3. “ Only when action takes place in a community or organization- when projects are started, worked on and completed, you can truly say leadership has occurred. Leadership is a process that helps get things done” Chuck Bokor, Community Leadership Specialist
6. Today’s Agenda 8:30-8:40 Welcome and Introductions 8:40-8:55 Icebreaker 8:55-9:15 Expectations and Objectives 9:15-9:40 Introduction to North York Community House and the Newcomer Connection Peer Leadership Program (DVD) 9:40-10:00 Program Model- A Tool for Capacity Building, Community Engagement and Social Change 10:00-10:30 Peer Leader Storytelling 10:30-10:40 Break 10:40-11:30 Group Discussions- Taking this Back to our Agencies
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11. Newcomer Connection Program The Newcomer Connection Program is a Leadership Capacity Development Program providing women the opportunity to learn new skills, gain experience and become involved in the community. Learning opportunities include training and practical experience in community outreach, leadership and community engagement, settlement and group facilitation within NYCH programs.
Goodmorning, as you have all read during the registration for this workshop, I have titled are workshop from outreach to community engagement to reflect the development of the Newcomer Connection Program at North York Community House as we integrate service delivery and social change objectives into our everyday work and outreach within newcomer communities. community development strategy into our everyday work with newcomers. As the agency has shifted to providing social services within the context of social change
Two strings activity- tie strings both wrist then hold together- how do we separate from each otaher – whose getting frustrated talk and work together (work and action - ) program what s stopping you? What could you be doing differently? The secret is with the loops your string and your partners arem and the loop paair that get it slow there is a solution taking action leadership community organizing support resideents in a non-particsan way- Community Action or activism is a strong strategy for newcomers to engage in finding solutions to their life problems.
As we develop our capacity and leadership development training to reflect social justice values, our understanding of leadership in the community has chrystallized- this quotes reflects the real outcomes that we are seeing in our communities- a leadership process that engages residents, builds capacity and encourages networking for change. Diverse leadership is critical to the success of neighborhoods and communities.
In the early 2000’s NYCH connected with an organization called the building movement project interested in learning how to incorporate progressive social change values and practices into their work. Organization began in detroit, from a group who running a soup kitchen realized that providing soup although met the immediate needs of their clients did very little to address the root causes of their problems, partnering with Delta Family Resources in this catchment area Service recipients- participants- constituents
Programs and Catchment Area: Lawrence – Finch, Avenue to Weston South North York West
Objectives of program to reach out to isolated newcomer women and seniors at risk, and provide capacity building training for newcomer women- unexpected outcome that many women found employment in the social services/settlement sector Organization became in the Social Change Movement in the US with a goal to integrate community development with service delivery As the program began implementing the Community Development Strategy- the focus shifted from outreach to engagment and capacity building In addition to outreaching, peer leaders began using an asset based community development approach to assessing needs, identifying leaders and assets in the community
Based on the high numbers of individuals from diverse language groups that have been reached by the Peer Outreach Leaders demonstrates that
Deliver leadership capacity training Engage residents in community development activities Connect newcomers to community resources, services and rights information Ease transition from settlement to integration and alleviate social isolation Provide opportunities for volunteer and shadowing experience in the settlement services field Collaborate with agencies/programs to provide these opportunities Connect residents to broader movements that are calling for legislative change
High need populations in NYCH neighborhoods- isolated seniors, women, disabled Internationally Trained individuals from across the GTA Newcomer Residents Advocacy organizations Partnerships with other agencies; 1 st : culture link, Learning enrichment foundation, Bloor life skills and information session
Residents access information and community resources Immigrant women gain employment commensurate with their skills and experience in the settlement/social services sector Immigrant women become actively engaged in their communities Connect immigrants to broader movements calling for legislative and policy change Collaboration of local residents though learning and action Grassroots capacity for new comers to have more control over their quality of life Social Inclusion
Adapted for Seniors Self-Reliance Project and South Asian Violence Prevention project Descriptions steps
During this phase of the training, peer leaders go out in teams to buildings in pre-determined neighborhoods to conduct face-to-face outreach using their own language to reach out and connect community members to appropriate