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101 - 255 Ingram Street Duncan BC V9L 1P3

250-748-3112
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We are pleased to announce our newest project ..

What is home?

CIS has gathered 30 community leaders—artists, facilitators, non-profit service workers, and government representatives from across the Cowichan Region—who are coordinating multiculturalism projects which will inspire community members to participate in civic actions.

 

These 30 have committed to learning how to incorporate the Arts and Dialogue to create exciting, fun, contemplative, mind-altering projects in 11 of the communities of the Cowichan Region.

 

We invite you to:

 

  • Help them to discover the needs of your community
  • Work with them to make change a reality
  • Collaborate to create a home that is strong & safe for all
  • Ask how you can help.

For more information, contact Bev or Francoise, 748-3112

bev.cis@telus.net,   francoise.cis@telus.net



Multicultural Leaders

The Multicultural Leaders Program runs in partnership with the House of Friendship, a First Nation support agency. The goal of "Multicultural Leaders" is to develop groups that will engage youth from diverse backgrounds to practice leadership in promoting multiculturalism and reducing racist and/or discriminatory views and behaviours.

 

Our Mission Statement:

 

We are an inter-cultural, inter-faith, hard-working rainbow of energetic ambassadors reaching out to fulfill our vision of a welcoming and happy community of diversity and unity. We are caring for humanity and helping our community change through active, creative, fun, crafty services and charitable intelligence.


For more information, contact Marie-Anne Hellinckx  marie-anne.cis@telus.net


Supported by:


Coast Capital Savings





ABCDiversity


We invite diverse groups and organizations from our community to work together to build an even more welcoming and inclusive community.

Activities of the project include the following:

  • gathering information through our “Diversity in Community” survey
  • tailoring interactive, cross-cultural diversity education workshops to match the needs of diverse groups in the community
  • training volunteers to create presentations and participate in workshops on multiculturalism in schools and community settings.
From now until May 31, these workshops are available through the ABCDiversity project.

Workshops for Connecting with Differences and Building Inclusive Community
 

Equality is the Law: Introduction to Inclusive Leadership (1-2 hours)

Engage in fun diversity education activities designed to learn about each other’s differences. Participate in a process that translates the values of safety, respect, choice and fun into shared commitments to socially responsible leadership.

Learning and Leadership Styles (1-2 hours)

When people learn and lead according to their preferences, it brings out the best in them. This workshop helps people of all ages become more aware of the diverse range of learning and leadership styles.

Identity Art (1.15 – 1.30)

This creative workshop explores the idea that differences are not problems, but can be seen as gifts. Participants learn how each individual is unique and explore their identities through art.

Social Mapping (1.15 – 1.30 hours)

Every community is made up of different groups. This workshop helps participants map the different groups and discuss how they relate to each other. Social mapping motivates participants to create a more welcoming and inclusive community.

Reality Check: taking a 2nd look for the 1st time (6.30 hours)

This workshop has been developed and is co-facilitated in partnership with the Youth Empowerment Project.

Disrespect, racism, bullying, fighting, failing or barely scraping by. How are we doing? Overachievers, underachievers, purple hair, ripped jeans, the class clown, the jock and the homecoming queen; we all think we're so unique. Reality Check is an experiential workshop that washes the slate clean and gives participants, adults and youth alike, a chance to take a second look and discover what's really underneath the surface.

Workshops for Communication and Conflict Resolution

Slowing Down to the Speed of Wisdom: Skills for Communicating With Compassion (1.15 – 1.30 hours)

This workshop engages participants in a series of heart-to-heart listening exercises followed by a creative activity that encourages positive inquiry, reflection and debriefing.

Compassionate Talking (1.15 – 1.30 hours)

This workshop provides an opportunity to experience the other side of Compassionate Listening, Compassionate Talking! Learn how to shift any conflict or potential conflict into an opportunity for understanding and win, win outcomes.

Workshops on Discrimination, the Causes and Solutions

Discrimination – Exploring the Root Causes (1.15 – 1.30)

An exploration of the mind’s natural inclination to build assumptions based on partial information, which can lead to stereotyping and discrimination. The workshop explores the need to look below the surface to find hidden characteristics.

Discrimination and the Roots of Human Rights (1.30 – 2 hours)

Through small and whole group discussion, explore how history has contributed to both discrimination and equality. Participants co-create a timeline showing the history of discrimination and human rights.

The Time Is Now (1.30 – 2 hours)

This workshop examines questions such as “What is discrimination?” followed by a discussion of video clips and the locally produced video The Time Is Now.

Introduction to Anti-Discrimination First Aid Training (1.15 – 1.30 hours)

Just as physical First Aid Training prepares people to take effective action in response to accidents and other emergencies, Anti-Discrimination First Aid Training prepares participants to respond effectively to incidents of discrimination such as racist jokes, put-downs, gossip, exclusive cliques, name calling, bullying and other acts of intolerance. Learn and practice the ABC’s of Anti-Discrimination.

Ts’its’watul (Helping One Another) (2 – 2.30 hours)

This workshop was developed and co-facilitated in partnership with Hiiye’yu Lielum (House of Friendship) Society as we prepared to welcome visitors to the North American Indigenous Games. Bringing Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people together in the spirit of nuts'amaat shqwaluwun (one mind, one heart, one spirit) we will explore our shared journey through the past 150 years. Participants will:

  • Learn Cowichan cultural values and protocol for welcoming people to their territory.

  • Share ancestral teachings.

  • Follow a timeline that acknowledges what has happened in our shared past and shows the shift toward equal rights, healing, and reconciliation.

  • Participate in a blanketing ceremony that is meant to leave a legacy of stronger and healthier relations as we work together toward true social justice.

*This workshop is dependent on the availability of the original facilitators.

Cross-Cultural Simulations

Bafa Bafa (2.15 – 2.45 hours)

This cross-cultural simulation leads participants through a unique experience that involves a journey into a different culture.and explores what that journey feels like. Participants begin to see how the relationships between different groups in the real world are formed.

Welcome to Ya Ya (1.30 – 2 hours)

The goal of this simulation is to highlight some of the common challenges and issues that arise when people from different identity groups come together. A memorable and engaging workshop! As Confucius said, “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand.”

If you are interested in learning more about the ABCDiversity project, would like to fill out our survey on ”Diversity in Community” and/or find out about workshops, please contact Jackie Martin or Linda McDaniels at 250-748-3112 or email: jmartin.cis@telus.net or lindamcd.cis@telus.net.

ABC Diversity is generously funded through Welcome BC.

ABCDiversity is a program that will give us the opportunity to share the many cultures in our valley with the larger community!

With the support of the ABC Diversity project, CIS will be able to continue with the multicultural presentations which have become such a successful and welcome tradition at local elementary schools.

We are hoping that our wonderful CIS members will join us in helping to teach children about the many different places we have come from around the world.  

As a volunteer presenter, you will have fun, make new friends, and perform an important service for our community. 

We will provide training to help you feel polished and confident with your presentation.


Settlement Information and Support Services

For individuals and families:
  • we provide detailed information and support to help people settle and adjust to life in Canada.
  • we assess the needs and barriers to integration.
  • we identify appropriate services and resources relevant to your needs
  • we introduce you to community services and the labour market
  • we assist with developing realistic goals and plans
  • we help you access other services in the broader community
We provide professional and compassionate information about sponsoring family members, clild benefits, healthcare information, English upgrading, law, income tax preparation, citizenship applications, housing, school registration, social benefits, labour markets.

On-site service can be provided in Tagalog, Mandarin, and English.  Other languages available on request.

Intercultural Women's Group

We offer a caring and supportive atmosphere to newcomers of different cultures and cultural awareness in the community through multicultural school presentations and participation

We provide educational workshops and conferences designed to serve and assist new Canadians

a.) to better understand Canadian Society and therefore to fully participate in Canadian society without losing individual cultural identity

b.) to access community services and resources, share information, build self-confidence, and improve communication skills

Everyone Welcome.
Free drop-in meetings.
When:    Thursday
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: CIS Office

International Men's Circle

We gather to talk openly and honestly about issues that concern us as living between cultures, fatherhood, our stories, and our wisdom.  We create a place of mutual support where men from different origins can meet in the spirit of friendship.
English as a Second Language (ELSA) Classes

English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) classes are available mornings.  Small, welcoming classes allow students to feel safe and comfortable as they learn English and become familiar with life in Canada.  Our experienced and dedicated instructors keep lessons interesting and inspire students to improve their English skills.

 Classes are free to immigrants.  Eligibility for classes and language level will be assessed before the student enrolls. 
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Community Bridging Program

The Community Bridging program connects new Canadians with Volunteer Host Families.  The goals of the program include helping newcomers to:
  • develop positive relationships and friendships in the community
  • become more familiar with what our community has to offer
  • learn about and experience Canadian culture
  • practice English
  • explore diversity and share cross-cultural experiences in a fun, safe, respectful, and meaningful way
  • experience a Warm Land welcome.
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Canadian Connections Tutoring Program

Canadian Connections is an English as a Second Language Assistance Program.

We provide language training to adult immigrants and refugee newcomers in order to aid their social, cultural, economic and political integration in Canada.

We offer a one-to-one learning environment for the Canadian tutor and the ESL learner to help both the immigrant and the community to have a better understanding of each other.

We are always looking for volunteer tutors to work one-to-one with new immigrants to Canada.

Learn more at ESLSAP Online


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Safe Harbour         Safe Harbours

Be a Leader!

Safe Harbour is a Canadian-government sponsored program which recognizes that many diverse community members such as First Nations people, youth, people with disabilities, and newly arrived immigrants, may not feel welcome and safe in our communities. The Safe Harbour program promotes the idea of moving past acceptance to a better understanding and true celebration of diversity, resulting in safer, more welcoming communities.

Businesses, service organizations, and community member can attend this dynamic 2-hour workshop to learn how to address the impact of stereotyping and share ways of better demonstrating respect to everyone who walks in the door.

Safe Harbour locations commit to:

  • Equitable Treatment

  • Be a Safe Harbour for someone who may be feeling lost, threatened, needing a moment of solitude or assistance in a busy world.” “It’s the new Block Parent, but for businesses”

  • Training other employees

The Safe Harbour decal on participants’ businesses publicly demonstrate their respect for all cultures, ethnicities, religions, classes, ages, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.

Here’s what Safe Harbour participants had to say:

I am grateful that our company is finding the time to put our employees through this. It encourages equality and tolerance.”

I belong to a business that cares.”

This is something I want to share with my children”

Safe Harbour should be something all of us embrace and incorporate into our daily lives.”

Wow! Safe Harbour will help change my city.”

Safe Harbour benefits all of us.”

To learn more and to see a list of Cowichan Region Safe Harbours, go to www.safeharbour.ca. For more information, contact cis@telus.net




Inclusive Leadership

North American Indigenous GamesSafe Harbours for KidsYouth Ambassadors
Group HugInclusive Leadership

Inclusive Leadership brings together youth and caring adults from diverse backgrounds.  We share leadership in building a more welcoming and inclusive world, starting with our homes, neighbourhoods, schools and communities.

Learn about upcoming Inclusive Leadership Adventures here

Learn about past Inclusive Leadership Adventures here


Volunteering at the Cowichan Intercultural Society

The Cowichan Intercultural Society has been described as an organization with a “big heart.” Our staff and volunteers reach out to the community to promote multiculturalism, anti-racism, and inclusion for all residents of the Cowichan Valley. CIS maintains an active schedule of educational workshops, special events, youth mentorship, fundraising, and other activities. We value the contribution of our volunteers who make it possible to provide a range of services to the community.

Why volunteer for CIS? You can meet people from all over the world, make new friends, develop job skills, have fun, and help make life more welcoming and inclusive for all those who share our home in the Cowichan Valley.

Here are some of the volunteer opportunities at the Cowichan Intercultural Society:

ESL Tutoring
Receptionist
Clerical
Computer Support
Fundraising
Special Events
Repair/Maintenance
Phoning
Youth Projects
Advocacy

To be a volunteer, the Cowichan Intercultural Society asks the following:

    1. A criminal record check.  These are free for volunteers. We have the forms and waiver fee letter on file at the CIS office.

    2. Agree to the privacy act. This means that we don’t reveal telephone numbers or addresses of people connected to the Cowichan Intercultural Society. We require that all information be kept confidential.

    3. That all volunteers represent the Cowichan Intercultural Society in a polite and professional manner.

Please join us as a CIS volunteer. Contact our office for more information.

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