Newsletter Archives — May 2015

What’s New for May 2015

May is Asian Heritage Month

May is Asian Heritage Month!

“[Asian Heritage Month] acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada. It also provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage to the growth and prosperity of Canada.” – Citizenship and Immigration Canada

The Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office shares in this national opportunity to celebrate the historical and present day contributions of Asian Canadians. We would like to recognize, in particular, the strengths and perseverance exhibited by Asian Canadian communities in working to challenge countless social and political barriers to equity, specifically in the pursuit of anti-racism change.

Below is a list of some interesting events happening on and off-campus during this month of May; check it out and enjoy!


The “I Am U of T” video is available now!

I am U of T video

I AM U of T” is a short video produced by the work-study students of the University of Toronto’s Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO), highlighting the voices of U of T students as they discuss being racialized and how they are claiming space at the University.


Serve & Learn with the Centre for Community Partnerships (CCP)

Build your leaderships skills, learn about yourself and connect with other students while you play a meaningful role in community organizations. Complete the 5 steps of the Serve & Learn Program and you can add the experience to your co-curricular record. Visit the CCP website to learn more!


Your Opinion is Needed!

Prevention & Response to Sexual Violence – Focus Group
12 noon Wed May 6, Multi-Faith Centre, Meeting Room 3rd Fl

Interested in participating? Please RSVP to: multi.faith@utoronto.ca

In order to include student voices in its research into prevention and response to sexual violence, the University is conducting focus groups of up to 15 students. The discussion is audio-taped, but participants are not identified on the tape or in the accompanying notes.

It is important that student voices are heard and are a part of this on-going dialogue. The discussion will explore sexual violence as it plays itself out in its many forms, for example assault, harassment and stalking.

Confidentiality will be maintained in a safer space environment. A light lunch will be provided.

If interested in participating please RSVP to: multi.faith@utoronto.ca


Upcoming Events at U of T

(If you wish to request that your event be included in our monthly newsletter, please submit requests to antiracism@utoronto.ca at least one week prior to the beginning of the new month.)

May 6, 12 pm, UTSC: UTSC Campus Clean-up. Help keep your campus clean by lending a hand on May 6th! Bring your friends and learn how you can help to reduce campus litter. Meet at the Sustainability Office, SW213B at 11:50am to be led to the clean-up site (near N’Sheemaehn Daycare Centre). Stay hydrated with a free reusable water bottle (while quantities last). Light refreshments will also be provided by the Principal’s Office.

May 6, 12 pm – 4 pm, Student Centre (UTM): Washroom Inclusivity Project at UTM. The Washroom Inclusivity Project is a unique collaboration of students and staff across equity offices and campus services with the goal of providing clear and updated information about the range of U of T’s current washroom facilities and fostering a safe and inclusive campus community. We are offering volunteer opportunities for students and staff to work together on an inventory of UTM campus washrooms in order to highlight single-user facilities, accessibility features, ablution facilities for people who wash before prayer, and baby change stations to update the online campus map. To apply to volunteer visit: http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/equity-diversity/volunteer-information-washroom-inclusivity-project

May 16, 7 pm, CC 1080 (UTM): THE MOVEMENT 2015. ECASA presents to you all: Our first ever Afrocentric Dance competition with a $1000 – 1500 cash prize! ECASA will be adding a twist to its norm this year in putting out the maiden edition of “THE MOVEMENT” – an Afrocentric dance competition amongst various groups from the GTA and beyond. This event will showcase the importance of dance as an art in the African culture as well as create an interactive space for both the competitors and the audience who will be involved in voting in winners. Tickets $20.

May 21, 6 pm – 9 pm, Daniel Spectrum (Toronto): Volume – Sister’s Make Noise. Outburst! presents “Volume: Sisters Make Noise!”. Join us as we imagine our Muslimah futures through poetry, spoken word, song and music. The evening will also feature the launch of our third poetry anthology: Homebound III. #SistersMakeNoise

May 30, 11 am, Dundas Square (Toronto): DesiFEST 2015. Canada’s only national South Asian music festival. For more information visit desifest.ca

May 30 – 31, International Centre (Malton): Halal Food Festival Toronto. North America’s largest halal food show. For more information visit: http://halalfoodfestto.com/


Disclaimer: This newsletter may contain links to non- Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) websites. These links are provided solely as convenience to you. The ARCDO is not responsible for the content of any non-ARCDO websites and does not endorse the information contained therein.