Initiating Steps to Provide Multicultural and Anti-Racism Education

In the fall of 2009, Okanagan College obtained funding through a joint initiative of Embrace BC and Welcome BC to conduct a series of community forums in Revelstoke. The goal of the community forums was to begin a community dialogue and explore the issues of multiculturalism, racism and discrimination. The first community forum was held in October and the second community forum was held in November. Many community members and organizations attended the forums and the responses were encouraging. Community partners expressed a commitment to work in partnership towards a common vision.

This plan was created in response to a need in Revelstoke to have a formal mechanism to support the community in being more welcoming and inclusive. Multiculturalism, discrimination and racism are issues in Revelstoke, but there isn’t a current and cohesive plan to address these issues. Many organizations and individuals in Revelstoke support multiculturalism, anti-racism and anti-discrimination; however often these issues are addressed in isolation. Revelstoke needs a clear community wide vision to become more welcoming and inclusive. There is evidence of denial that discrimination and racism exists in Revelstoke.

The plan identifies goals and objectives to support Revelstoke in becoming more welcoming and inclusive. Our goal is to form a committee to monitor progress of the Community Action Plan. The committee will meet three times a year to discuss priorities for the upcoming year, explore available resources and potential funding. The Community Action Plan will be a living document that will require updating and revisions as Revelstoke evolves and changes.

This plan will provide individuals and organizations with a mechanism to allow them to come together to explore what can be accomplished in Revelstoke. Assets and resources in Revelstoke will be identified and shared. Organizations will have the opportunity to look at what they can do within their own organization to become more welcoming and inclusive. Community members will have opportunities to volunteer.

One of Revelstoke’s strengths is the willingness from within the community to make things happen. Individuals and organizations in Revelstoke are noted for their ability to come together and produce exceptional outcomes.

A Community Action Plan to Address Multiculturalism, Racism and Discrimination in Revelstoke

Vision Statement

Revelstoke will be a community where everyone is welcomed, accepted and valued. Diversity includes differences in age, ability, socio-economic level, education, ethnicity, language, family, gender, marital/relationship status, race, religion, work experience, and sexual orientation. We will embrace diversity as an integral part of our community making Revelstoke an ideal place to learn, work, dream, play and live.