October 2020 Update

  • Print
Details
Published on Monday, 26 October 2020 18:56
Written by editor



October @ SOVI

Image: Brett Sayles from Pexels

2020 is quickly coming to an end and there continues to be a lot to grapple with both internationally and locally. Our hearts are heavy as we receive news of all the events going on around us. You may have come across the hashtag #Africaisbleeding. In a metaphorical sense, it is. Nigerians continue their protests against police brutality even while being killed by the system they protest (End SARS) and Congolese demand change and justice after years of violence and greed fueled by the exploitation of the country’s natural resources. Throughout all this, there continues to be a movement from the people toward good governance and justice through transparency, representation and real democracy. Closer to home, Mi’kmaq fisheries are standing up for their rights and Secwepemc land defenders won't back down.

In each of these situations, the people most impacted are the agents of change. Each of these peoples show us how everyone can take steps towards a better world when we’re empowered. International development practitioners have long thought they knew the answers to the world's problems- particularly those far from home. Philosophies of practice and theories of change have shifted throughout our sector's existence, and we find ourselves in a new moment of theory and practice- one that hopefully, finally, will make our work obsolete. We ask the questions: What can I do to influence positive change? How can I get involved in a way that’s meaningful (especially during a pandemic!)? What role does our sector play? And then, take action.

Join us as we build a critical community of practice, the SOVI Community Space. Focused on international development and non profit practitioners and aspiring practitioners based in the CRD, our upcoming programming is all about you, and working together to create space for dialogue, learning, unlearning, and action. In this issue, you will learn more about our new program. We hope it will inspire us all to continue or start the important work of anti-racism, anti-oppression and the decolonization of our sector.

Thank you for staying connected with us!


In solidarity,
Rachel & Ruth

CHAPTER NEWS

Our new event Building a SOVI COMMUNITY SPACE: anti-oppression, anti-racism, and decolonization in our work and practice is happening on November 4 at 5:30pm. We've rounded up some excellent resources and encourage you to do have a look ahead the event. All details - included panelist bios - can be found here: https://www.bccic.ca/sovi/sovi-upcoming-events/

RECENTLY

Image: @BCCIC_SOVI
Earlier this month, we celebrated International #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. This time has been difficult time for many people. Free or affordable
counselling services are available. BIPOC therapists can be found at Healing in Colour. Find additional support by calling 310-6789 (no area code). Image: @EqualVoiceCA
A record number of 35 women are slated to take their seats in the BC legislature, accounting for 40% of the 87 seats - however, the increase is marginal, up only 1 from the 2017 election. #womeninpolitics #BCElection2020

UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

"Without community, there is no liberation." - Audre Lorde

Facebook Twitter Link Website Copyright © 2020 BC Council for International Cooperation - South Van Isle Chapter, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at one of our events, on our website or Facebook page.

Our mailing address is:
BC Council for International Cooperation - South Van Isle Chapter#550-23 West Pender StVancouver, BC V6H 0A2 Canada
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp