Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter is hosting Ripple Effect, a 4 month Civic Leadership Training Program for Chinese Youth. “CCNC Toronto Chapter is an organization of Chinese Canadians in the City of Toronto that promotes equity, social justice, inclusive civic participation, and respect for diversity.”
I am lucky to be a member of the 2010 Ripple Effect youth group. It is an opportunity for me to connect with my Chinese heritage, learn about civic issues that are facing the Chinese community and come together with Chinese Youth (who god bless them, call me wise!!)
Over the first 2 day introduction weekend I walked away feeling motivated!!!
Motivated to learn more about Chinese Canadian history, to get involved, to connect with the culture, and most importantly to start planning that Asia getaway that I have been thinking about going on. Admittedly, I grew up and thought of being Chinese only when I missed out on sleepovers because of Saturday morning Chinese School or when my friends would ask “is Chinatown in China??” I didn’t really think about it when we celebrated Lunar New Year or when I would listen to my parents talk in Cantonese. More recently, I wish that I hadn’t thought about being Chinese so lightly, it is a part of me and I am now eager to soak in as much as I can.
I also came up with a few questions that I am curious to answer over the 4 month time period:
1. What does it mean to me to be Chinese AND Canadian?
2. How can we celebrate our traditions and move them into the future?
3. How to share multi-culture heritage with all Canadians?