Our Journey
Explore the journey of FRIENDS, from our founding to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Discover how we've been supporting workplace safety, building inclusive communities, and empowering the Filipino-Canadian community through service and engagement.
The Genesis and Evolution of Filipinos Rising (FRIENDS)
Founded in 2019, Filipinos Rising for Inclusion and Equity to Nurture Democracy (FRIENDS) emerged from a collective desire to strengthen our community. Our diverse volunteers aimed to empower Filipino-Canadians through leadership development and civic engagement. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shifted our focus. Still, our efforts remained true to our core values of equity and inclusion, addressing challenges such as isolation and exclusion, particularly among vulnerable groups.
During this period, the rise in racism and anti-Asian sentiment spurred our involvement in community-building 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, FRIENDS is focused on mental health initiatives and expanding collaborations in leadership development and community cohesion, continuing to address emerging community needs. Our journey embodies our dedication to fostering an inclusive and empowered Filipino-Canadian community.
Navigating a Global Crisis: The Pandemic Response
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, helping them access resources and navigate the complexities of the pandemic.
Our response to the Cargill meatpacking plant outbreak was a defining moment in our support for worker safety. We worked alongside partners, offering vital services and facilitating access to healthcare and improved workplace conditions. In northeast Calgary, our role in the vaccination campaign was pivotal. We organized webinars, facilitated vaccinations for individuals in precarious situations, and provided volunteers at local clinics, making significant contributions to public health efforts.
Addressing Mental Health and Social Isolation
The pandemic underscored the importance of mental health. FRIENDS developed initiatives targeting the well-being of youth and essential workers. We facilitated online activities that brought together artists and volunteers to support mental health and reduce 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.
Supporting Workers' Rights and Safety
During the pandemic, the need for FRIENDS to support workers' rights and safety became more apparent than ever. We actively promoted workplace safety, fair working environments, and immigration support services, 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 leveraged this experience to raise broader awareness of workplace equity and representation through community engagement and public consultations. Our collaboration with ActionDignity and other community groups in the Brave Workers initiative reinforced our dedication to ensuring fairness and safety in the workplace.
Building Inclusive Communities: Addressing Racism and Discrimination
FRIENDS responded to the rise in anti-Asian sentiment through concrete action, contributing to the City's Anti-Racism Strategy and participating in initiatives such as Act2EndRacism. We organized community gatherings and marches, bringing together diverse community members to unite against discrimination. Our efforts extended beyond policy discussions, focusing on activities that promoted healing, mental health, and dialogue, reinforcing our vision of a society that embraces diversity and ensures respect for all.
Promoting Civic Participation and Community Engagement
In our commitment to equal opportunities for all, Filipinos Rising (FRIENDS) has been dedicated to fostering civic participation and informed community engagement. We recognize the importance of having communities that are well-informed and actively engaged in civic life. Our initiatives have focused on enhancing democratic participation and promoting ethical leadership. This has involved encouraging informed participation in local elections in Alberta, supporting community development initiatives, and raising awareness about the rights and inclusion of newcomers. A highlight of our efforts was organizing screenings of the film "Katips," which served to educate on historical realities in the Philippines, thereby nurturing informed and engaged communities.
Collaboration with Artists and the Community
Artists play a critical role in shaping societal narratives, and FRIENDS has harnessed this power to spotlight social issues and inspire positive 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 the works of local artists to support our activities. Also, we backed the production of "Long Distance," an award-winning documentary that resonated deeply with our community's experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. These collaborations exemplified our belief in the power of art and community engagement in creating meaningful community impact.
Our Impact: Key Milestones
Since our inception, FRIENDS has evolved from a grassroots emergency response to a comprehensive community development organization. Here are some key milestones in our journey:
2013-2017: Foundation of Community Response. Filipino community members organized responses to major crises, including Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and Fort McMurray wildfires in Alberta, demonstrating the power of collective community action.
2019: Official Launch FRIENDS was formally established, immediately partnering with ActionDignity's North Star Project to address family wellness and support healthy relationships within the Filipino community.
2020: COVID-19 Community Response Launched Operation BAYANIhan, mobilizing volunteers and distributing care packages to vulnerable community members. Partnered with ActionDignity on the MERC program, reaching over 18,000 community members with multilingual COVID-19 support services.
2021: Building Organizational Capacity Officially incorporated as a registered society. Expanded mental health programming for youth, seniors, and families. Contributed to the City of Calgary's Anti-Racism Strategy, ensuring Filipino-Canadian perspectives informed municipal planning.
2022: Strengthening Community Connections. Supported vaccination clinics serving 4,000+ community members. Delivered worker rights education workshops. Organized cultural events promoting heritage awareness and inter-generational connection.
2023: Expanding Leadership Development. Contributed to the First Provincial Convention of Filipino Community Leaders in Rural Alberta, supporting capacity building for community organizations across the province.
2024-2025: Youth Rising Launch Established comprehensive youth programming serving 40+ young people weekly through recreational activities, mental health support, career mentorship, and leadership development.
Youth Rising: Building Youth Capacity and Leadership
In 2025, FRIENDS launched Youth Rising, a comprehensive youth development program designed to strengthen resilience, cultural identity, and leadership skills among Filipino-Canadian youth in Calgary. Through a holistic approach that combines recreational activities, mental health support, cultural programming, and career mentorship, Youth Rising has become a vital community resource for young people aged 12-21.
Program Components and Service Delivery
Recreational Programming and Physical Wellness Youth Rising provides weekly basketball programming that serves as an entry point for building relationships and community connections. Our recreational activities engage 16-25 youth weekly, with growing participation from young women. The program has successfully engaged diverse populations, including children of international students, temporary foreign workers, and permanent residents. Recognizing the importance of early intervention, we developed a 10-week basketball clinic for children under 12, serving 22 young participants while teaching fundamental sports skills and promoting physical activity.
Mental Health and Social-Emotional Learning Understanding that youth face multiple stressors, Youth Rising integrates mental health awareness into all programming. Weekly Youth Night sessions at Action Dignity provide a safe space for peer support, self-awareness activities, and mental health education. The program facilitated focus group discussions with 23 youth to better understand mental health service gaps and improve referral pathways. Through partnerships with organizations such as Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA) and Planet Youth, participants gain access to professional support and have their voices heard in community planning processes.
Cultural Identity and Inter-generational Connection Cultural programming strengthens participants' connection to Filipino heritage while building confidence in their identity. Our Heritage Month celebration, "Kwento at Laro" (Stories and Games), brought together multiple generations to share traditional Filipino games like Patintero, fostering mutual respect and cultural transmission. Creative activities such as "Paint Me a Picture" help youth explore their cultural identity, traditions, and values in a supportive environment.
Career Exploration and Mentorship The "Itanong mo kay Kuya/Ate" (Ask Your Older Brother/Sister) series connects youth with Filipino-Canadian professionals across various career paths, including law enforcement and accounting. These mentorship sessions offer practical career guidance, networking skills, and positive role models, while addressing important topics such as gang prevention and building professional relationships.
Family Strengthening and Parent Education: Recognizing that youth outcomes improve with family support, Youth Rising delivered parent education sessions to 14 families, covering critical topics such as family violence prevention, mental health awareness, parenting practices in the Canadian context, responsible technology use, and community resources. This two-generation approach ensures both youth and parents build capacity together.
Leadership Development and Community Participation Youth Rising emphasizes experiential learning and leadership skill development. Eight youth leaders coached younger children in the U12 basketball clinic, helping them gain confidence, improve time management, and develop teaching skills. Youth participated in community service opportunities, including volunteering at Taste of the Philippines (10 youth volunteers) and attending leadership forums through Action Dignity and AFCLA. The program celebrated four high school graduates, supporting their educational achievement and transitions to post-secondary life.
Collaborative Partnerships and Community Impact
Youth Rising operates through strong partnerships with Action Dignity, YMCA Saddletowne, Calgary Sports Complex, AFCLA, and CCASA. These collaborations enable comprehensive wraparound services and maximize the utilization of community resources. The program is sustained by 8-12 dedicated community volunteers who provide consistent mentorship, activity coordination, and positive guidance each week.
Through evidence-informed programming that addresses the social determinants of health, builds protective factors, and fosters cultural belonging, Youth Rising has created meaningful opportunities for Filipino-Canadian youth to develop skills, form connections, and reach their full potential. The program demonstrates FRIENDS' commitment to investing in the next generation of community leaders.
Looking Ahead: Building Community Capacity
Reflecting on our challenges and achievements, FRIENDS remains dedicated to our foundational vision of building a resilient and empowered Filipino Canadian community. Our plans involve evolving and expanding our programs and services, with a focus on community organizing, community education, and nurturing emerging leaders. We aspire to amplify our community's voice, ensuring equitable representation and contributing to a more inclusive Canada.
As FRIENDS step forward, we invite everyone to join us in shaping a future where the Filipino-Canadian community can thrive and contribute to building stronger communities for all.
