Anti-racism training available in Vernon

Aug 4, 2022 | 10:50 AM

A new Anti-Racism Community Stewards (ARCS) pilot program is launching to provide free training to people from around B.C., including in Vernon.

The first of its kind program will offer educational opportunities to people looking to learn the skills needed to offer training on how bystanders can address racist incidents and facilitate community dialogues on racism and discrimination.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen an alarming increase in racist incidents in large and small communities throughout our province. We can’t stand by and allow this kind of hate to proliferate. We all have a role to play in confronting racism in our families and communities,” said Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives.

“This training will give people the skills and confidence they need to carry out anti-racism work and train others in their communities as we push forward to dismantle the systemic barriers that have held Indigenous, black and people of colour back for generations,” Singh added.

The program, developed and delivered by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society, is being offered to people from 15 communities across B.C., including Vernon, Shuswap, Penticton and Revelstoke, who will then take the information back to their community and lead further anti-racism work.

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“Racism continues to be a big problem for many British Columbians as many people deal with it on a regular basis. It is unacceptable that police-reported hate crimes increased to such an extent in 2021,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “Too often, we don’t talk about these incidents openly which leaves victims of racism feeling alone and discouraged.”

“We are working to combat racism in communities like Vernon-Monashee by empowering people with skills to defuse racist incidents and facilitate dialogues as we strive to create a safer and more equitable society, to build bridges and to unite us,” Sandhu added.

The ARCS program is intended to advance anti-racism initiatives as part of the Resilience B.C. Anti-Racism Network, which is made up of 34 organizations dedicated to providing local leaders with information, support and training to respond to and prevent incidents of racism and hate.

“You can’t ignore racism and hope it goes away. This program will give people the tools they need to train community members on how to address racism incidents and make positive changes in their communities,” added Sandhu.

“By providing more people with the skills and knowledge to dismantle systemic racism in their communities, we can build a better, anti-racist B.C. for everyone.”

Online applications for the anti-racism pilot program will be accepted until Aug. 11. There are just 20 spots available, and successful applicants will receive an honourarium and coverage of their travel expenses. More information on the ARCS program and details on how to apply can be found here.

Training will begin in October.

People from the following communities are encouraged to apply: Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Houston, Kitimat, Nelson, Penticton, Powell River/qathet, Prince Rupert, Revelstoke, Sechelt/ Gibsons, Shuswap, Smithers, Terrace, Vanderhoof and Vernon.

by Liam Verster

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