‘It Takes a Community’ Hopes to Change “Inaccurate and Harmful Narratives” About Migrants
A new web campaign hopes to celebrate Canadian communities and the immigrants and refugees that contribute to them.
The campaign, titled ‘It Takes a Community,’ was initiated by the Global Forum on Migration and Development, and has gained the support of the Government of Canada among other chair holders.
It Takes a Community was launched on Mar. 29 with a website featuring videos, infographics, and a list of ways to participate. Specifically, those interested can join in three ways: they can ‘pledge’ their support, make social media posts with the hashtag ‘#ItTakesACommunity,’ or become a campaign leader. As a campaign leader, participants can download a digital toolkit with resources to bring the campaign to their own community.
The campaign’s ultimate goal is to share stories of immigrants and communities that have received their help. Currently, the site houses 12 short videos telling these stories.
“Throughout history, migration has helped us to foster new connections, exchange innovative ideas, and enrich each other’s lives,” the website says.
The website explains that the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed “inaccurate and harmful narratives” about immigrants and refugees into the media.
“Now more than ever, it is important for us to come together to ensure that everyone receives the support and protection they need for communities to build back better from COVID-19,” the site says.
In a press release, Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) explained the campaign’s importance.
“By sharing [immigrants and refugees’] stories and speaking up about how our countries, cities and organizations are stronger when we come together, we can all play a role in this campaign to push back against discrimination and create more welcoming and inclusive communities for all,” he said.
Sophie van Haasen, Coordinator of the GFMD Mayors Mechanism, added that the current landscape provides a necessary reminder for strong community ties:
“COVID-19 has reminded us how important it is that all of us play a role in making our communities resilient, regardless of where we come from,” she said. “‘It Takes a Community’ brings local stories to the global stage to inspire and ensure everyone in our society thrives.”
It Takes a Community will continue to collect stories for one year.
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Arghavan Gerami
Arghavan Gerami is the Founder and Senior Counsel at Gerami Law Professional Corporation ('PC'), a full-service immigration law firm in Ottawa, Ontario. Since 2011, Ms. Gerami has focused her practice on immigration and refugee litigation. Prior to that, Ms. Gerami worked at the Ministry of Attorney General and the Department of Justice and had the privilege of serving the Honourable Mr. Justice M. Evans at the Federal Court of Appeal on immigration and administrative law appeals. Ms. Gerami contributes to the Immigration Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association, the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Ms. Gerami has also published numerous journal articles and presented at various immigration and refugee law conferences and events across Canada.