Farewell!
Theresa Saffa, long standing staff member is leaving the agency.
Please join us in saying thank you, farewell and best of luck in future opportunities on Thursday, February 5 at 2:00 pm in Room 2 – 4.
Submitted by Helen Rusich
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Safe Harbour
Safe Harbour: Respect for All is a national diversity initiative that provides a simple, practical, and effective way for storefront businesses in Alberta, to demonstrate leadership by better understanding and serving their diverse community.
Employers are invited to attend a FREE 2 hour workshop which explores stereotyping, how members of marginalized groups might experience living in our communities, the definition of diversity, and what demonstrates respect to people of different backgrounds. The Safe Harbour: Respect for All workshop will assist employers in identifying simple steps for providing equitable treatment and a temporary refuge for anyone facing racism or hate, and help businesses create an environment where employees, customers and clients of diverse backgrounds know that they will be safe from discrimination.
Once the 2 hour workshop has come to its end, businesses will be provided with a Safe Harbour window decal which is a symbol of trust and marks their commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all community members feel welcomed and safe.
This is where your help is needed.
I am looking to involve as many places as possible during this pilot phase which comes to an end in March 2009.
Do you have a connection to a local Edmonton business or agency; big or small, independent location or a large franchise? I am looking for contacts within local businesses who would embrace Safe Harbour and be interested in participating! Business and agencies that get involved at this pilot phase have the opportunity to be featured in press releases and other media coverage that will occur when Safe Harbour has its official Alberta launch in March of this year.
If you could make an effort to speak to anyone you know who fits the above description, provide them a brief overview of Safe Harbour: Respect for All, ask if I may follow up by contacting them directly, and then pass their contact information on to me I would greatly appreciate it.
I have a training session for employers scheduled for Friday, March 6th 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and I still have spaces available for more participants. I welcome as many as I can get!
Thank you for your support. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to reply to this email or telephone me at the number below.
Submitted by Laurie Hauer
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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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Immigrant Women and Fertility
OPTIONS Sexual Health Association's new project, "Immigrant Women and Fertility", offers newcomers to Canada culturally sensitive birth control information, assistance accessing sexual health information and services, and a supportive space to discuss sexual and reproductive health rights in Canada.
Services are offered In one-on-one consultation, or peer group training formats. We provide client consultation at a suitable English level, using ESL materials as tools to facilitate communication. Our facilitator is able to see clients at agencies that they may already be connected with to increase accessibility to services and to reduce transportation barriers.
These services are free, confidential, and no official immigrant or refugee status is necessary.
If you or a client are interested in more information please contact:
Fatima at (780) 423-3737 ext: 211 or email fatima@optionssexualhealth.ca
Submitted by Ariela Cerna
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Course for Foreign Trained Professional Women
Many of us serve immigrant clients that are struggling and frustrated, both personally and professionally.
Jewish Family Services is pleased to be able to offer your clients a unique opportunity.
We believe that we are taking a creative approach to dealing with the immigration difficulties of a sophisticated sector of women.
Our project focuses on confidential small group work in the areas of skill building, self-awareness and self-confidence.
We trust that when women feel valued and competent they have a better chance of functioning effectively in a new country.
Sheila Bailin
Resource Specialist - TASIS
sbailin@shaw.ca
Additional information will be available in the newsletter next week.
Submitted by Helen Rusich
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Free monthly e-newsletter on immigration issues:
http://www.cicnews.com/
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Stories of Inter-Faith Cooperation in Edmonton
Friends:
One of the multi-faith organizations that I am associated with (the Phoenix Multi-Faith Society for Harmony) is collecting actual stories of inter-faith cooperation in Edmonton. They have a particular focus on Jewish-Christian-Muslim relations, but the stories need not be restricted to just these three faith groups. Stories need not be elaborate or even “religious” in nature; they can be either contemporary or historical. We are simply looking for items that reflect a positive interaction between real people from our respective communities in Edmonton. Professional writers and archivists are available to help with writing or articulating stories, if need be.
For more information, please see: http://www.phmultifaithsociety.ca/ or contact Debby at jahsena@shaw.ca or call/email me at 780-469-1010.
Thank you one and all.
Sincerely
Julien Hammond
Office of Ecumenical & Interfaith Relations
Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Story Café
TALES Edmonton Presents: Story Café February 05, 2009
For more information: www.freenet.edmonton.ab.ca/~tales/
Thursday, February 5th STORY CAFÉ at Rosie's Bar & Grill, 10475-80 Ave. Theme: HOT STUFF - This café will feature Dawn Blue, Jennie Frost and Marie-Anne McLean. $Pay What You Will Cover Charge/ $6.00 minimum. Open Mic/Tell Your Story. For more information call: 932-4409; Rosie's (439.7211).
An Invitation: Join TALES Edmonton for our Monthly Tellaround on Friday, February 14th, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m., at the City Arts Centre, 10943 - 84 Ave. Tell or listen to stories. First visit to a Tellaround is free; thereafter $3.
Upcoming: STORY CAFÉ at Rosie's Bar and Grill, 10475 - 80 Avenue, Thursday, March 5th, 2009. Theme: "CELTIC CAULDRON."
Upcoming: TALES Retreat 2009. Friday, May 1 - Sunday, May 3 at Sylvan Lake Bahai Centre. A Storytelling Life: Journeys through Cultures, Music & Healing. Workshops led by storyteller and cellist Kira Van Deusen. Cost: TALES members $200.00 before March 31/09, $225.00 after March 31/09. NON-MEMBERS $225.00 before March 31/09, $250.00 after March 31/09.
For more information, go to www.freenet.edmonton.ab.ca/~tales/ or call Retreat 2009 Coordinator Karen Gummo at 403.284.0747 / E: karengummo@shaw.ca
Acknowledgments: TALES Edmonton is the grateful recipient of funding from the City of Edmonton through the Edmonton Arts Council.
TALES Edmonton / T: 780.932.4409
Email: talesedmonton@hotmail.com
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Making Religious Claims in the Public Realm of Culture, Environment, Economy or Politics
Saturday, February 7, 2009, 9:30 a.m.– 12:00 noon Trinity Lutheran Church, 10014 - 81 Avenue, Edmonton
A cacophony of religious voices seeking to influence public culture, opinion, and policy pervades the public discourse today. Some publicly orientated religious claims inspire social change. Other claims may not effect change. Some are appropriate and others may not be appropriate. Sorely needed are criteria for making that distinction. This workshop asks: What are criteria for appropriate, valid and effective use of religious claims, language, and symbols in deliberation and decision-making about public policy? What particular gifts do Lutheran traditions bring to shaping those criteria?
Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda lectures and consults internationally and nationally in theology and ethics. She has served as theological consultant to the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA; as Director of the Washington, D.C. office of Augsburg College's Center for Global Education; and as a missionary and health worker in Honduras. Moe-Lobeda is author of Healing a Broken World: Globalization and God (Fortress, 2002), Public Church: For the Life of the World (Fortress, 2004), Saint Francis and the Foolishness of God (Orbis, 1993), and Say to this Mountain: Mark's Story of Discipleship (Orbis, 1996). Dr. Moe-Lobeda is on the faculty of Seattle University's Department of Theology and Religious Studies, and graduate School of Theology and Ministry.
Questions:
Dittmar Mundel / David Goa
Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life
www.augustana.ca/ronning
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Joshua Lual Opal
Dear all,
Onbehalf of the Sudanese Canadian Community Association of Edmonton, I announce the passing on of its former President & CEO, Mr. Joshua Lual Opal on Monday January 07, 2009 at 5.00 P.M. Mountain time.
Late Joshua was born in Upper Nile Sudan in 1955, grew up and studied in Ethiopia where he graduated as a teacher.
Teacher-----------------------------------------------------------------------------1972-1977
Mayor of Etang in Ethiopia-----------------------------------------------------1978-1981
Governor of Gambella in Ethiopia--------------------------------------------1982-1991
President & CEO, SCCA, Edmonton, Alberta CANADA-----------------2004-2006
He is survived by 4 wives and 10 children.
Joshua will be missed by many. He was a hardworking member of the Sudanese and Ethiopian Communities who volunteered tirelessly at all times and could be relied upon when called to help even in the middle of the night, especially family matters. God gave us Joshua and has decided to take him. Let us join hands in laying him to rest and pray for the family to stay strong.
MAY THE ALMIGHTY GOD REST HIS SOUL IN ETERNAL PEACE
CONTACT PERSON: Peter Jany Khaway, 780-641-5977 (home), 403-703-1096 (cell)
CONDOLENCES IN PERSON AT: 16363 – 87 Street (Joshua’s residence), Telephone: 780-641-5977
Further funeral arrangements will be announced on a later date.
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Travelling Alone on the Silk Road
Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations
COMMUNITY IMPACT Lunch Series presents: Travelling Alone on the Silk Road
The session will begin with a brief overview of why the PowerPoint presentation of 'Traveling Alone on the Silk Road' is a delightful component to assist in the understanding of how prejudice, discrimination, and racism are not only central to the disregard of human dignity, and to the foundation of human rights, but that our very existence depends on the cooperation between peoples of different nations.
The one-hour presentation is a summary of a nine-month journey along the Silk Road, a story of trust and love between traveler and citizen. It is being made available to inform the participants what could be achieved through the experience of a full 4-6 hour presentation of a magical journey through China, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Russia and Mongolia, followed by discussions of differences and similarities between members of the human race. This presentation is people-oriented, done through a personal perspective, and although it is not specifically a historical production, input on how it can be adapted for school-aged children, high school students, corporate and non-profit sectors, as well as continuing education in the adult community will be most welcome.
Presenter Claire Laskin’s bio:
From the professions of registered nurse, to political organizer, fund-raiser for non-profit organizations, and from the perspective of a business woman, Claire Laskin's foremost challenge was to find a way to convey that peace has to lie within the humanness of each individual soul. With this in mind, in 2005 Claire left on a nine-month journey along the ancient Silk Road, accomplishing a remarkable adventure, meeting people of different cultures and regardless of presiding governments and religions, had the powerful common denominator of 'soul'.
When: February 6, 2009
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: NAARR’S boardroom, #2, 10865 – 96 sty
Cost: Free
Please call Jacqueline at 425 – 4644 ext. 4 to register
Call early, space is limited
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Community Dialogue
Hi People,
Our next Community Dialogue will be held in Queen Mary Park/ Central McDougall at John A McDougall School 10930 107 Street, Thursday Feb 5 beginning at 6:30.
Our keynote will be talking about the plight of temporary workers in Edmonton and after that we'll go into small group discussion to explore our own local issues and dreams for the future, meet new people and see if talk doesn't turn to action. And yes, with us democratic dialogue is free & there are refreshments provided!
Recently some Sudanese youth, newcomers to Canada and Edmonton joined us in a Community Dialogue, talked amongst themselves and with us and created a youth sports program that focuses on soccer. We've helped them get access to practice space but I thought I'd ask you, my email experts for advice. When you wanted to play sports in Edmonton in winter (Not hockey though!) what space did you find, how did you find it? Who did you talk to to get it?
And to the winner we will give free registration to our upcoming Community Action Dash to recognize your support for newcomers and community life.
Thanks and sorry for so many recent postings.
Chris Ford, Program Director,
Action for Healthy Communities
Ph: 780-944-4687
Fax: 780-423-4193
Email: actioncf4@shawbiz.ca
www.a4hc.ca
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Underemployment and Unemployment Project: Online database
Please pass the survey on to those that can fill it out......results will shape things to come.
More information below
To date, the MCHB has succeeded in launching the online database! It is available at www.immigrantskills.ca. We need your help in getting the word out to professionally trained immigrants and encourage their participation in the online survey. The eligibility criteria includes:
- must demonstrate a good working ability/fluency in English
- be an immigrant
- be professionally trained outside of Canada
- be between the ages of 21-35
- be unemployed or underemployed
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Agnes Midi and I am the Project Coordinator of the Multicultural Health Brokers Underemployment and Unemployment project funded by AEI and Service Canada.
There have been stories and anecdotes about highly educated immigrants driving taxis or working in low paying blue collar jobs as well as unemployed youth who are eager to work but are not successful finding work. The purpose of this project is to explore, define and document the issue of unemployment and underemployment within ethno-cultural communities in Edmonton. Focus groups and other activities will be coordinated within ethno-cultural groups to create an inventory of the skills and abilities of unemployed and underemployed immigrants and refugees including youth who are unemployed with a working ability in English language. Their employability profiles will be compared to the categories most highly requested in LMO & E-LMO applications. Community animation will be used and a database of employable local immigrant workers with their skills will be created and made available to key stakeholders.
The Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative (MCHB Co-op) is a formally registered co-operative with the province of Alberta. Our organizational mandate is to support ethno-cultural individuals and families in attaining optimum health through relevant health education, family support, community development and advocacy. Since incorporating in November 1998, we have served over 9,000 immigrant families in Edmonton within the Chinese, Vietnamese, South Asian, Spanish-speaking, Filipino and Arabic-speaking communities, as well as families of refugee background (Somali, Kurdish & former Yugoslavia).
The MCHB Co-op's experience in coordinating and engaging ethnocultural communities stems from its relationships with these communities. The MCHB Co-op has used community animation as a model to bridge 30 different ethno-cultural communities and the City of Edmonton for a consultation that reached over 300 community members in individual focus groups as well as a MCHB co-op organized consultation event. MCHB co-op trained community animators for this opportunity as well as two other City consultations.
To date, the MCHB has succeeded in launching the online database! It is available at www.immigrantskills.ca . We need your help in getting the word out to professionally trained immigrants and encourage their participation in the online survey. The eligibility criteria includes:
- must demonstrate a good working ability/fluency in English
- be an immigrant
- be professionally trained outside of Canada
- be between the ages of 21-35
- be unemployed or underemployed
Their participation will help us get the word out to employers that there are talented immigrants in Edmonton ready to work in their fields!
Please feel free to contact me at 780-761-1126/780-932-8261 or preferrably by email at agnes.midi@gmail.com or agnes@mchb.org. I am willing to meet with you or to attend group consultations that you may feel might be of relevance to this project.
I welcome any suggestions you may have and look foward to hearing from you!
Thank you,
Agnes Midi
Submitted by Ariela Cerna and Helen Rusich
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Bil'in Habibti (Bil'in my love)
A documentary by Shai Carmeli Pollak
Winner of Special Award at Rotterdam's Movies That Matter, and Best Documentary at the 2006 Jerusalem Film Festival
When: Thursday, February 5 - 12:30pm
Where: Room 217, Telus Centre, U of A
Facebook event link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=61786294847
There will be a discussion period following the film.
A Palestinian village peacefully stands up to an opposing force when they're forced with being split in two by a demarcation wall in this inspiring documentary. Filmmaker Shai Carmeli Pollak started as an activist when he came to the village, but ended up chronicling an amazing moment in time when the Israelis and Palestinians came together to halt the wall's construction amidst the region's political turmoil. Focusing on one of the village's local committee members and a farmer who risks losing much of his land to the proposed barrier, the film takes a look at how these leaders in the movement are able to communicate and eventually work with a group of Israeli activists that heads the opposing faction.
~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide
For more information contact Palestine Solidarity Network:
psnedmonton@gmail.com
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Program for immigrants wanting to obtain mortgages
People who have become permanent residents (landed immigrants) of Canada in the past 36 months may be eligible for mortgage financing under a special program involving Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and other mortgage insurers. To qualify a person must have a minimum of three months of full time employment in Canada and ability to make a down payment of at least five percent of the purchase from their own savings. Evidence required to qualify includes 12 months of verifiable bank statements from a Canadian financial institution or one in a country of origin, 12 months showing good standing paying utility bills in Canada, and a landlord letter verifying a minimum of 12 months of rental payments in good standing. Information about this program should be available from accredited mortgage brokers.
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Underground to Freedom
Edmonton Metropolitan Chorus presents Underground to Freedom Sunday, February 22, 3 pm
McDougall United Church, Edmonton, 101 Street, one block south of Jasper Avenue
David Garber, Conductor
Junetta Jamerson, Soloist and Guest Conductor
Edmonton, AB - In celebration of Black History Month, and the inauguration of President Barack Obama, the Edmonton Metropolitan Chorus presents "Underground to Freedom" - a concert of stirring spirituals and lively gospel music. The spirituals tell the story of black slaves escaping to freedom in the north – to Canada. The seemingly innocent spirituals were more than simple songs of endurance and a belief in a better afterlife; as sung by slaves, the spirituals allowed the slaves to communicate secret messages and information to each other about the Underground Railroad.
The audience will hear spirituals, sung in their original, a cappella forms... "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", "Go Down Moses", "Wade in the Water", "Deep River", "Follow the Drinking Gourd", "Soon I Will be Done with the Troubles of the World", "Ride the Chariot", and more.
A special highlight of the afternoon concert will be the performance of traditional gospel songs as performed by early black settlers, who immigrated to Alberta from Oklahoma during the early part of the 20th Century. Junetta Jamerson, a direct descendant of one of the immigrant families, will share her wealth of experience and expertise – leading the Edmonton Metropolitan Chorus in a rich celebration of life's struggles and joys.
Edmonton-area audiences will know Junetta Jamerson as the founder and director of the famed Black Pioneer Heritage Singers, an exciting ensemble that performed before a wildly ecstatic audience at Edmonton's Folk Music Festival 2008. The group recently released a highly anticipated CD, "Ain't That Good News", copies of which will be available for purchase at the concert.
Performing with Junetta Jamerson and the Edmonton Metropolitan Chorus will be three outstanding musicians, well-known to fans of Alberta's growing gospel music scene: Quenten Brown, piano; Dave Olsen, bass; and Reno Guimond, drums.
Advance Tickets (recommended) are available through Tix-on-the-Square. tixonthesquare.com; 780.420.1757
Submitted by Helen Rusich
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Community Emergency Preparedness: Train the Trainer
The next Community Emergency Preparedness: Train the Trainer session will be held on Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at the City of Edmonton Emergency Operations Centre, 10539 - 105 Street. All material will be provided at the workshop. Street parking is limited in the area but there is an Impark lot east of the building. Access is off the alley. Parking is $3 for the whole day. If you are interested in taking the workshop, let Joanne Sheardown know at 780-496-6724 or fax 780-496-3062 by Feb 11. The class size is a maximum of eight people.
Submitted by Jim Gurnett
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Downtown to NAIT LRT Update
Helen is currently serving on a committee dealing with the Downtown to NAIT LRT Update. If you are interested in more information, please contact her at hrusich@emcn.ab.ca
Downtown to NAIT LRT Update – Fall 2008 – Newsletter
Downtown to NAIT LRT Study
Results Report
MacEwan Station Visioning Workshop Participant Input
Project booklet
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Gaza in Crisis: Update
Oxfam and its partners in Gaza are rushing aid to those affected by recent fighting. Oxfam welcomes cessation of violence in Gaza, but is calling for a durable and comprehensive ceasefire.
Oxfam has aided the region by providing emergency medical services, clean drinking water, food, and family hygiene kits to thousands of residents and families. Click here http://act.oxfamamerica.org/site/R?i=gWV_9dabgQtAxm-w28Loog.. to learn more about our response.
Put a New—and Unexpected—Twist on Valentine's Day!
A dozen roses? A box of candies that go straight to the thigh? How about an unexpected valentine that can make a difference in the fight against poverty instead!
Treat your sweetheart to baby chicks, chocolate, fair-trade honey, and other unexpected gifts that do good at OxfamAmericaUnwrapped.com
Get the New Oxfam iGoogle Theme Today
Google recently launched a collection of iGoogle themes benefiting charities, including a feature theme for Oxfam America. Click here to get your Oxfam theme today, and be sure to send it along to your friends and family.
New on the Oxfam Blog: Keeping the Faith
Have you ever thought about how faith drives the fight against poverty and injustice worldwide? Our very own Chris Hufstader ponders this question in his most recent post on the Oxfam blog. By sharing his experiences across the globe, Chris outlines how he has seen faith contribute to ending injustice. Read more and comment to let us know what you think.
You can also subscribe to our RSS feed. Click here to subscribe today
Zimbabwe: Hopes for a Better 2009
A lively New Year’s celebration cannot mask the troubles countless people face in a country crippled by hyperinflation and a cholera outbreak. Zimbabwe is gripped by economic collapse and a worsening humanitarian crisis. An August cholera outbreak has now affected more than 30,000 residents, including more than 1,600 casualties. Learn more about how Oxfam is working to avert a major crisis here
Sincerely,
Tim Fullerton
Oxfam America
Submitted by Miranda Bestman
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Youth Network Gathering for Immigrant and Refugee Youth
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Educational Cultural Brokers and Newcomer Children’s School Adaptation
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Transforming Acculturative Stress Into Success
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2009 Lunch and Learn Series
