Toolkit

411 Dunsmuir St.
Vancouver, BC
V6B 1X4
Phone: (604) 684-8171
Fax: (604) 681-3589


		Anti-Racism Toolkit Embrace Diversity: An Anti-Racism Toolkit for Seniors and Senior-Serving Organizations was developed by the 411 Seniors Centre Society, and is intended to support seniors and senior-serving organizations across Canada in fighting racism and promoting multiculturalism and diversity in their communities and organizations. Its goal is to increase elders’ understanding of racism and equip them with tools and skills to respond effectively to it. This toolkit is timely as the senior population is rapidly rising and becoming more diverse. In the year 2000, seniors comprised 13% of the population of British Columbia. By 2021, 19% of the BC population is expected to be over the age of 65. About the same proportion is reflected and projected nationally. Six percent of seniors currently belong to visible minority groups, compared to 13% of persons under the age of 45. The eventual aging of that demographic group, combined with increasing immigration patterns, will lead to a very significant rise in the number of seniors from visible minority groups over the next two decades. Sadly, racism is a reality that affects the lives of seniors today and will likely continue to affect them in the future. It has been recently reported that: More than 1.4 million Canadians reported being subject to racial discrimination (Statistics Canada’s Survey on Ethnic Diversity, 2003). Race based complaints represent 36% of all complaints filed under Canada ’s Human Rights Act (Canadian Human Rights Commission Report) One in six of Canadian adults (17% or approximately 4,000,000) report that they have personally been the victims of racism (Ipsos-Reid survey, March 21, 2005). Many seniors have witnessed racism or may have been victims of racism. Some may actually have engaged in racist behaviour themselves or have failed to acknowledge its existence. Canada is a country that is built on immigration and embraces diversity. It is known for having one of the most diverse populations in the world. This mosaic of individuals and cultures presents unique and evolving challenges for human relations in all age groups. The consequences of everyday racist actions are just as serious as racism perpetuated by institutions against certain ethnic groups. As respected and influential members of the community, seniors can play a leading role in the collaborative effort aimed at eliminating racism in Canada. Their wisdom and experiences are among the strongest resources in the fight against racism in society. This toolkit is intended to help in this fight. The toolkit provides some background on the nature and manifestations of racism in Canada from a theoretical and historical perspective and a discussion on Canada’s multiculturalism policy and its diversity. It also contains materials, practical strategies and suggestions for undertaking anti-racism campaigns and activities for the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is our hope that this toolkit will assist seniors and senior-serving organizations in organizing and undertaking anti-racism programs and activities, on March 21st and throughout the year. download copy of the Anti Racism Toolkit Toolkit This PDF is quite large and may take sometime to download using a dialup connection To obtain a hardcopy of the toolkit in booklet format ($5.00 shipping and handling), please contact the 411 Seniors Centre Society at 604-684-8171