• Only 23% of community service providers surveyed believed that “newcomers see their ethnic or cultural groups represented in positions of influence on the North Shore.”
• Only 17% believed that “newcomers’ opinions about decisions affecting their community are respected by other people on the North Shore.”
• Despite a high level of interest in connecting with local community, fewer than half of immigrant survey respondents have been a member of a North Shore organization. Official-language speaking respondents or those who have advanced English skills are most likely. Focus group and survey responses indicate that many are not aware of opportunities, or not sure how to explore them. For many, it can take time to build the confidence to take on these opportunities and to feel that their voice is valuable.
• 44% of immigrants have participated in an organization, rising to 75% of those with English as their home language. 53% have volunteered, rising to 70% of English speakers.

Objectives:

1. Create opportunities to amplify immigrant voices in service delivery planning and as members of North Shore boards/committees.
2. Increase awareness of promising practices and pathways to inclusive civic engagement – share resources, host educational events etc.
3. Initiate projects that build understanding of volunteerism & nurture opportunities for North Shore immigrants.
4. Support community leaders and local boards/committees to diversify membership to accurately reflect local community demographics.

2021/22

• Created a Federal Election 2021 factsheet to encourage voter engagement among new Canadians and first-time voters.

2020/21

• Hosted a Pathways to Participation Forum featuring a panel of North Shore immigrant leaders sharing reflections about their public engagement journeys
• Supported planning of a North Shore Volunteer Fair with a focus on engagement opportunities for newcomers & seniors (event postponed to 2021-22 due to COVID)

2019/20

• Supported creation of a new Immigrant Advisory Council (IAC) to advice on NSIIP strategic priorities, directions and projects of the NSIIP table
• Conducted community research to gather information about existing pathways for increased civic engagement of North Shore immigrants

2018/19

• Continued implementation of the North Shore Board & Committee Diversity Project
• Updated online resource list and inventory of diversity trainers

2017/18

• Piloted the North Shore Board & Committee Diversity Project with funding from Vancouver Foundation & West Vancouver Community Foundation
• Hosted three citizenship ceremonies in collaboration with the District of West Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver. Ceremonies emphasized importance of civic engagement for new citizens
• Hosted a “Welcome to the City” themed “Kids in the Hall” event with the City of North Vancouver

2016/17

• Developed an info package for best practices and policies on increasing diversity in boards and committees
• Secured funds from the West Vancouver Community Foundation for a board and committee diversity project
• Surveyed North Shore organizations about their interest in increasing diversity on boards and committees
• Compiled an online inventory of diversity trainers

• Federal Election 2021 [PDF]
• Increasing Diverse Representation on Boards (2018) [PDF]
• Diversity Trainers [online inventory]

• Arleta Beckett, District of West Vancouver 
• Andrew Hildred, MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
• Eirikka Brandson, District of North Vancouver
• Heather Evans, City of North Vancouver 
• Murray Mollard, North Shore Community Resources 
• Sarah Tarcea, North Vancouver City Library