Dear Friends,
On behalf of the CASSA team, I wish you all a very happy and successful 2010. The year 2009 was a very productive one for CASSA since all throughout the year, events and activities were organized successfully on different themes. The Fires of Resistance conference for the Youth, Frontline workers training sessions, Health Roundtables, Launch of Tamil and Bengali Tenant Resource Booklets, Seniors Summit, Equity in York Region Report launch and Youth leadership event “Trailblazers United” are few examples of the successes in 2009. As we enter this new year, several exciting projects are lined up. They include the Community Forum on Islamophobia and Racism on Tamil community and SAYAC events. The CASSA team is working in full force to make these events a big success. We extend a warm welcome to Alternative Youth Centre for Employment, CAW Canada, Community Environment Alliance and Bloor Information and Life Skills Centre as members of CASSA. CASSA will continue to update you on its work and on the activities happening in the not for profit sector through its e-updates and thank you for the support and guidance that you have given to us in the past. We look forward to your continued support and greater participation in working together on social justice issues in the near future.
Sincerely,
Neethan Shan
Executive Director
Seniors Summit for Income Security – Dec. 09: CASSA organized the Seniors Summit on Income Security on December 9th which focused on issues faced by immigrant seniors such as access to old age benefits, affordable transportation and accessing health benefits There was a great turnout at the event, and numerous seniors and service providers engaged in passionate discussion about these topics. Breakout groups provided those present with an opportunity to speak about specific issues, namely health benefits, transportation and old age pension.
Equity Report launch – Dec. 10: CASSA’s Equity report “Putting Equity on the Agenda – ARE WE BEING HEARD?” was successfully launched on Dec.10th at Centennial Community Centre, Markham. Key findings from the campaign were presented and a panel discussion about the issues faces by immigrants, newcomers and people of colour took place. To learn more about the campaign and to read the full report, visit www.welcomingcommunitiesontario.ca
Trailblazers United – Dec. 18: CASSA organized “Trailblazers United”- a youth engagement initiative on Dec 18th. The event was a great success with a huge turnout from the South Asian community. Themes of the event were related to social justice topics such as civic engagement, education, student volunteerism, workers rights and community development. The event offered a great opportunity for networking where youth and community leaders and pillars of the community had the opportunity to share their struggles and successes with one another. This was a great form of empowerment which left a very positive and optimistic message for those who attended.
SAYAC Film screening of “Unfair Dealing”: South Asian Youth Advisory Committee (SAYAC) will be hosting a film screening of Unfair Dealing (2008), a Canadian documentary about the so-called Toronto 18, making critical points about Canada's Anti-Terrorism Act, as well as about Canadian authorities involved like the RCMP and CSIS. The film will be screened in the very near future at Ryerson University in collaboration with RSU and CESAR. After the film, there will be discussion, including speakers talking about civil liberties. FREE to all, snacks will be provided.
For more info including the DATE and TIME, please contact Anu at anu@cassa.on.ca
Equity Council of York Region – General Information Meeting – Jan 28: Want to know more about the Equity Council of York Region? Learn about the council, how to become a member and how to run and vote for the executive council at the Equity Council of York Region General Information Meeting. The meeting will take place on Thursday January 28, 2010, from 7- 9 pm at Markham Village Community Centre at 6041 Highway 7 in Markham, ON. For more information or to RSVP, please email anita@cassa.on.ca or call Anita at 416 932 1359 x13.
Community Forum – Jan. 30: CASSA is organizing a forum at Malvern Public Library, 30 Sewells Road on Saturday, January 30th from 2:00 - 4pm to discuss racism against the Tamil community and Islamophobia against South Asian Muslim community residing in Ontario. Join us to discuss ways to work towards establishing a safer and more inclusive Ontario where Islamophobia and racism have no place. Speakers will discuss various topics related to these issues. Food will provided and transportation costs covered. For more information, contact Keerthy Narayanan at keerthy@cassa.on.ca or 416 932 1359 extn.12 or Sena Hussain at senahussain@hotmail.com
Equity Council of York Region - Community Membership Meeting – Feb 25: Want to get involved in the Equity Council of York Region? Become a member of the council and elect its first ever executive committee OR obtain a nomination form from www.welcomingcommunitiesontario.ca and run to sit on the executive yourself! Come to the Community Membership Meeting on Thursday February 25, 2010 from 7 – 9 pm at Angus Glen Community Centre at 3990 Major Mackenzie Drive E in Markham, ON. All questions can be directed to Anita at anita@cassa.on.ca or 416 932 1359 x13.
Finance Coordinator
Employer: CASSA
Youth Engagement Coordinator
Employer: CASSA
Events Coordinator
Employer: CASSA
You or your organization can also become a member of CASSA, if you wish to support our mission/mandate. Please visit our website www.cassa.on.ca for details on our mission, vision, values and strategic priorities. The members will receive a regular update on various happenings in the social services/social justice field in Ontario's South Asian communities.
Annual Membership fee is only $10 for individuals and $20 for organizations. Joining as a member will also keep you informed of opportunities about jobs, volunteering and community events. Click here for more information about becoming a member of CASSA and its benefits.
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