The Ethnocultural Grassroots Advocacy Group held its January meeting at ActionDignity, reaffirming its commitment to advancing policy and systems change that supports racialized and newcomer communities. Members emphasized that their advocacy is grounded in the lived experiences of their communities and driven by a shared commitment to social justice, dignity, and equitable opportunities.
Strengthening Governance and Capacity
The meeting opened with key operational updates, including the group’s official name change (formerly the Ethnocultural Caucus) and the signing of the Terms of Reference. As part of ongoing capacity building, members reviewed the FCSS research brief on Policy and Systems Change and discussed its relevance to the group’s policy priorities. Intersectionality and collective impact emerged as central themes, with members underscoring the importance of coordinated grassroots action to influence meaningful change.
Advancing Community‑Led Research for Policy Reform
Members also reviewed progress on the community‑based participatory research (CBPAR) project led by the Steering Committee. They highlighted the need to accelerate data collection to strengthen the evidence base for policy advocacy.
This community‑led study examines the socio‑economic impacts of foreign‑credential non‑recognition and Canadian work‑experience requirements—barriers that significantly affect newcomers’ employment outcomes and overall well‑being. Findings from this research will inform evidence‑based advocacy aimed at improving employment policies and practices in Calgary.
Upcoming Engagements
The meeting concluded with invitations to upcoming activities in recognition of Black History Month. The group will reconvene in March to continue advancing its policy and advocacy agenda.
To take part in the CBPAR study, please take the survey here: Community-based Survey (CBPAR) – Fill out form
Individuals interested in joining the Ethnocultural Grassroots Advocacy Group are encouraged to register using the form below: Ethnocultural Grassroots Advocacy Group – Fill out form
If you have been involved in any way with ActionDignity’s programming during the last year, your feedback means a lot to us. Please take a few minutes to take our Impact survey here: ActionDignity Impact Survey 2025 – Fill out form