Based on the priorities identified by PINs leaders, we hold events to share knowledge and build relationships between PINs and other stakeholders.
Below are resources, tips and ideas from the events that we have held so far.
Learning Exchange Sessions: These sessions enable network leaders to share learnings with other networks and stakeholders, and to develop expertise to strengthen their organizational capacities.
Leadership Development Events: These events support the development of network leaders and emerging leaders through workshops and information sessions on relevant programs.
Partnership Development: These pilot events aim to create effective working relationships between networks and other relevant stakeholders.
Need ideas for your events?
– they worked for us!Providing Career Information and Referrals for Your Members
April 27, 2011
COSTI
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“All PIN members participated and were engaged in the conversation and topics presented. I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits for the members of all organizations.” – Participant |
Guest speakers presented PIN leaders with an overview of employment services, programs and ideas for ways to partner with agencies. The goal was to help the leaders provide information to their members so that they can better connect to meaningful employment.
Guest Speakers:
- Smriti Gyawali, Information & Referral Officer – Global Experience Ontario (GEO), Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
- Miranda Harpell, Settlement.org Social Media & Outreach Coordinator, OCASI (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants)
- Claudia Valcarcel, Business Liaison, COSTI Employment Services (Vaughan)
- Maria Nunes, Business Liaison for COSTI Weston/Mt. Dennis location for the Employment Ontario Program
Highlights
- Programs offered by Global Experience Ontario (GEO) include free information, assistance and referrals by email, telephone and in person to skilled immigrants in non-health regulated professions and stakeholders such as community agencies & international offices.
- There are specific links on Settlement.org that are particularly useful to skilled immigrants seeking employment
- There are employment services provided by COSTI and other employment service agencies (www.casip.ca) that specifically help skilled immigrants
- PINs and employment service agencies can work together to provide information to network members
- (PDF)
- (PDF)
Tips:
- Link to information portals from your website
- Build a relationship between your network and an employment service agency
- Invite a representative from an employment service agency to meet with your members
- Encourage your members to make use of the services available for skilled immigrants at employment service agencies
Resources:
DiverseCity onBoard and DiverseCity Voices
February 17, 2011
Beit Zatoun
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The best aspect of the session was having the “opportunity to get involved with initiative that helps you enhance both your personal and organizational skills” – ParticipantThis session was “Excellent. I learned a lot, especially the programs offered to visible minorities.” – Participant |
This information session was an opportunity for PINs leaders to learn about two programs that could enable them to play a role in changing the face of leadership in the Greater Toronto Area.
PINs leaders and members learned that through the DiverseCity programs they can:
- share their expertise and opinions on current issues through the media
- volunteer on a board and develop their skills in board governance and source qualified candidates to diversify their networks’ boards
Guest-speakers:
- Sheldon Mahabir, DiverseCity onBoard Recruitment/Outreach Coordinator, Maytree
- Tina Edan, Manager, Leadership Programs, Maytree
Highlights
Leaders and members from a number of professional immigrant networks participated in this session. This was the first time many of the participants were made aware of the need for and impact of diverse boards and diverse media representation.
More than half of the participants expressed interest in signing up for the programs. Participants also enjoyed the networking aspect of the evening, as well as meeting and learning about other PINs.
Presentations:
Tips:
Encourage your members to:
- Become a board member to increase the diversity of a board: DiverseCity onBoard
- Become part of a media database of subject matter experts from diverse communities: DiverseCity Voices
Resources:
For more information and to sign up for these programs:
- Brochure for organizations interested in registering for the DiverseCity onBoard
- Research and Reference: Diversity
- Diversity Matters: Changing the Face of Public Boards
Training Session: Working with the Media
Maytree Boardroom
March 24, 2011
Sixteen leaders, representing 11 networks participated in an evening media training session to better understand the realities of today’s media. Participants were given tips and tools on developing key messages, telling their organization’s story and developing relationships with the media.
Ten leaders have signed on to be part of TRIEC’s media roster. Over half have worked for 20 years or more, and have worked in countries in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Roster member professions range from engineers and project managers to teachers and business consultants.
TRIEC is often called for immigrant success stories. Through this workshop, TRIEC has expanded its roster of media trained immigrant network leaders who can share their stories.
Media Interview Tip Sheet: coming soon
Networking Beyond Boundaries
March 31, 2011
Toronto Board of Trade
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View more photos from “Networking Beyond Boundaries” event
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This pilot event was jointly developed and organized by seven professional immigrant networks and employee resource groups at top companies. It was the first time ever that the organizations worked together, marking the beginning of
stronger relationships between them. This event serves as an effective model of how networks and employee resource groups can work collaboratively for the benefit of their members.
Highlights
Over 200 people participated in the event.
- 95% of evaluation respondents said that what they learned can help them in their career growth.
- 97% of evaluation respondents said networking with other groups was useful.
The organizing committee included representatives from:
- Canadian Colombian Professional Association (CCPA)
- HispanoTech.ca
- HOLA@CIBC
- HOLA Scotiabank,
- Latin American Networking Group (LANG) IBM
- Latin Project Management Network (LPMN)
- TRIEC
Presentation
The keynote speaker, Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder, Diversity Institute, shared a presentation on “The Unspoken Rules: Making Networking Work for You.” This presentation highlights the importance of networking in career development.
Tips:
To network effectively:
- Create a good first impression
- Prepare an elevator speech
- Prepare for the encounter:
- What is the purpose of the meeting
- People generally find people interesting who are interested in them;
- Whom do you want to meet and why
- Must be a two-way process:
- Give back to others
- “What can I do for you?”
- At the meeting: close with “How can I help you?”
- Follow up
- Thank you within 24 hours
- Create “reason” for 30 day follow-up
Resources:
Ryerson, Diversity Institute: Business Case for Diversity
