Today marks the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a monumental day for many reasons. Here at ActionDignity, this day holds extra significance because it is our organization’s birthday! This year marks 20 years since ActionDignity was first established as the Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary.
On March 21, 2002, ActionDignity, formerly then as Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary, was built with nine ethno-cultural organizations coming together. These ethno-cultural leaders wanted to usher in a season of hope, equality and justice amidst growing intolerance of cultural diversity that was on the rise after September 11.
Since our inception, ActionDignity has been at the forefront of many initiatives addressing issues of diversity, human rights, racial inequities, and public participation. We have built leadership and organizational capacity in Calgary’s ethno-cultural communities and enhanced the presence and participation of members of these communities in civic activities, public consultations, and elections. We have developed innovative approaches that strengthen the role of ethno-cultural communities in the design, access and better delivery of services, domestic violence prevention and community strengthening. We’ve anchored significant research projects on the impact of changes to public policies, especially on immigration and temporary workers’ rights.
During COVID-19, ActionDignity rapidly pivoted to respond to the needs of our communities and delivered emergency response, vaccine awareness and advocacy programs.
ActionDignity would not exist without the contributions, dedication, resilience, and love of the ethno-cultural communities in Calgary. This organization was built by many who share the same belief that respect, and dignity is a human right. We work hard so that one day we can say Calgary is a just and equitable society for all.
We’d like to thank all the founding members, community leaders, community members, and partner organizations who have helped shape us with their rich and diverse perspectives and cultures; all the talented staff who have always had a deep commitment to anti-racism and community building work; our community brokers who have been the bridge linking our organization with diverse populations across the city; our partners, funders and donors who trusted our vision and continue to support us.
We will continue to be an advocate for marginalized communities and advance actions that promote the sense of worth and dignity for racialized and other marginalized groups in our community. We all have a role to play, because the choice of the future we want to see tomorrow begins with our collective efforts today. Let our actions, our good actions define us!