Between 2016 to end of 2018, members of the Somali- Edmonton community gathered in hopes of unifying the community. The volunteers conducted multiple community engagement sessions and met with the majority of Somali non-profit service providers, business owners, religious figures, parents, youth and other community leaders.
The volunteers collected input and feedback on how to improve the state of our community’s well-being and how they can set up a well-functioning structure that can unite the Edmonton Somali community. From this meeting the community expressed a desire to establish a system-level advocacy organization that becomes the voice and tackles the systemic barriers faced by the Somali community in Edmonton.
The organization will play a critical role to change the narrative and take the community from where it is now to where we deserve to be which is – unified, vibrant, thriving community that maintains its core values and cultural heritage.
The socio–economic and demographic of the Somali community in Edmonton is in transition:
Edmonton Council for Somali Advocacy and Research (ECSAR)
A voice for the Edmonton Somali community that advocates through informing, influencing, and challenging policies, legislations, and public opinions affecting the Somali community.
ECSAR strives to build alliances and cultivate relationships with diverse communities and the media to provide our fellow Albertans and Canadians with an accurate picture and understanding of our community. We aim to inspire our community to participate in the political, economic, social and cultural life of Canada.
We are dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community. Your contribution today helps us make a difference.
