Kumilos Tayo! (Let's Act!)
Addressing Racism with the Filipino Community
Kumilos Tayo! means taking action in Filipino - the Philippines national language. Taking action means creating awareness and understanding about racism and identifying ways individuals and communities can do to prevent and address racism.
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On January 14, 2023, an anti-racism engagement workshop, Pag-Usapan Natin! (Let's Talk!) - Community Conversations about Racism in the Filipino Community, was conducted by EPIC with Filipino community members. It was the first time that leaders and members in the community shared their experiences of harassment and discrimination since they lived in Canada and in Edmonton in a formal discussion.
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Two significant insights emerged from the engagement. First - Filipinos need to learn how to respond when confronted with racism and discrimination and second - Filipinos become perpetrators of racism when they hold prejudice and bias against racialized people.
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The feedback received reflects a disheartening pattern of systemic and pervasive inequity towards People of Colour. Themes have emerged, including workplace microaggressions and racism, education discrimination, and intra-community discrimination such as cultural blame and stereotyping. These narratives highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to address these deeply entrenched issues. The prevalence of unconscious bias, microaggressions, and stereotypes leading to discrimination across various contexts is evident and demands immediate attention. Communities are seeking solutions to foster understanding, eliminate biases, and dismantle discriminatory structures.
On September 8, 2024, EPIC held a follow-up session, Kumilos Tayo! (Let's Act!) - Addressing Racism with the Filipino Community, aimed at designing and implementing a transformative antiracism training program that equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to actively combat racism, foster inclusivity, and pave the way for an equitable society.
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This online resource hub provides a platform where community members can easily access a wide range of educational materials and resources related to anti-racism efforts.
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Supported by Alberta Immigration and Multiculturalism and The Inclusion Journey.​​
The Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) Glossary on Anti-Racism is a comprehensive resource designed to clarify key terms and concepts related to racism, discrimination, and equity.
The Centre for Race and Culture provide training on issues related to race and culture.
This comprehensive resource by Action Dignity provides detailed information on addressing issues related to occupational health and safety, human rights, and employment standards.
The Anti-racism Strategy brings our community together to improve equity, end poverty, eliminate racism and make clear progress toward Truth and Reconciliation
The key elements of a successful EDI strategy are dissected.
UnHide Yourself
UnHide Yourself: Break Free From Bias, Stigma and Stereotypes equips readers to navigate the complexities of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, fostering personal growth and societal transformation. Available on Amazon.
