Some say that the universe has a plan. Well, its been finally realized by us at ACE that ACE Communities has a process. No wait, let me amend that…ACE Communities IS a process – a process for change.
When the ACE Communities initiative first came into being it was slated as a project designed to enhance quality of life in rural Alberta by strengthening community leadership, collaboration, and innovation through recreation, parks, arts, culture. After over three years of ACE in action, the project has evolved into a community development process that can now be applied to other issues and challenges.
This is where things get even more interesting. Are you ready?
Rather recently, ACE received the good news that we are the recipient of a grant from the Province of Alberta’s Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund (HREM Fund). I should officially thank ACE Director Brenda Herchmer here for that bit of grant writing chutzpah.
ACE Communities will be using these monies for or a Diversity Friendly Communities project in rural Alberta.
If you weren’t aware, the goal of the Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism (HREM) Fund is "full participation of all Albertans." In the context of the fund, "full civic participation" means that all Albertans have the opportunity to be involved in and benefit from all aspects of society without encountering discrimination because of their race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, disability, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, or the other characteristics protected in the Alberta Human Rights Act.
Specifically, this means that Albertans have the opportunity to participate in the social, cultural, political, and economic life of the province without discrimination. The goal of the upcoming ACE Communities Diversity Friendly Communities project is to help initiate community change using recreation, parks, arts, culture, and heritage as a vehicle that will increase community capacity to: 1) Foster equality and reduce discrimination and racism and 2) Remove organizational barriers that exclude some Albertans.
On a recent teleconference on the subject, a diverse group of community leaders in rural Alberta came together to discuss their sense of readiness. Leaders in Trochu outlined the many ways they have welcomed Filipino newcomers into their town and expressed their concern that they might lose these new additions to their community to the pull of large cities like Calgary.
Leaders from Chestermere and Killam expressed their commitment to long-term plans to make their communities more ready for diverse populations. One leader in Drayton Valley explained how the town’s MSP already does have a diversity lens but they are still struggling to engage with the shadow population (as in transient workers drawn to their community by the oil patch).
And yet another leader is hoping to apply for the project to help mend relations with a neighbouring First Nations community.
So the process and the opportunity is out there. Do you think you are ready to become an ACE Diversity Friendly community? Keep your eyes on the ACE Communities site for more on this great project!
1 comments:
Janet, an excellent description of an exciting and innovative initiative! The examples from the communities are reflective of the rich diversity of many Alberta communities - a reality we need to recognize and celebrate.
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