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