5 communities receive 35,000
The Thompson Okanagan Respect Network will be using recently announced anti-racism funding to make Okanagan communities safer and more inclusive.
The Thompson Okanagan Respect Network is a partnership between organizations located in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm and Kamloops. This year, the network has received $35,000 in funding through the B.C. Organizing Against Racism and Hate (OARH) program to continue developing anti-racism programming throughout the Okanagan.
The Network includes KCR Community Resources in Kelowna. Their Immigration Services Manager, Katelin Mitchell says there are a number of ways KCR uses funding to cultivate a welcoming environment in the Okanagan. "Plays that have gone throughout the whole valley that talk about respect, and we've done those through the school districts." "Different workshops and seminars that encourage understanding and awareness about different cultures." "Drumming to talk about respect in the elementary schools."
A total of $224,000 in funding is being distributed to 32 community organizations through the OARH program in 2018. OARH funds connect community anti-racism networks at the local level, which encourages opportunities for collaborative, community-based programs throughout the province. Funded organizations create community engagement activities for outreach, educational opportunities and workshops to challenge racism and barriers to full inclusion.
