VISION
Is to cultivate a cohesive and inclusive community rooted in cooperation, equality, and peaceful coexistence, building bridges, while combating all forms of discrimination, racism, and systemic biases, for a better, fairer world
MISSION
Mission Statement:
As a registered nonprofit organization in Canada, we are dedicated to promoting arts, culture, education, and sports, with a focus on empowering underserved communities. We support newcomers and refugees in their smooth integration into Canadian society through immigration settlement services and other vital programs. Our advocacy for inclusion, diversity, and equity celebrates community resilience by providing essential services and referrals, cultivating spaces and platforms of belonging that align with our core values.
MANDATE
Mandated as an Arts, Cultural Education, and Sports organization, we fight to reduce poverty and build strong civic communities, provides diverse programs, activities, festivals, parade, workshops, training, and support services. Our guiding principles include diversity, equity, inclusion, amplifying Voices, and Anti-Racism, that help address intersecting identities with Poverty/Crime Reduction efforts.
In alignment with the UN Inter Decade for People of African Descent, we strive to amplify the voices of marginalized/interfaith minority communities, promoting cultural understanding, equity, and justice. We are committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognizing our shared responsibility. We are committed to strengthening collaboration and innovation to create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable society for all.
At GLNS, we view participants and audiences as partners, prioritizing inclusion, understanding as integral to our culture. We embody values of creativity, innovation, justice, anti-racism, accessibility, and decolonization, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and celebrated.
MANDATE
Cont’ with Mandates
These principles define our vision, mission, purpose, and core values, inspiring communities to join our cause. As a registered not-for-profit, we strongly advocate and combat racism, particularly anti-Black racism, through education, dialogue, culturally and artistic expression. We prioritize equity and inclusion, focusing on Arts, Culture, Education, and Sports for underserved communities. We support immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, seniors, those with disability, and other marginalized groups offering services as immigration settlement and job placement. Our community outreach and environmental initiatives are aligned with the Millennium Development Goals, (MDG), we promote our UN International declaration for People of African Descent as well as guide our policies and practices. Through partnerships and innovative programs, we address racial inequalities locally, nationally, and globally
Our Core Values:
- Creativity- Encouraging innovation and originality in artistic and educational pursuits
- Inclusivity- Strengthening an environment where everyone, regardless of background, participates, feeling valued and a sense of belonging
- Integrity- Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all activities
- Excellence- Striving for the highest standards in artistic expression, education, and organizational practices
- Community Engagement – Involving racialized communities through accessible, inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate approaches
- Diversity- Respecting and celebrating diverse cultures, perspectives, and talents
- Education- Committed to lifelong learning and providing opportunities for skills development and knowledge sharing
- Sustainability- Promoting environmental responsibility and ensuring long-term organizational viability.
These values guide our mission, shaping programs and services to build a strong, resilient community around arts, culture, sports, education, etc.
Organizational Objectives:
To promote deeper cultural understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, traditions, beliefs and artistic expressions. Through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs, seeking to bridge cultural divides and celebrate the richness of human diversity.
To enhance community engagement and exclusivity in terms of spaces where community members from all backgrounds and origins come together to participate to build stronger connections, promoting social cohesion.
Empowerment through education and skillz development in arts, culture, and sports, aiming to empower individuals, especially youth and marginalized groups, by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their passions and contribute positively to society.
At Great Lakes Networking Society of BC, we combat racism and hate by offering extensive support to those facing racist and discrimination incidents.
Following a workshop by Statistics Canada and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), we shall source for grants to launch training sessions to undeserved/interfaith community members to foster community cohesion and bridge gaps with law enforcement. Our initiative aims to aid victims of racism, promote resilience, and ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all through trauma informed counseling and community building
These objectives guide our organization’s strategic planning, program development, and daily operations, ensuring alignment with our mission to enrich lives through programs participation.