The Powell River Diversity Initiative creates, sponsors, and promotes diversity-related projects and programs that increase awareness of diversity, provide diversity education and foster an inclusive and safe community.
|
|
Intercultural Parenting Project: “Is It Warm Enough in Powell River?” [Overview]
The Intercultural Parenting Project is based on the idea that when parents are connected to each other and to their community, stronger, healthier families and welcoming communities emerge. We also believe that social isolation that is often present in intercultural situations impacts negatively on healthy child development. Thus, by supporting parents from all backgrounds and cultures to feel welcome and connected, we lay the foundation for systemic change and for a community that continues to be healthy and vibrant into the future.
The project was designed as a community needs assessment to identify the unique challenges of parents who come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and who live in Powell River, and identify options to improve their intercultural parenting experience.
A cross-section of community members were engaged in this project including families from different ethnic backgrounds (international newcomers), members of Sliammon First Nation, and non-Aboriginal community members.
The report also gives the perspective of service providers who are actively providing support to international newcomer and Aboriginal parents negotiating one or more challenges and their view of what needs to be improved in Powell River. Together, the input from parents and service providers was used to create an inventory of services for newcomer parents.
The full report, including Appendix 7: Inventory of Services may be viewed by clicking on this link. Please feel free to send feedback on the report to Sara Blum, PRDI Coordinator at prdi@prepsociety.org.
|
|
Other PRDI Projects and Programs, past and present:
2009 - 2011
2006 - 2008
- Critical Incident Response Protocol
- Welcoming & Valuing Diversity Workshop
- Dialogue on Diversity
- Talking/Listening Circles
- Diversity Conversations
- Safe Harbour: Respect for All (on-going)
- Safe Harbour Youth Ambassadors
|
|
 |
Our Vision
That the Powell River community is a welcoming, accepting, respectful, and safe community for all.
Our Values
We believe that diversity is crucial to building and maintaining a vibrant, healthy community where all feel accepted and may contribute to the well-being of the community.
|
|
Our Mission
PRDI will create, sponsor, and promote diversity-related projects and programs that increase awareness of diversity, provide diversity education and foster an inclusive and safe community.
|
|
In January 2005, 30 Powell River residents gathered to talk about multiculturalism and racism.
As a result, the Powell River Anti-racism and Multicultural Initiative (PRAMI) was created to develop a critical incident response protocol for the Powell River region. A coordinator was hired and steering committee was established to oversee the project. The PREP Society administered the project.
PRAMI held the “Welcoming and Valuing Diversity”, an evening workshop, and “Dialogue on Diversity”, a full day forum. Safe Harbour and Safe Harbour Youth Ambassadors were initiated.
|
|
| In 2008, the scope was broadened and PRAMI became the Powell River Diversity Initiative (PRDI). The “Diversity Conversations” and the “Talking/Listening Circles” programs were developed and delivered to adults and children in our community. In 2009/2010 PRDI received funding for 3 projects through WelcomeBC. PRDI continues to work with our community partners towards creating a community that is more welcoming and celebrates diversity. |
|
PRDI is guided by a Steering Committee whose members represent a broad cross-section of the community. The Steering Committee is chaired by the Powell River Employment Program (PREP) Society. The Steering Committee meets regularly and members are actively engaged in developing and implementing projects that are endorsed by the committee.
The PRDI Steering Committee and the PREP Society provide ongoing support, guidance, input, and feedback regarding PRDI projects and programs.
For more information, or to find out more about joining the Steering Committee, please contact Sara Blum, PRDI Coordinator at 604-485-2675 or by email at prdi@prepsociety.org.
|
|
 |
- Join the Steering Committee. The PRDI Steering Committee includes a cross-section of community members and welcomes those interested in supporting and/or getting involved in PRDI
- Attend various PRDI events.
- For information about our current events, please contact Sara Blum at 604-485-2675 or by email at prdi@prepsociety.org.
- Tell your friends and family about the PR Diversity Initiative.
- “Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common” (anon); Let’s find ways to celebrate the diversity in Powell River!
|
|
Mailing address:
- 103 - 4511 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2K5
Physical address:
Find us on Facebook!
|
|
