun, but it'll take more than words -- the immediate violence won't end, nor will wider peace be secured, without firm action from the international community.
Today, we're launching an emergency campaign which will be delivered to the UN Security Council and key world powers, urging them to act to ensure an immediate ceasefire and address the growing humanitarian crisis -- only with robust international oversight and action can civilians on all sides be protected and real steps be taken toward a wider peace. Follow this link now to sign the emergency petition and send it to everyone you know:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/gaza_time_for_peace/?cl=164093641&v=2624
After Gaza's bloodiest day in recent memory and eight or more years of ineffective US and global diplomacy, we need to get world leaders to do more than issue statements if they're to ensure a lasting ceasefire.1 Through the UN Security Council and other international bodies, the world can provide the help and pressure needed to stop the violence and change the situation on the ground in Gaza -- preventing the rockets and incursions, re-opening crossing-points under international oversight so that instead of weapon-smuggling, the 1.5 million ordinary people of Gaza can get the fuel, food and medicines they so desperately need.
All sides to the conflict will continue to act as they have in the past if they believe that the world will stand by and allow them to do so. We mobilised for a ceasefire in 2006's Israel-Lebanon war and succeeded, but this time the international community must not delay -- let's raise a truly worldwide outcry. 2009 is a year that things can be different. As we face this crisis, and the possibilities of a new year, it's time for us everywhere to work together to stop this violence.
With hope and determination,
Brett, Ricken, Alice, Ben, Pascal, Paul, Graziela, Paula, Luis, Iain and the whole Avaaz team
1 Further actions could include: a formal resolution from the Security Council rather than issuing a press statement as was done on 28 December 2008; explicit private and public international pressure on the parties to end the hostilities including developing clear terms for the resumption of negotiations; proper international oversight of the Rafah border; and in time, a detailed Security Council resolution setting out the terms in international law for a permanent peace between Israel and Palestine. For background, see this Jerusalem Post article, "No international pressure to end op": http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230456497503 pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull)
Submitted by Miranda Bestman
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Call for 2009 FCSS Committee Members
Conference Notice
Family Support Group Schedule 2009
Group for Women Who Have Experienced Control or Abuse by Their Partners
Intercultural Partnership Workshop Flyer
MRJC - Lunch And Learn Series
Winter Emergency Resources in Edmonton
