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London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership

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Agenda

LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement Sub-council

Date and Time: January 9, 2014

2:30 – 4:00 pm

Meeting Location:

Kinsmen Recreation Centre – RM 2

Item Description

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks

2. Volunteer to Take Minutes

3. Adoption of November 14, 2013 Minutes

4. Additions to Agenda

5. Central Council Update (Valy)

6. 2013-2016 Strategic Plan (ICE) Implementation

a. Organize the Newcomer Volunteer Fair

b. Organize Meet the Candidates Events

c. Provide Content for We are London Campaign

d. Partner with the Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC)

e. Collaborate with Services Targeting Newcomer Youth

f. Explore Partnering with Post Graduate Institutions

g. Explore Partnering with Arts and Cultural Organizations

7. New Business

8. Information-Sharing

9. Chairperson’s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items

10. Adjourn

11. Next Meeting Location and Date: 2:30 to 4:00 pm, Mar 6, 2014 – Room 2, Kinsmen Recreation Centre


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Minutes LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement (ICE) Sub-

council

Date and Time: January 9, 2014 2:30 - 4:30 pm

Meeting Location: Room 4, Kinsmen Recreation Centre 20 Granville Street

Present: Michael Goodmurphy, Valy Marochko Andrea Brown, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Huda Hussein, Janice Walter, Maria Vasquez, Kelly Barnes, Amy Ratcliffe, Katy Boychuk, Darshi Lacey, Robin Armistead, Rose Aquino, Vivette Martin

Regrets: Peter Fragiskatos, Christina Lord, Nassisse Solomon, Stelian Medianu, Heather Heathcote

Absent: Alia Badri

Item Description

Information, Update, Action, Lead and Due Date


Valy welcomed the group. He noted the sad news of the sudden demise of the LMLIP Employment Sub-council, Anne Langille who was a very committed community leader

2. Adoption of Previous Minutes

Motion to approve November 14, 2013 minutes was moved by Amy seconded Robin and approved


Motion to adopt the agenda as amended taking out the “volunteer is needed to take notes” was moved by Rose seconded by Dharshi and approved

4. LMLIP Central Council Update

Valy noted that at the last Central Council, Council heard about the P2P Conference, highlights from each Sub-council and report from the Media Engagement Work Group


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Valy also added that in November the Vision 20/20 National Conference on settlement was held in Ottawa where they presented on changes in immigration policies and the new Citizenship and Immigration Canada Expression of Interest (EOI)

5. 2013 – 2016 Strategic Plan (ICE) Implementation Plan

a. Newcomer Volunteer Fair After some discussion, the group deferred the matter of organizing a Newcomer Volunteer Fair until an update is provided by Vivette about Pillar. Pillar received funding from Maytree Foundation to organize a similar fair. This group may consider supporting the Fair once information becomes available from Pillar.

b. Meet the Candidate Event

Janice noted that she has some information form the City staff regarding election, frequently asked questions, voter’s guide and videos which will be posted on the City’s website. After some discussion, the group agreed to form a working group to look into organizing a series of education sessions for new Canadians on elections at the three levels of governments.

c. We Are London Rogers TV Show

Every LMLIP Sub-council provided content for the TV show and it was noted that two sessions have been aired. This Sub-council’s theme is volunteering and its value. Michelle Baldwin, from Pillar will be the host in the first segment. Members were encouraged to visit Rogers TV website to find information on the schedule.

d. 2014 I’m London Social Campaign

Kelly noted she had a conversation with a professor at Huron University College who teaches the Psychology of Persuasion. The professor is currently working on short social campaign similar to the “I’m London” with her class. Kelly will present to this class on the “I’m London” social campaign and explore ways to recruit students from this class to volunteer on the “2014 I’m London Social Campaign”. Rose will be part of the Working Group.

e. Partner with Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC)

Dharshi noted that NIC organizes 3-4 workshops annually. She will follow up with the Steering Committee and inform this sub-council on coordinating efforts.

f. Road Show

Huda noted that all the exhibits that were displayed at the Pioneer Village last year will now be brought back to the LMLIP Office. Vivette noted that the London Public Library, Central, usually have a space to display such exhibits for a month.

Vivette to update the Sub-council

Janice will lead this working group; Valy, Dharshi, Mahin, and Andrea volunteered. Janice will coordinate the first meeting

Staff to send an email for more volunteers from the ICE to assist with this project

Vivette will check with the


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Volunteers needed to put a plan of doing a Road Show with these exhibits throughout the City.

Sunfest: Robin noted that Sunfest has applied for funding to organize a London Day and she recommended that this Sub-council explore opportunities of coordinating efforts with Sunfest

6. New Business:

Group agreed to keep the second Thursday of the month and same time. Accordingly the following dates have been proposed:

April 10, 2014 June 12, 2014 September 11, 2014 November 13, 2014 January 8, 2015 March 12, 2015

library and update Staff on next steps

Staff to send email to the group

Robin will update Sub-council

Staff will send these dates to all members before booking meeting venues

7. Information Sharing

Pillar is organizing leadership workshops in January

Katy informed Museum London has a performance every third Thursday of the month. Tickets are for $10.00.


Valy thanked the group and noted that leads of the work group will be coordinating meetings.

9. Adjourn

Motion to adjourn the meeting was moved by Janice. The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 pm.

10. Next Meeting Location and Date

Next Meeting Location and Date:

March 6, 2014 – Room 2, Kinsmen Recreation Centre


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Funded by: Co-led by:


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Agenda


Date and Time: March 6, 2014

2:30 – 4:00 pm

Meeting Location:


Item Description


2. Adoption of January 9, 2014 Minutes


4. Central Council Update - Huda


a. Update: Newcomer Volunteer Fair

b. Election Info Working Group - Janice

c. We are London Campaign

d. Partnering with the Networking for an Inclusive Community - Dharshi

e. Partnering with Arts and Cultural Organizations - Robin

6. New Business



9. Adjourn

10. Next Meeting Location and Date: 2:30 to 4:00 pm, April 9, 2014 – Room 2, Kinsmen Recreation Centre


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Minutes LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement (ICE) Sub-

council

Date and Time: March 6, 2014 2:30 - 4:30 pm


Present: Valy Marochko, Huda Hussein, Janice Walter, Maria Vasquez, Kelly Barnes, Robin Armistead, Rose Aquino, Nassisse Solomon, Gina Zhang, Vivette Martin

Regrets: Andrea Brown, Katy Boychuk, Christina Lord, Darshi Lacey, Amy Ratcliffe, Stelian Medianu,Mahin Ghasemiyani, Heather Heathcote

Absent: Peter Fragiskatos

Item Description



Valy welcomed the group


Motion to approve Jan 9, 2014 minutes was moved by Maria seconded by Janice and approved


None

4. LMLIP Central Council Update-Huda

Huda noted We are London show with Rogers TV was completed with involvement of 6 sub councils, and 2nd season of the show was approved at the Central Council meeting. The recruitment process of Sub council members was approved too. At the Central Council meeting, a guest speaker made presentation about the proposed changes to the Citizenship Act.


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a. Newcomer Volunteer Fair A total of $2,000 budget is needed for the fair. A work group was set up including Mahin, Vivette and Maria. Time frame could be in the fall, but will bear in mind of Western volunteer fair. The group will rethink the name of the event to avoid confusion.

b. Election info Work Group-Janice

Janice noted that the group met on Jan 16, and planned to do 3 info sessions (May, Aug and Sept) in 3 communities. The city clerk will present information on the event. The group will work with city clerk to develop one-pager information about election and translate into 5 languages. The group will arrange all mayors’ candidates meeting in late Sept. Vivette shared there will be an all candidates meeting, and will share more info with the work group. The group also suggested the other option would be to combine the Newcomer Volunteer fair and Meet the Candidate Event together, making it a Newcomer Information Fair. The group will continue to discuss at following meetings.

c. I am London Campaign

Kelly reported the campaign will run from June 1 to June 30 2014. 3 applicants were received so far. The deadline of application will be extended from March 5 to Mach 31. Valy will follow with his contacts for participating. Kelly will explore ways to recruit volunteer students in photo taking and designing for the campaign.

d. Partner with Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC)-

Dharshi

No update

e. Partnering with Arts and Cultural Organizations-Robin

Robin noted Sunfest has applied for funding of $20,000 and recommended Sub-council to explore opportunities of coordinating efforts with Sunfest

6. New Business:

Nassisse shared suggestions for collaboration between the Centre and Collaborative Graduate Program in Migration and Ethnic Relations and LMLIP with regards to co-host the International Week Colloquium Event. The group approved it, and Valy can help approach potential speaker at the event.

Vivette to share info of All Candidates meeting with the work group

Valy to help approach potential speakers at the event


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Vivette shared Pillar has a new updated website. She also noted there will be workshops on Mar 26: Leading for Community Change and Narrative for Sector. Pillar will also have webinar on Apr 9 regarding anti-spam legislation.


Valy thanked the group

9. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 pm.


Next Meeting Location and Date:

April 10, 2:30-4:00, 2014 – Room 2, Kinsmen Recreation Centre



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Agenda


Date and Time: April 10, 2014

2:30 – 4:00 pm

Meeting Location:


Item Description


2. Adoption of March 6, 2014 Minutes


4. Central Council Update – Valy

5. Election of Sub - council Chair


a. Newcomer Volunteer Fair

b. Election Info Working Group - Janice

c. I am London Campaign - Kelly

d. Partnering with the Networking for an Inclusive Community - Dharshi

e. Partnering with Arts and Cultural Organizations - Robin

7. New Business



10. Adjourn

11. Next Meeting Location and Date: 2:30 to 4:00 pm, June 12, 2014 – Room 3, Kinsmen

Recreation Centre


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Minutes

LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement (ICE) Sub-

council

Date and Time: April 10, 2014 2:30 - 4:30 pm


Present: Valy Marochko, Huda Hussein, Janice Walter, Maria Vasquez, Kelly Barnes, Robin Armistead, Rose Aquino, Gina Zhang, Vivette Martin, Heather Heathcote, Natasha Solomon, Karen Pennesi, Henry Francis Cooper, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Amy Ratcliffe, Patricia Mazariegos

Regrets: Andrea Brown, Christina Lord, Dharshi Lacey, Peter Fragiskatos, Nassisse Solomon

Absent: Stelian Medianu, Katy Boychuk

Item Description



Valy welcomed the group, and the three new members: Henry Francis Cooper, Karen Pennise and Natasha Solomon


Motion to approve March 6, 2014 minutes was moved by Vivette, seconded by Rose and approved


Flip agenda item 5 to 8. Motion to approve the amended agenda was moved by Amy, seconded by Heather and approved

4. LMLIP Central Council Update – Valy

Valy noted the presentation on Expression of Interest (EOI) done by Dr. Vicki Esses. The EOI is a process to apply for entry into Canada that has been


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developed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada in order to reduce the current backlog of applications. Through the EOI, it is expected that Canada could choose the applicants suitable for its labour market

Huda added that Sub-councils’ Chairs will be using the endorsed reporting template in future to report on progress of their work


a. Newcomer Volunteer Fair A Work Group was formed which includes Mahin, Vivette and Maria. The project staff reminded the group of the new CIC policy on LIP activities, when they are planning this activity. The Work Group agreed to review the Policy and plan accordingly Project staff shared that Health & Wellbeing Sub-council has a Work Group on newcomer Health Fair and the two groups may be able to work together to combine efforts

Staff to share CIC policy on LIP with the Work Group

b. Election info Work Group – Janice

Janice noted the Work Group will use three ESL sites as venues for the information sessions which are open to all newcomers in those areas. The group has created a question list and is in the process of developing a flyer and a one-pager information summary, and will meet again on April 22. With regards to the All Mayors’ Candidates meeting, the group will look for a moderator to facilitate the discussion. The Work Group also involved two young individuals from the London Youth Advisory Committee

c. I am London 2014 Social Media Campaign

Kelly reported the campaign support crew is in place, including two Huron students helping run the campaign, a volunteer photographer and a graphic designer. Four applications received so far, still below the target. Huda mentioned LIMLIP is doing targeted recruitment, and the other option is to review applications from last year’s campaign database and select volunteers

d. Partner with Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC)-Dharshi

No Update

e. Partnering with Arts and Cultural Organizations - Robin Robin shared information about London Cultural and Heritage program through which newcomers can obtain free pass that gives newcomers, new Canadians, Londoners and tourists a pass to explore the history, art and culture in London. Eldon House is celebrating its 108 anniversary staring May 4. Robin could also bring Art Council and Heritage Council to present at ICE Sub-council meeting

Project staff to ask Dharshi to send updates to the Sub-council before June


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Robin noted there may be an opportunity for an LMLIP to have free information booths on Canada Day and during Sunfest in July. The I am London may be featured in these booths.

6. New Business The Sub-council will collaborate with the Collaborative Graduate Program in Migration and Ethnic Relations (MER) at Western with regards to co-hosting an event during the International Student Week in November 2014

Robin will update after checking in Sunfest


None

8. Election of Sub-council Chair

Three names were put forward for the Chair’s position: Rose, Susanna and Mahin. The project staff reported on behalf of Susanna, who is currently on maternity leave that she is interested in the chair’s position, and she will be back to the Sub-council in the fall. It was noted that Susanna was actively involved in moving forward two events last year

As per the results of the anonymous voting by the group, Rose was elected as the Chair of ICE Sub-council


Valy thanked the group

10. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 pm


June 12, 2:30-4:00, 2014 – Room 3, Kinsmen Recreation Centre



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Agenda


Date and Time: June 12, 2014 2:30 – 4:00 pm

Meeting Location: Kinsmen Recreation Centre – RM 4

Item Description


2. Adoption of April 10, 2014 Minutes


4. Central Council Update – Rose Aquino

5. Showing a segment of ‘We Are London’: feedback for the first season and ideas for the second season


a. Newcomer Volunteer Fair-Maria Vasquez/Vivette Martin

b. Election Info Working Group – Janice Walter

c. ‘I am London’ Campaign Final Update – Kelly Barnes

d. Sunfest – Robin Armistead

e. International Week Work Group – Nassisse Solomon

7. New Business



10. Adjourn


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Minutes

LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement (ICE) Sub-council

Date and Time: June 12, 2014 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Meeting Location: Room 4, Kinsmen Recreation Centre, 20 Granville Street

Present: Rose Aquino, Janice Walter, Maria Vasquez, Kelly Barnes, Vivette Martin, Karen Pennesi, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Andrea Brown, Christina Lord, Dharshi Lacey, Nassisse Solomon Huda Hussein, Gina Zhang

Regrets: Valy Marochko, Stelian Medianu, Robin Armistead, Heather Heathcote, Amy Ratcliffe, Natasha Solomon, Henry Francis Cooper

Absent: Patricia Mazariegos

Guest: Valene VanHooren

Item Description



Rose welcomed the group and guest, Valene VanHooren, social worker intern from United Way London & Middlesex

2. Adoption of Previous Minutes Motion to approve April 10, 2014 minutes was moved by Vivette Martin, seconded by Maria Vasquez and approved


Janice Walter: Anti-spam Legislation A motion to approve the agenda with the additional item was moved by Andrea Brown, seconded by Kelly Barnes and approved.

4. LMLIP Central Council Update – Rose Aquino

April Updates: Stanislav Rajic presented on Community Development and Immigrant Communities;

Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) updates: the report on Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) and Réseaux en immigration francophone performance measurement indicators was submitted to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the final report will be ready by the end of May. P2P is participating in a CIC survey to measure outcomes of settlement service providers;


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Media Engagement Work Group: is working on evaluation and looking for feedback and ideas for the second season from Sub-councils. The Work Group is developing a funding proposal to Ontario Trillium Foundation with the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board as lead, for administrative support for the second season;

The draft LMLIP Community Achievement report was shared to obtain the Sub-council Chair’s input and

Gina provided updates about CIC policy direction on LIP activities

May Updates: had a presentation on the Welcoming All Voices (WAV) resource from the Chair of the Education Sub-council. It aims to build an inclusive school council. The resource binder is ready and the accompanying DVD is close to completion too. The Work Group will draft a distribution plan and look into the project’s sustainability;

Cultural competency continues to be a priority for LMLIP. LMLIP has shared the Resources on Diversity, Equity and Cultural Competency Training and Media Literacy Training Workbook, which is available on the LMLIP webpage, and with the community, such as Mobilizing Newcomers and Immigrants to Cancer Screening Programs;

Sub-council Chairs reported the progress of their work using the endorsed reporting template

5. Showing segment of ‘We Are London’: feedback on the first season

and ideas for the second season

The Sub-council watched segments of the show.


a. Newcomer Volunteer Fair – Maria Vasquez Maria noted that the Work Group has met twice, but no clear idea has been generated yet. The Work Group has asked community organizations for relevant events and developed an event calendar to avoid duplication. The Work Group may think of having small focus group discussions among ESL students to obtain their understanding of volunteering and how to deliver information promoting volunteering to newcomers. ICE will attend and support Pillar’s booth at the Volunteer Fair this fall. Huda Hussein shared that the Francophone Immigration Network has approached LMLIP; LMLIP recommended working together on initiatives similar to the newcomer volunteer fair. Sub-council members suggested looking at the issue from different lenses, i.e. developing an education piece for the host community to promote the value of newcomers volunteering regardless of their level of English. A similar project and resources have been developed in Calgary. The Work Group will check these. It was suggested that international students could be a good target group for a volunteer fair as well.

Maria to send the event calendar to project staff

Huda to send Francophone contact info to the Work Group once it is available


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b. Election Information Work Group – Janice Walter Janice Walter noted the plan to use three ESL sites as venues for the information sessions which are open to all newcomers and the community in those areas still remains, but it will not happen in June. The Work Group is considering having the event in early Fall. The one-page draft municipal election fact sheet has been completed. Dharshi Lacey suggested since schools will be closing for the summer, the drop-in areas of the London Intercommunity Health Centre (LIHC) and Beacock Library could be used for the information session. Huda Hussein also noted that the information session could be delivered at places where groups are in session year round, such as the South London newcomers senior group, and Women’s Only weekly groups besides the Women of the World groups in coordination with the LIHC. The Work Group will need assistance from the Sub-council with regard to interpretation. It was noted that that aforementioned existing programs have interpretation services and the Work Group may need to coordinate with them to maximize efforts Huda noted LMLIP has booked meeting space for the All Mayors’ Candidates meeting at the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre on September 13.

c. I am London 2014 Social Media Campaign - Kelly Barnes

Kelly reported the Work Group created a blog where all content can be loaded in one place, and people can post content as well. The campaign was launched on June 6 and it is going well. So far, the blog has 1,179 page views, 317 followers on Twitter, and 15 likes on Facebook. There is local news coverage too.

d. Partner with Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC) – Dharshi Lacey

Dharshi Lacey noted NIC is partnering with the Election Information Work Group. The NIC has adopted a half-day workshop model and the last one about the new CIC policy went well. NIC is looking for relevant topics from cross-sector services.

e. Sunfest – Huda Hussein on behalf of Robin Armistead Huda Hussein shared that with Robin Armistead’s help, LMLIP has secured a free booth to highlight the ‘I am London’ campaign and relevant LMLIP information at the Sunfest Festival and Canada Day. Sub-council members were asked to volunteer for the two events if possible. A few members opted to volunteer and project staff will prepare a schedule. It is suggested that the project staff could ask for volunteers from other Sub-councils as well. Nassisse Solomon also offered to recruit some students from Western University. Sub-council members provided the following suggestions for these events:

Provide interaction with visitors by asking them to show their country of origin on a world map and write on a bulletin board;

Project staff to put together an introduction about LMLIP and the campaign;

Consider showing the Newcomer Story DVD, or ‘We are London’ at the events. Huda noted that project staff have to check with Rogers TV regarding permission to show ‘We are London’ and

Consider asking ‘I am London’ campaign candidates to be at the scene

Dharshi to connect the Women and Senior programs at LIHC, and Beacock library to the Work Group to find out available dates

Kelly to meet with project staff to draft recommended plan for the events


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f. International Week Work Group - Nassisse Solomon

Nassisse Solomon shared that the event runs from 3:30-6 pm on November 13. The event is to celebrate diversity on campus and in the city. At the event, the LMLIP will be introduced and panelists will share their stories. A call for nominating panelists has gone out and four names have been received with a good representation of gender and geographic locations. The pool of panelists can be used for future ‘I am London’ campaigns. The ‘I am London’ campaign will also be showcased at the event. Nassisse will provide more details at the next meeting.

7. New Business:

Janice Walters shared that Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation was developed to deal with electronic spam and will come into effect on July 1, 2014. Legislation covers “commercial” electronic messages only. The new legislation may impact how non-profit organizations share information with wider groups

World Refugee Day is on June 20. The London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC) is organizing an event at the Central Library to mark the day.

8. Information Sharing It is noted that the Settlement Service in Library program offers help filling out applications; CCLC also offers the same service once a week.

9. Chairperson’s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items Rose thanked the group and wished everyone a good summer

10. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 4:00pm

11. Next Meeting Location and Date September 11, 2014, 2:30-4pm, Kinsmen Room 2


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Agenda


Date and Time: September 11, 2014 2:30 – 4:00 pm

Meeting Location: Kinsmen Recreation Centre – RM 2

Item Description


2. Adoption of June 12, 2014 Minutes


4. Central Council Update – Rose Aquino


a. Newcomer Volunteer Fair – Maria Vasquez/Vivette Martin

b. Election Info Working Group – Janice Walter

c. ‘I am London’ Campaign - Final Update – Kelly Barnes

d. Sunfest – Robin Armistead

e. International Week Work Group – Nassisse Solomon

6. New Business



9. Adjourn


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Minutes


Date and Time: September 11, 2014 2:30 - 4:05 pm


Present: Rose Aquino, Janice Walter, Maria Vasquez, Kelly Barnes, Vivette Martin, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Janice Walter, Katy Boychuk, Robin Armistead, Heather Heathcote, Dharshi Lacey, Nassisse Solomon, Huda Hussein

Regrets: Karen Pennes, Andrea Brown, Natasha Solomon, Christina Lord, Henry Francis Cooper


Item Description



Rose Aquino welcomed the group after the summer and thanked everyone for attending the meeting.


A motion to approve the June 12, 2014 Minutes was moved by Dharshi Lacey, seconded by Nassisse Solomon and approved.


Dharshi Lacey: a joint event with Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC). A motion to approve the agenda with the additional item was moved by Katy Boychuk, seconded by Vivette Martin and approved.


Central Council did not meet in July and August; Rose reported on the June 23, 2014 Council meeting

There was a presentation on the Immigrant Community Capacity Engagement (ICCE), a project that stemmed from the LMLIP Justice & Protection Services Sub-council. Surya Acharya presented on the project which educates targeted ethnic communities on the justice system. The project is funded by from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and led by the John Howard Society

Council also put forward ideas for upcoming guest speakers for September 2014 to March 2015

Council had its annual networking event


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a. Newcomer Volunteer Fair Vivette Martin reported that Pillar was approached by a community volunteer, Sheri, who is organizing a London Voice fair in October that will engage citizens and is looking for community partners to support organizing it. More information has been requested to decide on next steps.

Vivette to contact Sheri and Susannah will inform group by email

b. Election Information Work Group – Partner with Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC) – Dharshi Lacey and Janice Walter

Janice Walter noted that five Municipal Election Information sessions have been scheduled; one was cancelled due to a water mains break at the South London Neighourhood Resource Centre and will be rescheduled. She encouraged members to promote the remaining sessions. Another session was scheduled for the same night at Beacock Library. She also noted that the Mayoral Candidates Meeting was scheduled for September 27. Dharshi Lacey noted this is a joint event with (NIC and other community partners.

Janice noted that the brochure developed by the group can be used as an educational tool for newcomers anywhere in Canada. The information is not time sensitive.

c. I am London 2014 Social Media Campaign - Kelly Barnes

The event was launched in June this year and was comparatively successful. Kelly Barnes noted that the blog helped attract individuals and the page views indicate 2,381 views from the US, UK and Russia in addition to local views. The Facebook page had about 228 likes. The total views from all social media were 5,987. Kelly also noted that there was print and radio media coverage.

Moving forward, Kelly observed that there needs to be a working group starting to plan for next year’s campaign.

The group discussed the following ideas for next year:

- Individuals who signed up for Journeys of Migration 2014 may be contacted - Follow up with those who participated to find out the impact of being featured

in the campaign - Involve international students - A kickoff launch may be needed to draw more attention to the campaign;

engage Rogers TV - Create a collage for display purposes of those who participated in the last

two years and next year - Connect with the London Middlesex Immigrant Employment Council (LMIEC)

and check if those who signed up for the mentorship program are interested in being featured in the campaign

- Group may explore funding opportunities perhaps through Awesome London

d. Sunfest: Final Update - Robin Armistead

Robin Armistead noted that LMLIP participation’s with displays was worthwhile and it provided more exposure for its activities. She noted that the display on Canada Day went well too. Robin mentioned that for next year, the opportunity to participate in Canada Day is open and more volunteers will be needed. The LMLIP banner has to be re-done and the logo should be visible from some distance.

Project staff to connect with Sub-councils to submit suggested questions to the candidates. Dharshi will compile the questions and share with the moderator

Katy and Heather to join the work group along with Kelly

Group to meet and discuss these and other options. Kelly will call for the first meeting


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e. International Week Work Group - Nassisse Solomon Nassisse Solomon reported that the work group met over the summer. The event will be held on November 13 with panelists from different backgrounds and countries of origin participating. She noted that LMLIP and Migration and Ethnic Relations (MER) will be presenting on the event. Attendees were encouraged to participate in other activities which are part of the International Week. Nassisse also noted that November 13 would coincide with the ICE bimonthly meeting. It was suggested that the group meet at the Social Science Department and then attend Journeys to Migration which is a joint event by LMLIP and MER.

6. New Business: Dharshi Lacey suggested another opportunity for a joint event with NIC. The group may want to explore holding a coordinated presentation on the London Plan which was published recently.

Nassisse to check availability of room for the meeting and notify project staff

Posters on International Week activities will be shared with Sub-councils

Dharshi will explore some meeting dates to discuss this further with a City representative

7. Information Sharing It was noted that Doors Open falls on the last weekend of September. Members were encouraged to check www.londonculture.ca for activities taking place during that weekend.

8. Chairperson’s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items Rose Aquino thanked the group and noted that the November meeting may be held at the Social Science Department pending confirmation from Nassisse Solomon; she also encouraged members to send questions to Dharshi Lacey for the Mayoral Candidates Meeting and to attend the event.

9. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 4:05 pm

10. Next Meeting Location and Date November 13, 2014, Time and location TBD.



1

Agenda


Date and Time: November 13, 2014 2:00 – 3:30 pm

Meeting Location: SSC 5230, the Population Studies Library in the Sociology Department of the Social Sciences Building (5

th floor)

Item Description


2. Adoption of September 11, 2014 Minutes


4. Central Council Update – Rose


Discussion for system changes through the work of the following groups/next steps:

a. Newcomer Volunteer Fair- Maria

b. Election Info Working Group -

c. I am London Campaign-– Kelly

d. International Week Work Group – Nassisse

6. New Business



9. Adjourn

10. Next Meeting Location and Date: 2:30 to 4:00 pm, January 8, 2015 – Room 2, Kinsmen Recreation Centre


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Minutes


Date and Time: November 13, 2014 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Meeting Location: SSC 5230, the Population Studies Library in the Sociology Department of the Social Sciences Building (5th floor)

Present: Rose Aquino, Andrea Brown, Maria Vasquez, Henry Francis Cooper, Katy Boychuk, Robin Armistead, Suzanne Hout, Suzannah Gergich, Valerian Marochko, Huda Hussein, Huda Ghadban

Regrets: Dharshi Lacey, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Karen Pennesi, Heather Heathcote, Janice Walter, Nassisse Solomon, Kelly Barnes


Guest: Shezan Muhammedi

Item Description



Rose welcomed the group, the new member Shezan Muhammedi and the new Project Assistant Huda Ghadban.


Motion to approve September 11, 2014 minutes was moved by Maria Vasquez, seconded by Robin Armistead and approved


i. LMLIP/NIC Partnership - London Plan – Rose Aquino ii. Experiential Learning at Western – Huda Hussein iii. Vice-chair position - Andrea Brown

Motion to approve the agenda with the additional items was moved by Maria Vasquez, seconded by Robin Armistead and approved.


Rose Aquino reported Central Council updates for September and October:

Presentation on the London Poverty Research Centre was delivered by Ross Fair. Research related to poverty will be collected in one repository. For more information please check www.povertyresearch.ca;

http://www.povertyresearch.ca/


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A presentation on Seeds of Change was delivered by Janet McAllister at the October meeting. The project stemmed from the Health & Wellbeing Sub-Council’s plan to raise awareness among immigrants on mental health and addiction issues and for service providers about the challenges facing immigrants with such issues. Some resources were developed. The project has been funded through different sources and is now seeking funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation to further continue engaging both immigrants and stakeholders;

Journeys of Migration event will be held at Western on November 13;

Pathways to Prosperity is holding its second annual conference on November 24 and 25 in Montreal;

The Education Sub-council finalized the development of a DVD that will accompany the Welcoming All Voices resource;

The Settlement Sub-council developed QR code cards to assist national and international students find resources in the community and

A community event is being organized on January 26 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. The intent of the event is to raise awareness of new CIC Policies and the demographics in London; to be educated on the basic immigration issues, to learn from the last National 2014 Summits; and to celebrate the work done by members by showcasing the tools and products developed through LMLIP over the last five years. The audience will be LMLIP members and those who participated in any work group as well as some neighbouring Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs). Members were encouraged to save the date and attend the event. Location and program details will be shared.


a. Newcomer Volunteer Fair- Maria Vasquez

Maria Vasquez reported that the group met to set the scope of the project. It was agreed to approach organizations to encourage them to accept newcomers in volunteer positions. The group also recommends that a workshop be held to engage services. The group has two options for holding a workshop:

Susannah Gergich noted that Pillar could conduct an information workshop for volunteer managers who work for not-for-profit organizations, to make their programs more inclusive. Pillar can do the workshop in partnership with LMLIP, charging $55 for members and $70 for non-members (since Pillar charges to sustain programs)

Maria Vasquez noted that the other option is to have the London and Area Association for Volunteer Administration (L.A.V.A.) organize a workshop for service providers to be inclusive in providing volunteering opportunities for new immigrants. LAVA has its members and may easily do a workshop without charging

After some discussion, the group decided to bring these two options to Central Council and find out which one would work best since there is a cost attached to one of the options.

Every Sub-council to compile a list of what they have done, to showcase on Jan 26, 2015

Volunteers are needed to join the working group with Maria, Susannah and Katy


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b. Election Information Work Group–Partner with Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC) - Huda Hussein on behalf of Dharshi Lacey

The mayoral candidates meeting was well organized, 50 people and 11 government assistants attended. Five sessions were held;

Newcomers showed engagement when they attended the CCLC workshop although they are not allowed to vote;

The session at South London was well attended (21 individuals);

As LMLIP is funded by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC), the group can still educate the public on elections to support immigrants and get them engaged and

It was suggested that the working group name be changed to Elections Education Working Group (focus on providing general education).

c. I am London 2015 Social Media Campaign

Katy Boychuk noted that it is important to educate the host community on what newcomers are doing and how business could engage them as well

The group is exploring the opportunity of having Fanshawe or Western students participate

Huda Hussein suggested that the Experiential Learning partnership might help the campaign

d. International Week Work Group – Huda Hussein

Huda Hussein noted that 70 people registered for the event Journeys of Migration

6. New Business

i. LMLIP/Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC) Partnership:

Rose Aquino noted that NIC, London Intercommunity Health Centre and LMLIP are hosting a session in collaboration with the City to present on the London Plan and obtain feedback from immigrants. This will be held on November 18 at the London Intercommunity Health Centre.

ii. Partnering with the Experiential Learning Centre at Western (brainstorm)

Huda Hussein reported that Political Science students at Western University are looking for opportunities to work on some projects (Jan 12- March 27 2015). She asked members to suggest an idea or two for projects that she can submit to the program coordinator. After some brainstorming, the group suggested the following ideas:

a. Creating a plan to engage newcomers; the plan includes:

20 ideas on how to engage newcomers or newcomer students (do an environmental scan)

Best practices on inclusion and civic engagement and applying it to London

Rose to check if LMLIP may continue doing the education series with Central Council

Social Media Group to meet and decide the action plan

Katy to make a doodle and see what time works

Katy, Heather, Natasha and Robin joined the Work Group


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What other communities have done to engage newcomers

How to vote, when and where

b. Participating in I am London Campaign:

Finding successful newcomers to tell their stories

Creating a sub-campaign called (I am Western) to interview successful newcomer students

iii. Vice-chair position - Andrea Brown

Andrea reported that she enjoyed participating in tthe ICE Sub-council, but will step back because of the conflict of interest. She is now exploring other Sub-councils where she can contribute with Huda Hussein. Huda thanked Andrea for her leadership and support on the ICE.


Susannah Gegrich shared that Pillar has received funding through the Maytree Foundation for the DiverseCity Project. Pillar will lead the project in South Western Ontario. More information to come.

Robin Armistead noted that a coordinator will be hired to organize the 150th

Anniversary of London

Elections for the Vice-chair position to be held in January


Rose thanked the group and noted that the event ‘Journeys of Migration’ would be held after the meeting.

9. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.


January 8, 2015, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Kinsmen Recreation Centre - Room 2

Funded

by:

Co-led by:

agenda - london, ontarioimmigration.london.ca/lmlip/about-lmlip/documents/ice... · 2015-12-14 ·...

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