Friday 29 June 2012

The mystery of Asians' success in Spelling Revealed

Came in my email today:

Interesting.

Why Do Asian Americans Win So Many Spelling Bees?

Why the archetype of the "model minority" is a load of BS.

June 12, 2012 |

When Snigdha Nandipati became the fifth consecutive Indian American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee last month, the 14-year-old did it by successfully spelling out “guetapens,’’ a French-derived word that means trap or snare.

In fact, Nandipati is the 10^th Indian American to nab the title in the last 14 years. What a model minority, right?

Ah, don’t fall into the guetapens.

The myth of the “model minority,” typically applied to Asian Americans (including Indian Americans), is a fiction that reinforces a single stereotype of an extraordinarily diverse community. This myth falsely suggests that Asian Americans have overcome the same challenges other communities of color have failed to surmount and ignores the history of selective immigration and the significant number of Asian Americans who are struggling to make ends meet.

In “The Karma of Brown Folk,” Professor Vijay Prashad credited the disproportionate success of certain Asian American communities to the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, passed by Congress to actively recruit more scientists to the United States. For instance, between 1966 and 1977, 83% of the Indian immigrants to the U.S. were professionals such as engineers and medical doctors.

More recently, the information technology boom has created a new wave of Indian American professional immigrants, including the parents of the past five Spelling Bee champs (all IT professionals or professors). Further explaining Indian American success in the Bee, an entity called “North South Foundation” acts as a sort of minor-league circuit for aspiring Indian American spelling champions, training thousands of children every year, including the past five winners.

These hand-selected, highly educated immigrants ensured that their children would get the best educational opportunities and the resources to take advantage of them.

If the Slave Trade had centered on Thailand instead of West Africa, if China happened to border the United States to the South, or if Columbus had actually colonized (Asian) Indians, Asian Americans would likely have a very different reputation today.

Prashad theorized that the American (white) establishment created the “model minority” concept to blame traditionally disenfranchised communities of color for their economic plight: “These non-white people are successful, why aren’t you?” This tactic diverts attention and culpability from actual factors that perpetuate poverty in these communities: past government injustices, such as land theft and slavery, and more recent discriminatory actions, such as redlining and predatory lending.

Despite the relative success of some Asian Americans, others are struggling to get by. 2010 American Community Survey data estimate that 16.4% of Asian Americans live in relative poverty and 18% of Asian Americans live without healthcare. According to a recent study by the Economic Policy Institute, Asian Americans suffer from the highest rates of long-term unemployment when compared to whites, African Americans, and Latinos. The widespread and false notion that all Asian Americans are successful, however, allows policymakers to ignore this segment of the community when crafting policies to help Americans get by.

Furthermore, Asian Americans, having origins in markedly dissimilar regions and countries and immigrating to America under widely different circumstances, are too diverse to lump into one demographic category. For instance, Cambodian American and Bangladeshi American families often have more difficult challenges than Japanese American and Indian American families. Disaggregated data for each community, such as those provided by the American Community Survey (currently under attack by Congressional Republicans), would yield a truer picture of Asian American success.

Lifting the veil of the “model minority” myth should not detract from Asian American successes, typically achieved through discipline, hard work and in spite of obstacles such as language barriers, coerced assimilation, and racial bias. And Nandipati’s laudable achievement, which fittingly came on the last day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, should be unconditionally celebrated. But all Americans, including Asian Americans who have bought into this fiction, should act as “mythbusters” and start talking about the real reasons why some communities of color are not doing as well as others.

Anand Subramanian is the Program Manager of the Closing the Racial Wealth Gap Initiative at the Insight Center for Community Economic Development. He is an attorney and a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Law, due in no small part to advantages and sacrifices his Indian American professional parents provided.

Thursday 28 June 2012

Job opportunity - Executive Director

Executive Director

Full-time permanent

The Elmwood EK Active Living Centre in partnership with a resident advisory committee is seeking an experienced Executive Director to establish and manage a new Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation for the Chalmers neighbourhood in east Winnipeg.

Potential applicants must have a university degree in the social sciences, business administration or combination of education and related experience. Essential skills/experience: organizational and board development, min. three years management, working with community-based organizations and volunteer boards, financial planning, and writing of funding proposals.

Position is subject to a Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Record Check. The successful candidate will be responsible for any service charges incurred. Valid driver’s license and use of a vehicle is required. Email nacc.hc@gmail.com for full position description.

Submit resume, cover letter, salary expectations and three references (employers and past community partners) to:

NACC Hiring Committee

Attention Con Gislason, President Elmwood EK Active Living Centre, 180 Poplar Ave., R2L 2B6 Winnipeg, MB.

Email: nacc.hc@gmail.com

Closing date for submissions: July 20, 2012. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note that the full description is available if interested applicants email nacc.hc@gmail.com. It will be in this Saturday’s free press.

Tuesday 26 June 2012

Immigrant Children Success

Conservation and Water Stewardship minister Gord Mackintosh (right) with Biodiversity Award winner Charmaine Agsalud of Sisler High School and her father Albert Agsalud

June 26, 2012

MANITOBA HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENT AWARDED TRIP TO POLAR BEAR INTERNATIONAL'S TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMP IN CHURCHILL

– – –
Charmiane Agsalud Wins Biodiversity Conservation Award at Schools Science Symposium: Mackintosh

Charmaine Agsalud, a Grade 10 student at Sisler High School, is the recipient of the Manitoba Schools Science Symposium’s annual Biodiversity Conservation Award, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“This is a great opportunity for a Manitoba high-school student to attend the world-class Polar Bear International Teen Leadership Camp and enjoy the experience of a lifetime,” said Mackintosh. “Students from around the world attend this camp to develop knowledge and understanding about the problems facing polar bears because of a changing climate and the importance of the Arctic and subarctic to the overall health of the planet.”
The Manitoba government and Polar Bears International sponsor the award, which includes sending a science student in Grade 10 or 11 to attend the teen leadership camp in Churchill.
“I am so excited my hard work as president of the environment club, my essay and my work in the science fair has been acknowledged by being selected as the recipient of this award,” said Agsalud. “I am very grateful for this amazing opportunity.”
The teen leadership camp includes a seven-day workshop on the impacts of the warming Arctic with a focus on polar bears, taught by a group of international instructors.
“The end goal of the camp is to motivate action on climate change,” said Kathryn Foat, vice-president of conservation education and stewardship strategies for Polar Bears International. “We are very grateful for the support from Frontiers North Adventures, Calm Air, Four Points by Sheraton Winnipeg and Canada Goose to create such an inspiring and educational experience at very little cost to the participant.”
Past participants of the program include students from Manitoba, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and international students from Denmark, Australia, Germany and the United States.
“We are fortunate to have great partners at Polar Bears International and at the Manitoba Schools Science Symposium to make this opportunity available to a deserving Manitoba student,” said Mackintosh. “We can greatly enhance the advanced, environmental learning experience by providing students with access to the home of polar bears.”
The teen leadership camp will take place in Churchill this fall.

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Monday 25 June 2012

Interim Refugee Health Program

http://www.utpsychiatry.ca/bill-c31-uoft-psychiatry-position-statement/

Interim Federal Health Program Cuts and Bill C31 - U of T Psychiatry Position Statement

Position Statement from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
As mental health professionals, we are united in stating our grave concern and firm opposition to two recent announcements which will affect the mental health of refugees: the cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which are scheduled to take effect on June 30^th, 2012, and the proposed legislation of Bill C31. Both of these changes target the most vulnerable populations in Canada and will create undue human suffering. We join members of the wider medical community who have already voiced their concerns[1] about the proposed changes to the IFHP, including the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and many other national healthcare groups[2].
Who we are
The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto has a proud history in Canada since 1907 with over 700 active faculty members engaged in research, clinical care, and education. It is home to one of the largest training programs of psychiatry in the world. Our faculty members are dedicated to researching and providing frontline mental health care for all people living in Canada, including many marginalized populations such as immigrants and refugees.
Outline of Interim Federal Health Program changes and its impact
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary basic healthcare coverage, medications, and some supplemental benefits to accepted refugees and refugee claimants, many of whom have left everything they own to flee from persecution, rape, torture and violence in their home countries. Currently, IFHP benefits allow refugees to receive medications, outpatient psychiatric care, hospitalization and basic primary care. In addition, IFHP provides coverage for dental care and eye-glasses, both of which are necessities for people trying to find work and start a new life in Canada. This is similar to what other populations receive under provincial social welfare plans.
The new IFHP changes divide refugees into groups who will receive different healthcare coverage. At the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration’s discretion, certain countries (Designated Countries of Origin, or DCOs) will be deemed “safe.” This process cannot take into account the complexity of individual refugee’s experiences, their reasons for migration, or their need for clinical care.
The three categories of refugees under the new policy will be:
-       protected persons
-       refugee claimants from non-DCOs
-       rejected refugee claimants and refugee claimants from DCOs i.e. “safe countries”
As of June 30^th 2012, all refugees will see their medication coverage eliminated. This will include vital medications such as insulin, anti-epileptics, and psychiatric medications. The only exception will be medication for conditions posing a threat to public health or safety. All refugees will also see their vision, dental and supplementary benefits cut. Protected persons and refugee claimants from non-DCO countries, will only receive medical care if the condition is urgent or essential. People from so-called “safe” countries and rejected refugee claimants will no longer receive any medical assessment and treatment at all except for conditions deemed to threaten public health or safety. It is not only disturbing that the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has the discretion to impose designations on refugee claimants based not on the validity of their claim, but on their country of origin, but to then further use this designation as a reason for allocating health care is unjust, and creates a two-tiered health care system amongst refugee claimants.
In terms of mental health care for refugees from so-called “safe” countries, it appears that coverage would only be provided if a person were deemed to be a threat to others, such as in an acute psychotic state[3]΄[4]. This restriction serves to further stigmatize our already marginalized patient population, since it deems people worthy of care only if they are dangerous. It appears likely that refugees from “safe” countries may not even be covered for emergency assessment or treatment if they are at imminent risk of suicide.
Further, the IFHP changes will cut coverage for assessment and treatment of physical health problems[5], which jeopardizes both refugees’ physical and mental well-being as the two are inextricably linked. For example, along with cuts to medication coverage, refugees from DCO countries will no longer be covered for conditions such as heart attack, trauma or pregnancy. These changes will put further stress on an already burdened population, and will leave many refugees with less access to care than what they may have received in refugee camps, putting them at risk of developing new onset mental health problems.
In summary, the IFHP changes will deprive refugees of basic physical and mental health care. They will take away hope from refugees when they need it most in order to make meaning of their experiences, move forward with their lives, and integrate into communities. In addition to facing well-documented challenges such as poverty, lack of housing, discrimination, and language barriers, refugees who have suffered inhumane treatment and trauma in their own countries and are seeking sanctuary will now also encounter systemic barriers to care. Not having access to timely intervention means that many health conditions, from physical conditions such as diabetes and cardiac diseases to mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder may escalate to crisis levels, requiring more costly emergency or inpatient care. This legislation is therefore not only ethically flawed, it is fiscally unjustified and will lead to more costs for Canadian taxpayers.
Problems with Bill C31
The health of refugees is further threatened by Bill C-31[6], the “Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act,” which was introduced in Parliament in February 2012. This bill will create a two-tier system of refugee protection in Canada, dividing those who are deemed to arrive through an “irregular arrival” from others, thereby discriminating against certain refugees based on their method of arrival. This bill includes a number of provisions[7] deeply concerning from a mental health perspective, including:
-       Giving the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration the power to designate a country as “safe” without external review. As outlined above, refugees from so-called “safe” countries would not receive access to any medical or psychiatric care except when their condition is deemed to be a risk to public health or safety. These refugees may also face additional restrictions, such as not having work permit for 180 days or until their claim is accepted[8]^,[9], effectively limiting their ability to afford any kind of care.
-       Allowing refugees only 15 days to file a written claim on arrival and 15 days to appeal an initial refusal. This provides insufficient time for a population that is often traumatized to seek assistance in organizing their narrative into a coherent account. These unreasonably short timelines also disregard the reality that refugees have a multitude of needs that need to be met simply to survive upon their arrival to Canada, and filing a written claim within 15 days may not be possible.
-       Providing the Minister with the power to designate groups of refugees as “irregular arrivals” based on mode of arrival. These refugees will be held in mandatory detention for up to a year, with reviews only at two weeks and 6 months[10]. Children over age 16 would also be detained and imprisoned as if they were adults, while children under age 16 would be either separated from their parents or detained with them in prison-like conditions. For this group of refugees, they will also be denied permanent residency and family reunification for at least 5 years.
These measures serve to punish people who have already been victimized and endured extreme hardship in search of hope and a new beginning. The mental health effects of detention are well known. Evidence shows that detention of children affects both their mental and physical health, and studies show the development of mutism, sleep disturbances, nocturnal enuresis, nightmares, impaired cognitive development and suicidality even in young children who are detained[11]. Many families are forcibly separated during migration, and the delay in permanent residency for 5 years will further delay family reunification, negatively affecting children as well as their parents. Recent evidence from Canada and internationally shows the harmful effects of immigration detention on adults, including high rates of psychological distress, depression and PTSD[12].
The proposed legislation of Bill C-31, if adopted, will offer a dangerous welcome to refugees seeking asylum in Canada. Many more refugees will face fast-tracked deportation if their country is deemed to be “safe,” regardless of whether the individual has experienced persecution, especially with the additional changes barring refugees from having a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment or application for Permanent Residence on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds for one year. We know that it takes time for those who have suffered severe trauma to collect themselves, establish trust, and get connected with the most basic resources, and the 15-day limit on submitting documents will hinder refugees from filing accurate claims. For some refugees, resettlement stress will be further augmented by the delay in citizenship and family reunification, with potentially dire consequences in their ability to integrate into our community.
Why should you care?
The stated aim of the IFHP changes and the proposed Bill C31 is cost saving[13]. Bill C31 was also introduced to decrease the processing time of so-called “bogus” refugees. In actuality, these policies will neither save us money nor “deter” refugees, but instead, will create additional human suffering and further marginalize and victimize already vulnerable refugees.
While the IFHP cuts are projected to save the government about $20 million per year[14], this is at an untold cost to refugees.   Untreated physical and mental health conditions not only worsen health outcomes for refugees, but also further disadvantage them in their journey to restart their lives and integrate fully into communities in Canada. The detention and other measures proposed in Bill C31 will have a devastating negative impact on the health of refugees. Any short-term savings from IFHP changes will be at the cost of much higher expenses in acute emergency care, hospital treatment for severe conditions, long-term medical costs for chronic conditions, and overall lost productivity. From a fiscal perspective, these changes will not only fail to save taxpayers’ money, but rather, they will increase health care costs as care is diverted form primary care preventive settings to emergency rooms and inpatient hospitalizations.
In the promotion of these policies, there is often an attempt to portray refugees in a negative light, creating an “us” vs “them” mindset so that our natural human response to empathize is muted by distrust and indifference. Refugees are fleeing from danger and persecution, not shopping for healthcare benefits. From an ethical and humanitarian point of view, these policies create undue human suffering. They target the most vulnerable, disadvantaged, and voiceless segment of the population, and run counter to Canada’s national identity and values as a country that promotes human rights and equity. Health is a fundamental human right that we believe in. Equity is about fairness, and this includes the recognition that some of us are at a disadvantage not of our own accord or choosing.
Therefore, as mental health professionals, we strongly urge the government to rescind the IFHP changes and withdraw Bill C31. It is time for all levels of government to work with health professional organizations towards a more efficient, economical, evidence-based, and inclusive way of delivering equitable healthcare to all people living in Canada, irrespective of immigration status or country of origin.
What can you do?
1. Participate in a National Day of Action against the IFHP cuts occurring in multiple cities on Monday, June 18th, 2012 at 1 pm
Toronto location: The CIC building at 25 St. Clair St. East
Organizers have asked all health care workers to wear a lab coat or greens, and RSVP at Docs4refugeeHC@gmail.com
2. If you are a member of another student or professional organization, consider putting together a position letter with your colleagues, and using your organization to raise awareness about the IFPH cuts and Bill C31 to other members, the public, and the government.
3. Call or write to the following MPs:
Hon. Jason Kenney – Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism – at 613-992-2235 / jason.kenney@parl.gc.ca
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq – Minister of Health at 613-992-2848 / leona.aglukkaq@parl.gc.ca
NDP immigration critic – Jinny Jogindera Sims - 613-992-0666 / Jinny.Sims@parl.gc.ca
NDP health critic – Libby Davies – 613-992-6030 / libby.davies@parl.gc.ca
Liberal Party immigration critic – Kevin Lamoureux - 613-996-6417/kevin.lamoureux@parl.gc.ca
Liberal Party health critic – Hedy Fry - 613-992-3213 / hedy.fry@parl.gc.ca
4. Call or write your local MP
(Contact info can be found at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E)
Letters tend to be particularly persuasive, especially if they are clearly not a “stock” letter (i.e. they are hand-written).
5. Sign a petition about the cuts to the IFHP.
http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-the-cuts-to-healthcare-for-refugees-in-canada
For more information, please see http://www.doctorsforrefugeecare.ca/index.html or email Docs4refugeeHC@gmail.com

[1] http://blog.openmedicine.ca/node/339

[2] http://www.pharmacists.ca/cpha-ca/assets/File/cpha-on-the-issues/SuppBenefitsKenneyEN.pdf
http://www.canadiandoctorsformedicare.ca/may-2012-letter-to-the-minister.html
[3] http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/outside/coverage.asp
[4] http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/laws-policy/ifhp.asp
[5] http://www.cfpc.ca/uploadedFiles/Publications/News_Releases/News_Items/Summary%20of%20Changes%20to%20the%20Interim%20Federal%20Health%20Program.pdf
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/outside/summary-ifhp.asp
[6] http://www.parl.gc.ca/LegisInfo/BillDetails.aspx?Mode=1&billId=5383493&Language=E
[7] http://ccrweb.ca/en/protect-refugees-c31-statement
[8] http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/backgrounders/2012/2012-02-16i.asp
[9] http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/LOP/LegislativeSummaries/41/1/c31-e.pdf
[10] http://ccrweb.ca/en/comments-amendments-bill-c-31
[11] Kronick, R et al, Mandatory detention of refugee children in Canada: A public health issue?, Paediatrics and Child Health, October 2011
[12] http://oppenheimer.mcgill.ca/Bill-C-4-The-impact-of-detention
[13] http://www.themarknews.com/articles/8526-failing-canada-s-most-vulnerable
[14] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/andre-picard/why-cutting-health-care-for-asylum-seekers-makes-no-sense/article2432183/

To learn more about our department’s strategic direction to promote equity and social justice, please read our Pillar 4 – Dialogue

Settlement Facilitator wanted in Virden Manitoba

The Virden Community Chamber of Commerce is seeking a Settlement Facilitator (part-time position) for the Virden and District Settlement Services program

This program will assist new immigrants in the region Qualifications:
Ability to document and complete required reports *Full job description available through the

Virden Community Chamber of Commerce*

Please submit a resume and cover letter

on or before July 20 to:
Virden Community Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 899, Virden, Mb R0M 2C0

virdencc@mymts.net
We thank all who apply but only those selected
will be contacted for an interview.

•

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;

fluency in additional languages an asset

• Ability to work within a cross cultural environment

• Interviewing and client assessment knowledge

• Program development experience

• Human services or community services background

• Ability to utilize technology to access and record

information

• Valid driver’s license

• Ability to work flexible hours

by making the initial settlement process a positive

experience. The Settlement Facilitator will be responsible

for planning, networking within the region and researching

in order to provide a wide range of services to newcomer

immigrants. Services will include information, orientation,

support counselling, referral and access to community

services and advocacy.

Sunday 24 June 2012

Have your say please

Tom Denton a long time passionate activist for refugees and former executive director of the International Centre in Winnipeg Manitoba, and currently a part of the Refugee Hospitality House ministry, has responded to Minister Kenny's cuts to refugees health program in a letter to the Winnipeg Free Press below. The minister recently announced cuts to refugees health care. Many Manitobans have taken a stand against these cuts seen as discriminatory and divisive. To say that refugees should not get more health benefits than Canadians pits Canadians against refugees and does not encourage harmony.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/kenneys-refugee-claims-pander-to-prejudice-159837685.html

Please read this letter and say your piece, how do you think this would affect refugees in your community? Do you think the Minister's argument is fair? Is Mr. Denton, bi-partisan? What is the truth and what do refugees really deserve? Thanks for participating

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Opportunity

Interpreter Trainees – Fall Training Session 2012 WRHA Language Access Interpreter Services

We are currently seeking individuals interested in becoming trained interpreters and are fluent in English and one or more of the following languages:
consist of a centralized pool of trained interpreters (casual employees) who are scheduled on an as-needed basis to work with service providers and limited/non-English speakers in a variety of healthcare and non-healthcare settings. These include hospitals, health clinics, private residences, personal care homes, long term care facilities, as well as a variety of other settings such as provincial courts and federal correctional institutions. Swahili (female applicants will be prioritized)
Applications are currently being accepted for the

Successful completion of the ILSAT/CILISAT and the training program are prerequisites for the possibility of being offered casual employment opportunities with

WRHA Language Access Interpreter Services. QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated fluency in English and another language (speaking, listening, reading), and demonstrated interpreter skills (successful ILSAT or CILISAT assessment)

High school diploma or equivalent

Flexible schedule with daytime availability

Available to attend unpaid 72-hr training (successful completion of the training is a job requirement)

Ability to use information technology (Internet, E-mail); daily access to computer

Successful criminal record check and child abuse registry check
ASSETS

Strong interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills

Ability to work in stressful and sensitive situations with limited supervision

Post-secondary education in target language

Prior interpreting experience, preferably in health care and/or social services

Knowledge of medical terminology, health references and resources

Commitment to ongoing professional development

Valid driver’s license and use of a vehicle

WRHA Interpreter Training session scheduled for September/October 2012 (exact dates and times to be confirmed). This unpaid 72-hour training is offered at no cost to participants (funded by Integration Services Branch – Manitoba Immigration and Multiculturalism). In addition to the qualifications and assets listed below, training eligibility includes successful completion of the interpreter language and skills assessment (ILSAT/CILISAT). Candidates wishing to undergo the ILSAT/CILISAT testing are required to pay a $45 administration fee (fee subject to change without notice).

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Immigrant Youths Making a Difference

Premier Greg Selinger and Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau presented 10 outstanding Grade 12 students with the Premier's Healthy Living Award for Youth at a ceremony at the Legislative Building

June 8, 2012

PREMIER HONOURS 10 STUDENTS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO HEALTHY LIVING

Premier Greg Selinger and Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau presented 10 outstanding Grade 12 students with the Premier’s Healthy Living Award for Youth at a ceremony at the Legislative Building today.
“Each of our award winners has worked tirelessly to help build stronger schools and stronger communities,” said Selinger. “Their remarkable dedication and achievements are an inspiration to their peers and to all Manitobans.”
This year’s recipients of healthy living awards are:

Betelhem Chala, Elmwood High School, Winnipeg;
Michelle Coupland, Boissevain School, Boissevain;
Israa Elgazzar, Kelvin High School, Winnipeg;
Marie-Rose Hanyurwim-fura, Nelson McIntrye Collegiate, Winnipeg;
Brayden Harper, Kildonan East Collegiate, Winnipeg;
James Harper, Dakota Collegiate, Winnipeg;
Keith Johnson, Teulon Collegiate, Teulon;
Emily Klekta, Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, Swan River;
Alana Robert, St. Mary’s Academy, Winnipeg; and
Jeremy Ryant, West Kildonan Collegiate, Winnipeg.

Each participant received a medal, certificate and letter of congratulations from the premier for their achievements.
“These young Manitobans are making a difference in many ways, from the promotion of physical activity, healthy eating and prevention of chronic disease, to helping prevent bullying, addictions and gang participation,” said Rondeau. “Today, we are proud to honour their passion, creativity and determination.”
A partnership of Manitoba’s Healthy Schools Initiative and MB4Youth, the Premier’s Healthy Living Award for Youth builds on the existing Manitoba Youth Leadership Scholarship Program that recognizes Grade 12 students who have engaged in meaningful volunteer activities that promote leadership, citizenship and healthy living in their schools and communities, Selinger said.
Since its inception, the Premier’s Healthy Living Award for Youth has recognized more than 30 Manitoba youth for their volunteer contributions.

- 30 -

Job Opportunity

Employment Opportunity, Spence Neighbourhood - One Year Maternity Leave (term)

Spence Neighbourhood Association is looking for a Community Connector for the Spence Neighbourhood. This position is 35 hours a week, wage between $14-$16/hour with some evenings and weekends. This position is a one year position (maternity leave contract)

The Spence Neighbourhood Community Connector, works with the residents of the Spence Neighbourhood to address their concerns around the areas of safety, security, and community concerns. The Community Connector works with residents to connect neighbours provide resource, hold safety audits and plan community events.

Requirements

· Excellent interpersonal skills, open minded and the ability to work with all community members

· Ability to advocate where needed

· Ability to help individuals and groups identify and achieve their goals

· Ability to organize learning for community members and/or refer them to learning opportunities

· Self starter with an eagerness to see progress while not taking over the responsibilities of others.

· The ability to use email, WORD, Excel and HIFIS data entry considered an asset

Duties Include:

· Organizing community safety audits

· Organizing community events

· Organizing, planning and running the Spence Neighbourhood safety committee

· Participating in West End Safety committee

· Working with residents to address community concerns

· Organizing and support the good food box program

Assets:

Current First aid, CPR training
Creativity and ambition
Experience working in the inner city community
Experience working with community organizations
Drivers Licence

Deadline for Applications: Friday June 15th, 2012

Resume with cover letter should be submitted to: Spence Neighbourhood Association

Attn: Jamil Mahmood

615 Ellice Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0A4

Fax: 775-1802

e-mail:

Friday 8 June 2012

Vacancy - CBC Radio

Producer (English Services)

CBC/Radio-Canada

When you work at CBC/Radio-Canada, you're part of an inspiring, entertaining, truly Canadian organization. Each day, some of the industry's most creative minds come to work for a world leader in public broadcasting that fuels the Canadian dream, making our national broadcaster one of the country's largest cultural institutions.

The regional arts content unit produces local arts and culture stories across platforms, including online, radio and TV, with additional commitment to CBC Music and community cultural events. We are looking for a producer (a one year term) to lead the regional arts content unit in Winnipeg. The producer is responsible for online and on-air quality for Manitoba SCENE and SCENE On Air, and social media, ensuring our product consistently meets the program mission and values as well as CBC journalistic standards and practices. As a producer, you are responsible for assigning vetting and lining up online stories and some radio stories. You lead team meetings which include: weekly story, pitch, planning and feedback sessions. You manage the team workflow as well as generate theme and story ideas for the local arts hub. You work closely with various units within the corporation to ensure art stories are delivered to all media platforms. You are responsible for budgets, events, CFM and freelancers, identifying and developing talent as well as staffing issues. You collaborate with the senior management team on the development plan for the unit and lead the execution of that plan. You expand and maintain content partnerships with local arts and culture organizations. Where required you will lead special projects/productions which includes planning, execution and delivery of content to all regional platforms and culminate in a public event.
Qualifications

We are seeking a candidate with the following qualifications:

Job requires a university degree or equivalent;
Five years' experience of which three must involve work in broadcasting or a closely related industry, which is directly related to the area of assignment;
A strong team leader with the ability to inspire others;
Demonstrated talent as a content producer;
Superior writing, editorial and production skills, with knowledge of online and radio storytelling;
Video editing an asset;
Solid journalistic background;
An ability to choose relevant, audience focused stories, which reflect the interests and concerns of our local audience;
Demonstrated skills in the area of conflict resolution, mentoring, talent recognition and development;
An innovator and risk taker;
A commitment to reflecting community and diversity;

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. CBC/Radio-Canada brings diverse regional and cultural perspectives into the daily lives of Canadians in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.
CBC/Radio-Canada is committed to reflecting the country's diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from people of any wealth of cultures, linguistic and ethnocultural communities, gender, sexual orientations, ages, religions and those with different abilities.

For more information, visit the Talent and Diversity section of our corporate website: www.cbc.ca/jobs.

If this sounds interesting, we want to hear from you! We thank you for your interest, but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Application deadline: 19 / 06 / 2012
Website: CBC/Radio-Canada

Thursday 7 June 2012

School students focus on anti-violence awareness

A Warning to Teenagers Before They Start Dating

Published: June 3, 2012

BOISE, Idaho — After studies emerged more than a decade ago showing that the highest rates of physical and sexual assault happen to women ages 16 to 24, programs to prevent abusive relationships have concentrated on high school and college students.

Students from North Junior High School in Boise, Idaho, worked on their “ChalkHeart” projects at the Boise Art Museum last month.

Some initiatives have shown promise, but overall statistics remain largely unchanged: the most recent government report stated that nearly one in 10 high school students said they had been physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Now a diverse group that includes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and federal lawmakers is trying to forestall dating violence by addressing even younger students: middle schoolers. The goal is to educate them about relationships before they start dating in earnest, even though research shows that some seventh graders have already experienced physical and emotional harm while dating.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/04/us/middle-school-students-focus-of-anti-violence-effort.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20120604

By JAN HOFFMAN

Research Study on Immigrant Labour Market Experiences

The Sociology Department at the University of Manitoba, is doing a study of, “The Long Term Labour Market Experiences of Immigrants in Canada”. They want to interview immigrants about their experiences in the Canadian labour market over their lifetimes. The study is led by Dr. Lori Wilkinson.

Study participants will meet the following criteria:

· Born outside of Canada

· Came to Canada before the age of 30

· Lived in Canada for at least 10 years

· Have held a full or part-time job in Canada, or have actively looked for work in Canada

Participants will be interviewed for 40-60 minutes, and will receive $25.

If you are interested and eligible to participate, please call Lori Wilkinson at 474-8491 or email: employmentstudy@umanitoba.ca

Dr. Lori Wilkinson

Wednesday 6 June 2012

Facts about Immigrants

Introduction

What you should know about this study

Immigrant donors give more on average than Canadian‑born donors

Even at lower levels of household income, immigrants give more

Immigrant donors more likely to give to religious organizations and to give them larger amounts

Long-term immigrants are more likely to give than recent immigrants

Recent immigrants give less on average, in part because they are younger and have lower household incomes

Long-term immigrants give a smaller share of their donations to religious organizations

Same top three reasons for giving among immigrant and Canadian‑born donors

Immigrants more often give through a collection at their place of worship

Immigrants less likely to volunteer than the Canadian‑born

Immigrant volunteers slightly more likely to give their time to religious organizations

Recent immigrants as likely to volunteer as long-term immigrants

Immigrants volunteer for similar reasons and do similar tasks as the Canadian‑born

Immigrants are slightly more likely to give lack of time as a reason for not volunteering

Summary

Job-Opportunities - tourism, retail

MTEC – the Hospitality/Tourism Sector Council for Manitoba – has a job board for individuals specifically looking for jobs within the hospitality, tourism and retail industries.

Positions are currently posted in the following communities:

- Brandon

- Churchill

- Oak Hammock Marsh

- Portage la Prairie

- The Pas

- Winkler

- Winnipeg

The Job Board is updated daily to offer you the most current positions in these industries throughout Manitoba. On average, you can count on 30+ current positions posted on any given day.

If you are seeking new employment, or know of someone who is, please visit http://mtec.mb.ca/find_a_job.aspx to find the most current opportunities!

If you know of someone who may benefit from the information contained in this email, please feel free to forward it to them.

(Just a reminder – keep your calendars open for Thursday August 30. That is when we will hold the next Hospitality, Tourism and Retail Job Fair at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.)

Luanne Christensen

Training Services Coordinator

Manitoba Tourism Education Council

100 - 1534 Gamble Place

Winnipeg, MB R3T 1N6

(204) 957-7437 Ext. 207

lchristensen@mtec.mb.ca