About IRCOM Ambassadors

Shorsh Palani presents his story at the IRCOM Ambassadors Launch on November 25^th, 2009

 

 

The IRCOM Ambassadors are a group of diverse Winnipeggers that strive to create spaces for meaningful dialogue between established and newcomer Canadians. Driven by their passion to give voice to newcomers the Ambassadors are committed to advocating for the promotion and protection of newcomer rights and highlighting the important role that Newcomers play in constructing Canadian identity.  The Ambassadors believe that a truly multicultural society has space for Canadians from all walks of life to share their experiences and skills with the broader community.

 

With a focus on building awareness around the realities of being a new Canadian, the overarching objective of the IRCOM Ambassadors project is to create a more inclusive, engaged and tolerant society within which diverse groups can learn from one another and build stronger communities together. More tangibly the IRCOM Ambassadors aim to;

• Eliminate stereotypes through personal stories that reveal our commonality with others - the same but different
• Raise awareness about newcomer issues
• Provide a meaningful platform for newcomers to share their experiences by supporting the voice of Newcomers and creating opportunities for diverse audiences to connect
• Provide positive role models for Newcomer youth who inspire them to actively engage in their community;
• Educate communities about cross-cultural competencies;
• Advocate for inclusive, safe environments within schools, the work place and communities, which facilitate active engagement and prosperity for all Canadians and reduce barriers to growth.

The IRCOM Ambassadors achieve their goals by undertaking the following activities:

• Presenting public education seminars
• Hosting community dialogue forums
• Engaging the media to take action and raise awareness
• Supporting and partnering with grassroots initiatives
• Building capacity in ourselves and other newcomers to share our stories publicly

To book a presentation by an IRCOM Ambassador or to become a member of IRCOM Ambassadors please call our Volunteer & Communications Coordinator at 943-8765, ext 23 or, e-mail her at erina@ircom.ca.

 

If you’ve seen the IRCOM Ambassadors before then you have heard Mavis Matenge refer to her time working in a refugee camp in Northern Botswana. To learn more about Mavis’ story and her work as a Programme Officer for Reproductive Health & HIV/AIDS in the Dukwi refugee camp click here.