How can we empower newcomers to hold visible leadership position in our community
Who came?
- Belka Truong; Janet Scott; Bernie Leblanc; Li song; Mohammed Yessaad; Erica Cantu
Questions?
- How do we recognize & encourage leadership potential?
- How do we access newcomers talent that exists in our community?
- How do we connect with people who are interested?
- How can we empower newcomers to be leaders?
Notes & Ideas
- Volunteer opportunities
- Encourage networking opportunities
- People aren’t applying for board positions
- Not a lot of diversity on boards
- Immigrants don’t know hot to demonstrate their talent
- Could send the posting of a board position to settlement serving agencies
- Afraid to apply or may not understand that they are eligible for a position
- Locals don’t understand\believe in the skills\experiences of newcomers
- Need to educate Canadians so they can be more confident in their skills *newcomers
- Need opportunity to prove yourself
- Need to trust immigrants
- Baby steps
- Newcomers think thank helping communities make decisions
- Recruit newcomers for volunteer opportunities
Actions
- Add a newcomer category recognition events ex. Chamber of commerce business awards, community leadership awards etc.
- Leadership mentorship opportunities
- Encourage organizations to hold an open house to explain the role of being a board member and invite newcomer leaders
- Create and newcomer think tank to advise city council
Take away
- Newcomer leadership will help in retaining people & influence change
Project lead: Janet Scott