Dear friends:
We hope everyone is enjoying the great weather. First of all, we welcome the following new members to CASSA: Nepalese Canadian Community Services (NCCS), inDANCE and COSTI Immigrant Services. We invite all of you to major events being organized by CASSA including the Anti-poverty action conference, Markham Safe Schools Community Forum, Health Equity and South Asians report launch, Welcoming Communities Ontario website launch and May Day and South Asian Heritage Month celebrations. Please contact us if you need more information on any of these events/projects. More details can also be found on this newsletter as well. We thank you for your continued support and guidance.
Sincerely,
Neethan Shan
Executive Director
UNFAIR DEALING: Film Screening and Discussion, Feb. 24: The South Asian Youth Advisory Committee (SAYAC) and the Continuing Education Students' Association at Ryerson (CESAR) hosted the screening of Unfair Dealing, a documentary film about the so-called Toronto 18 at Ryerson's Student Centre. This was the first event organized jointly by CESAR and SAYAC, and we're looking forward to Fires of Resistance 3 being organized by these groups In May!!
Women’s Day Celebration at York University – Mar. 8: South Asian Youth Advisory Committee (SAYAC) along with a group of many organizations celebrated International Women's Day at York University on March 8, 2010. Workshops were held all through the day on topics ranging from Indigenous Solidarity, Wen-Do, and Alternative Media. SAYAC hosted a workshop with Janice Goveas entitled "Voicing Your (Desi) Self" that explored gender and South Asian-ness (and race) through theatre. Janice's play "Dinner With Akbar" was shared with the participants. The day also featured a performance by Secret Trail Five (an amazing brown punk band) and a panel including a speaker from No One Is Illegal and Jessica Yee.
Newcomers' Access to Trades Taskforce Informative Workshop – Mar. 11th: The Newcomers' Access to Trades Taskforce (NATT) members participated in an informative workshop on the structure of the Trades in Canada on March 11th. The session was delivered by Gord Falconer of the Machinists Union. Planning is also underway for NATT's upcoming Discussion Forum on Access to Trades for Newcomers on April 24th from 10 am to 1 pm at the Ontario Federation of Labour Building. Newcomers seeking work in their trades, or currently working in their trades are encouraged to join the discussion to strengthen advocacy and research efforts around the barriers facing internationally trained tradespeople. For more information or to RSVP, contact Anita Khanna at anita@cassa.on.ca or 416 932 1359 x13 by April 20th.
International Women’s Day Celebration – Mar. 14: CASSA celebrated the International Women’s Day in collaboration with “We are for Women and Families Support Services” on March 14th at 4175 Lawrence Ave East, Scarborough. Over a hundred people from diverse communities participated and reiterated their commitment for ensuring “Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all” – the IWD theme of 2010. Margarett Best, the Honorable Minister of Health Promotion and MPP of Scarborough-Guildwood, and Paul Ainslie, the Toronto City Councillor, attended the event and gave inspirational talks. Awards were presented to six women for their extra-ordinary contribution towards supporting grass-root women’s leadership in the Scarborough-Guildwood community. A panel of speakers – including Neethan Shan, CASSA; Naomi Ives, ISAC; Dr. Ishrat Ahmed, Social Planning Council; Dr. Kate McPherson, York University; Asma Bala, University of Waterloo; and Shamsul Islam, United voice of South Asian Canadians, addressed how the spirit of IWD could bring positive changes in women’s lives. CASSA expressed its commitment for building up a strong network with local community organizations and supporting development of grass-root women’s leadership. The residents celebrated the power of diversity through a multicultural feminist parade and performances by children.
CASSA UPCOMING EVENTS
Fires Of Resistance 3 - Planning Meeting- Mar.17: SAYAC and Continuing Education Students' Association at Ryerson (CESAR) is organizing the 3rd annual youth conference, Fires of Resistance, on May 9th at Ryerson University. This years’ conference will have more workshops, more performances and amazing spaces to connect with folks who are interested in social justice. The planning meeting for FoR3 will take place on March 17 at 5:30 pm at the CESAR office (3rd floor). For more info and to confirm your attendance contact Anu at anu@cassa.on.ca
Anti-Poverty Action Conference – March 22: This anti-poverty conference “Agencies Exercising Agency Poverty Reduction” organized by CASSA will take place on March 22, 9 - 5 pm at Oakham House, Ryerson University (55 Gould Street, Toronto). There will a panel discussion on various topics related to poverty reduction strategies and workshops offered to attendees to address poverty in multidimensional contexts. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration is free for CASSA members and students. For non-members, the registration fee is $30. Agencies facing financial concerns may request a waiver.
Click here to view the flyer.
Click here to view the brochure
Click here to view the membership form.
For more information or to explore possibilities of partnerships, please contact Nafisa Tanjeem at nafisa.tanjeem@cassa.on.ca.
Safe Schools For Everyone! – Mar. 23:Social Planning Council of York Region, CASSA and Ministry of Education are working together to bring information about Safe Schools related legislations to parents, students, community leaders, educators and frontline workers. This community education event will take place on March 23rd from 6:00 – 9:00pm at Armadale Public School, 11 Coppard Avenue, Markham. Dinner will be provided. Click here to view the flyer.
For more info or RSVP contact Keerthy Narayanan at Keerthy@cassa.on.ca; 416-932-1359 ext 12. Space limited, so please RSVP at your earliest.
Equity Council Of York Region's Executive Committee Meeting – Mar. 24th: The newly elected Equity Council of York Region's Executive Committee will be holding its first meeting next March 24th. The Equity Council Development Group will join the meeting to provide an orientation of the council's history and Terms of Reference. A sincere thanks is extended to all members of the development group who have volunteered their time over the last 6 months by participating in the meetings, developing the policy and conducting the outreach that has resulted in the formation of the first ever resident-led Equity Council of York Region. For more information on how to join the general membership of the council, contact Anita at anita@cassa.on.ca or 416 932 1359 x13.
Access to Public Transit for Newcomers/Immigrants in Peterborough: CASSA is working in Peterborough on a project focused on access to public transit for newcomers/immigrants through its Welcoming Communities Initiative (WCI) project. We've developed a relationship with Peterborough Transit and will be releasing a resource guide for Transit (including a training module focused on anti-racism that will be rolled out in Spring 2010). CASSA will also be releasing two communication tools - postcards - on Mar. 25th at a conference hosted by the Peterborough Partnership Council on Immigrant Integration. The first postcard features myths and facts about immigrants and is a great resource to create dialogue around anti-racist work in smaller municipalities across Ontario. The second postcard is a guide to transit for newcomers/immigrants in Peterborough and features information about transit itself, and emphasizes the space for advocacy that local organizations have created. For more information on this project, contact Anu at anu@cassa.on.ca
Discussion Forum on Access to Trades for Newcomers – Apr. 24: The Newcomers’ Access to Trades Taskforce is organizing this forum on April 24th from 10 am - 1pm at The Ontario Federation of Labour Building, 15 Gervais Drive, Toronto. Free Lunch will be provided. The forum will help internationally trained trades people who want to take action on the barriers to employment by giving them an opportunity to discuss their concerns and connect with others who want to improve access to trades for ITT.
Click here to view the flyer and the form.
Please RSVP by April 20th to anita@cassa.on.ca or 416 932 1359 x13.
UPCOMING EVENTS OF OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:
METRAC Community Safety Audit - Spring Training – April 14th: The Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children is a Community Safety Audit training on April 14th at Locke Library, 3083 Yonge St. (southeast corner of Yonge St. and Lawrence Ave.) from 6 – 8:30 p.m. For more information please contact Jessica Mustachi at 416 397 0258 or assistant@metrac.org. The Registration Deadline is Wednesday April 7, 2010
Monitor 6: New South Asian Short Film and Video- Mar. 24th: Monitor 6is an experimental short film and video screening that showcases 10 new works by independent artists and filmmakers of South Asians backgrounds that explore the performance of gender in public and private spaces in South Asian cities and within close-knit diaspora communities. This year’s screening program presents a vibrant compilation of experimental shorts that question stereotypical representations in the mainstream culture by engaging with the wide range and complexity of the South Asian experience. The screening will take place at NFB Médiathèque, 150 John Street, Toronto at 8 p.m. To view the Monitor 6 brochure, please click on www.savac.net/downloads/monitor6.pdf
Humber Orientation Workshop for Newcomers – Apr. 6: Humber is hosting two special orientation workshops for Internationally Trained Professionals on Tuesday, April 6 from 10 – 12 p.m. or 6 -8p.m. at the Community Room, Humber College North Campus, 205 Humber College Blvd. To register, call 416.675.6622 x 4794 or 4795 or email newtocanada@humber.ca
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination – April 11: York region Police in celebrating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Sunday, April 11, 2010 from 12pm to 4pm at Milliken Mills High School located at 7522 Kennedy Rd, Markham. There will be food, entertainment, community booths, music and cultural performances. Admission is free and all are welcome.
For further info please contact the York Regional Police Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 6028 or on email at 5665@yrp.ca
Call for Nominations for the Board of CASSA: CASSA is seeking to fill 2 board vacancies and is looking for individuals with skills and experience in any of the following areas: legal, health and/or finance. Previous board experience is an asset. We strongly encourage applications from individuals active in CASSA’s member agencies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Attend monthly Board Meetings and the Annual General Meeting;
- Participate on Board Committees and initiatives;
- Participate in the on-going development and implementation of a long term vision and strategic plan for CASSA;
- Support and participate in the activities of the organization including fundraising, community education and social justice;
- Ensure the programs and services reflect the mission and vision of the agency.
Applications should consist of a short bio and resume, stating your interest in joining CASSA and how you meet the skills we are looking for. Board members serve a 2-year term.
Deadline for applications is March 26, 2010. All applications should be sent in confidence to “The Board Recruitment Committee 2010, C/O Neethan Shan (Executive Director)
Emailed to: neethan.shan@cassa.on.ca, Subject Line: CASSA Board Recruitment
Mailed to: CASSA Board Recruitment, 2401 Eglinton Ave. East, Suite 212, Toronto, ON M1K 2N8.
Launch of the POWER Study Access to Health Care Services Chapter- March 20: The POWER Study (Project for an Ontario Women’s Evidence-Based Health Report) is producing a comprehensive provincial report on women’s health which is designed to serve as an evidence-based tool to help policy makers, health care providers and consumers to improve the health of, and reduce inequities among the women of Ontario. The Access to Health Care Services chapter will be released on Tuesday, March 30th at 193 Yonge St, 8th floor boardroom from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. To attend in person, please RSVP by March 29th, to powerstudy@smh.toronto.on.ca or call 416-864-3041 for more information.
3rd Annual Vaughan Diversity Forum – Mar. 25th: The City of Vaughan Community, Equity and Diversity Committee invites you to the 3rd Annual Diversity Forum to be held on March 25th at Vellore Village Community Centre, 1 Villa Royale Ave. Woodbridge from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This Forum provides an opportunity for the leaders of our diverse communities to come together to consider the key issues facing our residents. Please RSVP by March 16th by phone to Debi Traub 905-832-8585 ext. 8685 or email: debi.traub@vaughan.ca.
Stakeholders Needed: Focus Group on Diabetes in South Asian Community – Mar. 6 & 20: The Ministry of Health Promotion in collaboration with Women’s Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre -WHIWH-CHC, will be conducting focus groups across the GTA focusing on South Asian population and is looking for participants who will get the opportunity to express their ideas on how we can possibly reduce the high rates of diabetes in their community. The focus groups will take place on Saturday March 6, 2010 and Saturday March 20 at the Ontario Bar Association, 20 Toronto Street, from 9:30 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. Lunch and an honorarium of $200 will be provided to those who participate in the full day workshop. If you are interested in helping shape the conversation about diabetes in your community, contact Catherine Chhina at catherine@whiwh.com. Please note all participants are required to pre-register via email or phone at 416-263-4896 as space is limited.
YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH CASSA
If you are interested in volunteering, partnering or becoming a member, please email Farhat at farhat@cassa.on.ca. Click here for more information about volunteering with CASSA. Click here to fill out a volunteer application form.
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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