agenda - london, ontarioimmigration.london.ca/lmlip/about-lmlip/documents/ice... · 2016-06-22 ·...

London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership

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Agenda

LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement Sub-council Location: Kinsmen Arena Rm.4

Date: January 14, 2016 Time: 2:30-4:00pm

Item Description

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks

2. Additions to Agenda

3. Adoption of November 12, 2015 minutes

4. Central Council Update- Rose Aquino

5. ICE Strategic Plan 2016-2019 - Discussion

6. Work group updates:

a. Juan Bello, social media company update - Huda

b. Newcomer Volunteering Work Group- Maria Vasquez, Susannah Gergich

c. Civic Engagement Handbook Work Group-Dharshi Lacey/Rose Aquino

d. Community Engagement Learning Project with Western – Huda/Nassisse, Shezan

e. Collaboration with London Youth Advisory Council update – Huda

f. I am London- Rose/Kelly

7. Information Sharing

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

9. Adjourn

10. Next Meeting: March 10, 2016 from 2:30-4:00pm @ Kinsmen Arena Rm. 4


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Minutes

LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement (ICE) Sub-council Date and Time: Jan 14, 2016 2:30 – 4:30 pm Meeting Location: Kinsmen Room 4

Present: Rose Aquino, Kelly Barnes, Suzanne Huot, Dharshi Lacey , Susannah Gergich, Christina Lord, Clint Thomson, Shezan Muhammedi, Kelly Barnes, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Valy Marochko, Maria Vasquez, Robin Armistead, Katy Boychuk, Huda Hussein, Vivette Martin Guest: Sharon St.Amour

Item Description

Information, Update, Action, Lead and Due Date


Rose Aquino welcomed the group and wished them a happy New Year.


None. Approved by Christina Lord, seconded by Mahin Ghasemiyani and approved

3. Adoption of Previous Minutes Motion to approve November 12, 2015 minutes was moved by Suzanne Huot, seconded by Dharshi Lacey and approved.

4. LMLIP Central Council Update: Rose Aquino

Vicki Esses facilitated Pathways to Prosperity workshop in Edmonton in October.

The response to refugees was discussed and the summary was sent to sub-councils, in addition there are updates on the portal.

Strategic Plan: The Governance Task Group will continue to fine-tune themes and drafts will be taken to each sub-council.

Newsletter has been released; Facebook page is live and has events related to the LMLIP. Members should send information on events that pertain to the LMLIP to Vivette

Online survey launched by Vicki Esses for the 2016 LMLIP Community Capacity and group was requested to fill it out.

5. 2016 – 2019 Strategic Plan: Discussion

The group decided that some members (Susannah Gergich, Katy Boychuk, Suzanne Huot and Kelly Barnes) would meet at later date to decide the gaps, themes and priorities. The group decided it needs to focus more on specific projects


a. Juan Bello, social media company: Huda Hussein

Juan Bello has received information from another sub-council and they will work

Identified members will get together and decide a path. Will update in March.


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together on this project.

b. Newcomer volunteering work group: Maria Vasquez, Susannah Gergich

The workgroup met recently and has decided to conduct an evaluation with the group they presented to. They would like to measure the impact their presentation has had, if any.

Other suggestions: As a sub-council can we do more with outcome and evaluation? Can we start a project that connects the LMLIP? We need to understand the gaps of the LMLIP and how we can fill them.

Unsure of next steps and do not want to continue until there is a clear outcome

When we start a new project, there should be a template that states objectives, outcomes etc. (The Governance Task Group needs to be aware of this and create it)

c. Civic Engagement Work Group – Dharshi Lacey/Karen/Rose

The handbook, adapted from the Alberta civic engagement handbook, is ready

It has been translated into Spanish, work is under way on the Arabic version

Met this past past Monday to edit the brochure that goes with the handbook

Need to plan a launch for March

d. Community Engagement Learning Project: Shezan

This project has started and is in the first phase: research.

The students are looking if there is a system that already exists, if so how does it function?

Once they have completed research they will compile an annotated bibliography and give a presentation to the ICE Sub-council to see if this is something they would like to continue with.

Shezan sent out the CEL application ahead of time, does anyone have any amendments? Click here to read

Huda will take it back to Governance group to create a template moving forward

Dharsh Lacey will connect by email and set a date

e. Collaboration with London Youth Advisory Council: update

LMLIP connected with three members of the advisory council, but they are very tight on time. Information was given to them, but no interest yet.

f. I am London: Kelly Barnes

I am London is an extensive project, Kelly Barnes needs help with it

The project can be broken down into recruitment, communication (A/V) and another group for events

Can give a written schedule on a timeline. Usually starts in January, recruitment is the hardest part

What is the measureable impact?

Suggestions: should the group restructure and relaunch in 2017?


LMLIP is organizing an information session on January 29 for all groups/individuals sponsoring Syrian refugees

Vivette Martin will email details on Friday, please forward to anyone who would be interested.

I am London work group meeting to be, coordinated by Kelly, who will give an update in March.


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Rose Aquino thanked the group

9. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m.

10. Next Meeting Location and Date – Please mark your calendars:

March 10 at Kinsmen Room 4.


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Agenda

LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement Sub-council Location: Kinsmen Arena Rm.4

Date: March 10, 2016 Time: 2:30-4:30pm

Item Description

1. Vice Chair’s Opening Remarks

2. Western University Community Engagement Learning Project Presentation: Implementing a

Recognition System for Diversity


4. Adoption of January 14, 2016 minutes

5. Central Council Update

6. ICE Strategic Plan 2016-2019 - Discussion


a. Newcomer Volunteering Work Group: Maria Vasquez, Susannah Gergich

b. Civic Engagement Handbook Work Group Launch: Dharshi Lacey

c. I am London: Kelly Barnes

d. Spouses of international students survey update: Clint Thomson

8. Discussions on:

a) Opportunity to collaborate with students in a new Community Engaged Learning component at

Western University

b) Contribution of content and suggestions for periodicity of LMLIP newsletter

c) Dates for 2016-17 meetings



11. Adjourn

12. Next Meeting: To be decided


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Minutes

LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement (ICE) Sub-council

Date and Time: March 10, 2016 2:30 – 4:30 pm

Meeting Location: Kinsmen Arena, 20 Granville Road

Present: Kelly Barnes, Dharshi Lacey, Susannah Gergich, Christina Lord, Shezan Muhammedi, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Maria Vasquez, Robin Armistead, Katy Boychuk, Nassisse Solomon, Patricia Mazariegos, Sharon St. Amour, Huda Hussein, Maria D’Souza Regrets: Rose Aquino, Valerian Marochko, Suzanne Huot, Janice Walter, Clint Thomson, Karen Pennesi Absent: Francis J. Hinnah

Item Description


1. Vice Chair’s Opening Remarks

Kelly Barnes chaired the meeting in Rose Aquino’s absence. She welcomed the group and new member, Sharon St. Amour.


None. Motion to approve the agenda was moved by Dharshi Lacey, seconded by Christina Lord and approved

3. Adoption of Previous Minutes

Motion to approve January 14, 2016 minutes was moved by Sussanah Gergich, seconded by Maria Vasquez and approved.

4. LMLIP Central Council Update: Huda Hussein

Huda Hussein reported that the main focus of the the Central Council has been the 2016-2019 Strategic Plan. At the January and February meetings, the council reviewed and made suggestions for the sub-council’s plans and then focused on their own plan.

5. 2016-2019 Strategic Plan: Discussion

The group discussed and redrafted the Strategic Plan.

6. Western University Community Engagement Learning Project Presentation: Implementing a Recognition System for Diversity

Tully Cogswell, Jacquie Hicks and Kienen Chong, students from a class in

Huda to email redrafted plan with timelines and IRCC outcomes to Sub-council


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Internationall Confilict Management at Western University presented a concept they have been working on. The students hope to implement a project, in conjunction with the ICE Sub-council, to recognize diversity in London. The parameters of the project will be decided. After some discussion, it was decided that the project would be taken on as a one-year pilot to start with. Sharon St. Amour will be working with the students. A decision will also be made regarding applying for a Royal Bank of Canada grant for the project, by the deadline of April 15.

7. Work group updates: Tabled to next meeting





In response to a question about the goal for the sessions organized at London and Area Association for Volunteer Administration (L.A.V.A), it was noted that the objective of those sessions was to inform volunteer coordinators about the untapped resources among immigrants and promote the diversity of their volunteers by recruiting volunteers from immigrant communities.

8. Discussions on:

a) Opportunity to collaborate with students in a new Community Engaged Learning component at Western University

Maria D’Souza informed the group that Prof. Leora Swartzman is awaiting final approval for a course on Community Psychology in which Community Engaged Learning (CEL) is a component. If the course is approved, her students could work on a couple of projects for the LMLIP where they could give 4-5 hours of time per week for a 20 week period (around 80-100 hours). Prof. Swartzman also mentioned that students could collaborate with other Western professors who offer a course on qualitative research and survey methods respectively. Members are requested to think of and suggest projects that they could coordinate with the students on. A list of possible projects from all sub-councils will be compiled by project staff and sent to Prof. Swartzman by. The students will then select the two projects based on their interest.

b) Contribution of content and suggestions for periodicity of LMLIP

newsletter

The group agreed with the decision of other LMLIP Sub-councils that a quarterly publishing schedule would work best for the LMLIP newsletter.

c) Dates for 2016-17 meetings Meeting dates will be emailed to members for feedback.


Shezan to: 1) summarize and send project info to Huda to email to Sub-council. 2) Check with Nassisse if she can participate in the project


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None.


Kelly thanked the group for attending.

11. Adjourn



April 14, 2016 at Kinsmen Arena.


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Agenda

LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement Sub-council Location: Kinsmen Arena

Date: April 14, 2016 Time: 2:30-4:00pm

Item Description



3. Adoption of March 10, 2016 minutes

4. Central Council Update

5. ICE Strategic Plan 2016-2017 Implementation: Discussion of:

a. Projects and formation of work groups

b. Opportunity to collaborate with students in a new Community Engaged Learning component

at Western University






e. Inclusivity badge award system: Nassisse Solomon



9. Adjourn

10. Next Meeting: June 14, 2016


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Minutes

LMLIP Inclusion & Civic Engagement (ICE) Sub-council

Date and Time: April 14, 2016 2:30 – 4:30 pm

Meeting Location: Kinsmen Arena, 20 Granville Road

Present: Rose Aquino, Valerian Marochko, Dharshi Lacey, Susannah Gergich, Christina Lord, Mahin Ghasemiyani, Maria Vasquez, Clint Thomson, Robin Armistead, Francis J. Hinnah, Ashanti Cooray, Huda Hussein, Maria D’Souza

Regrets: Kelly Barnes, Nassisse Solomon, Katy Boychuk, Suzanne Huot, Shezan Muhammedi, Karen Pennesi, Janice Walter

Absent: Sharon St. Amour, Patricia Mazariegos

Item Description



Rose Aquino welcomed the group and new member, Ashanti Cooray.


None. Motion to approve the agenda was moved by Maria Vasquez, seconded by Francis Hinnah and approved

3. Adoption of Previous Minutes

Motion to approve March 10, 2016 minutes was moved by Mahin Ghasemiyani, seconded by Sussanah Gergich and approved.

4. LMLIP Central Council Update: Huda Hussein

The Strategic Plan was reviewed and finalized;

Updates were provided on meetings that the co-chairs and staff had with system partners to explore concerns and how we can work together as a community. The importance of Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) and libraries was highlighted;

It was decided that the LMLIP will continue to have an annual meeting with system partners,

A similar meeting was also held with ethno-cultural groups to highlight the LMLIP’s strategic plan and discuss community concerns and

Pathways to Prosperity annual conference will be held on Novemebr 30, throught to December 2 in Otttawa. More information is available on their website.

5. ICE Strategic Plan 2016-2017 Implementation: Discussion of:

a) Projects and formation of work groups


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Activity: Raise immigrants’ awareness of and facilitate their integration through leadership opportunities

An inventory of leadership programs that can be promoted was suggested. The inventory can be created by Community Engaged Learning students with supervision by Sub-council members.

Activity: Educate immigrants about the 2016 Census

Connecting with ethno-cultural and faith groups to conduct information sessions on the Census was suggested;

An online education toolkit is available on the website. Community organizations can be encouraged to disseminate the toolkit to members. The adult education kit can be used in ESL classrooms, and

LMLIP will email the Census link for Sub-councils to promote

Activity: Promote and support the annual ‘I am London’ social media campaign

Robin Armistead suggested tying the campaign in to 150th anniversary of Canada celebrations. Dharshi Lacey and Robin will join the work group with with Kelly. Kelly will be informed to take the next steps (set up meeting), and

Additional volunteers could be recruited from other Sub-councils.

Activity: Promote initiatives that educate immigrants about the host community

Educate immigrants about different services available to them such as the Culture Pass.

Activity: Promote existing resources and intercultural competency education and training programs

The diversity and cultural competency document on the LMLIP website is to be updated. The link should be emailed to all Sub-councils to provide any updates. The date the document is updated will be added at the end to allow better tracking;

OCASI is planning to do education campaign regarding Islamophobia that can be publicized.

Activity: Promote Council’s communication strategy to further drive both service providers and immigrants to the Immigration Portal for information

There is a concern that immigrants are not aware of services, a discussion followed regarding the best ways to disseminate information. Holding information sessions for ethnic and faith groups who can then educate their members, was suggested

Robin informed the group that the City is developing a toolbox on the immigration portal to guide international students. A similar guide is also being developed for those seeking to work in the city. It is likely to be ready this year. When it is ready, the ICE Sub-council will review and provide the necessary support in promoting and or to build on it

Activity: Organize a community event for funders, institutions, government organizations to showcase the existing resources and strategies available in our community that address issues related to reducing barriers to social, political and civic engagement

It was decided to postpone the event to 2017-2018. The event may be

Robin to check if an expert is available to provide information on the census

Kelly to set up work group meeting for ‘I am London’


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modelled on the Employment Sub-council’s Employer Resource Fair.

b) Opportunity to collaborate with students in a new Community Engaged Learning component at Western University

Susannah Gergich suggested collaborating with the students on evaluating the impact of projects undertaken by LMLIP Sub-councils;

An impact evaluation template that all Sub-councils can use, will be created;

Research tools, including surveys, will be used;

Students will be asked for suggestions/insights after reviewing material and attending Sub-council meetings, and

Susannah and Clint Thomson will be part of the work group.


a. Newcomer Volunteering Work Group: Maria Vasquez, Susannah Gergich On hold for now.


The handbook was formally launched on April 7. Brochures are available in English, Arabic and Spanish and have been uploaded to the LMLIP website. LMLIP to send link to NIC and other members. Dharshi reported that she received an enquiry from LINC site requesting a presentation on how the project was developed.

Rose congratulated and thanked Dharshi for her work and leadership on this project.

c. I am London: Kelly Barnes – tabled to next meeting

d. Spouses of international students survey update: Clint Thomson The survey has been sent to the Ethics Board for approval and will be sent out within the next few weeks. Rose commented that the survey is timely as international masters student enrollment has increased by 15%, which will mean an increase in accompanying spouses and family.

e. Inclusivity badge award system: Nassisse Solomon via email Rose read out Nassisse’s update on the project. A number of concerns were raised with regard to this project and the group decided to remove this item from their plan moving forward. The students, Nassisse and Shezan were thanked for their work and contributions on this project.


A poster publicizing a fund raising dinner on May 14 for the ACFOLA Cultural & Business Community Centre was passed around.


Rose thanked the group for attending and shared Shezan Muhammedi’s farewell email thanking members for their support.

9. Adjourn



June 9, 2016 at Kinsmen Arena.

Staff to send handbook link to members and NIC


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agenda - london, ontarioimmigration.london.ca/lmlip/about-lmlip/documents/ice... · 2016-06-22 ·...

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