Thursday, October 30, 2025

MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (MLC)


 MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (MLC)

What Is MLC?

The MLC is an advisory group designed to bring a more diverse cultural perspective to the community. 

The Saskatoon Open Door Society is committed to enhancing the experience of newcomers to Saskatoon, and strives to create an environment that reflects the multicultural nature of the city’s demographic with a positive and effective tool.

The MLC consists of graduates from the LACE (Leadership and Community Engagement) program. These participants have received specialized training focused on community leadership and engagement and have a strong commitment to representing the multicultural voice in the community.

The Vision: 

The MLC will be a strong voice in the growth, development, support and education of the community.

The Mission:

The MLC is a diverse team dedicated to sharing the immigrant/refugee perspective with the community to advocate and promote diversity and cultural awareness.

The Role:

The Multicultural Leadership Council will serve as an advisory board for the community. Members will be able to provide a cultural perspective on civic matters including those that focus on police, housing, transportation, education and others. They will also be available to attend meetings and provide presentations to those groups interested in learning more about the immigrant experience. 

The Multicultural Leadership Council will also work to strengthen their leadership skills by way of continued learning, and expand their network by attending community events and forums.

The Values:

Respect: MLC will be sensitive to the diversity of cultures and traditions as it builds relationships through recognition, acceptance, open-mindedness and equality.

Innovation: MLC aims to find new ideas and progressive approaches in establishing and building relationships with our stakeholders to foster growth.

Commitment: MLC will honor and respect the cultures and traditions of our diverse community.

Professionalism: MLC will conduct itself with trust, integrity and responsible leadership.

Teamwork: MLC will collaborate and work together to achieve common goals through flexibility, sensitivity, and tolerance.

MLC Mottos and Meetings:

The MLC will determine a motto annually to inspire and motivate their work. They will meet on a regular basis to plan activities and learning opportunities. The Saskatoon Open Door Society’s Cultural Bridging and Community Engagement team will collaborate with the MLC to ensure that these goals are achieved.

What are the differences between LACE Alumni and MLC? 

LACE Alumni vs MLC

Lace Alumni have completed a 6 month training series that focused on skill development and education MLC is a continuous process with a solid work plan, hands-on learning and community representation 

LACE alumni do more social projects focusing on networking, community events    MLC represents the immigrant community and gets involved in various community and civic events, forums, “think tanks”  

LACE alumni meets about every 3 months Meets on a regular basis (possibly monthly)

Participation in LACE alumni activities is voluntary. Commitment is necessary part of MLC program and activities

LACE Alumni creates activities based on Alumni interests. MLC bases activities on the needs of community. 

LACE is open to any newcomer to apply MLC members must be graduates of LACE and completed all sessions. 

We are very interested in your opinion, thoughts and feedback. Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions:

1. Are you interested in being a member of the Multicultural Leadership Council (MLC)?

Ans: Yes.

 

2. Part of the MLC requires some collaboration with local NGOs and government committees. Do you feel this is important? Would you welcome this involvement? 

Ans: Yes, It is important, and I welcome this involvement.


3. MLC will serve as an advisory board for the community. You may be asked to attend meetings and provide presentations to groups interested in learning more about the immigrant experience. Do you think you can provide a cultural perspective on a variety of topics? (Obviously not everyone is comfortable with public speaking. Research and support are also important aspects of the MLC.)

Ans: If I have anything to add, yes, of course. I’d like to contribute.


4. Are you willing to engage with the community to build awareness about the benefits of cultural diversity and the dangers of racism and xenophobia?

Ans: Yes.


5. What resources would help you fulfill your role as a member of the MLC? (ie., webinars, training, practice)

Ans: All, according to its needs.


6. Do you have any suggestions for a “starting point” or organization you would like to look into for sharing a cultural perspective on an issue?

Ans:  One issue might be securing a job in Canada based on their education and experience. Almost all immigrants face this challenge.


7. Do you have any suggestions or thoughts you would like to share at this time?

Ans: Right now, only online communication is safe for all.


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