Building Welcoming and Inclusive Neighbourhoods BWIN

1. Building Welcoming and Inclusive Neighbourhoods (BWIN) Best Practices in Action Timeframe for evaluation � June 2008 to April 2009 Timeframe for evaluation � June 2008 to April 2009

2. BWIN - Infrastructure Pilot project conception and initiation: the Consortium of Neighbourhood Houses Sponsor: Immigrant Integration Branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development Funder: Government of Canada BWIN project is delivered through a shared leadership model involving the Consortium of 14 Neighbourhood Houses and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses. We originally began with 12 houses and expanded to 14 this year The pilot project was designed to run for 12 months, with the option to extend it for two additional one-year terms. We are now in our second year Funds support neighbourhood specific activities at the Neighbourhood House level and the consortium activities at the ANH level. Each neighbourhood house receives $57,000 a year and an additional $75,000 supports consortium coordination and communication, through ANH Five of the 12 Neighbourhood Houses received additional funding from other sources in order to augment BWIN activities. All of the Neighbourhood Houses also contributed �in-kind� resources such as additional staff time/program management, communications, and materials. A Memorandum of Understanding, outline the roles and responsibilities of each of the parties to the agreement as they related to the BWIN project activities, risk management requirements, a conflict resolution process as well as clauses related to amendments to and/or termination of the agreement. Worth noting that this is the first time that the Association of Neighbourhood Houses and the14 Neighbourhood Houses in the Lower Mainland have worked collaboratively on a joint community-based initiative. BWIN is supported through WelcomeBC, a provincial government initiative that helps immigrants access existing and expanded services under one umbrella. It also assists them to better adapt to life in their new environment. WelcomeBC also helps communities to increase community capacity by building welcoming and inclusive communities. Our contract is with Immigrant Integration Branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour market Development. It is funded by the Federal Government under the Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Co-operation on Immigration. BWIN project is delivered through a shared leadership model involving the Consortium of 14 Neighbourhood Houses and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses. We originally began with 12 houses and expanded to 14 this year The pilot project was designed to run for 12 months, with the option to extend it for two additional one-year terms. We are now in our second year Funds support neighbourhood specific activities at the Neighbourhood House level and the consortium activities at the ANH level. Each neighbourhood house receives $57,000 a year and an additional $75,000 supports consortium coordination and communication, through ANH Five of the 12 Neighbourhood Houses received additional funding from other sources in order to augment BWIN activities. All of the Neighbourhood Houses also contributed �in-kind� resources such as additional staff time/program management, communications, and materials. A Memorandum of Understanding, outline the roles and responsibilities of each of the parties to the agreement as they related to the BWIN project activities, risk management requirements, a conflict resolution process as well as clauses related to amendments to and/or termination of the agreement. Worth noting that this is the first time that the Association of Neighbourhood Houses and the14 Neighbourhood Houses in the Lower Mainland have worked collaboratively on a joint community-based initiative. BWIN is supported through WelcomeBC, a provincial government initiative that helps immigrants access existing and expanded services under one umbrella. It also assists them to better adapt to life in their new environment. WelcomeBC also helps communities to increase community capacity by building welcoming and inclusive communities. Our contract is with Immigrant Integration Branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour market Development. It is funded by the Federal Government under the Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Co-operation on Immigration.

3. BWIN - Vision Innovative approach exploring the leadership role of Lower Mainland Neighbourhood Houses in building local community capacity to: Be welcoming to all Address racism and social exclusion in creative and responsive ways The project involves communities within the Lower Mainland where the community is comprised of significant immigrant populations as well as culturally diverse populations. The project involves communities within the Lower Mainland where the community is comprised of significant immigrant populations as well as culturally diverse populations.

4. BWIN � Research Research shows that with integration immigrants and others experience: Improved health and wellbeing Safer communities Welcome through employment Personal/social networks Community cohesion Neighbourhood activities Newcomers and immigrants who feel welcomed experience improved health and wellbeing Connected communities are safer communities � Access to employment is a key element in a welcoming community � Personal networks play an important role in securing employment � Community cohesion is affected by many factors including community size, education and income levels, participation levels, family composition, and organizational capacity � Small neighbourhood-based activities can make a difference in how the community feels to all residents. Continued: Research has noted that the creation of diverse social networks is essential to development of a long-term sense of belonging and engagement amongst immigrants and can also help address issues such as racism and/or social exclusion. Efforts to enhance the social integration of immigrants and newcomers through participation in local community activities are critical to fostering citizenship. Creating diverse social networks influences those immigrant groups that historically exhibit low levels of civic engagement, to become more involved. Newcomers and immigrants who feel welcomed experience improved health and wellbeing Connected communities are safer communities � Access to employment is a key element in a welcoming community � Personal networks play an important role in securing employment � Community cohesion is affected by many factors including community size, education and income levels, participation levels, family composition, and organizational capacity � Small neighbourhood-based activities can make a difference in how the community feels to all residents. Continued: Research has noted that the creation of diverse social networks is essential to development of a long-term sense of belonging and engagement amongst immigrants and can also help address issues such as racism and/or social exclusion. Efforts to enhance the social integration of immigrants and newcomers through participation in local community activities are critical to fostering citizenship. Creating diverse social networks influences those immigrant groups that historically exhibit low levels of civic engagement, to become more involved.

5. BWIN - Goals Expand the role of Neighbourhood Houses in building community capacity Engage the host community, newcomers, immigrants and other socially excluded groups about creating a welcoming community Build capacity at all levels � individual family/peer, organization, institution and business � in an integrated way Neighbourhoods are a primary place where integration of immigrants and newcomers occurs. Neighbourhood Houses, with their focus on �community of location� (i.e., the local population) rather than �community of interest� (i.e., a particular group or issue), as well as their multi-cultural and multi-lingual staff, are especially well suited to the role of breaking down barriers and helping immigrants and newcomers adjust to Canadian society. Some of the principal ways in which Neighbourhood Houses create social inclusion is through their emphasis on community capacity building, grass roots involvement and leadership, and collaboration with multiple partners and stakeholders in order to facilitate access to services and resources. Ultimately the goal is to help newcomers transition from being strangers in a strange land to becoming active community members. Therefore Neighbourhood Houses offer many possibilities in relation to their role in helping build social bonds within groups and functioning to bridge differences by bringing diverse groups together. Neighbourhoods are a primary place where integration of immigrants and newcomers occurs. Neighbourhood Houses, with their focus on �community of location� (i.e., the local population) rather than �community of interest� (i.e., a particular group or issue), as well as their multi-cultural and multi-lingual staff, are especially well suited to the role of breaking down barriers and helping immigrants and newcomers adjust to Canadian society. Some of the principal ways in which Neighbourhood Houses create social inclusion is through their emphasis on community capacity building, grass roots involvement and leadership, and collaboration with multiple partners and stakeholders in order to facilitate access to services and resources. Ultimately the goal is to help newcomers transition from being strangers in a strange land to becoming active community members. Therefore Neighbourhood Houses offer many possibilities in relation to their role in helping build social bonds within groups and functioning to bridge differences by bringing diverse groups together.

6. BWIN - Goals Identify meaningful ways to promote dialogue about exclusion and racism Support learning about barriers to inclusion and changes needed to address them Evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot project delivery model The BWIN project is designed to address racism and social exclusion by exploring innovative approaches to Neighbourhood Houses� leadership role in building community capacity to be welcoming to all and to address racism and social exclusion in creative and responsive ways. The purpose of the BWIN pilot project is to explore the concept that neighbourhoods, with the capacity to be inclusive and welcoming, make a difference in each community member�s sense of well-being and the ability of newcomers and established immigrants to adapt and integrate in the community. The project�s aim is to build on existing community assets and generate new knowledge about inclusive and welcoming communities. The BWIN project is designed to address racism and social exclusion by exploring innovative approaches to Neighbourhood Houses� leadership role in building community capacity to be welcoming to all and to address racism and social exclusion in creative and responsive ways. The purpose of the BWIN pilot project is to explore the concept that neighbourhoods, with the capacity to be inclusive and welcoming, make a difference in each community member�s sense of well-being and the ability of newcomers and established immigrants to adapt and integrate in the community. The project�s aim is to build on existing community assets and generate new knowledge about inclusive and welcoming communities.

7. BWIN - Activities Community outreach and mapping Volunteerism and leadership Community Gatherings and Cultural Inclusion Organizational Capacity Building Collaborative Planning The activities carried out at the neighbourhood level were based on the needs and aims of each specific Neighbourhood House project. It�s important to note that almost all of the neighbourhood houses described activities that fell into each of the BWIN categories of activities. Frequently, the activities overlapped, which is typical of community development, which is organic and non-linear. Example from evaluation: a Diwali celebration involved: collaborative planning and community outreach to facilitate the participation of newcomers in the planning volunteers taking a leadership role in organizing and putting on the event a community gathering, which, in essence, was focused on cultural inclusion. Nearly all Neighbourhood Houses undertook organizational capacity building activities through BWIN. For a few of the Neighbourhood Houses, organizational capacity development was a major focus on the House�s BWIN-related activities. For example, several Neighbourhood Houses arranged for training for staff in cultural competency, diversity, and on ways of promoting belonging and engagement. BWIN Coordinators also oversaw and/or facilitated training or staff retreats relating to asset mapping and community development. Another activity enabled through BWIN funding that related to organizational capacity building was the re-development and/or re-vitalization of volunteer recruitment, training, and support/supervision, as well as the production of written resources to support volunteers in the Neighbourhood Houses. Collaborative planning encompassed: � collaborative planning within the Neighbourhood House, so that different programs and activities were coordinated and cohesive, informed by an �inclusivity� or �welcoming� lens; � collaborative planning between Neighbourhood Houses, especially in relation to community capacity building and BWIN-related events; and � collaborative planning with community partners, to help newcomers access services and supports, and to create and promote inclusivity at a community-wide level As well, BWIN activities related to/enhanced and/or augmented activities already taking place at neighbourhood houses or had been envisioned but had not yet taken place because of insufficient funding prior to BWIN. The activities carried out at the neighbourhood level were based on the needs and aims of each specific Neighbourhood House project. It�s important to note that almost all of the neighbourhood houses described activities that fell into each of the BWIN categories of activities. Frequently, the activities overlapped, which is typical of community development, which is organic and non-linear. Example from evaluation: a Diwali celebration involved: collaborative planning and community outreach to facilitate the participation of newcomers in the planning volunteers taking a leadership role in organizing and putting on the event a community gathering, which, in essence, was focused on cultural inclusion. Nearly all Neighbourhood Houses undertook organizational capacity building activities through BWIN. For a few of the Neighbourhood Houses, organizational capacity development was a major focus on the House�s BWIN-related activities. For example, several Neighbourhood Houses arranged for training for staff in cultural competency, diversity, and on ways of promoting belonging and engagement. BWIN Coordinators also oversaw and/or facilitated training or staff retreats relating to asset mapping and community development. Another activity enabled through BWIN funding that related to organizational capacity building was the re-development and/or re-vitalization of volunteer recruitment, training, and support/supervision, as well as the production of written resources to support volunteers in the Neighbourhood Houses. Collaborative planning encompassed: � collaborative planning within the Neighbourhood House, so that different programs and activities were coordinated and cohesive, informed by an �inclusivity� or �welcoming� lens; � collaborative planning between Neighbourhood Houses, especially in relation to community capacity building and BWIN-related events; and � collaborative planning with community partners, to help newcomers access services and supports, and to create and promote inclusivity at a community-wide level As well, BWIN activities related to/enhanced and/or augmented activities already taking place at neighbourhood houses or had been envisioned but had not yet taken place because of insufficient funding prior to BWIN.

8. BWIN � Participant Data From over 30 countries, every continent Canadian citizens and/or living here for three-plus years Female to Male 3:1 19-54 years largest group; under 19 second largest While this data gives some overall information about participants, it must be approached with caution. In many cases, the numbers related to age, length of time in Canada, and ethnicity/country of origin are estimates based on the staffs� best guess about the participants, especially those attending larger community gatherings, such as cultural celebrations/dinners forums and community meetings. Members of the BWIN Working Group and the BWIN Steering Committee expressed concerns about collecting personal (i.e., age, gender, country of origin) information directly from participants because they believed it was too time consuming and intrusive. They expressed the view that the very act of collecting this kind of personal information would render the activities less welcoming and inclusive and would, in fact, dissuade people from participating in BWIN activities. Age, length of time in Canada unknown from a substantial number of participants. At community gatherings, men made up about 40% of the totals (because came as part of family groups) A significant number of youth were involved in their communities as volunteers and mentors.While this data gives some overall information about participants, it must be approached with caution. In many cases, the numbers related to age, length of time in Canada, and ethnicity/country of origin are estimates based on the staffs� best guess about the participants, especially those attending larger community gatherings, such as cultural celebrations/dinners forums and community meetings. Members of the BWIN Working Group and the BWIN Steering Committee expressed concerns about collecting personal (i.e., age, gender, country of origin) information directly from participants because they believed it was too time consuming and intrusive. They expressed the view that the very act of collecting this kind of personal information would render the activities less welcoming and inclusive and would, in fact, dissuade people from participating in BWIN activities. Age, length of time in Canada unknown from a substantial number of participants. At community gatherings, men made up about 40% of the totals (because came as part of family groups) A significant number of youth were involved in their communities as volunteers and mentors.

9. BWIN - Experiences Participant involvement part of a process Contact with BWIN or Neighbourhood House led to deeper involvement BWIN perceived as part of the Neighbourhood House Volunteers often described their involvement with BWIN as a process that began through their attendance at activities and events such as a community gathering, pre-school drop-in, English class or another type of class at the Neighbourhood House. It could also have been the result of a chance encounter with someone at the Neighbourhood House or in the community. These initial sources of contact served as entry points for participants� deeper involvement in BWIN and/or the Neighbourhood House; as people got to know each other and the Neighbourhood House, they grew steadily more comfortable and sought out additional ways to participate. Participants did not relate to BWIN as a stand-alone project or program. Instead, the ways in which participants perceived BWIN was often interchangeable with, and based on, their ongoing relationship or involvement with other services and programs housed within the Neighbourhood House. Volunteers often described their involvement with BWIN as a process that began through their attendance at activities and events such as a community gathering, pre-school drop-in, English class or another type of class at the Neighbourhood House. It could also have been the result of a chance encounter with someone at the Neighbourhood House or in the community. These initial sources of contact served as entry points for participants� deeper involvement in BWIN and/or the Neighbourhood House; as people got to know each other and the Neighbourhood House, they grew steadily more comfortable and sought out additional ways to participate. Participants did not relate to BWIN as a stand-alone project or program. Instead, the ways in which participants perceived BWIN was often interchangeable with, and based on, their ongoing relationship or involvement with other services and programs housed within the Neighbourhood House.

10. BWIN - Experiences Themes in participants perceptions: BWIN / Neighbourhood House is accessible and approachable BWIN staff and other participants recognize them as a whole person and for their skills BWIN offers opportunities to learn about Canadian culture and other cultures BWIN offers an opportunity to give back Themes that emerged in relation to participants� perceptions of BWIN-related programs and activities included: � BWIN / Neighbourhood House is accessible and approachable - this referred to geographic proximity - also referred to affordability of (and many free) programs and other things such as free clothing, tickets to events etc. - friendliness and genuine interest displayed by staff and by other participants � BWIN staff and other participants recognize me as a whole person and for my skills - many participants noted that the Neighbourhood House and BWIN treated them as a whole person, with skills to contribute (along with any needs) - the BWIN project was creating opportunities for meaningful participation and ultimately developing community leaders � BWIN offers opportunities to learn about Canadian culture and other cultures - BWIN offers participants the opportunity to meet immigrants from cultures different than their own, and to engage in culturally relevant activities. They said they learned from the experience and it helped them to feel more comfortable in Canada because they realized the degree to which Canadian society is multicultural. - Cultural activities also provided an occasion for children born in Canada of immigrant parents to learn about their own culture, which parents felt was important for both themselves and for their children. � BWIN offers an opportunity to give back - BWIN provides immigrants, particularly those who have been in Canada for several years, an opportunity to help others who are experiencing what they had gone through. They recognized how valuable the Neighbourhood Houses had been in their lives and want to give back some of what they have received. Themes that emerged in relation to participants� perceptions of BWIN-related programs and activities included: � BWIN / Neighbourhood House is accessible and approachable - this referred to geographic proximity - also referred to affordability of (and many free) programs and other things such as free clothing, tickets to events etc. - friendliness and genuine interest displayed by staff and by other participants � BWIN staff and other participants recognize me as a whole person and for my skills - many participants noted that the Neighbourhood House and BWIN treated them as a whole person, with skills to contribute (along with any needs) - the BWIN project was creating opportunities for meaningful participation and ultimately developing community leaders � BWIN offers opportunities to learn about Canadian culture and other cultures - BWIN offers participants the opportunity to meet immigrants from cultures different than their own, and to engage in culturally relevant activities. They said they learned from the experience and it helped them to feel more comfortable in Canada because they realized the degree to which Canadian society is multicultural. - Cultural activities also provided an occasion for children born in Canada of immigrant parents to learn about their own culture, which parents felt was important for both themselves and for their children. � BWIN offers an opportunity to give back - BWIN provides immigrants, particularly those who have been in Canada for several years, an opportunity to help others who are experiencing what they had gone through. They recognized how valuable the Neighbourhood Houses had been in their lives and want to give back some of what they have received.

11. Neighbourhoods have changed in many ways over the years, but one basic fact remains the same: strong neighbourhoods are places where we feel at Home. Today I will give you an overview of Dialogue Circle - A promising practice for Building Welcoming & Inclusive Neighbourhoods initiative Neighbourhoods have changed in many ways over the years, but one basic fact remains the same: strong neighbourhoods are places where we feel at Home. Today I will give you an overview of Dialogue Circle - A promising practice for Building Welcoming & Inclusive Neighbourhoods initiative

12. Introduction to Dialogue Circles  Circle provides a welcoming and safe platform for newcomers and long-time residents living in the neighbourhood to make connections, share their life experiences and build an inclusive community Introduction *The use�of meeting in circles to talk in traditional technique- story telling whose value still holds true today. I always consider Dialogue as ways of knowing an individual or a community at large . One such example is Dialogue Circle, a program of Building Welcoming and Inclusive Neighbourhoods initiative at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House.� Dialogue Circle provides a welcoming and safe platform for newcomers and long time residents living in the neighbourhood to make connections, share their life experiences and build an inclusive community. It is a wonderful experience and a unique opportunity for personal and community growth for both long time residents and newcomers. . Introduction *The use�of meeting in circles to talk in traditional technique- story telling whose value still holds true today. I always consider Dialogue as ways of knowing an individual or a community at large . One such example is Dialogue Circle, a program of Building Welcoming and Inclusive Neighbourhoods initiative at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House.� Dialogue Circle provides a welcoming and safe platform for newcomers and long time residents living in the neighbourhood to make connections, share their life experiences and build an inclusive community. It is a wonderful experience and a unique opportunity for personal and community growth for both long time residents and newcomers. .

13. To stimulate awareness of community issues among residents and build local leadership capacity to foster change *Most people care about their communities and would like to make a difference. Yet, it can be difficult to know where to begin and how to make progress. Lots of people are on the sidelines not knowing how to take part in the process to make a difference in the local community *DC stimulates awareness of�local community issues among residents and builds local leadership capacity to foster change. *Most people care about their communities and would like to make a difference. Yet, it can be difficult to know where to begin and how to make progress. Lots of people are on the sidelines not knowing how to take part in the process to make a difference in the local community *DC stimulates awareness of�local community issues among residents and builds local leadership capacity to foster change.

14. Dialogue Circles are conducted at various locations such as Neighbourhood Houses, Libraries, Family Places, Schools, Community Centres, BC Housing etc Dialogue Circle is made possible by reaching out to different organizations who are committed in create a welcoming and inclusive neighbourhoods So far Dialogue Circle are�conducted at various locations throughout South East Vancouver such as Neighbourhood Houses, Community Centres, Libraries, Family Places, schools and BC Housing. Dialogue Circle is made possible by reaching out to different organizations who are committed in create a welcoming and inclusive neighbourhoods So far Dialogue Circle are�conducted at various locations throughout South East Vancouver such as Neighbourhood Houses, Community Centres, Libraries, Family Places, schools and BC Housing.

15. Various Dialogue Circles are Conducted *The stories are often told with warmth and humour, sometimes with frustration, but always eagerly shared and received by the group. * It is gradually helping unlock the gifts and talents of the local residents. * Even hesitant to participant members have been transformed into active participant.� *The confidence instilled by this unique approach to gradual inclusion of each and all is worth mentioning. *The stories are often told with warmth and humour, sometimes with frustration, but always eagerly shared and received by the group. * It is gradually helping unlock the gifts and talents of the local residents. * Even hesitant to participant members have been transformed into active participant.� *The confidence instilled by this unique approach to gradual inclusion of each and all is worth mentioning.

17. Youth facilitating Anti-racism Dialogue Circles in the communityYouth facilitating Anti-racism Dialogue Circles in the community

18. The Dialogue Circle at Moberly Elementary school was started last year with very few members which grew larger and stronger today. This is because it created an opportunity for people to be heard, it generated opportunities for people to dream and to share their dreams and it encourages and enables people to be positive. Over the course of one year the participants at Moberly felt as if they had developed new understanding as an individual and developed a shared understanding as a group. They felt that they were able to shape the processes rather than just being passive. Now the group is empowered and being facilitated by the peer facilitator. So there is a gradual movement from agency to peer facilitation. The confidence instilled by this unique approach to gradual inclusion of each and all is worth mentioning. Nisha Sibal�an active Dialogue Circle participant says "Dialogue Circle has made me feel part of a wonderful diverse family. We relate, share, and learn together. This fine blend of relationship has enabled me discover greatest treasure of diverse community�.The Dialogue Circle at Moberly Elementary school was started last year with very few members which grew larger and stronger today. This is because it created an opportunity for people to be heard, it generated opportunities for people to dream and to share their dreams and it encourages and enables people to be positive. Over the course of one year the participants at Moberly felt as if they had developed new understanding as an individual and developed a shared understanding as a group. They felt that they were able to shape the processes rather than just being passive. Now the group is empowered and being facilitated by the peer facilitator. So there is a gradual movement from agency to peer facilitation. The confidence instilled by this unique approach to gradual inclusion of each and all is worth mentioning. Nisha Sibal�an active Dialogue Circle participant says "Dialogue Circle has made me feel part of a wonderful diverse family. We relate, share, and learn together. This fine blend of relationship has enabled me discover greatest treasure of diverse community�.

20. BWIN - Outcomes Participants� perceptions of the BWIN project to evaluators have been highly positive � they report feeling welcomed and included: Practical and useful information Training and opportunities Relationships and connections Engages recent and long term immigrants Recognizes skills and sees whole person All of these outcomes contributed to participants� feelings of being welcomed and included in the community. It offers practical and useful information on a range of topics relevant to every day life in Canada � It offers a wide range of training and volunteer opportunities, giving immigrants skills, knowledge, and experience that they can use as volunteers and in finding employment � It helps to foster relationships and connections between cultures and across cultures � It engages immigrants who have been in Canada for several years to reach out to and mentor those who have been in Canada for just a short time � It recognizes participants� knowledge and skills, and sees them holistically as people having expertise to offer, as well as having needs to addressAll of these outcomes contributed to participants� feelings of being welcomed and included in the community. It offers practical and useful information on a range of topics relevant to every day life in Canada � It offers a wide range of training and volunteer opportunities, giving immigrants skills, knowledge, and experience that they can use as volunteers and in finding employment � It helps to foster relationships and connections between cultures and across cultures � It engages immigrants who have been in Canada for several years to reach out to and mentor those who have been in Canada for just a short time � It recognizes participants� knowledge and skills, and sees them holistically as people having expertise to offer, as well as having needs to address

21. BWIN - Outcomes Develops initiatives based on needs and desires. Fosters citizenship and promotes increased civic engagement for participants and their children. Gained cross cultural communications skills and enhanced their knowledge about Canadian, as well as other, diverse cultures and customs Increased self-confidence - It offers practical and useful information on a range of topics relevant to every day life in Canada � It offers a wide range of training and volunteer opportunities, giving immigrants skills, knowledge, and experience that they can use as volunteers and in finding employment � It helps to foster relationships and connections between cultures and across cultures � It engages immigrants who have been in Canada for several years to reach out to and mentor those who have been in Canada for just a short time � It recognizes participants� knowledge and skills, and sees them holistically as people having expertise to offer, as well as having needs to address � It develops programs and initiatives based on what it is that participants say they want to do and/or need � It helps to connect immigrants to the wider community and resources- It offers practical and useful information on a range of topics relevant to every day life in Canada � It offers a wide range of training and volunteer opportunities, giving immigrants skills, knowledge, and experience that they can use as volunteers and in finding employment � It helps to foster relationships and connections between cultures and across cultures � It engages immigrants who have been in Canada for several years to reach out to and mentor those who have been in Canada for just a short time � It recognizes participants� knowledge and skills, and sees them holistically as people having expertise to offer, as well as having needs to address � It develops programs and initiatives based on what it is that participants say they want to do and/or need � It helps to connect immigrants to the wider community and resources

22. BWIN - Outcomes Evaluator Found BWIN: Promotes Neighbourhood Houses as a resource for immigrant and newcomers Could present Neighbourhood Houses as a focal point for integration into Canadian society Major strength is its Community-focused, community development nature Serves as an integrating focus for neighbourhood houses� programs These outcomes are outlined in the evaluation report: The social connections and learning about diverse cultures, including Canadian culture, participants experienced through BWIN fostered citizenship and promoted increased civic engagement for them and importantly for their children. Therefore, BWIN may present the Consortium and the ANH with an opportunity to promote Neighbourhood Houses as a resource for immigrant and newcomers. It may also present an opportunity to show Neighbourhood Houses as a focal point for integration into Canadian society. The BWIN project has enabled Neighbourhood Houses to strengthen their �roots� � i.e., doing community-building work that is all about identifying strengths and needs of the local neighbourhood, and the working with neighbourhood residents to address these needs and bring out our assets. BWIN participants remarked that being seen by the neighbourhood house as a �whole person� was appealing. This contrasted with their experiences with other programming offered elsewhere. The Neighbourhood Houses� experience in grassroots programming and leadership fits neatly with the BWIN model, and their status as being, in essence, microcosms of the communities in which they are situated makes them very well suited to doing BWIN-focused activities. BWIN did not offer a huge amount of funding to each neighbourhood house but the houses were still able to record a significant amount of accomplishments in the first year. As well, BWIN was an integrating focus for neighbourhood houses� programs, thereby contributing to increased capacity within the neighbourhood. These outcomes are outlined in the evaluation report: The social connections and learning about diverse cultures, including Canadian culture, participants experienced through BWIN fostered citizenship and promoted increased civic engagement for them and importantly for their children. Therefore, BWIN may present the Consortium and the ANH with an opportunity to promote Neighbourhood Houses as a resource for immigrant and newcomers. It may also present an opportunity to show Neighbourhood Houses as a focal point for integration into Canadian society. The BWIN project has enabled Neighbourhood Houses to strengthen their �roots� � i.e., doing community-building work that is all about identifying strengths and needs of the local neighbourhood, and the working with neighbourhood residents to address these needs and bring out our assets. BWIN participants remarked that being seen by the neighbourhood house as a �whole person� was appealing. This contrasted with their experiences with other programming offered elsewhere. The Neighbourhood Houses� experience in grassroots programming and leadership fits neatly with the BWIN model, and their status as being, in essence, microcosms of the communities in which they are situated makes them very well suited to doing BWIN-focused activities. BWIN did not offer a huge amount of funding to each neighbourhood house but the houses were still able to record a significant amount of accomplishments in the first year. As well, BWIN was an integrating focus for neighbourhood houses� programs, thereby contributing to increased capacity within the neighbourhood.

23. BWIN - Challenges Related to participation Language barriers Child care Winter weather Time commitment Related to Neighbourhood Houses� organization Staff workload demands Limited space Language - Insufficient resources for translation and/or the lack of a large pool of multi-lingual volunteers assisting with BWIN activities and programs can hamper unilingual, ESL individuals� participation. Child care - Lack of child care and/or lack of resources for the Neighbourhood Houses to provide child care affects parents with young children, and BWIN activities geared to older people, as many seniors are grandparents who care for their grandchildren during the day. Winter weather - Cold weather and icy streets particularly affects the participation levels of older people. Time commitment - Potential participants felt that the time commitment involved in becoming a volunteer or even a participant in ongoing BWIN activities was perceived to be large and daunting for some immigrants or newcomers, who were very busy with other day to day responsibilities and/or work, school and family life. A related challenge, noted by one BWIN Coordinator, was that the population in the area served by her Neighbourhood House was quite transient; new families tend to stay for a year or so then move to another neighbourhood in the Lower Mainland and hence not opt to participate or volunteer for ongoing Neighbourhood House activities. Staff workload demands Typically a lone, and usually part-time staff person is responsible for implementing BWIN-related activities. Yet, as is typical with grassroots community development, BWIN-related activities are often highly ambitious; therefore, it could be challenging to oversee this work as an individual staff person. Cross-department work within neighbourhood houses, which would fit with BWIN projects, is difficult to organize due to the already high workloads most staff maintain Limited space This is a long-standing problem in many neighbourhood houses Language - Insufficient resources for translation and/or the lack of a large pool of multi-lingual volunteers assisting with BWIN activities and programs can hamper unilingual, ESL individuals� participation. Child care - Lack of child care and/or lack of resources for the Neighbourhood Houses to provide child care affects parents with young children, and BWIN activities geared to older people, as many seniors are grandparents who care for their grandchildren during the day. Winter weather - Cold weather and icy streets particularly affects the participation levels of older people. Time commitment - Potential participants felt that the time commitment involved in becoming a volunteer or even a participant in ongoing BWIN activities was perceived to be large and daunting for some immigrants or newcomers, who were very busy with other day to day responsibilities and/or work, school and family life. A related challenge, noted by one BWIN Coordinator, was that the population in the area served by her Neighbourhood House was quite transient; new families tend to stay for a year or so then move to another neighbourhood in the Lower Mainland and hence not opt to participate or volunteer for ongoing Neighbourhood House activities. Staff workload demands Typically a lone, and usually part-time staff person is responsible for implementing BWIN-related activities. Yet, as is typical with grassroots community development, BWIN-related activities are often highly ambitious; therefore, it could be challenging to oversee this work as an individual staff person. Cross-department work within neighbourhood houses, which would fit with BWIN projects, is difficult to organize due to the already high workloads most staff maintain Limited space This is a long-standing problem in many neighbourhood houses

24. BWIN - Challenges Funders� requirements and evaluation Outcome timeline out of sync with the nature of community development Evaluation process time-consuming Quantitative information at odds with BWIN goals In light of the community development focus of BWIN, the timeframes for the evaluation and in particular for anticipated outcomes were out of synch with the actual pace of community and organizational capacity building. A majority of the Neighbourhood Houses voiced the concern that the need to collect quantitative/output information required by the funder (i.e., demographic information regarding participants� and volunteers� country of origin, length of time in Canada, etc.) created an �unwelcoming� environment that actually served as a barrier to participation. In light of the community development focus of BWIN, the timeframes for the evaluation and in particular for anticipated outcomes were out of synch with the actual pace of community and organizational capacity building. A majority of the Neighbourhood Houses voiced the concern that the need to collect quantitative/output information required by the funder (i.e., demographic information regarding participants� and volunteers� country of origin, length of time in Canada, etc.) created an �unwelcoming� environment that actually served as a barrier to participation.

25. BWIN - Recommendations At least two more years of funding and sustainability planning �Promising� practices compilation Communications Focus on social exclusion, racism Focus on men, more recent newcomers Translation and interpretation services - That the BWIN project should continue to receive funding for at least two additional years to allow time for the program to become fully established and for evidence of anticipated outcomes to be obtained. There will be more of a focus on best practices and sustainability. BWIN partners have contracted a communications company to craft a communications plan and take an active role in promoting the BWIN project with our community partners and on its own website. With BWIN, the Consortium and the ANH can expand their work with community partners such as the other umbrella organizations, the United Way, the School Districts and Health Regions to promote the BWIN project and to address policy issues that may impede the integration of newcomers within the neighbourhood. That the BWIN Working Group and Steering Committee review the Evaluation Framework and make adjustments as required (e.g. to intermediate formative and summative outcomes) in light of lessons learned from implementation in Year 1. - That time is devoted in Year 2 to articulating how the various components of BWIN-related community development are integrated to achieve desired project outcomes relating to addressing social exclusion and racism. - That the BWIN Working Group and Steering Committee also focus their second year activities on identifying strategies for reaching and engaging particular population groups, particularly men and more recent newcomers. - That funding for BWIN projects include additional resources to support translation and interpretation services in order to increase access and program responsiveness for newcomers and recent immigrants.- That the BWIN project should continue to receive funding for at least two additional years to allow time for the program to become fully established and for evidence of anticipated outcomes to be obtained. There will be more of a focus on best practices and sustainability. BWIN partners have contracted a communications company to craft a communications plan and take an active role in promoting the BWIN project with our community partners and on its own website. With BWIN, the Consortium and the ANH can expand their work with community partners such as the other umbrella organizations, the United Way, the School Districts and Health Regions to promote the BWIN project and to address policy issues that may impede the integration of newcomers within the neighbourhood. That the BWIN Working Group and Steering Committee review the Evaluation Framework and make adjustments as required (e.g. to intermediate formative and summative outcomes) in light of lessons learned from implementation in Year 1. - That time is devoted in Year 2 to articulating how the various components of BWIN-related community development are integrated to achieve desired project outcomes relating to addressing social exclusion and racism. - That the BWIN Working Group and Steering Committee also focus their second year activities on identifying strategies for reaching and engaging particular population groups, particularly men and more recent newcomers. - That funding for BWIN projects include additional resources to support translation and interpretation services in order to increase access and program responsiveness for newcomers and recent immigrants.

26. Implications for Policy Invest in neighbourhood capacity building Recognize and support grassroots social capital and community development i.e. community dialogue Invest in community leadership development Design public spaces to facilitate interaction and meeting places Support integrated approaches- programs, community development and resources Defining newcomers in neighbourhoods and communities- within Canada and outside Canada Encourage and resource appreciative and positive approaches to address difficult issue like racism Resource community building tools Recognize the impacts some policies have on other policies Social capital and community development takes lot of time and effort to imbed relation building and bridging communities. Closer to home is more accessible to people. Considerable outreach to newcomers in the communities and constant reflection on who else is missing. Resources include financial, human and physical Resouces community buiklding tools, like dialogues, food, arts and celebrations, volunteerism and supporting the growth of children youth and families- intergeneration activitiesSocial capital and community development takes lot of time and effort to imbed relation building and bridging communities. Closer to home is more accessible to people. Considerable outreach to newcomers in the communities and constant reflection on who else is missing. Resources include financial, human and physical Resouces community buiklding tools, like dialogues, food, arts and celebrations, volunteerism and supporting the growth of children youth and families- intergeneration activities

27. BWIN - Conclusions Community development requires time and resources. Especially true for community development involving multi-lingual, multi-cultural communities Community building and outreach with newcomers aiming to address serious challenges is complex and time-consuming As community developers know, community development takes time. Community building and outreach with newcomers aiming to address social exclusion and racism is all the more ambitious, complex and time-consuming. Further, increasing community members� awareness about how racism and social exclusion can manifest themselves, as well as how community development activities can reduce social exclusion can be challenging and requires relationship building within multiple communities, including the host communities. Progress often seems non-linear and slow, especially if a staff person is working alone, as was the case for some BWIN Coordinators. These funding resources are needed to be committed to address: language barriers the need for translation and/or interpretations services, if outcomes are to be achieved. Further, anticipated outcomes of community development projects need to be in synch with the true pace of community development and capacity building endeavours. This suggests that evaluation frameworks and/or logic models ought to be reviewed regularly (annually) to ensure that they continue to reflect project activities and realities. As community developers know, community development takes time. Community building and outreach with newcomers aiming to address social exclusion and racism is all the more ambitious, complex and time-consuming. Further, increasing community members� awareness about how racism and social exclusion can manifest themselves, as well as how community development activities can reduce social exclusion can be challenging and requires relationship building within multiple communities, including the host communities. Progress often seems non-linear and slow, especially if a staff person is working alone, as was the case for some BWIN Coordinators. These funding resources are needed to be committed to address: language barriers the need for translation and/or interpretations services, if outcomes are to be achieved. Further, anticipated outcomes of community development projects need to be in synch with the true pace of community development and capacity building endeavours. This suggests that evaluation frameworks and/or logic models ought to be reviewed regularly (annually) to ensure that they continue to reflect project activities and realities.

28. A full Dialogue Circle Documentary to be released and Toolkit will include more information For further information contact: Koyali Burman at 604-324-6212(ext 136) koyali@southvan.org www.southvan.org