Post by Michael Yue on Feb 24, 2007 11:58:33 GMT -5
Richmond Civic Engagement Network
Wednesday May 10, 2006
Richmond City Hall
7pm-9pm
In attendance
a) Parm Grewal, Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society
b) Rick Beardsley, Resident
c) Alan Hill, City of Richmond
d) Lucy, LEAD
e) Angel, LEAD
Introductions
New participants were introduced
Lead Program
Parm Grewal introduced Lucy and Angel and provided background about the LEAD program. Initiated by the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society, the LEAD program was designed to provide leadership training for immigrant women. The program serves not only recent immigrants but also those women who may have arrived much earlier but have spent most of their time at home with children and within their own community. They learn organizational and networking skills while at the same time building self-esteem. One of the features of the program is that women meet and work with other women from a variety of backgrounds.
Obstacles facing Immigrant Women
Lucy and Angel joined in the discussion to describe some of the obstacles facing immigrant women as they join Canadian society. Many new immigrants have high levels of education and training but find their credentials are often not recognized in Canada. In addition, credentialing is a provincial responsibility and the rules change from province to province making it difficult for immigrants to understand what is required of them. Similarly, their work or professional experience is not recognized as Canadian employers say they require, or at least prefer Canadian experience. The obvious consequence has highly qualified immigrants working at poor paying, low-skill jobs. Some immigrants find as well that it takes a long time to have their resident status clarified and to obtain their papers.
It was noted that various service agencies are fighting to clarify credentialing and are acting as advocates on behalf of immigrants. It was further noted that breaking through to get that first job is sometimes difficult for Canadian-born and educated citizens as well. Volunteering with a known agency is one way to gain Canadian experience.
Experiences with Civic Services and Agencies
A comment was made to the effect that it would not be possible in China, for example, for ordinary citizens to meet in city hall as this group. Other agencies, services and activities are also more open and accessible but many immigrants don’t know this and are reluctant at first to join in or make inquiries at city hall and so on. This led to discussion about the efficacy of Richmond developing a booklet as a guide to the city’s services and laying out clearly some expectations on matters that cause immigrants confusion. For example, what identification cards should people carry with them? Some countries require proof of citizenship at all times while others do not require people to carry a driver’s license even when operating a motor vehicle. Such a guide could be done in consultation with immigrant groups. It appears that such a booklet would benefit both new immigrants and the service agencies as well.
Finally, there was some discussion about the difficulty new immigrants encounter in meeting second or third (and on) generation Canadians. While they can meet immigrants from other cultures and they can find some comfort in their own community, they would like to mix in with and know more about mainstream Canadian society. School, work, and community activities are the main integrating forces but these are often not accessible to the newcomer in the short term. Parm mentioned some strategies, such as a speaker series and potluck dinners, to help address this issue but perhaps more discussion is required on this issue.
Next Meeting
22nd June 2006
Wednesday May 10, 2006
Richmond City Hall
7pm-9pm
In attendance
a) Parm Grewal, Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society
b) Rick Beardsley, Resident
c) Alan Hill, City of Richmond
d) Lucy, LEAD
e) Angel, LEAD
Introductions
New participants were introduced
Lead Program
Parm Grewal introduced Lucy and Angel and provided background about the LEAD program. Initiated by the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society, the LEAD program was designed to provide leadership training for immigrant women. The program serves not only recent immigrants but also those women who may have arrived much earlier but have spent most of their time at home with children and within their own community. They learn organizational and networking skills while at the same time building self-esteem. One of the features of the program is that women meet and work with other women from a variety of backgrounds.
Obstacles facing Immigrant Women
Lucy and Angel joined in the discussion to describe some of the obstacles facing immigrant women as they join Canadian society. Many new immigrants have high levels of education and training but find their credentials are often not recognized in Canada. In addition, credentialing is a provincial responsibility and the rules change from province to province making it difficult for immigrants to understand what is required of them. Similarly, their work or professional experience is not recognized as Canadian employers say they require, or at least prefer Canadian experience. The obvious consequence has highly qualified immigrants working at poor paying, low-skill jobs. Some immigrants find as well that it takes a long time to have their resident status clarified and to obtain their papers.
It was noted that various service agencies are fighting to clarify credentialing and are acting as advocates on behalf of immigrants. It was further noted that breaking through to get that first job is sometimes difficult for Canadian-born and educated citizens as well. Volunteering with a known agency is one way to gain Canadian experience.
Experiences with Civic Services and Agencies
A comment was made to the effect that it would not be possible in China, for example, for ordinary citizens to meet in city hall as this group. Other agencies, services and activities are also more open and accessible but many immigrants don’t know this and are reluctant at first to join in or make inquiries at city hall and so on. This led to discussion about the efficacy of Richmond developing a booklet as a guide to the city’s services and laying out clearly some expectations on matters that cause immigrants confusion. For example, what identification cards should people carry with them? Some countries require proof of citizenship at all times while others do not require people to carry a driver’s license even when operating a motor vehicle. Such a guide could be done in consultation with immigrant groups. It appears that such a booklet would benefit both new immigrants and the service agencies as well.
Finally, there was some discussion about the difficulty new immigrants encounter in meeting second or third (and on) generation Canadians. While they can meet immigrants from other cultures and they can find some comfort in their own community, they would like to mix in with and know more about mainstream Canadian society. School, work, and community activities are the main integrating forces but these are often not accessible to the newcomer in the short term. Parm mentioned some strategies, such as a speaker series and potluck dinners, to help address this issue but perhaps more discussion is required on this issue.
Next Meeting
22nd June 2006