The Vancouver chapter is looking to increase its membership and capacity through targeting youth; mainly female university students. This initiative will be undertaken by the Chapter’s newest member, Tahira Ebrahim, who will also harness the leadership and networking skills of the youth delegates at this year’s MY Canada conference.

The chapter recognizes that Vancouver’s lack of cohesion in the Muslim community has attributed to the difficulty in garnering support and commitment to CCMW. In response, the chapter’s proposed activities will surround both social and leadership events for Muslim female youth. This will incorporate more efficient communication methods through online event planning and the formation of a Facebook page to attract its targeted audience and showcase its events, both past and present. In addition, the Vancouver chapter is looking to improve its communication with other chapters through online communities, particularly in follow up to the youth conference. Efforts to connect with women in the Greater Vancouver Area will also be made through connecting with local universities and colleges.

In the coming years, the Vancouver chapter hopes to establish relationships with other women’s organizations, such as with the Women for Women in Afghanistan Vancouver chapter, Vancouver Muslims, as well as other Muslim youth organizations in and around Vancouver.

Whereas the chapter will execute any programs or initiatives that are provided by the national board, the chapter will engage in issues and events addressing race relations, Muslim youth leadership and social participation, as well as community involvement. The chapter’s primary objective for the coming year will be to reintroduce itself to the Vancouver community, and rebrand itself as a chapter for youth (20 and older) and young professionals, while harnessing the knowledge and experience of its existing and previous members. An environmental scan will first be conducted to understand the obstacles in reaching out to Muslim women in Vancouver, understanding the needs of these women and youth, and how to make the chapter more relevant to its target audience. This research will be the focus of the chapter’s 2009/2010 agenda.

What might Canada look like if every Muslim woman voted?

The Canadian Council of Muslim Women would like to invite you to our inaugural set of Civic Engagement Training Workshops for Muslim Women.

This workshop is provided free of charge to all organizations and individuals who are interested in increasing women’s participation in election activities and in seeking public office.
 

FACT
Muslim women have a lower propensity to vote than men. Only 39% are estimated to have cast ballot in the 2000 federal general election, as compared with 45% for males. At the provincial polls only 40% of the eligible voters voting, and at the municipal level – where decisions affecting their neighbourhoods and children’s schools are made – only 28 per cent exercised the franchise.

FACT
Muslim female voter turnout rate increased to 43% in the 2004 federal general election, but did not keep pace with the males 50% of who voted that year.

If you would like to attend this workshop, please email
Salima Ebrahim, Project Manager for Engage Now!.

RSVP Now! Don’t Miss This Opportunity
 

Vancouver Civic Engagement Workshop
Saturday, September 8th, 1:00-4:00 pm

Location:
MOSAIC, Community Room
1720- Grant Street, V5L- 2Y7

Refreshments will be provided