York Region Children's Aid Society supports and coordinates events and
campaigns, which provide an opportunity for community education and involvement.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSIVITY SYMPOSIUM APRIL 24-25
Plan to attend this educational symposium offered by the Community
Inclusivity Reference Group (CIRG) of which York Region CAS is a part of. The event
explores best practices around diversity, equity, and inclusivity. The event includes
25 workshops and 50 presenters. Keynote presentations will be given by Stephen Lewis,
distinguished professor from Ryerson University, and Dr. Jean Augustine, Ontario’s
Fairness Commissioner. The symposium brings together professionals from mental health,
child welfare, education, health care, human services, law enforcement, and legal sectors.
This informative conference brings together citizens, youth, faith
leaders, policy makers, and service providers to discuss family violence among South
Asian communities. Presentations discuss honour-based violence, forced marriages,
elder abuse, and violence against women and children. Legal professionals provide
insight around policy, legislative, and legal reform regarding immigration policies.
Community workshops held separately for women, men, and youth to discuss family
violence, and interfaith discussions among faith leaders representing the diverse
faiths within South Asian communities (e.g. Muslim faith, Hinduism, Christianity,
Sikhism, Buddhism, and more) to address misconceptions about what various religious
teachings say about gender roles, family violence, and other related matters.
Social Services Network (SSN) spearheads the conference in partnership
with Sheridan College (Davis campus), and Peel, York, Durham, and Toronto Police
departments. York Region CAS is proud to co-lead the planning committee of this
conference and to work alongside community partners to support the South Asian community.
York Region CAS founded the Film Festival in 2009 and worked towards
its establishment in collaboration with a number of community partners. The festival
explores, showcases, and celebrates the many diverse voices across York Region, as well
as highlights social challenges and issues. The festival has grown significantly over
the past four years and will screen approximately 60 films this year submitted by
residents of York Region. Youth at four high schools in the region will get to participate
in interactive screenings, allowing students to share their thoughts about films through
video chat. York University’s Film department is also hosting students for screenings,
multimedia workshops, and tours of their Film Studies facilities. All events culminate
in an Awards & Closing Gala on May 29.
To book screening or gala tickets, or to find out more about the Multimedia
Film Festival and all its associated events, please visit: www.yorkregionfilmfestival.com.
