Project Spotlight: Diversity & Inclusion: Developing a Community Resource for an Immigrant Friendly Community

Host organization: New Canadians Centre

Students: Jessica Topfer, Kevin Maina, John Patrick McGuinty (International Development Studies)

The project: The purpose of this project was to provide partners and supporters of the New Canadians Centre with tools to become more knowledgeable and responsive to diversity and inclusivity within the community by providing research to inform the construction of a new manual that will facilitate diversity and inclusion training for organizations.

Research question: What supports, and resources exist in Peterborough to help organizations become more knowledgeable of diversity, equity, and inclusivity? What do community organizations in Peterborough need to become more welcoming and inclusive? What gaps exist in support and resources to help organizations become more welcoming and inclusive towards immigrants? How can the New Canadians Centre support the community and organizations become more knowledgeable about diversity and inclusivity with regards to immigrants? 

Methods: Jessica, Kevin, and John Patrick conducted semi-structured interviews with both newcomers as well as community partners of the New Canadians Centre in order to analyze the current measures being taken to promote diversity and inclusion in Peterborough. 

Findings: Interviews with newcomers found that all newcomers in Peterborough currently have a consistent relationship with the NCC for assistance and advice as well that English proficiency for newcomers is essential for social participation of newcomers. Community partner interviews found that language is the most pressing obstacle that trainings must address as well that there is both an active interest in, and willingness to implement diversity and inclusivity trainings within community partners. 

Impacts: By assisting the NCC in this research, recommendations were able to be made that help in promoting diversity and inclusion in the community. 

Jessica, Kevin and John Patrick were the Oral Presentation Runner Up at our 2019 Celebration of Research. Congratulations to you all on your efforts!