Community Foundations of Canada: 2015 Belonging (Exploring Connection to Community)
2015/10/08 Leave a comment
Well worth reading this report, both for the range of indicators used and related content, as well as the creative and effective use of graphics.
I provided them an advance copy of Multiculturalism in Canada: Evidence and Anecdote to assist their work on indicators and it was rewarding to see this data being used:
Pluralism and Diversity
The ethnic diversity of our communities also contributes to trust and belonging. Caucasians that live in diverse neighbourhoods have a stronger sense of belonging to Canada than their peers residing in low-diversity neighbourhoods. However this reality is not felt everywhere as belonging among people of visible minorities is unaffected by neighbourhood diversity. Having friends from different ethnic backgrounds also has positive impact on belonging.34 In 2013, 59% of people reported that at least a few of their friends belonged to a visibly different ethnic group, up from 54% in 2003
Political Inclusion
Canadian voting rates have been falling in recent decades, but it’s not yet clear if there’s a link between voting and belonging. What we do know is that voting for the first time is often described by newcomers as an experience of belonging. Increasing representation among elected officials and the public service is important in strengthening belonging for underrepresented groups of Canadians. There are fewer racialized people among elected officials and the public service, for example, than their proportion of Canada’s population. The argument is that people feel a greater sense of ownership over their community and country when they see themselves and their experiences reflected in decision-makers.
Community Foundations of Canada: 2015 Belonging (Exploring Connection to Community)
Multicultural Meanderings 