Agenda. London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership

Transcription

1 Agenda LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: January 25, :30 11:00 am Meeting Location: South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd Item Description 1. Chair s Opening Remarks Welcome & Introductions 2. Additions to Agenda 3. Adoption of November 8, 2016 minutes 4. Central Council November 28, 2016 Update : Mohamed Al-Adeimi 5. Strategic Plan implementation work group updates: a) Engaging immigrants and receiving communities in joint neighbourhood activities (communal gardening): Sheila Foster & Mohamed Al-Adeimi b) Professional development for frontline workers: Jacquie Rumiel c) Housing video translation: Amani Radhaa d) Welcoming Community Work Group: Mohamed Al-Adeimi 6. Family Settlement Collaborative Update: Huda Hussein 7. Information Sharing 8. Chairperson s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items 9. Adjourn 10. Next Meeting: March 7, :30-11:00 am, South London Community Centre 1

2 Minutes LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: January 25, :30 am 11:00 am Meeting Location: South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd Item Description Present: Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Tam Dam, Abbey Duggal, Sheila Foster, Rifat Hussain, Ramona Lucan, Kathy Milczarek, Speciose Mukakamanzi, Amani Radhaa, Jacquie Rumiel, Sara Salem, Mayssa El Sayegh, Lana Winchester- Tucker, Huda Hussein, Maria DSouza Information, Update, Action, Lead and Due Date 1. Chair s Opening Remarks Mohamed Al-Adeimi welcomed the group to the first meeting of the year. 2. Additions to Agenda Huda Hussein: information on LMLIP display boards. 3. Adoption of Previous Minutes Motion to approve November 8, 2016 Minutes was moved by Rifat Hussain, seconded by Speciose Mukakamanzi and approved. 4. Central Council updates: Mohamed Al-Adeimi The last Central Council meeting was held on November 28. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approved funding the LMLIP until The Diversity Inclusion Anti-Oppression Advisory Committee (DIAAC) met with the LMLIP and will explore LMLIP representation on the committee. Dev Sainani has agreed to represent the LMLIP. LMLIP will present to DIAAC on December 15, 2016 Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) made a presentation to explain their role and duties in supporting newcomer students and families. The presentation also touched on common misconceptions about SWIS workers. A poster presentation on the Health & Well-Being Sub-council position paper "Speaking Freely: A Case for Professional Health Interpretation in London, Ontario," was well received at the Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) annual conference in Ottawa. Mohamed mentioned that the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre also did a poster presentation in conjunction with Western on a youth acculturation project that looked at the connection of immigrant youth to school, their families and communities and how they feel about integrating into London. Huda Hussein was a panelist at a workshop titled, "How Local Immigration Partnership - Municipal Relationships are Easing the Immigrant Integration and Settlement Process. The fourth annual Journeys of Migration event held on November 24, 2016 Mohamed to share project info with staff for distribution to members 2

3 highlighted two powerful stories. The first centred on a Syrian mother who came to Canada with her six children. The second speaker was Alfredo Cajax, Sunfest Artistic & Executive Director, who has been here for 31 years. The Governance Work Group s recommendation to invite Middlesex County to join the Central Council was unanimously accepted by Council members. LMLIP and the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC) hosted an information session for private sponsors on November 22, Ninety individuals including some Syrian newcomers attended the event, which was held at the BMO Centre London. In addition to presentations, a panel of private sponsors and an IRCC representative spoke about the process and answered questions. A total of 31 attendees responded to the evaluation survey and overall feedback was positive. The Education Sub-council's social media work group will coordinate with the Central Council Marketing & Communications work group to extend social media training to all LMLIP members. The Welcoming All Voices Work Group is requesting strategies and ideas to ensure that the resource is used in schools. The Education Sub-council presented three workshops in November to Social Work students at Fanshawe College. Around 50 students attended each presentation which featured interactive sessions that touched on diversity and intercultural communication. 5. Strategic Plan implementation work group updates: a) Engage immigrants and receiving communities in joint activities in neighbourhood: Sheila Foster The City is no longer funding the London Community Resource Centre for the management of the communal gardens. The 15 community gardens will now be managed by City staff, under Community Development. Once staff is assigned to the community gardens by mid-february, Sheila will connect with them. The group will reach out to Syrian newcomers and others who are interested in gardening in a bid to encourage neighbourhood engagement. b) Professional development (PD) for frontline workers: Jacquie Rumiel Two service providers, SLNRC and YMCA of Western Ontario applied for funding to the Professional Education Training (PET) program at the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI). Other agencies are also encouraged to apply. The SLNRC request was approved, while the YMCA is waiting to hear back. IRCC confirmed that they would also be providing funding for the event. At a community planning day for IRCC funded organizations December 9, 2016, it was agreed that the LMLIP Settlement Sub-council would take the lead in organizing this training before March 31, This is because professional development for frontline workers is one of the activities under the LMLIP Settlement Sub-council s Strategic Plan. Executive directors of IRCC funded programs have been requested to have staff participate on the organizing committee. Areas of interest have been identified with regard to workshops through the survey conducted by this sub-council a while ago. Date and time will be determined in the next Work Group meeting. Offering Seeds of Change training which enables frontline workers to identify the signs of mental health issues and addictions in clients was suggested by a Sub-council member. The program also offers information on treatment Members can contact Jacquie with topic suggestions 3

4 resources available. c) Housing video translations: Amani Radhaa Amani requested other members to join the work group as she is currently the sole participant and cannot handle the project alone with her work commitments. The work group, when formed, will look at possible sources of funding to translate the video into multiple languages. It was suggested that Amani approach three translation companies for estimates which will help the work group know how much funding is required. Tam will join the work group. Sub-council members can staff if they wish to join the group d) Welcoming Communities Work Group: Huda Hussein Going forward, the Welcoming Communities Work Group update will be a standing item on all Sub-council agendas because it is an overarching theme that runs through all Sub-councils. The Work Group is a part of Central Council and has representation from various Sub-councils. Chaired by Valy Marochko, it addresses one of the overarching themes, creating a more welcoming community in London. The group is organizing an event on March 1, 2017 from 1-4 pm focused on the theme of building a welcoming community for immigrants to London & Middlesex. LMLIP members, faith and ethno-cultural groups will be invited to the event that aims to inform, engage and provide networking opportunities to attendees. London Free Press journalist, Jennifer O'Brien, will be the keynote speaker. Huda was asked if interpretation would be provided at the March 1 event. She noted that interpretation in French may be available if requested but is not sure about other languages. She will forward the question to the work group. Anti-racism and myth busting sessions will be amongst other initiatives undertaken by the group. 6. Family Settlement Collaborative Update: Huda Hussein The Family Settlement Collaborative (FSC) which has been running for the past four years is changing its way of operation. The group no longer needs to meet four times a year because the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) sites now have a single coordinator for all sites. The coordinator has been provided with the contact information of the presenters that the sites requested and she will now coordinate directly with the presenters. She will also keep track of the number of presentations etc at each site and inform the LMLIP. The LMLIP will continue to be the connection between new presenters/organizations and the LINC coordinator. 7. New business LMLIP display boards: Huda Hussein Huda informed members that the LMLIP is designing and printing new poster boards for the event on March 1. The boards will feature each issue specific Subcouncil with a group photograph of members, the Sub-council s goals and a testimonial from a community member who has benefited from their projects. 8. Information Sharing A total of 1,361 Government Assisted Refugees from Syria and other countries arrived in London in It was noted at the last Syrian task force meeting that settlement workers have collaborated with Ontario Works to help smoothen the process for clients transitioning to the program. Jacquie will connect project staff with other language instruction providers. 4

5 The London Public Library is holding workshops aimed at busting myths around Syrian refugees and refugee programs. Sessions are being held at the Beacock branch on January 25 and Masonville on February 9. Réseau-femmes du sud-ouest de l'ontario in collaboration with other organizations will be holding an event at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre on March 5 to mark International Women s Day. They are looking for a female keynote speaker who came to Canada as a refugee or immigrant and is willing to share her experiences. The annual Journeys of Migration will be held at Western University on November 24. Huda encouraged members to share the event with their networks. CCLC is coordinating with the John Howard Society of London & District to offer Syrian newcomers information sessions on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. A video on housing with an Arabic voiceover is also being developed. Suggestions were made by Sub-council members to ensure that the video is culturally sensitive. 9. Chairperson s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items Mohamed Al-Adeimi thanked members for attending. 10. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am. 11. Next Meeting Location and Date March 7, South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd Upcoming meeting dates: 2017: April 11, June 13, September 12, November : January 17, March 21 Speaker suggestions can be sent to Sara Salem 5

6 Agenda LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: March 7, :30 11:00 am Meeting Location: South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd Item Description 1. Chair s Opening Remarks Welcome & Introductions 2. Additions to Agenda 3. Adoption of January 25, 2017 minutes 4. Central Council January 30 and February 27, 2017 Updates: Mohamed Al-Adeimi 5. Syrian Task Force Update: Mohamed Al-Adeimi 6. Welcoming Communities report on LMLIP Day of Learning: Huda Hussein 7. Strategic Plan implementation work group updates: a) Engaging immigrants and receiving communities in joint neighbourhood activities (communal gardening): Sheila Foster & Mohamed Al-Adeimi b) Professional development for frontline workers: Jacquie Rumiel c) Housing video translation: Amani Radhaa d) Welcoming Community Work Group: Mohamed Al-Adeimi 8. Information Sharing 9. Chairperson s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items 10. Adjourn 11. Next Meeting: April 11, :30-11:00 am, South London Community Centre 6

7 Minutes LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: March 7, :30 am 11:00 am Meeting Location: South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd Item Description Present: Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Tam Dam, Sheila Foster, Kathy Milczarek, Speciose Mukakamanzi, Amani Radhaa, Lana Winchester-Tucker, Huda Hussein, Maria Dsouza Regrets: Abbey Duggal, Rifat Hussain, Ramona Lucan, Jacquie Rumiel, Sara Salem, Mayssa El Sayegh Guest: Tracy Drenth Information, Update, Action, Lead and Due Date 1. Chair s Opening Remarks Mohamed Al-Adeimi welcomed the group and guest, Tracy Drenth. 2. Additions to Agenda None. 3. Adoption of Previous Minutes Motion to approve January 25, 2017 Minutes was moved by Sheila Foster, seconded by Speciose Mukakamanzi and approved. 4. Central Council updates: Huda Hussein Central Council meetings were held on January 30 and February 27, The London Middlesex Immigrant Employment Council (LMIEC) presented on its mentorship plan and its strategic plan at the January and February meetings respectively. Action plans for various Central Council working groups including Welcoming Communities, Measuring Outcomes and Marketing and Communications, were reviewed and discussed. The Governance work group is reviewing the LMLIP Terms of Reference (ToR), which were last revised in April It was decided that the ToR would be a living document with revisions being made as required. Muriel Abbott, who volunteered with the LMLIP for six years, was recognized and thanked for her dedicated service. Muriel contributed almost 700 hours in a variety of roles. Students from Huron University's "Think Global Act Local" course have been in contact with the chairs of some Sub-councils. The students expressed an interest in the work of the LMLIP and its projects. Based on the needs of the students, Mohamed connected them to the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre s (SLNRC) Youth Program. The students will now be working with the Centre s homework club initiative. Interested youth will also be given tours of Huron University. It was noted that this is another example of the LMLIP serving as a facilitator in the community. LMIEC presentations to be ed to members 7

8 Mohamed noted that the university is looking to establish and institutionalize connections within communities. 5. Syrian Task Force Update: Mohamed Al-Adeimi The Syrian Task Force was set up by the City of London to address the influx of new Syrians in late It has now been decided that there is no need for the Task Force to meet regularly and communication can continue via . The group will reconvene in future if required. 6. Welcoming Communities - report on LMLIP Day of Learning: Huda Hussein Huda thanked all who attended the meeting for being a part of the change that we are trying to make in London. There were around 140 attendees on March 1. Huda requested members for their feedback on the event, which is as follows: It was a positive experience and a good networking opportunity; There was a lot of variety in a short period of time; Heartening to see the involvement of the Mayor, Middlesex County and politicians; Jennifer O Brien s speech highlighted local immigrant success stories. Some tips from Jennifer O Brien that some members commended on: Sharing the stories of local people known in our community to dispel myths and connecting with the media to share positive messaging and stories and the tip on building relationship with the media Roundtable discussions were enriching and could have used more time as everyone had something to contribute; The flow of the day was well planned right from the Mayor s greetings, to the key note and the Photo Voice exhibit and then the discussion Suggest more time to share because a lot of wonderful ideas came forward at the table. A full day would have been good. Next steps will be to work on the evaluation and a report. Report will be shared with the attendees and the community will be encouraged to implement some of the actions. LMLIP will implement some of the actions as well. 7. Strategic Plan implementation work group updates: a) Engage immigrants and receiving communities in joint activities in neighbourhoods: Sheila Foster Sheila spoke to a new official who is now handling community gardens. There are 15 community gardens and map provided shows plot that are available for rental. The fee for renting a 150 sq ft plot for the season is based on income and ranges from $15-$40. Water and composting facilities are available at each site. The City offers a yard waste pick up service as well. The next step is for settlement workers on the Sub-council to promote the initiative to their clients. A suggestion was made to request the City to translate the guidelines which include the code of conduct and conditions of use into Arabic. The translated guidelines can then be given directly to interested clients by settlement workers. b) Professional development (PD) for frontline workers: Mohamed Al-Adeimi Professional Development Days will be held on March 20 and March 22, 2017 Project staff will information to settlement workers to share with clients on receipt from Sheila Sheila will check if guidelines can be translated into Arabic 8

9 at the Best Western Plus Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre for frontline settlement workers from London, Aylmer, St. Thomas, Sarnia and Woodstock. All IRCC funded programming will be cancelled on the two days to allow all staff to attend. March 20 will focus on workshops on language, childcare and other services, while March 22 will highlight wellness. Self-care and issues related to vicarious trauma will be covered. Keynote speakers have been arranged for both days. Mohamed thanked the group for advocating for frontline workers while drafting the LMLIP Strategic Plan. He also thanked Jacquie Rumiel and the YMCA of Western Ontario for their work on the project. YMCA is the lead on the project in partnership with SLNRC and LMLIP c) Housing video translations: Huda Hussein The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is providing funding to translate the video into three languages: Arabic, Spanish and French. Huda thanked Jacquie for obtaining the funding. Voiceovers will be used instead of subtitles to make it more user-friendly. Thanks to Jacquie Rumiel for obtaining funding. Quotes have been requested from video production companies and a decision will be made shortly. d) Welcoming Communities Work Group: Mohamed Al-Adeimi No update as the work group will decide on next steps at its next meeting on March 27, Information Sharing Centre Communautare Regional de London will be offering French Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) services from April 1, City of London services located at Market Tower are relocating to Citiplaza from March 27, London East Social Services is also moving to Citiplaza until their permanent location is ready. CBC is holding a forum called Bold Steps on March 8. Afternoon Drive host Bob Steele will discuss the future of diversity and inclusion in the city. The City is trying to increase recreational supports in different languages and to increase its multicultural offerings. As part of the initiative, the Boyle Community Centre is trying to encourage participation by older immigrants in fitness and recreation programs. The City is also looking for fitness instructors who speak other languages to offer classes to immigrant seniors. The City will pay for qualified candidates to be certified as senior fitness instructors. A total of 90 Government Assisted Refugees from Syria and other countries arrived in London in February Chairperson s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items Mohamed Al-Adeimi thanked members for attending and requested them to suggest topics for guest speaker presentations at future meetings. 10. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 am. 11. Next Meeting Location and Date April 11, South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd Project staff will set up and send Eventbrite link once information on the agenda is received 9

10 Upcoming meeting dates: 2017: June 13, September 12, November : January 17, March 21 10

11 Agenda LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: April 11, :30 11:00 am Meeting Location: South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd Item Description 1. Chair s Opening Remarks Welcome & Introductions 2. LMLIP Activity Evaluation Template: Corinne Walsh, LMLIP Measuring Outcomes Work Group 3. Additions to Agenda 4. Adoption of March 7, 2017 minutes 5. Central Council March 27, 2017 Update: Maria D'Souza 6. Requests to Marketing & Communications Work Group: Maria D'Souza 7. Settlement Sub-council Strategic Plan implementation: Discussion of a) Projects and formation of work groups b) Possible actions for implementation from Welcoming Communities March 1 Summary Report implementation plan work group updates: e) Engaging immigrants and receiving communities in joint neighbourhood activities (communal gardening): Sheila Foster f) Report on March 20 and March 22, 2017 professional development for frontline workers: Jacquie Rumiel g) Housing video translation: Maria D'Souza 9. Information Sharing 10. Chairperson s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items 11. Adjourn 12. Next Meeting: June 13, :30-11:00 am, South London Community Centre 11

12 Minutes LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: April 11, :30 am 11:00 am Meeting Location: South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd Item Description 1. Chair s Opening Remarks Present: Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Tam Dam, Abbey Duggal, Sheila Foster, Rifat Hussain, Speciose Mukakamanzi, Jacquie Rumiel, Sara Salem, Lana Winchester-Tucker, Maria D Souza Regrets:, Mayssa El Sayegh, Ramona Lucan, Kathy Milczarek, Amani Radhaa, Huda Hussein Guest: Corinne Walsh, Measuring Outcomes Work Group Mohamed Al-Adeimi welcomed the group and guest, Corinne Walsh, who is a member of the Central Council s Measuring Outcomes Work Group and the chair of the LMLIP Health and Well Being Sub-council. 2. LMLIP Activity Evaluation Template: Corinne Walsh, LMLIP Measuring Outcomes Work Group Corinne explained that the measurement tool is being introduced as a way to evaluate the impact of LMLIP activities on the community. It forms a part of the overall evaluation of the LMLIP that will be done at a later date. The activity evaluation template will help plan the initiative, capture its results, ease future planning for anyone planning a similar project in future and record activities for reporting at the end of the fiscal year. Some members asked if the tool could be shared with and adapted by other organizations. They were told that it could be shared and used with an acknowledgement that the LMLIP had devised it. 3. Additions to Agenda None. 4. Adoption of Previous Minutes Motion to approve March 7, 2017 Minutes was moved by Lana Winchester-Tucker, seconded by Speciose Mukakamanzi and approved. 5. Central Council updates: Maria D Souza The Central Council met on March 27, Hello Neighbour, an outreach project funded by United Way London and Middlesex, did a presentation. Aimed at educating newly arrived Syrian families of their rights and responsibilities as tenants, the project was implemented from August 2016 to March Pathways to Prosperity national conference will be held from November 16-17, Information, Update, Action, Lead and Due Date 12

13 2017 at the Hilton Hotel in Toronto. A preconference workshop for local immigration partnerships and the Réseaux en immigration francophone will be held on November 15. Central Council working groups including Welcoming Communities, Governance and Marketing and Communications, provided updates. The Employment Sub-council coordinated an information session at Wheable Adult Education Centre on March 28, 2017 for immigrants wishing to start their own small business. Students from Huron University s Think Global Act Local course presented to the Education Sub-council on a project planned with the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre. They are looking at transition for youth between high school and university and attempting to bridge the gaps by providing guidance and mentorship. The Health & Well Being Sub-council coordinated two Opening Doors workshops on March 21, The Inclusion & Civic Engagement Sub-council's leadership and mentorship work group is collating results obtained from paper and online surveys. A motion to issue a letter of endorsement for the Child and Youth Network (CYN) Child & Youth Agenda was approved. The CYN was seeking partners endorsement and had approached the LMLIP. 6. Requests to Marketing & Communications Work Group: Maria D Souza The Central Council s Marketing and Communications Work Group has requested Sub-councils work groups to provide details on the type of communications support required and to do so well in advance. This will enhance planning and execution and enable better cross promotion. 7. Settlement Sub-council Strategic Plan implementation: Discussion of a) Projects and formation of work groups b) Possible actions for implementation from Welcoming Communities March 1 Summary Report The Sub-council discussed new projects that could be implemented in while keeping in mind feedback received from the Welcoming Communities March 1 Summary Report that could be linked to the Subcouncil s Strategic Plan. The feedback supported the Sub-council s objective to involve established immigrants in the settlement of new immigrants. One of the ways suggested to engage established immigrants was through volunteering. A suggestion was made to host an information session on volunteering or to make an inventory of volunteer opportunities. It was noted that Pillar Non-Profit already has a listing of volunteer opportunities on its website. Members observed that some immigrants only volunteer with their religious or ethnic groups. Volunteering with other community groups needs to be encouraged because immigrants need to be engaged in decision making in their communities. The LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement Sub-council will be approached to see if there is a possibility for collaboration in this area. The Settlement Sub-council s objective to create a joint task group Health and Settlement to raise awareness on supports for seniors; promote workshops that promote seniors integration was discussed. Jacquie and Mohamed will be on the work group. The LMLIP Health & Well Being (HWB) Sub-council will be contacted regarding possible collaboration. It was noted that the Settlement Sub-council had conducted an inventory of seniors programs which HWB may ICE and HWB will be contacted to explore possible opportunities to work together Members wishing to join work groups are requested to contact project staff 13

14 wish to update. The implementation plan for will be discussed in detail via and at the June meeting. 8. Strategic Plan implementation work group updates: Engage immigrants and receiving communities in joint activities in neighbourhood: Sheila Foster Information on community gardens was ed to settlement workers to promote to interested clients. Registration details are available at Gardens.aspx As of date, the following locations still have plots available: Professional development (PD) for frontline workers: Jacquie Rumiel and Mohamed Al-Adeimi A total of 220 frontline staff from London, Aylmer, St. Thomas, Sarnia and Woodstock attended the Professional Development Days on March 20 and March 22, The Settlement Sub-council has been identified as a Learning Champion for IRCC funded frontline settlement staff. The work group will meet for a debriefing session on the event and then discuss next steps. Organizing brown bag lunches may be considered. Maria will evaluation summary to the work group 14

15 A total of 106 attendees have responded to the SurveyMonkey evaluation and feedback has been positive. Housing video translations: Maria D Souza The Spanish and French versions of the video have been uploaded to the LMLIP YouTube website and the Arabic video will be uploaded shortly. The links will also be uploaded to the LMLIP website. 9. Information Sharing Mohamed, Tam and Abbey will share documents and presentations with the Sub-council related to refugee trauma. It was mentioned that recently resettled refugee trauma survivors were receiving tremendous community support. The Yazidi community will be holding a celebration on April 21, 2017 at Jalna Library. According to figures provided by the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre s Resettlement Assistance Program a total of 163 government assisted refugees arrived in London from January-March Chairperson s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items Mohamed Al-Adeimi thanked members for attending and requested them to contact project staff if they wish to join work groups. 11. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 am. 12. Next Meeting Location and Date June 13, South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd Upcoming meeting dates: 2017: September 12, November : January 17, March 21 15