WE ENVISION A THRIVING COMMUNITY
Some of Our Core Services
1. Research, Policy & Advocacy
Many policies and programs that directly or indirectly affect the Somali community are formed without a better understanding of the Somali community. Legislations and/or policies in the areas of education, immigration, justice, civil liberties, socio-economic development, health-care, and foreign policy are developed without Somali community input.
The ECSAR - Somali Advocacy Agency will strive to be the voice that advocates and influences policies that affect or could potentially affect Somali community. ECSAR will research, undertake policy analysis and provide position papers on policies, legislations and issues that affect the Edmonton Somali community.
ECSAR will develop policy briefings and hold regular forums with policy makers, think tanks, academic institutions and media outlets to address issues affecting the community and to amplify the positive Somali narrative and most importantly improve the overall well-being of Somali Canadians.
2. Civic Engagement
ECSAR promotes and facilitates civic engagement and political participation among Somali community in Edmonton. ECSAR will identify potential political aspirants from the Somali community and support them to succeed in political offices.
The intent is to increase the number of Somali voices at all levels of government decision-making tables and help Alberta’s diversity and inclusion. ECSAR will also work with political aspirants to connect them with the community. This is intended to help them raise resources and improve increase their winning chances.
These strategic civic engagement initiatives will expand the pool of talented community members, amplify the positive image of the Somali community while contributing positively to the Canadian society.
3. Facilitation of Community Affairs
To promote a sense of community among the Somali community and foster unity and cooperation among community stakeholders that includes; Somali Community-based service providing organizations, business industry, faith-based institutions, post-secondary student associations, ECSAR will undertake initiatives that nurture strong relationship and collaboration among theses stakeholders.
In addition, ECSAR will mobilize voluntary technical support services to these stakeholders. The support is not limited but include identifying pro-bono technical expertise from the Somali professionals and match it to relevant community organizations to improve their capacity and maximize their competency.
ECSAR will also closely collaborate with all orders of government institutions to transform and modernize programs and policies that will particularly be an interest for the Somali community in order to improve access and quality services to our community.