March 6-8, 2007 Ottawa, Ontario - Settlement AtWork

Ontario Host Conference

March 6-8, 2007

Ottawa, Ontario

Ontario Host Conference March 6-8, 2007

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Agenda.............................................................. 1

Fireplace Gathering.......................................... 9

Day One........................................................... 11

Welcome and Opening Remarks ...............................11

Review of Objectives and Agenda.............................11

Warm-Up: A Mutual Exchange .................................12

A Tour of the Host Commons in Ontario ..................12

Francophone Host Programs ................................. 12

Discussion Group Assignments .................................12

Situation Analysis of Host (SWOP) ..........................13

Reports to Plenary ................................................. 13

Values and Goals; Setting Priorities ..........................19

Reports to Plenary ................................................. 21

Visioning for a Provincial Host Network ..................26

Closing of Day One ...................................................35

Day Two............................................................ 34

Overview of Day Two ...............................................37

Communications and Promotions..............................37

Feedback... ............................................................ 38

Host Web Site ............................................................39

Feedback... ............................................................ 41

A Learning Environment ...........................................41

Feedback... ............................................................ 41

Summary Session.......................................................42

Appendices

Appendix One: Host Conference Participants

Appendix Two: Participant Feedback Summary


March 6-8, 2007

Executive Summary The Host program is a national Citizenship and Immigration Canada program that

supports the integration of newcomers by matching them with Canadian volunteer

“hosts” for friendship and mentoring. The traditional Host model matches individuals or

families, but there are also group models of Host, such as Conversation Circles. Some

agencies offer “le Programme d’accueil” to francophone immigrants.

In Ontario, nineteen agencies receive CIC funding to offer the Host program1. The

Ontario Host Coordination Project is a new initiative in 2007 to build and support a

network among Ontario Host agencies.

The Ontario Host Conference took place near the beginning of the Coordination project.

It was an opportunity for representatives of Host programs in Ontario to meet each other

and learn about each others’ programs. They also met members of the Host Coordination

Team for the first time.

The objectives of this conference were to:

• Clarify values and goals of the Host Program

• Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and pressures for the Host Program

• Develop a vision for a provincial Host network

• Identify key priorities for planning and action

• Guide the Host Coordination Team on the development of tools and resources

Participants were very pleased that Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Ontario Region

has committed additional resources to the Host program, and also excited about the

possibilities of a network for enhancing the Host program at their individual agencies and

throughout the province.

Discussions about specific plans for the Host Coordination project provided team

members with direction from Host program staff for ongoing work on an Ontario Host

Web site, various communications and promotions tools, a program manual, and a

professional development plan for the program.

Future Host conferences are planned for the fall of 2007 and the spring of 2008. These

will again combine mutual learning and planning among network members with feedback

and direction to the Coordination Team.

1 Current at the time of the conference. As of April 1, three additional agencies in Ontario are receiving Host

funding, for a total of twenty-two.


March 6-8, 2007

1


March 6, 7 & 8, 2007 Lord Elgin Hotel, 100 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario

Objectives

The Ontario Host Conference brings together representatives of agencies who provide the Host Program to:

• Clarify values and goals of the Host Program

• Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and pressures for the Host Program

• Develop a vision for a provincial Host network

• Identify key priorities for planning and action

• Guide the Host Coordination Team on the development of tools and resources

Tuesday, March 6

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Conference Check-in

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Fireplace Gathering

Harp music by Patricia Marshall, former OCISO counsellor and UNHCR staff person

Wednesday, March 7

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast in the Lady Elgin Room


March 6-8, 2007

2

9:00 AM – 9:20 AM Welcome and Opening Remarks

Lucila Spigelblatt, Host Coordination Team Grace Hsu-Holmes, Ontario Region, Citizenship and

Immigration

9:20 AM – 9:30 AM Review of Conference Objectives and Agenda

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Warm-up Exercise

A Mutual Exchange

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM A Tour of The Host Commons in Ontario

11:00 AM – NOON Small Group Discussions

Situation Analysis of Host

NOON – 1:00 PM Lunch in the Elgin Café

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM Small Group Discussions

Clarification of Host Values and Goals

Setting Priorities

2:15 PM – 2:45 PM Reports Back to Plenary

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM Active Coffee Break

3:15 PM – 4:30 PM Visioning for a Provincial Host Network

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Summary Session

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Free Time

7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Dinner at East India Company, 210 Somerset Street West


March 6-8, 2007

3

Thursday, March 8

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast in the Lady Elgin Room

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM Introduction of Host Coordination Team

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM Presentation by Host Coordination Team

Host Program Communications, Promotions and Publications

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM Small Group Discussions

Host Program Communications, Promotions and Publications

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Break

10:45 AM – Noon Presentations by Host Coordination Team

Ontario Host Website

Building a Learning Environment

NOON – 1:15 PM Lunch in the Elgin Café

1:15 PM – 2:30 PM Small Group Discussions

Ontario Host Website

Building a Learning Environment

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Reports Back

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM Break

3:15 PM– 3:45 PM Summary Session


March 6-8, 2007

4

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

Completion of Conference Feedback Forms

Adjournment

Entertainment courtesy of Axiom Consultants Inc.


March 6-8, 2007

5

La Conférence de l’Ontario sur le Programme d’accueil

Les 6, 7 et 8 mars 2007 Hôtel Lord Elgin, 100, rue Elgin, Ottawa, Ontario

Objectifs

La Conférence de l’Ontario sur le Programme d’accueil rassemble des représentants d’organismes qui offrent le Programme d’accueil, dans le but de :

• clarifier les valeurs et les buts du Programme d’accueil

• identifier les forces, les faiblesses, les possibilités et les sources de pression du Programme d’accueil

• Imaginer un réseau provincial du Programme d’accueil

• identifier les priorités essentielles en matière de planification et de mesures à prendre

• guider l’équipe de coordination du Programme en vue du développement d’outils et de références

Mardi 6 mars

18 h 00 – 19 h 30 Arrivée à la conférence

19 h 30 – 21 h 30 Rassemblement autour du foyer

Harpe jouée par Patricia Marshall, ancienne employée de longue date de l’Organisme Communautaire des Services aux Immigrants d’Ottawa (OCISO) et de l’UNHCR

Mercredi 7 mars

8 h 00 – 9 h 00 Petit déjeuner dans la salle Lady Elgin


March 6-8, 2007

6

9 h 00 – 9 h 20 Mot de bienvenue et discours d’ouverture

Lucila Spigelblatt, équipe de coordination du

Programme d’accueil Grace Hsu-Holmes, région de l’Ontario, Citoyenneté et Immigration

9 h 20 – 9 h 30 Examen des objectifs de la conférence et de l’ordre du jour

9 h 30 – 10 h 00 Exercice préliminaire

Un échange mutuel

10 h 00 – 11 h 00 Un aperçu des communes du Programme d’accueil en Ontario

11 h 00 – MIDI Discussions par petits groupes

Analyse de situation du Programme d’accueil

MIDI – 13 h 00 Déjeuner au Café Elgin

13 h 00 – 14 h 15 Discussions par petits groupes

Clarifier les valeurs et les buts du Programme d’accueil

Établir les priorités

14 h 15 – 14 h 45 Faire rapport à la séance plénière

14 h 45 – 15 h 15 Pause café active

15 h 15 – 16 h 30 Imaginer un réseau provincial du Programme d’accueil

16 h 30 – 17 h 00 Bilan

17 h 00 – 19 h 00 Temps libre

19 h 00 – 21 h 30 Dîner au East India Company, 210, rue Somerset Ouest


March 6-8, 2007

7

Jeudi 8 mars

8 h 00 – 9 h 00 Petit déjeuner dans la salle Lady Elgin

9 h 00 – 9 h 15 L’équipe de coordination du Programme d’accueil

9 h 15 – 9 h 45 Présentation par l’équipe de coordination du Programme d’accueil

Les communications, la promotion et les publications du Programme d’accueil


Les communications, la promotion et les publications du Programme d’accueil

10 h 30 – 10 h 45 Pause

10 h 45 – Midi Présentation par l’équipe de coordination du Programme d’accueil

Le site Web du Programme d’accueil pour l’Ontario

Construire un environnement d’apprentissage

MIDI – 13 h 15 Déjeuner au Café Elgin


Le site Web du Programme d’accueil pour l’Ontario Construire un environnement d’apprentissage

14 h 30 – 15 h 00 Faire rapport (les points principaux des discussions par petits groupes)

15 h 00 – 15 h15 Pause

15 h 15 – 15 h 45 Bilan


March 6-8, 2007

8

15 h 45 – 16 h 00 Discours de clôture et remerciements

Compléter le questionnaire portant sur la conférence

Fin de la conférence

Divertissement offert par Axiom Consultants Inc.


March 6-8, 2007

9

Fireplace Gathering

Evening of

Arrival


March 6-8, 2007

11

Day

1

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Lucila Spigelblatt, Catholic Immigration Centre, Ottawa

We are here to celebrate this new initiative for the enrichment of the Host Program. It’s

time to come of age; to make the program what we know it can be. We will dream big.

Arsim Aliu, Settlement and Integration Services Organization, Hamilton

Hello, friends. Host is about friendship. It’s a pleasure to be part of this partnership.

Thank you CIC, for funding this initiative. I’m looking forward to working with you for

these two days. Let’s come up with some wonderful ideas.

Grace Hsu-Holmes, Ontario Region, Citizenship and Immigration Canada

A warm welcome on this cold day. Thank you for coming. I’m here to learn more about

Host, as well as to network and get to know you and your programs. You are all busy

working in your communities. We are asking you to take a couple of days to do this extra

work. It will be worthwhile, and to the benefit of newcomers and volunteers in your

communities.

A few days ago I watched an old movie on TV: Casablanca. To everyone in this room –

and to Host volunteers and clients – I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Review of Objectives and Agenda

Sue Cass, Host Coordination Team

[in French] Welcome. Most of the conference will take place in English, but we have the

capacity and flexibility to work in both English and French. If you want to have a

francophone or bilingual discussion group, we will work it out.

[in English] We are delighted to have you here, as a launch to this new project. This is a

working gathering, but it will also be fun and social. Today we will look at where Host is

now, and dream and think hard about where we want to go. Tomorrow, the members of

the Host Coordination team will float ideas and seek your reactions.

Yew Lee, Host Coordination Team

When we were looking for a conference venue, one of the first things I noticed about the

Lord Elgin was the fireplace in the lobby. There’s something primal about a fireplace. It’s

where we share warmth and food. I’m glad we were able to share that at last night’s

social gathering. I hope that we can continue in that spirit for the next couple of days.


March 6-8, 2007

12

Warm-Up: A Mutual Exchange

Each participant received a “goodie bag” in their conference kit. The facilitators

instructed them to move around the room, introduce themselves to other participants,

share areas of personal interest, and exchange gifts from their bags. This exercise

encouraged the spirit and exercise of exchange during the Host conference.

A Tour of the Host Commons in Ontario

Participants “toured” the plenary room to see display materials about each agency’s Host

program. The facilitators urged participants to discover new ideas and make network

contacts while viewing the printed information, photos and videos.

Francophone Host Programs

The following agencies have a francophone Host program (Programme d’accueil):

! Catholic Immigration Centre, Ottawa (a partnership with Conseil Economique and

Social d'Ottawa-Carleton)

! Centre Francophone, Toronto

! Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, Windsor

! Quinte United Immigrant Services, Belleville

! Settlement and Integration Services Organization, Hamilton

Agency representatives identified themselves, so that they could connect to discuss their

particular issues.

Discussion Group Assignments

Participants were pre-assigned to one of five discussion groups, identified by character

stickers on their name tags. The group designations were: Beetles, Birds, Butterflies,

Cats, and Clowns. For much of the remainder of the forum, participants worked within

these discussion groups. The roles of group chair and reporter were shared among

participants; and each group had a non-participant note taker.


March 6-8, 2007

13

Situation Analysis of Host (SWOP)

Participants brainstormed Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Pressures for Host

programs in Ontario.

S =

Strengths – positive things about our program and within our

environment

We want to be aware of all our strengths; and build on them and

share them with others who have the same vision.

W =

Weaknesses – areas where we need to make change.

We want to be aware of weaknesses so we can re-state them as

achievable goals.

O =

Opportunities – trends, events or anything in the

environment in which we are currently working that can help

us

We want to be aware of all opportunities and take advantage of

them.

P =

Pressures – things that hold us back, or slow us down on our

journey

We want to avoid, minimize or manage pressures. We may need

help from outside our group to do this.

Reports to Plenary

“Cats” Group Report

For Individual Host programs

Strengths ! Flexibility of delivery

! History and stability of the program

! Cost effective because of program delivery by volunteers

! Emphasizes the human side of integration; also that integration is

a two-way street


March 6-8, 2007

14

Weaknesses ! Difficult to measure outcomes; many are intangibles

! Match breakdowns, sometimes because of mobility of clients

! Challenges of marketing the program to the various Host

“markets” – volunteers, public, newcomers and specialized

groups (e.g. youth)

! Not enough funds for transportation and child minding

Opportunities ! Many events in the community are free activities for Host

matches

! Networking, partnerships, and promotion of the program among

other community organizations

! New financial resources for the Host program and new staff

Pressures ! Competition with other newcomer service agencies for volunteers

! Insurance issues

! Newcomers have many pressures, and gravitate to “task-oriented”

services, such as ISAP and LINC

For the Ontario Network of Host Agencies

Strengths ! Good beginning with new Host program coordinator and

conference

Weaknesses ! Not knowing what others are doing, especially variations of the

program

! Need ways to share tools, marketing, and procedures – but each

agency has to adapt these tools

! Need statistics on successful matches

! Need statistics on client migration between communities

Opportunities ! To refer people who move to other cities [to the Host program in

their new city]

! Info on countries from which Canada is expecting large numbers

of newcomers


March 6-8, 2007

15

! Have volunteers and newcomers attend Host conferences

! Common database, chat room, statistics

! Common marketing tools

! Common outcome measurements

Pressures ! Time constraints (to handle additional network activities and

meetings)

! Eligibility restrictions for Host clients

“Beetles” Group Report

Strengths ! Flexibility of program delivery

! Cultural exchange and integration is a two-way street

! Agencies are hubs for services

! Host program staff take the time to make good matches, to ensure

the quality of the program

Weaknesses ! Difficulty of sharing best practices

! Community resistance to discussing issues for newcomers

! Host coordinators need more support, especially in small centres

! Competition for volunteers; many steps (such as police checks) in

recruitment process; difficulties in retaining volunteers

! Lack of resources in some centres (for example, funds for

municipal transit)

Opportunities ! Sharing of concerns and ideas between Host programs; utilizing

skill sets within the program

! Host can do a lot for special needs groups, such as Karen refugees

! Media recognition for Host, for example through work with

groups such as the Karen

! Training for staff

! Recruiting professionals


March 6-8, 2007

16

Pressures ! Lots of pressure for the coordinator throughout the Host process

! Meeting targets for matches

! Making careful, safe matches, monitoring them; dealing with

difficult situations

! Coordinators/staff are sometimes overloaded or overwhelmed

“Butterflies” Group Report

Strengths ! Program is well-established and has permanence; some agencies

have years of experience with Host

! Flexibility of program

! Bigger programs have an established base of committed

volunteers

! Program meets needs of both clients and volunteers

! Successful promotional campaigns

! Growing pools of newcomers

! Community base for program and other partnerships

Weaknesses ! Lack of long-term vision for Host

! Not enough time for staff (for some)

! Need for database

! Liability and insurance issues

! More affirmation for volunteers, e.g. learning opportunities and

benefits

! Need more clarity around funding (criteria, benchmarks)

! Refugee claimants may not be Host clients

! Program needs more promotion; and targeted to certain groups

Opportunities ! Recruit immigrants as Host volunteers; use them to train

volunteers

! Sharing of resources, e.g. data base


March 6-8, 2007

17

! Timing for growth and new innovation is good

! Partners are ready for Host

! Pre-arrival connection to the Host program

! Recruitment at citizenship ceremonies

! More connections between programs (Host, LINC, ISAP)

! CIC has plans to expand the Host program for women

Pressures ! Changing environment, therefore need to change Host

! Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) need more than Host

gives now (e.g. post-traumatic stress)

! Volunteers sometimes only want to help one particular group (a

recent example is the Karen)

“Clowns” Group Report

This group spent some time discussing their individual Host programs, which represented

a range of sizes and formats. This summary highlights shared strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities, and pressures.

Strengths ! Recruitment among professionals

! Diversity and multiculturalism within the program

Weaknesses ! Recruitment of family members as volunteers

! Difficulties in matching large newcomer families

! Recruitment of seniors

! Program visibility

! Lack of resources; traditionally Host has been under funded

Opportunities ! Time Host events to coincide with public and/or media interest

(e.g. Canada Day)

! More staff = quality + moderate increase + diversity of program


March 6-8, 2007

18

Pressures ! Host is growing in a number of locations: this is an opportunity,

but there is also lots of pressure to ensure the continued quality of

the program

! Finding good uses for new Host money

“Birds” Group Report

Strengths ! Use media to promote the program; Host has powerful stories

! Host is client-focussed

! Strong infrastructure in many Host agencies

! Program strength is in making compatible matches

! Creative ideas keep program interesting

! Good network with other service providers to market Host

Weaknesses ! Lack of resources for the program

! Difficulty when volunteers groups don’t match client groups

needs

! Difficulty of marketing Host program to LINC and other

newcomer service programs

Opportunities ! Partnerships to get program resources for free, e.g. food, sports

equipment

! Email partners with a profile of a volunteer that needs to be

matched

! Market Host as a social education program and a gateway to

integration into Canada

! Plan more group activities for women and children

! Market Host as an opportunity that may lead to employment or

increase employment readiness

! Make matches based on shared occupations or other interests

! Use high profile events to get media attention for Host


March 6-8, 2007

19

Pressures ! Host clients move when they don’t find jobs

! Not everyone sees the value of the Host program or its goal of

friendship

! Newcomers sometimes have other priorities, e.g. employment

Values and Goals; Setting Priorities

Participants identified shared values that underlie their commitment to the Host program.

These values will be the basis for a vibrant Ontario network.

They also discussed how a provincial network could make the Host program stronger and

more effective, and the role of the Host Coordinator to support the network.

In the second part of the exercise, groups identified some long-term goals and shorter-

term priorities for the provincial Host network.

Reports to Plenary

“Cats” Group Report

Host Program Values

! Friendship

! Equality

! Integration

! Respect

! Empathy

! Honesty

! Trust

! Discretion/confidentiality

! Creativity

! Flexibility

! Unity

! Empowerment

! Fun

! Non-judgmental

! Openness

! Diversity

! Acceptance

! Sense of community

! Inclusiveness

How can a provincial network make the Host program stronger?

These points are assigned under short-term priorities and longer-term goals.


March 6-8, 2007

20

Short-Term Priorities

! Common look /feel to the Host program throughout the province

! Web site

! Marketing

! Tools and Resources – those that exist to be shared through the network; others

produced by the Coordinator

! Networking guidelines

! Volunteer retention and recognition

! Easy access to information about what is available

! Inter-city Host to Host referrals

! Expected program outcomes and measurement tools

! Consolidating reporting requirements and tools (statistics)

! Up to date cultural profiles

! Program design guidance around special needs

! Sharing of best practices

Long-Term Goals

! 1-800 phone number

! Best practices manual

! Training and professional development

! Common forms

! Common newsletter and information sharing forum to share successes and

challenges

! Common database

! Common/collective voice for advocacy, for example on shared issues such as

transportation and child minding

Role of the Host Coordinator

! Liaison between Host agencies and government

! Web site

! Marketing tools

! Develop and design items needed to make Host stronger, as above


March 6-8, 2007

21

! Common training and professional development within the program

! Volunteer orientation manual

! Information and updates of interest to Host (from other provinces, from CIC-HQ

! Information on immigration trends (e.g. Kosovo, Jordan)

! Sharing lessons learned between agencies

! Regular contact and developing a sense of community within the Host program

“Beetles” Group Report

Host Program Values

Much of the group’s discussion of values focused on:

! The relationship between Host and the community

! The continuum of cultural education: awareness, understanding, sensitivity

! The fact that Host accomplishes this as a two-way street between newcomers and

established Canadians

Particular values the group identified:

! Participation and involvement of current community and newcomers

! Respect

! Understanding

! Host is a two-way street between newcomers and Canadian culture

! Welcoming communities

! Equality

! Diversity

! Community-driven (community and client-centred)

! Education that supports respect and understanding

The group also said that creative communication is a way of defining smiling as a value.


! Knowledge sharing

! Promotional resources to increase the profile of Host

! Mutual support and encouragement


March 6-8, 2007

22

! Evaluation, program standards and outcomes

! Empowering each other’s programs

! Research into what works and what doesn’t

! Visioning as a collective

! Opportunity to network

! Training templates


1. High Priority

! Collect information/research and make available

! Develop and maintain a Web site, with links to agencies’ Web sites

! Training program

! Provincial advertising – at airports, in the media

2. Lower Priority

! Templates for promotional materials: agencies want to be able to add in specifics of

their local Host program

! Web-based forums for staff and volunteers

“Butterflies” Group Report

Host Program Values

This group discussed the challenge of helping newcomers to feel included, while at the

same time appreciating and valuing their cultural heritage. Host program values are:

! Equality of all participants’ background

! Shared understanding of program goals

! Newcomers’ contributions are parallel to those of volunteers

! Contributing to the community

! Appreciating diversity

! Respecting cultural roots and history

! Mutual respect

! Recognizing contributions of newcomers

! Awareness of unity factors within Canada: human rights, freedom, multiculturalism


March 6-8, 2007

23


! Share resources and information

! “Brand” Host, increase recognition for the program

! Use a common message throughout the province

! Marketing and promotional kits

! Broader base locally, provincially, nationally

! Standards for the program

! Training

! Regular meetings

! Share best practices

! Ongoing electronic communication and newsletter

! Service coordination with other service agencies within communities


The provincial Coordinator should do all the above-mentioned tasks. The Coordinator

can reference and facilitate sharing of best practices that already exist in the network.

1. Short-Term Priorities

! Raise awareness, make Host more visible and accessible

! Increase accessibility to Host through other agencies

! Develop partnerships with other agencies in the community

! Community empowerment

2. Long-Term Goals

! Increased sharing of program strategies

! Growth

! Frameworks

! Identifiable marketing – branding through logos, colours, catch phrases

! Information sharing between Host programs


March 6-8, 2007

24

“Clowns” Group Report

Host Program Values

! Both sides gain; mutual learning

! Quality of service

! Commitment to walk the talk

! Sustainability

! Clients come first

! Flexibility


! One provider per community means collaboration but not competition

! Resources for sharing expertise

! Inventory of best practices and agencies’ areas of expertise

! Host to Host referral

! Communication/sharing

! The Coordinator facilitates liaison within the network (and in other directions as

well)

! Program development ideas

! Listing and location of all CIC resources

! Host Coordinator can be a call centre for resources and information for Host

programs

! Regular conferences: at least annually, including Executive Directors

! Extend Coordinator function past 1 year

! Standard flyer available in many languages

“Birds” Group Report

Host Program Values

This group highlighted the uniqueness of Host among Citizenship and Immigration

Canada programs. It is a volunteer-driven, community-based program. Its purpose is to

help people feel more comfortable while they integrate to Canadian society.


March 6-8, 2007

25

! Volunteerism has intrinsic benefits

! Strong and good volunteer management (value them, keep them motivated)

! Communities have a social responsibility to recruit volunteers

! Appreciate the values the newcomers bring to the community – social, cultural,

political, economical

! Volunteerism becomes the agent of change in creating welcoming communities

Outcomes

! Community building

! Valuing the contributions of newcomers

! Increased participation

! Host program reinforces the principles behind the Immigration and Refugee

Protection Act

! Multiculturalism policy is reinforced

! Cultural exchange

! Increased capacity to integrate

! Increased capacity to receive

! Reinforces hope for newcomers

! No other program addresses cultural shock and emotional experiences


! Need clear information for clients and volunteers to explain the purpose of the

program and its values

! Network should facilitate communication and sharing of best practices between

different programs

! Promotion of successful activities

! Ways to meet the needs of volunteers and be connected and share services

! ListServ or chat group for workers and volunteers to dialogue

! Web site for volunteers and newcomers

! Resources, e.g. program ideas, things to do

! Different languages

! Lobby to change eligibility criteria for the Host program (many people who could

benefit from the program cannot access it)


March 6-8, 2007

26


! Replicate the role of the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) Coordinator

! Assist in setting up new programs

! Market collectives

! Updating and managing Web site

! Templates

! Common flyer

! Newsletter

! Technical support

! Marketing tools

! Video clips describing the Host program

! Standardized tools and methodology (for voluntary use and/or adaptation by

agencies)

! Secure ample opportunity for professional training and development

! Acknowledge uniqueness of Host

! Yearly conference and other dialogue/communications

! Facilitate start-up of new Host programs

Visioning for a Provincial Host Network

Participants worked in groups (not necessarily their discussion groups) to prepare an

artistic depiction of a provincial Host network in 2012. Their drawings and performances

incorporated elements from the entire day’s discussion: Host program values, key

players, communications, capacity building, governance and linkages.

Multi-Media Performance – “Canadian Welcome Program of 2012”

[Phone Rings] Information Line Operator: Bonjour. Welcome Hotline.

Caller 1: The Host Conference was great. Let’s have the next one in Hawaii.

Information Line Operator: On behalf of the Coordinator, thank you.

[Phone Rings] Information Line Operator: Bonjour. 1-800-Welcome.


March 6-8, 2007

27

Caller 2: Our agency has many children who come and we have no services for them.

Can we set up something? Do you know any agency we can partner with for living

language instruction for parents? How can we get diversity training for our staff?

Information Line Operator: We get lots of requests from community agencies. We can

connect you with a partner agency. We also have a variety of courses for your staff. Visit

our Web site.

[Phone Rings] Information Line Operator: 1-800-Welcome. Bonjour.

Caller 3: I saw an ad on TV and in a bus shelter for the Host program. I want to

volunteer, so called 1-800 Welcome. I live in Thunder Bay. How can I help?

Information Line Operator: I can connect you with an organization in Thunder Bay who

will work with you. Also see our Web site.


March 6-8, 2007

28

[Phone Rings] Information Line Operator: Bonjour 1-800-Welcome.

Caller 4: I’m a newcomer to Canada and I just visited your Web site. It’s really

interesting. I’m a refugee claimant and a professional engineer. I’d like the Host program

to match me with another professional.

Information Line Operator: There is a refugee claimants’ mutual support group that has a

great partnership with the engineering association. I can give you the contact information

for the mentorship program.

[Phone Rings] Information Line Operator: Bonjour 1-800-Welcome.

Caller 5: Good-day. I’m calling from Tasmania. I’m a macadamia nut farmer. We’ve got

a problem with the Tasmanian Devils here. They love macadamia nuts, and we’ve had a

lot of trouble growing them. I Googled “Macadamia nut growing in Canada”, and your

Web site came up. It’s a great site! Can I talk to some ex-Tasmanians to learn about life

in Canada? Can you hook me up with macadamia nut growers in Canada so I know what

the prospects are?

Information Line Operator: We have a new feature on our Web site: chat groups. I’ll give

you the direct address for that. Hopefully you’ll get the answers you need.


March 6-8, 2007

29

Art Work – CanadaSpoon and Jellybeans

The drawing shows a world with jellybeans [a reference to the jellybeans provided on the

conference tables]. The jellybeans are the different elements we have in the Host

program: clients, newcomers, community, technology. The satellite and the CanadaSpoon

represent the Host network.

The Host program gives values to the jellybeans. It empowers people, assists with

integration and growing together. It represents respecting diversity and each other.


March 6-8, 2007

30

Art Work – The Host Network Tree

The tree is nurtured by its

roots: inclusions and

equality. In turn, the tree

nurtures clients,

government, volunteers –

everybody under the sky.

Nurturing is a two-way

street.

The red on the trunk is a

bear hugging the tree: that

is value added. The “?” is

another bear hiding

behind the rock. This is a

warning to be mindful of

unexpected things that

can crop up in the

network.


March 6-8, 2007

31

Art Work – Host Sun

The core of the sun has the pieces that make the Host program work: key players and

stakeholders, the Coordinator, staff, financial support, etc. The rays outside the sun are

the boundaries that drive the program and make it strong. Beyond the sun are outcomes

as a result of efforts.

We hope that this program will reinvent itself with the help of the Coordinator and new

money, within the context of all Citizenship and Immigration programs, to be unique and

specific to the life that the newcomer experiences. It would not relate to employment or

immediate settlement, but to integrating to be well adjusted and well-connected in the

community so that the newcomer can contribute. This leads to increased capacity in a

number of areas.

In five years we hope for a new name for the program. The current name doesn’t do

justice to its purpose. The Host Program has to market itself as pivotal to success. It

should use words like springboard and jump start, rather than friendship and welcoming.


March 6-8, 2007

32

In five years we’d like to see the program poised to become visionary and progressive in

how it’s delivered. It will be inclusive, self-reliant and successful. Communities will

clamor to have such a program delivered by us.

Art Work – 1-800-ONT-HOST

Host agencies are networked across the province. The program doesn’t discriminate,

based on colour, species, or ability. Our values surround and give a big bear hug to the

network: confidentiality trust, empowerment, etc. We share a 1-800 number.


March 6-8, 2007

33

Dramatization and Art – Next Steps After the Host Conference

Group members acted out various roles.

“Yew Lee”: That’s the end of our wonderful, active conference. Thank you everyone.

We’ll be in touch real soon. Good-bye.

Now we have to build the Host

Coordination role. [“Yew” moves

participants into place around a

circle.] We need you to be part of

network. Here’s some important

values we need for our network.

[Finishes the network.] We did

our best to put things together for

you. [To the new Coordinator]

Congratulations, you’ve got the

job. Sue, show him the Web site.

“Sue Cass”: We’ve done a lot of

work. We ate a lot of jelly beans.

We have a 1-800 number. We

have a wonderful logo to start off

with. We drew our inspiration

from pretzels. We enjoyed them

at the Conference so we have a

happy face, and the hands that

join our society. If you need to

contact me, go to www.

Hostmail.ca.

Host Coordinator: [getting

people in the network to hold

hands] Now we have to reach out

to make a difference. Turn to the left and put your hands on the shoulders of the person in

front of you. Massage their shoulders. Now turn and provide service to the other side. To

give thanks for service, give a hug each way. Then as a group, a hug all together now.


March 6-8, 2007

34

Artwork – Host is a Two-Way Street

Host clients and volunteers are the “two-way street”. The collage shows some activities.

The two communities represent our agencies networking. There are various tools for

linking and communications: Hydro wires, Internet, telephone, media, tools and

templates from the Host Coordinator. The airplane has people flying into Canada. The

sun is rising over a new horizon.


March 6-8, 2007

35

Closing of Day One

The facilitators acknowledged the high energy in the room, right to the end of the day,

and thanked participants for working so hard.

Paul Soubliere of the Catholic Immigration Centre offered to lead visitors to Ottawa on a

walking tour of nearby sites of interest.

Participants met at the East India Company restaurant on Somerset Street West for

dinner.


March 6-8, 2007

37

Day

2

Test Logo #1

Test Logo #2

Overview of Day Two

Facilitator Sue Cass introduced members of the Host Program Coordination Team. The

team had already started some work in priority areas, taking initial direction from the

email survey in February. They were seeking feedback from Conference participants on

their initial designs and plans.

Team members made three presentations:

! Communications and Promotions – Carolyn McGill and Danièle McBride

! Host Web Site – Ken Desson and Rob McBride

! Building a Learning Environment – Yew Lee and Sue Cass

After the presentations, participants moved to their small groups to discuss the

Coordination Team presentations. Note takers recorded all the details of the discussion,

and these notes were provided to team members following the conference. This section of

the Conference Report is a summary only of common themes and shared perspectives.

Communications and Promotions

Carolyn outlined the overall work plan and deliverables for the

Host Coordination team up to March 2008. She then focused on a

key role of the Coordinator: communications with Host program

staff, with newcomers (current and potential Host clients), with

current and potential volunteers, and with the general public. Key

communications tools will be email, in-person meetings for Host

program representatives, site visits to Host agencies by the

Coordinator, a new Ontario Host Web site, a newsletter, and various

promotional tools, such as a poster and brochure.

Host program staff had responded to a needs assessment survey

in February. The survey identified a number of key approaches

and messages for communications. Conference participants

were invited to review a summary of the survey responses; and

add to or refine them.

The Coordination team will design a graphic “look” for Host

that will be consistent throughout visual materials.


March 6-8, 2007

38

Test Logo #3

Dani requested feedback on the graphics used in Conference materials, and on three

additional test Host logos she had designed.

Carolyn mentioned other products to be produced by the Host Coordination project,

which are still early in the needs assessment phase: a Newsletter and a Host Resource

Manual.

Feedback

There was no overwhelming support for any one of the sample

graphics. Some clear directions for a logo and other visual materials

are:

! Simplicity of design

! Traditional, and bolder colours (but not red)

! They must photocopy well in black and white

For most regular communications between the Coordinator and Host

agencies email and in-person meetings are preferred. Host program

volunteers and newcomers should be consulted about promotional

materials, in addition to Host program staff.

Some suggestions for additional communications tools:

! A slogan for the program

! Videoconferencing

! Teleconferencing

! Public service announcements

! Web-based communications

! Smaller group meetings: working groups or regional groups

And for additional communications audiences and locations to promote the program:

! Canadian embassies abroad

! Newcomers abroad

! Airports and points of entry

! Ethnic media

! Religious centres


March 6-8, 2007

39

For the Host Program manual, it was noted that individual agencies have resources that

can be used as sources or examples. In turn, agencies could adapt any resources in the

Manual according to their individual needs.

Host Web Site

Ken Desson and Rob McBride presented an early conceptual design for an Ontario Host

Web site, based on the survey responses, and some telephone interviews with Host staff.

It is clear that there is a lot of enthusiasm for having an Ontario Host Web site, and a fair

bit of common ground around its content. Features requested include:

! Stories and testimonials to inspire and to model relationships

! Host locations in Ontario and elsewhere

! Communications capacity building (through the Web site)

! A feature to allow volunteers and/or newcomers to transfer between Host programs

! FAQs

! Dealing with sensitive situations

! Discussion forum with a ListServ for alerts to new messages

! Best practices

! Promotions for program

! Learning resources

! Links (need to consult on what is useful) including settlement.org and volunteer. ca

A volunteer area that might include:

! Explanation of the volunteer’s role (but note there is a different situation at each

agency)

! Benefits of the Host program; Host as a 2-way street.

! How to get involved: online sign-up form

! Personal requirements of volunteers

! Testimonials

! Training and ideas (e.g. cultural sensitivity)

! Multicultural do’s and don’ts

! How can volunteers share with other volunteers?


March 6-8, 2007

40

An early concept of the Host Web site was presented at the conference

An area for newcomers might include:

! Clear, plain language (LINC level 2-4)

! Program description and benefits

! How to join the Host program; online form

! What’s involved and what’s expected of the newcomer in the Host program

! Success stories

The Web design team hoped that feedback at the Conference would help them further

shape content and functionality.


March 6-8, 2007

41

Feedback

Participants provided detailed feedback on all aspects of the Web site, which was

recorded by note takers. The designers will reflect the feedback in their next iteration of

Web site development, which will be a draft production script, outlining the structure,

functionality and content of the Web site.

A Learning Environment

Yew Lee and Sue Cass explained that the Host Coordinator had been tasked with

developing training for the Host program. However, they asked participants to discuss a

larger concept: a learning environment, based on mutual respect. This would tie in with

the building of the Host network, and the opportunity to learn from each other, with the

Host Coordination team acting as facilitators.

Stephen Lam commented that the Host program is a good model for learning through

cross-fertilization. The most important element is that everybody learns. Lucila

Spigelblatt said “everybody learns” could be the new slogan for the program.

Feedback Participants welcome the opportunity to build skills and capacity in Host staff and

volunteers. As part of Host workers’ professional development, they need the knowledge

and skills to be able to train volunteers.

The Host community in general strongly prefers in-person and real-time learning

opportunities – conferences, regional training sessions, study tours, telephone coaching.

Other training tools and venues – especially on-line training and videos – should be used

sparingly for specialized uses, if at all.

Discussions groups listed specific topics and areas for training, adding to the topics

identified in the email survey responses.

Other feedback about learning:

! Use sector working groups to develop each module (e.g. youth, volunteerism). There

are a lot of experts within the agencies.

! Offering volunteers training and perhaps accreditation might be an incentive and

keep them in the program longer. Training for volunteers will improve the quality of

Host matches.

! The Host program needs ready information to supply to the media and the general

public, particularly about high needs refugee client groups.


March 6-8, 2007

42

The facilitator’s instructions for the final

exercise

! A training plan should be attentive to different learning styles; and be careful about

not imposing values.

! Limited language doesn’t mean limited learning styles.

! Host staff want new ideas; and want to stay fresh in their approach to their work.

! It’s important that learning be related to real experiences; and value everyone’s

previous experience and knowledge.

Summary Session

The facilitators asked participants to pair up and reflect on the two-day conference and

share:

1. One thing I really enjoyed or liked

2. One think I would like to have seen done differently

3. One important thing I learned and I am taking home with

me

Participants offered the following responses.

What I really enjoyed

! Free meals.

! Good size of group. We could get to know people.

! Appreciated that you asked for our input. We feel we have

a say, because we are the front-line.

! Appreciated feeling included. Also, the macadamia nut skit

was enjoyable.

! I feel there will be results from the conference.

! The best part was my discussion group.

! One important old thing – the importance of team work, and listen to different

perspectives. It was all richer because of that.

One thing I would have liked to be different

! The weather

! I liked that you split us up. This forced us to meet new people. But I hope next time

there will be some group rotation, so we can meet even more people.

! It would be good to go out for walks. We spent too much inside the hotel. We would

go out more if the conference were done in another season.


March 6-8, 2007

43

What I will be taking home with me

! What I thought was flexibility within the Host program and what came out here was

totally different. I’m excited to go back and implement some of these ideas.

! We have an important job and we do a good job and it’s finally recognized and

validated.

! It was good to come and see some of the more experienced people, but also to see

Host is a living program, with many new people. Also, people are adapting the Host

program to their regions and the needs of their clients. The program is valued

enough so that it’s invested in, so it continues to live and move. It makes me feel

hopeful.

! The new people I met are very impressive.

! It’s the people who make it work. I feel the warmth despite the cold outside. This is

one of the best conferences I’ve attended. That’s not how I think. I feel it.

! For the first time in many years, CIC representatives are not hiding in the corner,

because at some point one agency will nail them for not having enough resources.

This has allowed some new dynamics and new processes.

! Host is a feel-good program. It’s great to match resources with our own views of the

program.

! I started in this business in 1979. Back then, 22 agencies formed OCASI. We fought

for ISAP Stream B, which is now funding this initiative. It’s great to see.

Congratulations to all of you.

Sue Cass commented that the conference had helped make the Host program real for the

Coordination Team, and had given them energy to pursue the work ahead of them.

Stephen Lam presented the Coordination team with gifts from his agency’s Host

program.


March 6-8, 2007

44

The closing circle

.


March 6-8, 2007

Appendix One

Host Conference Participants

Fatena Akache

Host Program Coordinator

Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services

Telephone: 905 273 4884 x 203

Email: [email protected]

Arsim Aliu

Host Program Manager

SISO-Settlement and Integration Services

Organization

Telephone: 905-667-7480


Maria A. Alvarez

General Manager Cross Cultural and

Community Services

YMCA of Kitchener-Waterloo

Telephone: 519-579-9622 x 227


Mark Bull

Interim Host Coordinator

Quinte United Immigrant Services

Telephone: 613-968-7723 x 25


Donna Cain

Host Coordinator

YMCA of Sarnia-Lambton

Telephone: 519-336-5950


Gabriela Casineanu

Host Program Worker – Professional Matches

Centre Francophone de Toronto

Telephone: 416-203-1220 x 235


Susan Cheeseman

Volunteer Services Coordinator

SISO-Settlement and Integration Services

Organization

Telephone: 905-667-7480


Lakdeep Singh (Lucky) Dhaliwal

Youth Host Worker

Halton Multicultural Council

Telephone: 905 842 2486 x 241


Rahma Elmi

Host Supervisor

YMCA of Kitchener-Waterloo

Telephone: 519-579-9622 x 234


Orlando Ferro

Executive Director - Host Program

Administrator

Quinte United Immigrant Services

Telephone: 613-968-7723 x 21



March 6-8, 2007

Appendix One

Anver Garda

Executive Director

CultureLink

Telephone: 416-588-6288


Marisa Gelfusa

Coordonnatrice du programme Accueil

Centre Francophone de Toronto

Telephone: 416-203-1220 x 227


Mary Golbourne

Host Program Facilitator

Immigrant Services Kingston & Area

Telephone: 613-542-2949 x 161


Nicola Hodson

Host Counselor

Catholic Immigration Centre

Telephone: 613-232-9634 x 334


Rosemary Holt

Host Youth Worker

Multicultural Council of Windsor & Essex

County

Telephone: 519-255-1127


Grace Hsu-Holmes

Regional Program Advisor

Ontario Region, Citizenship and Immigration

Telephone: 416-954-2592


Mira Jankovic

Host Coordinator

Halton Multicultural Council

Telephone: 905 842 2486 x 230


Jessica Jorna

Host Program Events Coordinator


Telephone: 613-232-9634 x 345


Stephen Lam

Director, Immigrant Services and Community

Programs

Catholic Community Services of York Region

Telephone: 905-770-7040 x 235


Richard Lecours

Operations Manager


Telephone: 416-954-0857


Mahmood Mustafa

Host Coordinator

Community Development Council of Durham

Telephone: 905-686-2661


Josefina Pérez

Host Coordinator/Manager

Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines

Telephone: 905-685-6589 x 228



March 6-8, 2007

Appendix One

M. Hashem Rahin

Host Program Worker

CultureLink

Telephone: 416-588-6288 x 220


Rick Rochon

Executive Director

Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines

Telephone: 905-685-6589 x 222


Carmen Romo

Host Worker

Cornwall and District Immigrant Services

Agency

Telephone: 613-933-3745 x 223


Joan Ryan

Host Counselor


Telephone: 613-233-9634 x 311


Andrea Seepersaud

Executive Director

Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services

Telephone: 905-273-4884 x 205


Michelle Smith

Manager, Immigrant Services

YMCA of Sarnia-Lambton

Telephone: 519-336-5950


Paul Soubliere

Host Counselor


Telephone: 613-248-1343 x 312


Sally Spencer

CEO

Youth Assisting Youth

Telephone: 416-932-1919


Lucila Spigelblatt

Deputy Executive Director/Host Manager


Telephone: 613-232-9634 x 347


Lauren St. Louis

Host Settlement Worker French/English

Multicultural Council of Windsor & Essex

County

Telephone: 519-255-1127


Sogand Tadayon

Host Program Worker

Catholic Community Services of York Region

Telephone: 905-770-7040 x 226


Trish Taft


London Cross Cultural Learner Centre

Telephone: 519-432-1133



March 6-8, 2007

Appendix One

Catherine Thai

Settlement Officer


Telephone: 416-952-9115


John van Rhee

Program Manager

Youth Assisting Youth

Telephone: 416-932-1919


Luisa Fernanda Vega Baron


New Canadian Centre of Peterborough

Telephone: 705-743-0882


Nathalie Verly-Raphael

Host Volunteer Coordinator


Telephone: 613-232-9634 x 323


Jeffery Westlake

Settlement Officer


Canada

Telephone: 416-954-2252


Linda Woodbeck

Host Coordinator

Thunder Bay Multicultural Association

Telephone: 807-345-0551


Host Coordination Team

Yew Lee

Axiom Consultants Inc.

Telephone: 819-827-3357

Email:[email protected]

Carolyn McGill

Axiom Consultants Inc.

Telephone: 819-827-3357


Sue Cass

Jocelyne Constant

Ken Desson

Danièle McBride

Rob McBride

Note Takers

Philip Cummings

Barbara MacLaren

David McGill

Nick Schemmer


March 6-8, 2007

Appendix One

Host Conference Participants brave the cold weather outside of the Lord Elgin Hotel, March 8, 2007

Appendix Two

Ontario Host Conference March 6-8, 2007

Participant Feedback Summary

26 responses received

Conference Goals

1. The Host Conference was intended to provide

opportunities to:

a. Clarify values and goals of the Host

Program

b. Identify strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities and pressures for the

Host Program

c. Develop a vision for a provincial Host

network

d. Identify key priorities for planning and

action

e. Guide the Host Coordination Team on

the development of tools and resources

In my opinion, goal (a) was accomplished.

13 50% Strongly agree

13* 50% Agree

0 0% Neutral

0 0% Disagree

0 0% Strongly disagree

0 0% No answer

Comment: * for values, not goals

In my opinion, goal (b) was accomplished.


16 62% Agree

1 4% Neutral

0 0% Disagree


0 0% No answer

In my opinion, goal (c) was accomplished.

15* 58% Strongly agree

8 31% Agree

2 8% Neutral

0 0% Disagree


1 4% No answer

Comment:* if recommendations are utilized

In my opinion, goal (d) was accomplished.


12 46% Agree

1 4% Neutral

0 0% Disagree


2 8% No answer

In my opinion, goal (e) was accomplished.


12 46% Agree

1 4% Neutral

0 0% Disagree


1 4% No answer

Other Features of the Conference

2. There was a good exchange of information

and ideas at the conference.


5 19% Agree

0 0% Neutral

1 4% Disagree



March 6-8, 2007

Appendix Two

3. The Conference program was a good balance

of topics and activities.


9 35% Agree

3 11% Neutral

0 0% Disagree


4. Conference logistics were well organized.

17* 65% Strongly agree

8 31% Agree

1 4% Neutral

0 0% Disagree


Comment:* excellent job!

5. The conference facilities were ideal.


5* 19% Agree

1 4% Neutral

0 0% Disagree


Comment:* but ran out of hot water for tea on

Thursday morning, and not enough breakfast for

everyone

6. The conference meals on-site and off-site were

very good.


6* 23% Agree

3 12% Neutral

2** 8% Disagree


Comment:* off-site lunch on Day One was good.

Comment:** off site was excellent! Strongly agree!

On-site: Breakfasts very disappointing. Lunch was

good though.

7. What I liked most about the conference was:

Meeting people, sharing information and

learning (26 responses). Sample comments:

• The communication between all the

participants

• New people, new ideas, free exchange

• Great planning; a room full of people who

care about their work; learning from

everyone.

• Friendship

• Sharing, giving input, feeling included

• Meeting other Host staff and learning about

the many forms of the programs

• Putting faces to the other agencies, meeting

and exchanging ideas with everyone, feeling

part of a bigger network and that my

opinions were valued.

• I felt that I did not waste my time. I felt that

we discussed about concrete stuff and there

will be some results from those discussions.

• It was small, so you were able to meet

everyone.

• The energy of the group; positive attitudes;

mentality of moving forward; value of Host

program.

• Opportunities to learn. Rich, rich discussion.

Opportunities to network. The optimism.

8. What I liked least about the conference was:

The cold weather (5 comments). Sample

comments:

• Avoid as much a winter conference, so we

can go out for walks and clear our minds.

Small discussion groups did not change (4

comments). Sample comment:

• [Would like] Groups changed the next day

so you can meet other people and hear more

opinions and ideas


March 6-8, 2007

Appendix Two

Too much repetition (3 comments)

• Thursday before lunch was too much talking

heads.

• The specific (sometimes repetitive) topics

• A lot of the same re: the small discussion

groups. There must be another way to

extract info from us.

No complaints (2 comments)

9. For future Host meetings or conferences,

I would recommend:

More of the same (6 comments). Sample

comments:

• This is an ongoing work. Keep up the great

work. Thank you.

• More! More! More!

Change of city, different season (5 comments)

• Summer time

• We go to a different city, so we all have a

chance to be Hosts.

Ideas for the agenda (5 comments). Sample

comments:

• More work to do with specific sections:

Youth coordinators, etc.

• Have time to assimilate and to learn from

each agency

• Panel on best practices. Problem Host cases

and how they were solved.

• More discussion about the meat and potatoes

of the program: volunteer recruitment,

attracting clients, promotions.

• Changing group sessions; more

presentations; more time for group/single

discussions

More food and social activities

• Hospitality room for social interaction in

evening and/or social activity e.g. games,

bowling

10. Additional comments

There were five write-in comments expressing

thanks and appreciation to the organizers.

Sample comments:

• I feel very privileged to have attended this

conference. Thank you!

• The prep material for each break session

was very useful and guided the discussions.

Great work! Keep it up! "

• I had a great time and learned a lot about my

job. Thanks!

Documents

March 6-8, 2007 Ottawa, Ontario - Settlement AtWork