Our Journey: Empowering Communities, Advocating Change

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  Founded in 2019, Filipinos Rising for Inclusion and Equity to Nurture Democracy (FRIENDS) emerged from a collective desire for social change. Our diverse volunteers aimed to empower our community through leadership development and civic engagement. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shifted our focus, but our efforts stayed true to our values of equity and inclusion, addressing challenges like isolation and exclusion, particularly among vulnerable groups.

During this period, the rise in racism and anti-Asian sentiment spurred our involvement in anti-racism initiatives. A highlight of our work was contributing to the First Filipino Convention of Filipino Community Leaders in Rural Alberta in 2023, underlining our growing impact.

As we progress into 2024, FRIENDS is focused on mental health initiatives and expanding collaborations in leadership development and anti-racism, continuing to address emerging community issues. Our journey embodies our dedication to fostering an inclusive and empowered Filipino-Canadian community.

 When COVID-19 struck, FRIENDS swiftly pivoted to address the crisis, guided by our enduring values of equity, inclusion, and community empowerment. We launched initiatives to provide essential support for vulnerable families, assisting them in accessing resources and navigating the complexities of the pandemic. 

Our response to the Cargill meatpacking plant outbreak was a defining moment in advocating for worker safety. We worked alongside partners, offering vital services and advocating for healthcare access and improved labor practices. In northeast Calgary, our role in the vaccination campaign was pivotal. We organized webinars, facilitated vaccinations for those in precarious situations, and provided volunteers at local clinics, contributing significantly to public health efforts. 

 The pandemic also underscored the importance of mental health. FRIENDS developed initiatives targeting the well-being of youth and essential workers. We facilitated online activities, bringing together artists and volunteers to support mental health and combat social isolation. Our collaboration with YMCA Saddletowne created a safe space for youth engagement and recreational activities, playing a crucial role in maintaining community connections during these challenging times. 

 During the pandemic, the need for FRIENDS to advocate for workers' rights and safety became more apparent than ever. We actively supported labor rights, safe working environments, and equitable immigration policies, acknowledging the increased vulnerabilities of workers in challenging situations. Our response to the Cargill outbreak was a significant part of this commitment. We provided essential support to affected workers and utilized this incident to bring broader attention to issues of racism, representation, and workers' rights through media engagement and public consultations. Our collaboration with ActionDignity and other community groups in the Brave Workers initiative reinforced our dedication to ensuring justice and safety in the workplace. 

   FRIENDS tackled the rise in anti-Asian sentiment head-on, developing the City’s Anti-Racism Strategy and engaging in initiatives like Act2EndRacism. We organized anti-racism marches, bringing together diverse community members to unite against racial injustice. Our efforts extended beyond policy and advocacy, focusing on activities that promoted healing, mental health, and dialogue, reinforcing our vision of a society that embraces diversity and ensures respect for all. 

 In our commitment to social justice and equal opportunities for all, Filipinos Rising (FRIENDS) has been dedicated to fostering inclusive politics in both Canada and the Philippines. We understand the significance of having communities that are well-informed and actively engaged. Our initiatives have focused on enhancing democratic participation and championing ethical leadership. This has involved encouraging informed participation in local elections in Alberta, supporting movements for social betterment in the Philippines, and advocating for migrant rights and anti-racism. A highlight of our efforts was organizing screenings of the film "Katips," which served to educate on historical realities in the Philippines, thereby nurturing politically conscious and active communities. 

    Artists play a critical role in shaping societal narratives, and FRIENDS has harnessed this power to spotlight social issues and inspire change. We collaborated with Filipinx artists as co-presenters and facilitators in our mental health and inter-generational dialogue initiatives. Notably, we organized an art auction featuring local artists' works to support our activities and also backed the production of "Long Distance," an award-winning documentary that resonated deeply with our community's experiences during COVID-19. These collaborations exemplified our belief in the transformative power of art and community engagement in driving meaningful social change. 

Reflecting on our challenges and achievements, FRIENDS remains dedicated to our foundational vision of building a resilient and empowered Filipino Canadian community. Our future plans involve evolving and expanding our programs and services, focusing on community organizing, public policy advocacy, and nurturing leaders. We aspire to amplify our community's voice, ensuring equitable representation and contributing to a more inclusive and just Canada.

As FRIENDS steps forward, we invite everyone to join us in shaping a future where the Filipino Canadian community can thrive and lead in building a better society for all