ABOUT US
OUR BACKGROUND
The Canadian Multicultural Centre (CMC) was established in 2020 to serve the community in Calgary. Currently, CMC serves more than 2000 members, with over 85% of them identifying as Black. The primary objective of CMC is to cater to the community members in Alberta, regardless of their background.
OUR MISSION & MANDATE
Canadian Multicultural Centre (CMC) was established in 2020 to primarily serve members of our community in Alberta, irrespective of origin. CMC serves over 2000 Members of our community locally in Calgary, over 85% of whom self-identify as BLACK.
The mission of CMC is to be a multicultural, diverse, and inclusive community resource center that provides cultural and educational programming, community support, community outreach, and social initiatives to racialized and non-racialized community members of all ages, especially the black community. The programs and services of CMC provide opportunities for volunteering and skill development while promoting community wellbeing.
The mandate of CMC is to persistently and consistently find ways to heal, enrich, and improve the lives of vulnerable members of our community. CMC aims to create an interactive environment that broadens our understanding and appreciation of multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice. It also aims to build relationships to establish a broader community network within our province that's committed to improving the recognition and acceptance of the dignity and worth of every individual. CMC provides a warm, welcoming, hopeful, supportive, and vibrant environment for community-members, especially the black community. Lastly, CMC aims to be a Community Centre that serves as a hub for various community-based organizations, charities, non-profit organizations, and multicultural and social action entities in Alberta.
LEADERSHIP AT CMC
The Canadian Multicultural Centre is a non-profit organization that is governed by a Board of Directors. The Program Coordinators, Program Facilitators, Leadership Council, and Members also assist in its administration and leadership. The organization promotes a culture of integrity, responsibility, transparency, and accountability while adhering to all relevant legislation, regulations, and guidelines, including those set forth by the Canada Revenue Agency, health and safety standards, and privacy legislation. The CMC also has financial management practices in place, including internal controls, and accounting practices that align with the Canadian Accounting Standards for Not-For-Profit Organizations (ASNPO).
Based on anecdotal feedback, community members who have associated with or participated in the programs offered at the Canadian Multicultural Centre have expressed satisfaction with the inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, cultural competence, sensitivity, and integrity of the leadership structure and performance at CMC. The leadership of CMC comprises educated, well-rounded, respected, and experienced individuals who lead with passion, selflessness, and integrity. The organization also ensures that individuals from the communities it serves are well represented in its leadership and personnel. These individuals influence the organization's mission, strategic direction, investment decisions, key activities, and project decisions.
DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Canadian Multicultural Centre is committed to creating a community center and a world where every individual has equal access to pursue their passions and reach their full potential. To achieve this goal, we prioritize principles of decency, equity, kindness, love, and inclusion.
Our approach to diversity is simple: we welcome everyone. We strive to cultivate a culture where all members, including volunteers, can bring their unique selves to our melting pot of multiculturalism. We implement diversity initiatives that support everyone, and we take action to create a more equitable community center and world.
At the Canadian Multicultural Centre, we value fairness, inclusiveness, respect, community spirit, a sense of belonging, integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior. We recognize the importance of balancing inclusive practices with healthy societal dialogue and advancement. The Canadian Multicultural Centre demonstrates its commitment to this statement through its mission, vision, values, strategic plan, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts.
We promise that no one will ever feel lost or displaced at the Canadian Multicultural Centre. We respect everyone's culture and uniqueness, and we consider ourselves one big family of diverse individuals.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to create a diverse and inclusive community through community development activities. We promise to implement our initiatives with honesty and fairness, adhering to strong moral and ethical principles and values. We aim to provide a safe and encouraging environment where people from diverse backgrounds can grow and connect, building a strong sense of social belonging and supportive social networks.
We believe that everyone should have the freedom to express themselves and embrace their differences. It is important to give each other the space to grow and learn from each other. We understand that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and every thread should be valued regardless of its color.
Our goal is to reach a stage where differences and diversity are no longer seen as sources of division and distrust but as sources of strength and inspiration. True belonging can only be achieved when we accept ourselves and present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world. We need to have a sense of belonging to build a society purely on interests.
WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT
Feeling safe with other people is probably the most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.
We strive not to be a pepper in the eyes of people; rather be the salt on their tongue and make a difference that influences their sense of belonging to the earth.
WHAT PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT US
Our point isn’t to get people to accept that they have biases but to get them to see [for themselves] that those biases have negative consequences for others. We understand people will typically be more enthusiastic where they feel a sense of belonging and see themselves as part of a community than in a workplace where each person is left to his own devices.
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HUMANITY THRIVES ON DIVERSITY
Diversity is an aspect of human existence that cannot be eradicated by terrorism, war, or self-consuming hatred. It can only be conquered by recognizing and claiming the wealth of values it represents for all.