DJAARA’s Post

Congratulations to the QLD business LSKD, who won the National #TelstraBestofBusinessAwards. There is also an incredible line-up of #socalenterprise who have created sustainable, ongoing #socialimpact and put the #enterprise into #social. I encourage you to take a couple of minutes today 1. #getinspired - take a look at the winners https://lnkd.in/ekBGiV_a 2. #support - shout out and 3. #spend at a #socialenterprise when you next shop. Check out Lyka, mumamoo, Evolve Communities, Earworx, Eather Group , Transmutation Pty Ltd, Connectedly, ArtKids, Manapan Furniture Accessible Homes Australia, Stymie, Chat Well Allied Health, , Netcraft Australia, Allison Davies, She's on the Money, The Conversation Australia + NZ, SportsGrid, for some fantastic examples of businesses making a positive impact in their communities. As Social Change Makers, it is important to recognise and celebrate the efforts of businesses like LSKD and these #socialenterprises who are using their platform and resources to create meaningful change. Not only do they provide quality products or services, but they also give back and make a difference in the world. Take a look at how businesses can use their success to support causes and initiatives that align with their values is inspiring. These companies not only contribute to their local economies but also have a global impact by promoting sustainable practices, supporting marginalised communities, or tackling social challenges. As a previous #socialchangemaker state winner and previous #judge, I may have some bias; I can't help being inspired and excited at these awards' impact on the development and support of #smallbusiness. Telstra - Thank you for providing the stage to promote small businesses and social enterprises.

📢Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the 2024 European #SocialServices Awards! This year’s Awards theme is “Promoting #Inclusive Communities”. 🏘️ Within urban and #rural areas, there are many unique neighbourhoods and communities with diverse needs and preferences. Taking a holistic integrated approach to delivering social services within these areas means implementing a framework which can respond to the different set of needs across different neighbourhoods. With the Excellence in #Communities Award🏆, ESN seeks to recognise organisations that are outstanding in crafting inclusive and resilient neighbourhoods and communities, ensuring that all residents’ rights, choices and independence are valued and respected. This Award can be awarded to a project from all the entries submitted by organisations in each of the different categories. 📌 Find out more about the categories: https://buff.ly/44yDdRQ 📝 Apply to be part of the 2024 European SocialServices Awards here: https://buff.ly/3JTIMkl

I witness the power of collaboration across diverse social systems to tackle complex societal challenges firsthand through MAF Canada's initiatives. A single approach or discipline can't hold all the answers. By embracing boundary-spanning and working across cultures, organizations, and disciplines, we can harness the collective wisdom and resources needed to make a meaningful impact on public well-being. When we come together, we bridge divides. #Collaboration #SocialSystems #ChangeEffort

In a world grappling with multifaceted challenges, the quest for effective stakeholder engagement, community development, and transformation has never been more crucial. Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions (Umsizi), a visionary social development company, in partnership with Harmony Gold (Harmony), have introduced a pioneering initiative known as the Sustainable Relationship Building (SRB) programme. This groundbreaking programme is geared towards driving community development and transformation through equipping, supporting, and harnessing the potential of faith leadership and traditional leadership, alongside municipal and government officials. Through the SRB programme, Umsizi and Harmony envision a future where shared social and economic prosperity is not just a dream, but a tangible reality. #socioeconomicdevelopment #rebuildingtheeconomy #sustainabledevelopment #empowerment #livelihoodsdevelopment #SustainableRelationshipBuilding

Navigating New Horizons: The Power of Community Integration Adjusting to a new country can be daunting. From understanding local customs to figuring out what to say or what not to say, the journey of integration is filled with challenges. But what if you had a roadmap? A guide to help navigate these complex waters? That’s exactly why we’re excited to introduce the Community Integration Hub on September 14th at Greyfriars Charteris Centre, Edinburgh. Think of it as your essential guide to “What I Wish I Knew When I First Arrived. Why Integration Matters: Integration helps individuals not only survive but thrive in new environments. It’s about making meaningful connections, understanding cultural nuances, and finding your place in a new community. This isn’t just beneficial for individuals; it enriches our entire community with diverse perspectives and experiences. What to Expect at the Hub: Our upcoming event is designed to equip you with crucial insights and tools for a smoother transition. Whether it’s communication tips, cultural dos and don’ts, or simply making new friends, we’ve got you covered. It’s everything you wished you knew, packed into one empowering session. 📅 Join Us: Date: September 14th Time: 2-4 PM Location: Greyfriars Charteris Centre, Edinburgh Let’s make your integration journey not just about fitting in, but standing out. Because every voice matters and every story adds to the rich tapestry of our community. 💬👥 👉 RSVP Now https://lnkd.in/d5d5PAqC And Share Your Journey. What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first arrived? Share your stories in the comments or better yet, bring them to our event and let’s learn together! #CommunityIntegration #EthnicMinoritySupport #AdelpheCommunity #NavigatingNewHorizons

Building Bridges of Economic Empowerment I have had the privilege of working in various roles across different geographies,. First as an IT Professional, on the cutting edge of the emerging IT industry in my home country of Nigeria, working as a Telecoms engineer & a wide area network administrator. Then, I switched to consulting working in Accenture in project and program management and heading the SAP practice before relocating to North America where I overcame an initial setback in career before making a foray into community development. Since then, I have had a unique experience, working alongside others to promote various interests for the black community in Canada with positive outcomes. Top on the enduring talents I have retained over the course of my career, are networking (ability to connect easily with individuals, groups & institutions) and bridging connections with other parties for mutual benefit. Next is project management, especially in complex terrain. Despite Canada's success in growing its population largely through a continued influx of skilled immigrants, there remains a gap in our ability to harness the rich potential that is available in landed immigrants. Based on my own experience of working on the shop floor, I am keenly aware that many immigrants who work there are over qualified for those roles and a better job can be done to provide a platform to enable immigrants transition to more economically viable jobs or start their businesses. As I continue my new focus on promoting economic development among the black community, and providing the bridges required to make this a reality, I am convinced that this is a worthwhile effort and continue to seek individual and institutional partnerships to make this happen. I am excited at the wealth of resources (human, facilities, investments) that exist at federal, provincial and municipal levels available across Canada but have also observed that a huge information gap exists preventing prospects (namely aspiring entrepreneurs/professionals who are mostly stuck in survival mode working on 9 to 5 jobs) from taking full advantage of these. Through several collaborative efforts between Tendamay Consulting Inc., North American Chamber of Black Entrepreneurs, and several association groups, including ANE Global I am committed to advancing the cause of economic empowerment through education, advocacy, partnerships, network and business solutions, as well as facilitate bi-lateral trade between Canada and the source continents for black immigrants, namely Africa and the Caribbean. It is an exciting prospect and still largely a greenfield area & I am pleased to join an esteemed group of pioneers, such as Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade Founder of CASA Foundation and @Michael Forrest Founder and Chair of CBCC, just to name a few. Emmanuel Adebola Economic Development Consultant and Financial Advisor #economicempowerment #blackexcellence

In our Urban Work Index, St. Catharines - #Niagara made the Top 10 Best #BestCitytoWork in Canada thanks in part to a low relative unemployment rate in trades (10.9%). Congrats to St. Catharines - Niagara for the 2nd-highest pass rate for high school literacy tests (86%) out of the cities in this index. Kudos to Niagara Catholic District School Board District School Board of Niagara But, the challenge to watch for: St. Catharines - Niagara has lost a high number of young people to interprovincial migration per capita, losing 872 in 2021/2022. How can we improve? Check out the full index for more, and consider a regional index solutions lab!

A Hampshire council has completely rethought the way it takes decisions. Extensive deliberative engagement with communities now shapes strategies for regeneration, corporate plans and visions of place. Rather quietly and without fanfare, Test Valley Borough Council is now leading the way for the rest of the public sector and government. So, of course, New Local had to go and record a podcast with them. It's inspirational and radical stuff. Do have a listen. Here are four key insights I took away from a fascinating conversation. 1. Far from undermining representative democracy (as some claim), deep deliberative engagement massively strengthens it. It shows people that councillors are listening, gives councillors a stronger mandate for action, and empowers backbench councillors to be part of strategic decision-making. 2. Contrary to popular belief, ALL communities are willing and able to be heard. You just have to be imaginative and flexible about how, when and where you engage. The key is to not get hung up on one process or forum for engagement but to build your methods to achieve the ultimate outcome: meaningful, open conversation. 3. Deep engagement has led to the council taking braver and more impactful decisions. Why? Because communities, in the right context, will embrace change and give permission to councils to do things differently. And because communities know better than officers or even politicians what is going to make a real difference to the places they live. 4. When communities get a chance to hear from the full range of voices and experiences that make up their place, they not only embrace but demand inclusivity and equality. Communities are not the self-interested, exclusionary creatures that traditional top-down decision-making either assumes or forces them to be. There's lots more in the podcast. But I think Salena Mulhere (Dept. CEO) caught the spirit of Test Valley very well: “At every point, in everything we’re doing, we’re checking in with ourselves and saying, well actually, how do we know that that’s what that community needs? Are we engaging with them? It’s something that all of the management team and officers do. People who work as diversely as HR to asset management and planning are understanding that everything we do comes from those conversations with the community.” #publicservices #localgov #democracy #communitypower #NHS #EDI #Diversity Andy Ferrier James Moody Phil North Jon Alexander Claudia Chwalisz Pip Cannons Wayne Hemingway MBE Rob Powell Mari Roberts-Wood Adam Hill Katie Kelly Samira Ben Omar

Join us for an introduction to the topic of engaging and creating with First Nations Communities, with Aunty Vickey Charles, The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI)’s Aunty in Residence, and Chris Vanstone, TACSI’s Chief Innovation Officer. The webinar will draw on case studies of TACSI’s experience of co-design and innovation with First Nations groups which includes the development of policy, service design, governance design and development of community strategies. Learn more about the presenters and register here > https://lnkd.in/gPzn4YvS #communityengagement #carnegie #carnegiecommunityengagement #carnegieclassification #carnegiecommunityengagementnetwork #universities #socialimpact #australianuniversities #engagement #webinar #engagementaustralia

Honored to join an insightful roundtable with The Hon. Peter Dutton MP, Leader of the Opposition, and Dr Katie Allen to discuss some of the most pressing issues for Australia’s future. Our conversation focused on three key areas: Community resilience: How we can strengthen local support networks and foster resilience in challenging times. Economic confidence: Exploring ways to build stability and growth, and increase employment opportunities. Collaboration: The vital role corporate and not-for-profit organisations can play together in shaping a stronger, more inclusive Australia. It was inspiring to hear different perspectives on how we can collectively contribute to a more prosperous and resilient society. Together, we can make a real impact on our communities and nation. #leadership #community #economicconfidence #collaboration #strongeraustralia