Tag Archive for: culture

Job Opportunity: Communications Coordinator

Responsible to:          Executive Director

Starting Salary:         $55,000 – $60,000 per year

Hours:                         Full-time: 37.5 hours per week (M-F 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; with flexibility)

Start date:                As soon as possible

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS), a non-profit provincial organization has a career opportunity for a strong communications generalist. The candidate for the position of Communications Coordinator will lead the development of communications plan, execute, strengthen relationships with media, increase profile and understanding of multiculturalism throughout the province, develop a wide array of communication materials, oversight of social media and website, deepen engagement with the multicultural community, and support the communication needs of other project coordinators.

Responsibilities:

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the organization’s communication efforts, internally and externally, based on an overarching communications strategy that aligns with the organization’s mandate, strategic and operational plans. The Communications Coordinator plays a central role in establishing, strengthening and promoting MCoS’ public image and key messages in order to achieve the Ends as defined by the Board of Directors. The Communications Coordinator reports and is responsible to the Executive Director, and works in accordance with the policies of the organization.

The Communications Coordinator will work both independently and collaboratively to be responsible for:

  • Developing and implementing annual or multi-year communications strategies, in conjunction with Executive Director;
  • Internal and external communications and campaigns designed to reach target groups with key messages associated with the overarching plans of MCoS;
  • Providing communications and stakeholder relations advice for membership activities;
  • Developing, coordinating and maintaining a series of tools designed to effectively deliver various MCoS communication messages to target groups as required. Tools may include, but are not limited to: newsletters, brochures, publications (electronic/print), website, digital, advertising (print, web, television, radio and other), media advisories, news releases, stories, and surveys;
  • Supervising the Communication Specialist and Administrative Assistant in communications roles related to newsletter, website, social media, and production of tools;
  • Basic graphic design with knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe Premiere Elements;
  • Website and digital content management – WordPress, Hootsuite, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn;
  • Tracking and monitoring media coverage related to all MCoS activities;
  • Coordinating and ensuring communication consistency among membership and partnership across all channels;
  • Developing and implementing communication campaigns to promote MCoS’ fundraising activities, including but not limited to, the annual promotion of the Multifaith calendar;
  • Supporting MCoS’ advocacy role through research and development of advocacy tools designed to build awareness of the benefits of multiculturalism in the province;
  • Building and strengthening relationships with all MCoS stakeholder groups (such as businesses, multicultural community groups, educational institutions, and government representatives);
  • Branding: a strong custodian of maintaining the visual identity and branding of MCoS communication materials;
  • Sourcing outside agencies and suppliers, through Request for Proposals and contracts, to support communication requirements and effectively managing the resulting contracts;
  • Preparing and submitting campaign, project reports, and annual budgets to the Executive Director;
  • Evaluating communication outcomes on a regular basis to provide input into impact assessment and future planning;
  • Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements:

  • A degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or marketing; or a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience and on-the-job training;
  • Three or more years of demonstrated communications experience – particularly experience in non-profit or community-based organizations is an asset;
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability write, proofread, and edit website and digital content, speeches, stories, reports, presentations, annual reports, etc.;
  • Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office 365);
  • Strong Media Relations skills – interviews, messaging, relationship building, and tracking;
  • Advertising and promotion – create or outsource creative, media buying, and measurement using print, video, television, radio, digital, billboard, location signs, and social media;
  • Advocacy – experience in non-profit or community-based organizations, social issues, community mobilization, campaigns, messaging, and measurement;
  • Strong organizational skills and a commitment to professionalism, including the ability to multi-task, managing timelines and multiple deadlines;
  • Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills with demonstrated welcoming, respectful approach to interactions;
  • Independent, energetic, analytical, self-starting and responsible worker, driven by successful, punctual and quality outcomes;
  • Familiarity with the multicultural community, the issues it faces, anti-racism and the benefits of diversity is a significant asset;
  • Demonstrate a proven track record of working harmoniously within teams;
  • Have the ability to travel in Saskatchewan from time to time, and have a valid driver’s licence;
  • Be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Application Process:

In order to have Communications Coordinator starting by the end of August (if possible), timelines are short. Please email your application (subject line: Communications Coordinator position) to Rhonda Rosenberg, Executive Director, at **@mc**.ca by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021.

We will only contact shortlisted applicants for interviews. The interview process will include an experiential assignment.

Include the following in your application:

  • Cover letter and resume clearly outlining how you meet the education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and requirements for this position.
  • Portfolio with the following examples: campaign or project plan, news release, media advisory, speech, talking points, article, and creative that you have designed (poster, website graphic, etc.).
  • Three professional references (ensure they are ready and available to be contacted by email)

Only candidates currently living in and legally entitled to work in Canada will be considered.

Download Job Description

MCoS Communications Coordinator – Job Description 2021 (pdf)

Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, cultural diversity, intercultural, education, anti-racism

AGM 2021

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) held its annual general meeting on Saturday, June 19th virtually.
At the2021 annual general meeting, the membership elected three Director-at-large  2-year terms and two Director-at-large  1-year term with acclamations for Treasurer and Secretary.
We are delighted to present the 2021-22 MCoS Board of Directors:

Position Name
President Meka Okochi
Past-President Neeraj Saroj
Vice-President Cosanna Preston-Idedia
Treasurer Margot Hurlbert
Secretary Ayesha Baig
Director-at-large Susan Cambridge
Director-at-large Joel Fitzpatrick
Director-at-large Tatenda Mhaka
Director-at-large Hyunjung Shin
Director-at-large Julio Torres-Recinos
Director-at-large Jessica Walcott
Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, cultural diversity, intercultural, education, anti-racism

AGM 2021

We would like to thank all the nominees that let their names stand for the MCoS Board of Directors – your interest in our organization and multiculturalism is greatly appreciated and respected. If you were not elected, we hope that you will find other ways to be involved in MCoS.
MCoS would also like to recognize the contributions of our outgoing Board members Colleen Charles and Muna De Ciman. Thank you for your time, wisdom and guidance. You will be missed!
We look forward to working with the 2021-22 Board of Directors in the year to come as MCoS continues to move forward with its strategic plan.

Staff Changes at MCoS

staff, Funding, Grants, Programs, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, cultural diversity, intercultural, education, anti-racism, racism, multiculturalism, ethnic diversity, culture, ethnicity, awareness, acceptanceThank you and Farewell to Justin

Justin Waldrop has served MCoS extremely well as Communications Coordinator for the past six years. His dedication to planning and executing a wide variety of communications tools has allowed MCoS to move forward in leaps and bounds. The next phase of his career takes him to the University of Regina on August 12.
Please join MCoS in thanking Justin and wishing him all the best!


staff, Funding, Grants, Programs, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, cultural diversity, intercultural, education, anti-racism, racism, multiculturalism, ethnic diversity, culture, ethnicity, awareness, acceptanceWelcome to Chinye

We would like to introduce Chinye Talabi, the new MCoS Communications Coordinator. We are looking forward to welcoming her strategic and tactical communications expertise. She comes to us with over 10 years’ experience with several organizations in Nigeria and 2 years of service at the Royal Bank in Regina. Her passion for communications is impressive and will serve MCoS well. MCoS welcomes Chinye to continue our path towards growing impact!
You can reach her at co************@mc**.ca starting from August 13.

2019 AGM and Member Consultation

Saturday, June 22, 2019 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Le Bistro, 3850 Hillsdale Street, Regina, SK
This year’s MCoS AGM will focus on reconciliation, BRIDGES, and member consultation regarding a new strategic plan. It is a deeper learning opportunity for everyone. We will provide our members how to showcase cultural activities through deeper learning with an interactive series of presentations.
Click here for: Full details and registration


Board Nominations

The MCoS Board is still accepting nominations for: (1) Treasurer, (1) Secretary, and (3) Directors at Large. All positions are two-year terms.
Remember: In order for an applicant’s nomination to be promoted to the membership it had to be received by Wednesday, May 22, 2019. After that, we will continue to accept nominations, including at the AGM until nominations cease, but not promote them.
Click here for: Full details and nominations


Audited Financial Statements Available

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan’s 2018-19 audited financial statements are now published for viewing. This action puts MCoS in compliance with The Non-Profit Corporations Act, which states that audited financial statements are to be published and made available to members for viewing 15 days prior to the annual general meeting.
Click here for: MCoS 2018-19 Audited Financial Statements (pdf)


MCoS 2019 Board Nominees as of May 22

Remember: In order for an applicant’s nomination to be promoted to the membership it had to be received by Wednesday, May 22, 2019. The list of candidates has been compiled and published for your review in consideration for voting at the AGM on June 22. We will continue to accept nominations, including at the AGM until nominations cease, but not promote them.

Click here for: MCoS 2019 Board Candidates – As of May 22 (pdf)


We look forward to celebrating our successes with you. We welcome your input and involvement.

Join us for the February Break Theatre Camp hosted by Kris Alvarez & Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway.

Explore your creativity through performing arts and gain a deeper understanding of other cultures while having fun and making friends.

  • Ensemble skills – Learn to build trust, connection, respect and communication skills. Play theatre games that support respect and sharing perspectives.
  • Acting tools – Use improvisation to create and physicalizing characters.Learn how to use your voice clearly and confidently.
  • Storytelling – Create your own story by learning:  What makes a story interesting for audience? How to tell a story in exciting ways by incorporating symbols, sounds and movement.

Dates:  February 19 – 23, 2019
Location: Regina Open Door Society, 2220 12th Avenue (4th Floor)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lunch and Refreshments will be provided

Join us for Celebration, Sharing & Food on February 23rd, 2019

Family, Friends & Community are all invited!
Location: Artesian 2627 13th Avenue, Regina, SK
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Download Poster:
Youth BRIDGES Theatre Camp (png)

Celebrate African-Canadian Black History Month in FebruaryBlack History Month, BHM, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, cultural diversity, intercultural, education, anti-racism, racism, multiculturalism, ethnic diversity, culture, ethnicity, awareness, acceptance

Throughout Saskatchewan, during the month of February, individuals, families and communities will come together to celebrate African-Canadian Black History Month. Every year, Canadians are invited to participate in African-Canadian Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of African-Canadians, past and present. Canadians take this time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Canadians with African heritage who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today. It is also an opportunity for all of us to learn about the wide range of African-Canadian experiences, including dealing with racism, and the vital role this community has played

Background on Black History Month

Learn More about African-Canadian Black History Month

Black History Month Events in Saskatchewan

View Saskatchewan African-Canadian Black History Month Events

 

Join the conversation: Anti-racism engagement

Current status: Open (closes December 9, 2018)
Department of Canadian Heritage

This engagement on anti-racism is open to all Canadians and we want to hear from you! We invite you to lend your voice, views and experiences. Your input is essential to ensure our work to address racism reflects your experiences and your suggestions.

A new national anti-racism strategy
Racism divides communities, breeds fear and fuels animosity. Addressing racism and discrimination is a longstanding commitment of Canadians who see our country’s diversity as a source of strength. Canada is strong, not in spite of our differences, but because of them. Unfortunately, Canada is not immune to racism and discrimination — challenges remain when it comes to fully embracing diversity, openness and cooperation.
It is vital that Canada stands up to discrimination perpetrated against any individual or group of people on the basis of their religion and/or ethnicity and this is why the Government of Canada has committed to engage the public on a new federal anti-racism strategy. We are exploring racism as it relates to employment and income supports, social participation (for example, access to arts, sport and leisure) and justice. We are asking people across the country to inform this new strategy in meaningful, relevant, and solutions-focused discussions based on these topics.

Notice

These pages contain references to racism and discrimination, including online survey questions designed to collect personal experiences and beliefs on a voluntary basis. Materials may bring up past experiences of discomfort, anxiety, and/or trauma. Please engage with this content only when you feel prepared.
If you feel you have experienced discrimination or harassment based on one or more of the grounds protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act – including race, national or ethnic origin, colour and religion – you may be able to file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Join in: How to participate

In-person sessions are also being held with community members, leaders, experts (particularly those with lived experience), academics, and stakeholders across Canada. These meetings will not be open to the public in order to ensure that participants are able to have focused, meaningful and safe conversations on subjects that, for many, include reflecting on harmful experiences.
Thank you for your interest. We look forward to your contribution.

Who can participate

We’re interested in hearing from all Canadians, especially those who have direct experience with racism and discrimination and those who offer intersectional perspectives.

Key themes for discussion

To focus on those issues where racism and discrimination most directly touch people’s lives, as well as those policy areas that most closely overlap with the Government of Canada’s jurisdiction, the following themes will guide the engagement:

  • Employment and income supports
  • Social participation (for example, sport, art, leisure)
  • Justice

Related links

Contact us

Department of Canadian Heritage
Anti-Racism Engagement
15 Eddy Street
Gatineau QC K1A 0M5
Email
pc****************************@ca****.ca
Telephone
1-866-811-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)
TTY
1-888-997-3123 (toll-free)

Main link

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/anti-racism-engagement.html 

Funding, Grants, Programs, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, cultural diversity, intercultural, education, anti-racism, racism, multiculturalism, ethnic diversity, culture, ethnicity, awareness, acceptance

 

Engage in the Five streams of Multicultural Work

Apply for Strategic Initiatives Funding

Deadline is September 15, 2018

MCoS invests in approximately 15 projects and events per year for projects that fulfill our mission and contribute to at least one of the five streams of multicultural work. You can apply for up to $3,000 per project.
Learn more and apply: http://mcos.ca/strategic-initiatives/ 


Add Multicultural Education to the Classroom

Apply for the Multicultural Education Initiatives (MEI) Grant

Deadline is October 31, 2018

MCoS offers $200 – $400 Multicultural Education Initiative (MEI) grants to schools and school boards in Saskatchewan to benefit students through classroom and professional development projects that support anti-racism, reconciliation, diversity and cultural education outcomes and promote the understanding, respect, appreciation, acceptance and celebration of all people as equally valuable in our society. We support 25 to 50 educational projects each year.
Learn more and apply: http://mcos.ca/multicultural-education-initiatives/

2022 Multifaith Calendar now available for purchase!

The 2022 MFC marks the 36th year of publication and features the theme: Resilience. In this 2022 Multifaith Calendar, we celebrate RESILIENCE and the hope that keeps us afloat, even during the most difficult times. 


Here are just some of the benefits and uses of Multifaith Calendars:

  • A source of accurate dates and descriptions of approx 430 events, including observances from 14 world religions.
  • An excellent fundraising vehicle for all organizations, including non-profit/charitable groups.
  • Bulk order discounts and wholesale opportunities available.
  • Valuable tool for human resource professionals in diverse workplaces to keep themselves aware of holiday observances of staff from different faith communities.
  • Makes an attractive gift for clients and for staff—a gift that reinforces your company’s commitment to diversity.

Order the 2022 Multifaith Calendar today!

Visit: http://mcos.ca/multifaith-calendar/

Cultural collaborations through mindful creative writing course

“We live in a world that is divided. We build judgements and create stereotypes about people we do not know. Even though we often live, work and learn beside each other – we do not really know each other. When we know each other and really listen to each other’s stories or experience, we can then come to learn from each other,” explains educator Kyla McIntyre, laying down the reasoning for the Sheldon-Williams Collegiate Mindful Creative Writing course, designed to shift this narrative.
There are 14 students in this class. They come from many different cultures and languages. Some are newcomers and some are born in Canada. Some speak fluent English and others are just

sheldon-williams collegiate, multicultural council of Saskatchewan, multicultural, grant, funding, school. education, racism, diversity, refugee, newcomer, poetry, creative writing, mindful, multicultural education

Sheldon-Williams Collegiate Mindful Creative Writing Course. Student and Poet Mays Al Jamous shares her work with the class.


beginning. This course actively encourages students of different backgrounds to come together to share their stories of experience with each other. One of the main goals of this course is to support belonging and inclusion, facilitating intercultural connections. Throughout this course, students learned about their own stories and were given tools to share them with others. Instead of learning about culture and diversity from books and the internet, students learn from each other and create relationships. The process of creative writing and practicing mindfulness each day forms a community of learners.
A Multicultural Education Initiatives grant from MCoS partially supports spoken word artist Cat Abenstein to work with this class. She is a weekly presence and supports students through all phases of their writing from drafting, editing, sharing and even performing in front of the school. Cat uses her professional artist experience to support students to truly find and share their voices.
Grade 11 student, Amie LeGrand, reflects upon the impact of the mindful creative writing course: “In creative writing, we talk about the culture of everyone in the class and get to know each other and what they have experienced. We talk about the uncomfortable topics and write about them in poems, songs and speeches – this opens our minds. The work that I have seen from my classmates is astounding. To have such students at Sheldon just shows how multicultural we are as a school and that we are more unified than we realize… I’ve learned that fear or uncertainty creates prejudice and this leads to the act of discrimination, by learning about each other this is where we can end discrimination.”
During the school’s March 21 celebration, students share the work they have created in class and this ripples through the school community to create true inclusion and belonging. Students have an opportunity to hear stories of experience from cultures they likely would not otherwise hear. These students also share their work at a school celebration attended by over 500 students. The media is invited to this event as well and then their stories are shared worldwide. Some of the poems were recorded for CBC and then played over the radio. In addition, many students have shared work created in this class at other events such as reconciliation events, a Settlement Support Workers in Schools (SSWIS) conference and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher’s conference. In addition, in 2017, the students published a book with Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation (SCIC) – so the work that is developed in the course becomes part of the community.


Student Poetry

sheldon-williams collegiate, multicultural council of Saskatchewan, multicultural, grant, funding, school. education, racism, diversity, refugee, newcomer, poetry, creative writing, mindful, multicultural education

Sheldon-Williams Collegiate – Mindful Creative Writing Course Poets featured below. L-R: Amie LeGrand, Mays Al Jamous and Sunny Sun.

Do you want to know Mays Al Jamous?
By Amie LeGrand

What should I tell you about her?
The girl who has beautiful almond skin?
How would I describe her?
Would you like to get to know her?
Her kindness is known and shared to all
With her smile that makes everyone’s heart bounce with joy and delight.
She has bravery in her.
She may be soft spoken but what lays within her is a dangerous fire.
She has seen death by gunfire when people tried to hide and take cover.
She heard bombs and high-pitched screams when air fleets targeted her home streets.
Her experience and story of her life there has wise words with a ray of light for guidance and hope.
She now lives in Canada, eh!
With Saskatchewan’s flat grounds and minus fifty below weather.
Does she truly love the snowy weather?
Who the hell knows.
She will always miss Syria
Memories filled with love
She dreams of her bright future with a medical degree
And her children playing by her family tree Now that her country is now free
Now that I’ve told you about her
Would you like to know more
From the one, the only, Mays Al Jamous?

Being a Refugee
By Mays Al Jamous

Every person has a different experience
I can only share my experience
I am from Syria
I am a refugee
Refugees are
People who leave their countries
People who don’t have homes
People who face difficult choices
Refugees feel
Frightened
Confused
Lonely
Refugees hope
People will understand their feelings
People will not judge them at first sight
People will treat them like human beings
This refugee has
Dreams and hopes like you do
Feelings and heart like you do
Family and friends like you do
This refugee wishes
There would be no racism
There would be no discrimination
There would be no hate
This refugee is asking you to
Be Understanding
Be Unafraid
Be Loving
Every person has a different experience
I shared my experience
I am Mays from Syria
I am a strong refugee

Newcomer Issues
By: Sunny Sun

Many people have asked me the same question
What is it like to be a newcomer?
This is an ordinary question, however, it’s complicated to answer
Canada is a wonderful place
Multiple cultures make Canada more attractive
However, there will always be some issues and challenges in our lives
I believe newcomers to Canada will be perplexed by plentiful issues
In the first few days, weeks, months, even years
Everyone gets shocked by things that are new to them
Our worldview collapses and shatters into pieces
We learn new social contracts
Things that we were familiar with are gone
New paradigms are formed
Ideologies that we were taught get inverted
Things that were right, now become wrong
The origin of these problems
Leads us to the main point
ENGLISH
I have heard people say that English
Is the reason why newcomers get isolated
I am in total agreement with this
I believe 99.99 percent of conflicts or issues are related to English
The process of learning a new language is a long journey for everyone
Without English, you can’t communicate and you won’t receive any information
Sometimes not having enough English
Makes me feel like I am in a cage
It locks me inside and separates the world from me
Another problem that I think lots of newcomers will face
Is wanting to stay with people who speak their first language
This is something really common and there’s nothing wrong with it
Meeting new people is difficult
No one wants to be pushed out of their comfort zone
But one day you will have to make a friend who is a Canadian
The quicker you meet new people
The quicker your English will improve
The quicker you will feel belonging
Your friends might correct your mistakes
But don’t be shy, take advantage
Isn’t that what friends are for?
Making friends stops the suffering, the endless loneliness
Everyone will be proud of you
You will be proud of yourself


Sheldon-Williams Collegiate Mindful Creative Writing Course Video

Sheldon-Williams Collegiate in Regina, SK offers a Mindful Creative Writing Course. The program focuses on bringing youth from different backgrounds together to share their stories. Students use mindfulness to better understand themselves and the world around them. One of the main goals of the Mindful Creative Writing course is to help students gain a better understanding and make connections across different cultures.