What was the initiative?

Civic Engagement Training For Newcomers aimed to enhance the capacity of newcomers in Kingston, Ontario, to actively participate in civic life and engage with the community. The initiative was designed to increase newcomers’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities in Canada, particularly focusing on their ability to engage in local elections and community decision-making. Key activities included organizing a mock federal election for newcomers learning English. This event allowed participants to practice voting in a safe, supportive environment, and it also served as a civic education tool for participants. Lauren’s initiative also sought to provide newcomers with the skills and resources to engage with various local services and community organizations, including developing a community scorecard to gather feedback on resettlement services.

What was the community connection?

Lauren’s connection to this community was built on her role as a facilitator and connector between the newcomer population and the broader Kingston community. Through her work with the Immigrant-Led Working Group and KEYS Job Centre, Lauren became an advocate for newcomers and an active participant in initiatives that focused on their integration. Initially, her community role involved organizing and facilitating discussions and training for newcomers, providing them with opportunities to connect with each other and learn about their rights and responsibilities in Canadian society. Over time, Lauren’s involvement deepened as she built relationships with both newcomers and local organizations.

How was it innovative?

The Civic Engagement Training for Newcomers initiative was innovative in several ways, particularly in its approach to fostering meaningful civic participation among newcomers. The initiative’s emphasis on experiential learning was a unique way to facilitate civic literacy education. The initiative’s collaborative approach was also innovative, as demonstrated by the creation of the community scorecard, which sought to gather feedback from newcomers about their experiences with resettlement services. This participatory approach to service evaluation helped ensure that newcomers’ voices were heard in shaping future resettlement practices.

What is Lauren doing now?

Lauren is an articling student at Lenczner Slaght while completing her JD at University of Toronto. Lauren has been volunteering for just over two years as a Co-Lead for Reproductive Rights Justice Working Group at the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights.