Transform

About this Collaboration 

The Westlock Community Foundation aims to support organizations and communities within the region focusing on new immigrants and anti-racism efforts by acting as the lead project convener, we will partner with local organizations and ethnocultural communities in Westlock, Westlock County, and immediate surrounding communities to create opportunities for connection, community development, and inclusion.

Project Need: 
Despite the benefits of rural living, inadequate support for those moving to rural communities resulted in difficulties adapting, leading to isolation and exclusion. This project addresses these challenges by creating opportunities for connection, fostering community development, and promoting inclusivity to enhance the well-being of both new immigrants and existing community members.

Antiracism is fundamental for building a healthy and thriving community. It is a practice that aligns with creating an inclusive, tolerant environment. Embracing diversity contributes to social harmony, enhances productivity, and challenges stereotypes and biases. By actively working against racism, communities can ensure that everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued, fostering positive relationships and long-term sustainability.

We have $50,000 available to support organizations and groups wishing to partner on this initiative. We welcome applications from all ethnocultural groups and organizations wishing to participate in this project. If you don't identify as an ethnocultural group or organization but serve ethnocultural communities, you are also welcome to apply. 

Applications to participate are welcomed between April 15, 2024 and June 7, 2024. 

Project Dates: June 2024 - May 2026 (Note: Funding is for year one only) 

Project Goals:

• Facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders, including local organizations and ethnocultural communities.
• Focus on new immigrants and anti-racism efforts to address specific community needs.
• Foster opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect and engage with one another.
• Promote social interaction and understanding among ethnocultural communities and the broader population.
• Contribute to the overall development of the community by implementing projects that address key issues related to immigration and racism.
• Encourage initiatives that enhance the well-being and resilience of the community.
• Promote a culture of inclusion that embraces diversity and ensures that everyone, including new immigrants, feels welcome and valued in the community.
• Implement activities and programs that actively work towards breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Establish meaningful partnerships with local organizations, ethnocultural communities, and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with partners to maximize the impact of the project and create a united front against racism and discrimination.
• Strive for a sustained and positive impact on the region, leaving a legacy of increased community cohesion, understanding, and acceptance.
• Promote a sense of shared responsibility for creating a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone

How This Will Benefit Our Communities:
The tools and resources developed through this project will serve as invaluable assets for the community, fostering sustained positive change. By creating educational materials, workshops, and integration programs, we aim to equip community members with the knowledge and skills needed to build bridges across diverse backgrounds. These resources will not only facilitate smoother integration for new immigrants but also empower the entire community to actively participate in anti-racist efforts, fostering an inclusive environment. Additionally, the project's initiatives, such as safe spaces and community dialogues, will provide enduring platforms for open conversations, further promoting understanding, empathy, and collaboration among residents. Ultimately, the tools and resources developed will leave a lasting legacy of unity, tolerance, and strengthened social bonds within the community.

Who This Impacts: 
Based on 2022 Census Data - there are approximately 1500 people who identify as racialized (BIBPOC) or Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) living in our immediate and surrounding region. We also have a steady rotation of physicians and nurses who work in our communities who fall into these communities and may not be captured by the census, but are still a part of our community. The broader number is a wider community at large who will also benefit from the outcomes of this project.

Activities Will Include:

• Engagement
• Education
• Resources
• Support