At ActionDignity, our volunteers are at the heart of building stronger, more inclusive communities. This story is written by Mohammad Raihan, a volunteer from our Public Policy and Social Justice Board Committee. We thank all the volunteers, like Mohammad, who dedicate their time and effort to creating positive change in the community alongside ActionDignity. If you are interested in being part of us, please check: Join Us – Volunteer – ActionDignity
I first connected with ActionDignity in 2022 through one of its leadership training programs, where I learned how the organization unites racialized and equity-seeking communities to foster learning, capacity building, and advocacy for meaningful systems change.
With a background in sociology, public health, and community-engaged research, my academic and professional work has focused on equity issues affecting immigrant and racialized communities. I study how social and structural factors shape everyday experiences of the disadvantaged population, particularly through barriers to healthcare access, immigrant integration, digital (in)equity, and broader social determinants of health. This commitment aligns closely with ActionDignity’s mission to advance social justice and equity, which motivated me to serve on its Public Policy and Social Justice Board Committee.
In my role as a volunteer with the Public Policy and Social Justice Board Committee, I supported the review of ActionDignity’s Advocacy and Policy Statement, ensuring that its direction reflected the organization’s core priorities of equity, collaboration, and sustainability. We were especially engaged in discussions surrounding foreign credential recognition, Canadian experience barriers, and the economic marginalization of racialized people, which remain pressing challenges to equitable participation and social inclusion in Canada.
What I value most is the space ActionDignity creates for honest dialogue and collective community organizing. Lived experience and professional expertise meet here—and that combination strengthens policy and advocacy. I am also ready to contribute as a research methodologist to support evidence-informed initiatives undertaken by ActionDignity.
I am proud to serve on the Public Policy and Social Justice Board Committee, which brings together grassroots voices, employers, mainstream partners, and policymakers to advance equitable and inclusive change. Together, we strive to develop practical solutions that promote equity and uphold ethical participation within and across communities.
Looking ahead, I want to see ActionDignity continue to grow as a trusted, influential organization advancing equity, justice, and active civic participation in Calgary and beyond.
Mohammad M H Raihan
PhD Candidate (Population & Public Health)
Community Health Sciences
Cumming School of Medicine
University of Calgary