Social Inclusion & Economic Empowerment

Creating a city where every community can contribute, be heard, and belong

In Calgary, not everyone has the same opportunity to feel a sense of belonging.

Newcomers and racialized communities often face roadblocks, whether it’s equitable access to work, having credentials recognized, navigating service systems, or simply being part of civic decision-making.

The Social Inclusion & Economic Empowerment program works to remove these roadblocks. Grounded in fairness, justice, and equal opportunity, it helps communities gain the knowledge, skills, and support to achieve stability and independence.

We support communities in designing and leading their own solutions, from neighbourhood projects to advocacy campaigns. We also strengthen connections between grassroots groups, service providers, and institutions to create systems that include and work for everyone.

This program is for ethnocultural and racialized communities seeking greater social and economic well-being, as well as for partners committed to building a city where everyone can thrive.

The Latest

Testimonials

“People want more awareness and training—racism isn’t common sense, and many don’t know but want to learn. ActionDignity's Community Action Plan shaped Korok as an organization. People are carving out community spaces, and this gives them a chance to address experiences they live through but often don’t talk about. It’s opened dialogue and allowed us to grow as a group responsive to real community needs.”

Korok Society

Available Resources

Deep in our minds: Social Isolation and Racism

A study with 47 members of seven racialized communities in Calgary confirms the inextricable links between social isolation, mental health and racism.

The City of Calgary Anti-racism Strategic Plan

The City of Calgary Anti-Racism strategy sets the foundation for unmasking and eliminating systemic racism that is deeply rooted in the fabric of our society. It embodies five focus areas that helps to amplify the impact of systemic changes.

Half of racilized people have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment in the past

This article showcased survey results using pooled data from six waves of the Canadian Social Survey, to examine the intersection of various charateristics of people who experienced discrimination.Reflecting on the diversity of intersectional identities in Canada, experiences of discrimination varied across intersecting identities of racialized people and immigrants.

Calgary's Newcomers As Economic Drivers

Article by the research team of the Calgary Economic Development examined the changing workforce in Calgary with increasing diverse newcomer population and how they contribute to per cent increase in GDP.

Settlement Outcomes HIGHLIGHTS Report

This Highlights Report provides a summary, including key findings and a compilation of existing data and research that provides evidence on newcomer outcomes that support integration within Canada.

Join our Work

Interested in our program? Share your lived experience, spread the word in your community, and join our program activities. Together, we can advance equity and advocate for systems change.