Community-Building in Ethnically Diverging Cities
Day / Time Wednesday, June 21st / 16:30 - 18:30
Event Description
This event is a lively discussion of street level initiatives aimed at solving conflicts and inequality in changing multicultural communities. It will include a presentation of promising actions, such as a web cafe for urban art and social issues and a “citizen’s charter”, which is a legal model for civic and cultural rights in cities. A short series of narratives from groups working in places like Vancouver, Toronto, and the South Pacific will frame a debate on best practices and encourage thought on expanding political representation. Projects include helping immigrants adapt and transition to their new communities, dealing with community violence, organizing alternatives for youth, and campaigning to develop more inclusive city planning policies. Especially important to this event is the meta-level dilemma of cultural relativity, how it relates to universal human rights, and how these issues challenge healthy community building.
Session Language
English
French
Speakers
Cynthia Gervais: Rights and Democracy Network, Montreal
Glenn Raynor: Executive Director, Pacific Peoples' Partnership, Victoria
Simon Schachner: Popular Participation Movement Nanaimo
Host Organization
Rights and Democracy Nanaimo Delegation
Host Organization Description
Rights and Democracy Nanaimo is a student driven delegation working on projects that promote human rights and fair democratic political and social representation. Part of a Canada wide network of University student organizations, the Nanaimo delegation has developed socially conscious radio programs, elementary school educational kits, community support fundraisers, and a documentary filmakers contest. The Rights and Democracy Network itself is based in Montreal, and is a non-partisan organization which works with individuals, organizations and governments in Canada and abroad to advance the human and democratic rights defined in the United Nations' International Bill of Human Rights. Although its mandate is wide-ranging, Rights & Democracy currently focuses on four themes: democratic development, women's human rights, globalization and human rights, and the rights of indigenous peoples.