Community Engagement Strategies for SPO’s

Alberta is home to a growing number of newcomers who bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and strengths to the province. Traditional integration models have often placed the burden of adaptation solely on newcomers. However, a transformative shift is underway—one that emphasizes a two-way integration approach rooted in mutual belonging. This model calls for shared responsibility, where both newcomers and receiving communities actively contribute to building inclusive, welcoming environments.

This document highlights community-driven engagement strategies across Alberta that reflect this shift. These practices are informed by newcomer feedback and lived experiences and aim to promote deeper understanding, connection, and participation for all

Guiding Principles

1. Two-Way Integration: Community members and newcomers engage in mutual learning and adaptation.
2. Asset-Based Approach: Recognizes the skills, strengths, and contributions newcomers bring.
3. Lived Experience Centered: Strategies are informed by the voices of those with firsthand settlement experience.
4. Collaboration and Partnership: Initiatives are co-created by community organizations, municipalities, and grassroots groups.
5. Cultural Safety and Anti-Racism: Engagement efforts acknowledge systemic barriers and promote equity and respect.

Building Belonging: Community-Driven Initiatives

These community-driven strategies represent a shift from traditional integration models toward a two-way approach grounded in mutual belonging. Based on newcomer input and lived experiences, they help create inclusive environments where all community members feel valued and welcomed.

Community-Driven Integration Projects

• Local residents, including volunteers, collaborate with organizations and newcomers to co-create initiatives that address language support, cultural orientation, food security, housing, and more.
• Why it works: These grassroots efforts reflect the needs and strengths of the whole community. By centering shared responsibility and culturally relevant support, they build stronger, more inclusive local networks.
• Community-Driven Projects:
  • Talking Circle (Edmonton Multicultural Coalition): Brings Indigenous and intercultural communities together.
  • Using Digital Messaging to Support Newcomer Communities – A Toolkit for Individuals and Organizations: The Digital Messaging for Settlement and Integration (DMSI) project is all about connecting newcomers with the information they need to successfully settle in Canada, when and where they need it.
  • Building Blocks for Engaging Newcomer Volunteers: Published by Volunteer Canada, this guide offers best practices for organizations to engage newcomers as volunteers. It emphasizes the mutual benefits of such involvement, including skill development for newcomers and enriched community services.
  • Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) – Community Report: EMCN’s 2021–22 Community Report highlights the organization’s commitment to supporting newcomers through various programs, including language training, employment services, and community engagement activities. The report emphasizes the role of volunteers in facilitating these services and fostering a welcoming environment.
  • CCIS Rural Initiatives: The Calgary Catholic Immigration Society remains committed to enhancing newcomer attraction and retention in rural areas by facilitating multi-sectoral networks and combating isolation.
  • Newcomer Centre launches Cultural Advantage program– Edmonton Newcomer Centre: This social enterprise aims to enable Alberta employers to grow and thrive by creating interculturally robust work environments that support diverse workforces.

Cultural Festivals and Celebrations

• Informal events bring newcomers and long-term residents together through food, music, storytelling, and art.
• Why it works: These shared experiences, often community-funded, promote mutual understanding and inclusion.
• Arts & Culture Resources:
  • Understanding Newcomers’ Experiences of Inclusion (CFRAC, 2021): This research project explores newcomer well-being in Alberta, aiming to find solutions to challenges faced by newcomers. It emphasizes the importance of community events in facilitating integration and fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Celebrating Cultural Festivals — A Key Part of Creating a Sense of Belonging for Newcomers: The article discusses how celebrating cultural festivals, such as Diwali, helps newcomers feel included and fosters a sense of belonging within Canadian communities.

Youth & Advisory Engagement

• Programs that empower newcomer youth and advisory groups to take on leadership roles and engage with their communities.
• Why it works: These programs build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging among youth. By giving them a voice in decision-making, it fosters trust and ensures that services are more relevant and responsive to their needs.
• Initiative:
  • Mobilizing Knowledge on Newcomers Symposium (UCalgary): Academic-community forum on integration.
  • Red Deer LIP Workplace Inclusion Charter: This initiative focuses on enhancing employees’ cultural competence in the workplace, aiming to create inclusive work environments.
  • Newcomer Youth Engagement Program (NYCE) : Encourages youth leadership and inclusion through community-based activities.
  • Speak Up! – CCR Youth Initiative : Supports refugee youth to lead projects that address their own challenges.

Community-Driven Settlement Support

• Collaborative efforts provide welcoming hubs, volunteer opportunities, and tailored workshops based on newcomer input.
• Why it works: Responsive to local needs and shaped by community voices, these initiatives ensure relevance and sustainability.
• Settlement Partnerships:
  • Edmonton Local Immigration Partnership (ELIP): ELIP brings together immigrant-serving organizations, government, and communities to address the diverse needs of newcomers through coordinated efforts and shared solutions.
  • CLIP Civic Engagement: The Calgary Local Immigration Partnership works to empower newcomers to engage in civic affairs and have their voices heard, promoting democratic values and better decision-making.
  • Jasper Local Immigration Partnership (JLIP): JLIP aims to make Jasper a welcoming place for all newcomers by working towards systemic and cultural change to help newcomers thrive.

Publications & Toolkits

• Communications Toolkit to Support Newcomers (Alberta Municipalities): a toolkit with ready-made templates to help Alberta communities promote welcoming messages and support for newcomers through social media, posters, and ads.
• Community Engagement in Local Communities: Research paper on inclusive municipal engagement.
• Newcomer-focused digital inclusion in rural Alberta: The article highlights the need for newcomer-focused digital inclusion in rural Alberta, stressing access to devices, digital skills, and locally tailored solutions.
• Welcoming Toolkit: Measuring Welcoming Communities: This toolkit is designed to assist communities across Canada in assessing and enhancing their capacity to welcome and integrate newcomers effectively.
• Welcoming Communities Toolkit: Practical tools for municipalities to build inclusive communities.

Outcomes and Impact

1. Increased newcomer civic participation
2. Greater cross-cultural awareness among Albertans
3. Stronger social networks and community resilience
4. Improved service delivery through inclusive feedback loops
5. Reduced isolation and increased newcomer well-being

Conclusion

Alberta’s evolving community engagement landscape offers a hopeful vision for the future—one where integration is not a solitary journey, but a shared path toward connection and mutual support. By centering community-driven approaches, we create environments where everyone, both newcomer and long-term resident alike, can feel valued, welcomed, and at home.

Additional Resources

• Rural Alberta Report – Discusses the importance of supporting settlement and integration for rural renewal: AAISA Rural Settlement Report
• Community Knowledge Hub – University of Calgary-led research on building capacity through community-engaged knowledge sharing: Research Article
• Supporting Immigrant Families in Schools – Tips for Alberta educators to create inclusive environments: Spark Guide Article
• Immigration Matters Guidebook – Supports towns and cities in attracting and integrating immigrants: Guidebook
• Newcomers & Social Media – How immigrants use platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok to succeed in Canada: CIC News Article