The Cariboo Chilcotin Circle of Changes' (formerly known as the Community Advisory Committe on Multiculturalism)
"Circles are groups of volunteers who are committed to bringing positive change to their communities by acting as a central resource center/support group for students, parents, teachers, and the general community. Circles fuel the flame of the Be the Change Movement by implementing positive changes that they feel will most benefit their community. Notice, Choose and Act!" (www.challengeday.org)
Circle Accomplishments:
Challenge Day
CMHA-CC became affiliated with Challenge Day in 2005, by creating the Cariboo Chilcotin Circle of Change.
Canadian Mental Health Association Cariboo Chilcotin started their Circle of Change in 2005 with just 2 volunteers. Now, theyhave 28 incredible Circle members working side by side to bring positive changes to the community. The Circle was successful in having the Challenge Day curriculum being taught in both of the community high schools and has hosted Challenge Day in February and December 2009, facilitating for over 700 students and with more than 250 volunteers. In the past three years we have raised (including in kind support) more than $70,000.00, most of which has been raised from the local community businesses/organizations and community members.
Twinning Program:
We have “twinned” a Rural elementary with an Urban elementary school. The grade five students in each school have been “twinned” and have set up a pen-pal system. In addition, the Urban elementary attended a Cultural day at the Rural school in November and a trip for the Rural students to the Urban school is planned before the end of the school year. These students will keep connected until they enter grade 8, which for our area, is the first year of high school. The premise of the program is to create cultural understanding, but also to create connection between the students as entering into high school can often leave students feeling very alone. In keeping the students “twinned”, each of them will be walking into the high schools with someone that they have developed a friendship with over the past three years.
Ida Project:
Ida is a First Nations Choctaw Doll that will be visiting grade 4 students across British Columbia and eventually Canada…and perhaps one day, the States! Ida “visits” each school and teaches the grade four students about her culture and the cultural back ground of her owner (me). She leads students through a variety of exercises over a period of two weeks and then has the students scrapbook their community/school culture in a scrapbook that Ida travels with. The students then send her off with a gift (Paying it Forward) to the next school. The idea with Ida, is to teach students about the cultures within their school, community, province and Canada. Ultimately, creating an atmosphere of understanding, because often with understanding, comes acceptance.
What is Racism?
Racism is treating someone differently or unfairly simply because they belong to a different race or culture.
The anti-racism committee was formed in the spring of 2004 as a result of some critical incidents that took place in Williams Lake. Committee Goals:
1. Provide multicultural/anti racism education
2. Provide critical response to racism & hate
3. Develop community partnerships involving multiculturalism and anti-racism
Individuals who are experiencing racism may;
- not want to go to school, work, or certain public places
- lose confidence & have low self esteem
- feel anxious and unhappy
- feel shame and fear
- feel lonely and isolated
Racism hurts us all. You can make a difference.
Some positive ways to deal with racism:
- treat people from minority groups with the same respect you show to others
- challenge, where appropriate, racist remarks and insults
- support initiatives which help to combat racism extend a hand of friendship to persons of different cultural backgrounds
- do not prejudge or label people because of their cultural or ethnic group
- teach children to respect different cultures
- if you see racial harassment occurring in a public place report it to the manager
Critical Incidence Response Model - Available upon request from CMHA-CC
Resources:
Canadian Mental Health Association -CC (250) 398-8220
www.racismsucks.ca B.C. Youth Organizer's kit
www.ag.gov.bc.ca/mib (immigration and multiculture)
http://ag.gov.bc.ca/immigration/service_providers.htm
Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668 6868