The Safe Harbour: Respect for All national diversity initiative is being implemented in Alberta by the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers. It is coordinated nationally by the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC. AMSSA is an affiliation of 70 multicultural agencies providing immigrant settlement and multicultural services. Safe Harbour emerged in 2004 due to the dedication of one of AMSSA's member agencies in Nanaimo, the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society and their Action for Diversity team.

AMSSA and the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers have partnered with not-for-profit immigrant settlement and multicultural agencies, called Community Organizers, to invite local businesses, financial institutions, government offices, not-for-profits, libraries, community policing, youth and other organizations to join the Safe Harbour: Respect for All program.

Community Organizers deliver the free, two-hour Safe Harbour Orientations to local businesses and agencies, inviting them to commit to the three key principles. Participants then go back to their workplace to share the key commitments and approach with their colleagues, supported by a Participant's Workbook and promotional materials. Their workplace is then designated as a Safe Harbour-certified location with the colourful window decal, a certificate, and other signage to announce to the community that they are committed to standing up against racism and hate and to promoting diversity.

Key Points about Safe Harbour: Respect for All

• Safe Harbour is about demonstrating leadership in understanding the importance and benefits of diversity in the workplace and in the community.
  
  
• Businesses and agencies are encouraged to counter racism and hate and build an inclusive and respectful society through their commitments to Safe Harbour.

• Safe Harbour Community Organizers provide a resource to local businesses and agencies to better understand the needs of newcomers and multicultural community members and make referrals to settlement services when necessary.

• Safe Harbour helps prepare employers to recruit and retain an increasingly diverse workforce, including immigrants and refugees.

• Businesses and organizations participating in Safe Harbour are making socially-responsible decisions and will draw in diverse customers/clients who wish to see their values reflected in the places where they do business.

• Safe Harbours help create a welcoming community to facilitate the full participation of newcomers and multicultural community members into our society.

How Businesses & Organizations Benefit
Through building a relationship with their local immigrant settlement and multicultural agency, businesses and organizations may gain enhanced cultural competency within the workplace, including better integrated staff, better service to diverse customers / clients, progressive hiring policies; increased knowledge about the value of diversity in the workplace and community; and proactive steps to prevent and address discrimination, including providing an immediate, temporary safe refuge for anyone in need.

How Communities Benefit
Neighborhoods, towns, and cities benefit from the commitment made by various businesses and agencies to create inclusive environments for newcomers, First Nations people, visible minorities, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. Creating welcoming environments is good for business and good for the community.

Safe Harbour Overview – for storefront locations

Safe Harbour Overview – for Community Organizers

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