Dear community members,
Alongside our daily service activities, we support the full participation of community immigrant women and their families in Canadian civic and political life. This includes carrying out initiatives to increase community member’s knowledge about Canadian civic and political life, as well as accessing opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.
As a non-profit, charitable, community-based, and women-led organization, SAWIS does not participate in any activities to support, endorse, or solicit on behalf of any candidates or members of any political parties. As we approach election periods, our work is to educate community members through workshops and forums to support the informed decision-making of community members when participating in any civic and political processes.
We appreciate the diversity of our community’s thoughts, beliefs, and values. However, we received complaints/concerns from community members about the use of misleading and concerning recruitment practices. If you or someone you know has been approached for recruitment through these practices, please contact SAWIS immediately so that we can assist you in addressing these issues.
We encourage community members to make informed decisions before endorsing political party members or candidates. Making an informed decision means being fully aware of the member or candidate’s beliefs and values on key issues (such as employment rights, housing, healthcare, immigration, etc.) and that they align with your own beliefs and values.
Some important tips to help you make an informed decision include:
- Ask questions! Until you are sure about what a member or candidate stands for, it is unwise to support or endorse them. Ask them about issues that concern you based on your lived experiences, or ask them questions about key issues such as housing, healthcare access, immigration, employment, etc.
- Research! A member/candidate will always represent their affiliated party. If you are unsure about their policies, check out their affiliated party’s website to learn about their stances on key issues.
- Take your time! You are not expected to commit immediately, and anyone who is pressuring you to sign up for a membership is usually going against their party recruitment processes. If you feel pressured, decline the offer so that you can take time to consider your options.
Lastly, it is important to know about the membership process for any political party if you wish to be a member. If you wish to be a paid member of any political party, please check their website! Membership fees are not usually reimbursed by other members of the political party or any candidate.
We believe everyone has the right to make an informed decision. We are against any form of coercion, including false financial incentives, used to recruit members of our community, many of whom are struggling in Canada with limited resources while facing multiple systemic exclusions.
For more information, please feel free to reach out to us!
Best,
SAWIS Admin
sawro.office@gmail.com
416-686-0701