UW RAISE
200 University Avenue West N2L3G1 Waterloo, ON, Canada

Apply to be a mentor, we have limited capacity for how many mentors we are onboarding, so sign up early! Benefits to being a mentor include: creating a meaningful and long lasting connection with a fellow student, taking part of networking events, a chance to build your leadership and communication skills. Application deadline is December 13th

Applications are still open for the mentor position, apply now! We have limited spots available for our first ever pilot launch. Create connections with first year student and support them with the knowledge and experience you have gained as an upper year student. Responsibilities include: completing mentor specific training , and meeting with mentees on a regular basis throughout the term. Deadline is extended to Sunday December 13th. Application can be found on leads: https://leads.uwaterloo.ca/Advertisement/Details/3555.

EXEC , VOLUNTEER AND MENTORSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Come join our RAISE family and help us work towards the inclusivity and equity of all racially marginalized students on campus. We can’t wait for you to join our amazing team Check LEADS for the applications! https://leads.uwaterloo.ca/Job/Postings

Have you been negatively impacted by Covid? Do you think that Canada needs to do more for the climate crisis, mental health, and racial justice as part of a pandemic recovery plan? Future Majority is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that amplifies the voices of youth to politicians to advocate for the issues that impact us, the largest voting bloc. Join Future Majority on Thursday, November 19 from 6-7 pm EST for a digital town hall with Kitchener Centre MP Raj Saini. You’ll get the chance to hear from student activists from the KW region, ask MP Saini questions, and learn more about Future Majority’s campaign for a green and just recovery.

Navigating university can be really stressful , especially with the difficulty that comes with making meaningful connections and trying to access resources in the online world. Our RAISE community is launching a new pilot initiative that seeks to support first year racialized students by connecting them with fellow BIPOC upper year students who can share their experience and provide guidance. Collaboratively, we hope this program can make the university experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

RAISE holds a standard of peace, justice and equity throughout all forms of life. However, these standards are not met by everyone and there are individuals and groups that will take advantage of their privilege or ignorance to spread hate, violence and injustice. If you have been subjected to any hate, violence and injustice while on campus, fill out the WUSA incident reporting form and there will be an investigation and tracking of the incident. Link here: https://wusa.ca/...incident-reporting-form #Raise2Gether

NEW HOURS. The RAISE Room hours have been updated to 7-9 pm on Mondays. We hope to see you there!

OFFICE HOURS ARE BACK (email [email protected]) email for office hours is - [email protected] Since we are unable to hold office hours in person, we have moved them to the online world. They will be between the hours of 12pm-4pm, EVERY WEEKDAY. This is a space offered to everyone for company comfort or coziness. You are able to speak to us through video or anonymously through audio. Check the link in our bio for the email to book your office hours. Hope to speak to you soon RAISE family!

Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity and Equity (RAISE) stands in support with the Mi'kmaq First Nations in what is known as 'Nova Scotia', and Treaty 1752 the Mi'kmaq Right to Moderate Livelihood. Treaty 1752 stipulates that the Mi'kmaq people have an inherent right to moderate livelihood, which means they have full agency to fish, hunt and gather for moderate living. However, Mi’kmaq fisheries across ‘Nova Scotia’ are being attacked, sabotaged and threatened by whi...te settler commercial fisheries who are violating Treaty 1752. A State of Emergency was declared by the Mi’kmaq Chiefs effective immediately, up to and including 5 pm on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 (Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs). Despite this flagrant violation of treaty law, the Department of Fisheries and the RCMP stood idly by. At the same time, the First Nations peoples are further threatened and harassed by the commercial fisheries, including anybody suspected of purchasing products from First Nations fisheries. This violence perpetuated by commercial fisheries, coupled with the lack of action by a government department and a federal police service that claims to ‘protect and serve’, is a clear extension of the continued harm and violence perpetuated by settler colonialism. The lack of response is yet another projection of white supremacy and anti-Indigenous racism. Canada, a state that prides itself on multiculturalism and Indigenous reconciliation, continuously broadcasts this colonial-settler government. The government has once again proven that their efforts at reconciliation are empty and performative. We continue to support and hold space for Indigenous students on campus, feeling this pain and grief and frustrations with their Mi’kmaq First Nations relations. This type of institutional violence happens regularly across Turtle Island. This institution continues to silence and erase Indigenous student voices, and therefore continuously fails to provide adequate support. We acknowledge the need for settlers to give more effort in (un)learning oppressive practices and beliefs, and the historical truths that need to be realized before reconciliation can actually begin. See more

Since the August 9 WUSA Special Meeting, a call to defund RAISE has been going around on the UWaterloo subreddit. Here is a timeline of the events, details of the meeting and a counter to the misconceptions and misinformation circling around: Timeline: Tuesday, August 4: Doug Ford announces a $6M investment in policing ...Continue reading

Today we are taking a stand and showing the University of Waterloo’s true colours. The University is complicit in the violation and oppression of BIPOC faculty, staff, and students on their campus. We have created a campaign called #EQUITY4WHO to expose the truth of how UW’s and particularly Dr. Diana Parry’s history of dismissive actions and tokenism towards Black and Indigenous students, staff, and faculty has and continues to harm the BIPOC community. The University of Wa...terloo’s announcement to form the President's Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART) without consultation with the UW BIPOC community on campus who are already involved in this work is alarming and for this, we are speaking out. Follow @equityforwho on Instagram to read our open letter below: https://docs.google.com//1S8_Fk4mrw-z1D2Dh0rmkSR0bFz/edit We are asking the student body to help gain traction by going on any UWaterloo affiliated accounts and commenting #EQUITY4WHO on most recent posts.

Interested in being part of the RAISE team? Great news, we're hiring! Applications for coordinate are due this Sunday, July 12. Go to leads.ca to submit your application today!

Recently an incident of racism was brought to our attention. An incoming student was part of an unofficial group chat on social media where anti-Black language and stereotypes were used as a joke. Another student attempted to correct the racist rhetoric that was being circulated, only to be met with tone-policing and gaslighting, as though "jokes" somehow undermine the racism they cover. The student posted about the incident on social media which brought it to the attention o...Continue reading

Hello everyone, Our tea talk series is back! Taking place every other Thursday at 6:30pm... This week's discussion topic is rainbow capitalism. The event will begin with a community checkup, followed by question prompts leading into, an open discussion. The zoom link will be provided in the comments/bio closer to the event. Look out for resources posted on our Facebook page QTPOC KW. Hope to see y'all there!

Watch the KW Solidarity March for Black Lives Matter happening live here: https://www.facebook.com/blacklivesmatterwaterlooregion/videos/2649504851959873/ Support the Black Lives Matter WR - Community Solidarity Fund here: https://gf.me/u/x58wvf

Reminder that the KW Solidarity March for Black Lives Matter will be taking place today between 5 - 7PM! Please also consider supporting through the Black Lives Matter Waterloo Region Community Support Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/b5sv9-black-lives-matter For more information check out the Waterloo Region Black Lives Matter facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/blacklivesmatterwaterlooregion

Hello everyone, QTPOC KW is looking for volunteers and execs for the summer and fall terms. More than ever, we need to be heard, supported, and valued. Now tha...t in person activity is suspended until further notice, waiting it out is not an option. Our community needs us and we commit to showing up. Please if you have any capacity in the upcoming weeks, comment on this post or message our page directly. We'll add you to a group so we can resume organizing events and campaigns. QTPOC KW is here to serve, and advocate. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns, ideas, or require support.

The Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity and Equity (RAISE) stands in complete solidarity and support for the Black community in the United States and Canada who have risen in the past week to unequivocally reject white supremacy, systemic, structural racism, state-sanctioned violence and the murder and dehumanization of Black lives. We grieve the countless murdered due to an unfair and racist system that polices, surveils and violently dehumanizes Black people in the ...Continue reading

Welcome back Warriors! RAISE is continuing to address racism and xenophobia at the University of Waterloo during these unprecedented times. Peer-to-peer support provides marginalized students with a non-judgmental space to ensure they get the support they need. Peer support will be running: Mondays and Wednesdays: 10AM - 2PM... Tuesdays and Thursdays: 2PM - 6PM See more

Missed the first deadline for our applications but still want to be part of the amazing RAISE team? Head over to leads.uwaterloo.ca to apply for Spring 2020!

IMPORTANT! Hello Warriors, we have a few announcements. Our office will be CLOSED all of next week, and we will try to resume peer support hours the following week. Please stay posted on our Facebook and Instagram for updates on those hours. ... We would also like to state that there are resources available for those seeking support. Please reach out to the Equity Commissioner ([email protected]) and the Center for Academic Policy Support Coordinator ([email protected]). - the RAISE team

COUNTDOWN TO XCHANGES 2020: Introducing Dr. Kim Anderson | Speaker Dr. Kim Anderson is a Metis scholar with a PhD in history from the University of Guelph. She holds a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Relationships and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph. Dr. Anderson has published seven books and over thirty peer reviewed articles on subjects including gender and Indigeneity, Indigenous health a...nd well-being, Indigenous research methodologies and Indigenous knowledge transfer in urban settings. Much of her work involves oral history. Dr. Kim and Lori Campbell will be speaking during the session of Indigenous health and well-being: A conversation on supporting Indigenous students, land-based learning, and indigenization within the academy. Contact: [email protected] Website: family.uoguelph.ca/people/kim-anderson

COUNTDOWN TO XCHANGES 2020: Introducing Dr. Christopher Taylor | Speaker Christopher Stuart Taylor completed his PhD at Western University (Canada) in History and Migration & Ethnic Relations (MER). He currently teaches in the Department of History and the Arts First program. He is also a facilitator with the City of Toronto's Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit. He also works in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) and began his career as a Policy Coordinator Intern in the Deputy... Minister's Office at the Ministry of Labour. Dr. Christopher will be speaking during the session Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: What You Should Know Contact: [email protected] Twitter: @DrCSTaylor LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-stuart-taylor-b6082784/ Website: uwaterloo.ca/history/people-profiles/christopher-taylor

COUNTDOWN TO XCHANGES 2020: Introducing Sehrish Haroon | Speaker Sehrish is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. She has been working in the field of mental health since the past 7 years, and has been providing counselling and psychotherapy for the past 3-4 years. She provides psychotherapy and counselling for mental health struggles, e.g., anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, body image, addiction, etc; as well as supporting clients through life tra...nsitions, relationship struggles, career, performance and social skills struggles, etc. One of her special interests includes providing culture infused counselling. She supports her clients by establishing a culturally sensitive working alliance, and helps them meet their therapeutic goals while ensuring a social justice approach. Sehrish will be speaking during the session Cultural Competency, Sensitivity, and Awareness in Mental Health Care: What Do They Mean and What Are The Impacts? Contact: [email protected] Instagram: @transformation.counselling Website: www.transformationcounselling.com/about-sehrish

COUNTDOWN TO XCHANGES 2020: Introducing Ruth Cameron | Speaker Ruth is a PhD student at Wilfrid Laurier University in Community Psychology, the Executive Director of the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area (ACCKWA), and a member of the Ontario Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS. Her work engages intersectionality as an overarching framework for systems-level interventions supporting equitable outcomes for the most complexly marginalized communities impacted ...by HIV, including the disproportionately surveilled and incarcerated African, Caribbean and Black communities, Indigenous communities and people challenged by injection drug use and addictions. Ruth will be speaking during the session of The Duty of Providers in Our Community -- What are the Service Gaps and How Can We Fill Them? Contact: [email protected] Twitter: @pruthcameron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pruthcameron/ Website: https://www.acckwa.com/

Soup lunch hosted by RAISE and WISC on March 4! Come enjoy a warm bowl of soup, some bannock and great company.

Xchanges tickets are now live! Get yours at http://Xchanges2020.ticketfi.com! Check out the event page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/177018447045690/

Over the past few days, Canada has seen numerous protests in solidarity with a blockade enforced by members of the Wet’suwet’en nation to prevent the construction of a natural gas pipeline. This action on the part of the pipeline company and the Trudeau government comes with incredible controversy, as tensions have been brewing long before now. On December 31st, 2019, the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled in favour of a company named Coastal GasLink, allowing them to e...xpand their project into Indigenous territory despite Wet’suwet’en members preventing access. The construction of pipelines on Indigenous land carries a long, problematic history and is one of the most dominant among many forms of discrimination the community is faced with. It becomes increasingly difficult to move forward with reconciliation on a national level when the Indigenous community is forcibly removed from land they were the first to step foot on, without adequate consultation or consent. Despite Indigenous peoples having received an apology from Canadian federal government in 2008, they continue to have less access to adequate housing, education opportunities, and are more susceptible to rights violations as we have seen with the pipeline. In addition, the Wet’suwet’en nation possess legal rights to the land and never forfeited their rights. So let us keep this mind and have critical conversations surrounding how the Canadian government has and intends to contribute to reconciliation with the Indigenous community. Here at RAISE, we stand in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en nation members, all those carrying out protests, as well as our Indigenous community on campus. We encourage everyone to stay updated on this matter and show support where and when possible. Below are links to resources/news articles providing background information and history of pipeline being built on Indigenous territory: https://www.ctvnews.ca//what-you-need-to-know-about-the-we https://globalnews.ca//wetsuweten-protests-rail-service-t/ https://www.huffingtonpost.ca//building-trans-mountain-pi/ http://unistoten.camp

With the coronavirus having been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), RAISE would like to address the increasing racism and xenophobia against the Chinese community. While there has been a fair amount of anxiety surrounding this health crisis, it must not serve as a mask over ignorant and discriminatory behaviour as this does nothing but exacerbate tensions within the community. Studies have shown the virus could possibly be linked to ba...ts, however the outbreak is not a result of actual bat consumption. Bats have been included in East Asian cuisine long before the coronavirus came about. In addition, the virus is not as deadly as the widespread hysteria may cause you to think. Only those with weakened immune systems or existing respiratory problems stand a greater risk, and appropriate measures are being taken worldwide in an effort to contain the outbreak. Associating negative traits to and expressing dislike of people from particular countries is xenophobic as it is unfair to blame an entire population for the outbreak of a disease. Misinformation is a common cause of unnecessary hysteria, which acts as fuel for racism and xenophobia. Seeing as one of our three pillars at RAISE is Education & Advocacy, we are reminding everyone to be cognizant of your language and behaviour as even simple jokes can come off as greatly offensive. With being said, please refer to following link containing resources pertaining to the current situation: https://docs.google.com//1-DLnAY5r-f4DRLZgndR/mobilebasic We also encourage you to take a look at a heartfelt poem written by Maggie Chang, as she recounts her personal experiences with her homeland of Wuhan: https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/

BHM 2020. Our team is proud to present the #RAISE2GETHER photo campaign. This campaign will be documented on our Instagram, please follow us now @uwraise to stay updated! . . ... #RAISE2GETHER is an homage to the late Maya Angelou's words: "I go forth alone, I stand as ten thousand". We asked members of our community to show us what that quote means to them. We hope you enjoy the stories that will be told this month on our Instagram, don't forget to share and spread the word! One more thing! RAISERADIO is back for BHM and a Spotify playlist has been created: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/49Cj1aHw6iSuYcMhRbTIJk

RAISE WINTER OFFICE HOURS We are open weekdays from 10-5pm and peer support will run from 5-6pm!!! Come and say hi SLC RM 2141

RAISE is closed for the holidays! Our office will reopen on January 6, 2020! In the meantime, volunteer apps for RAISE are open until January 8, 2020 so apply now at leads.uwaterloo.ca! Have a happy and safe holiday, and we hope to see you in the new decade!

Check out this awesome event hosted by UW Students for Palestinian Rights and WLU Palestinian Students Association happening TONIGHT!

Today marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an international annual campaign running until December 10, aimed at eradicating all types of violence against women and girls all around the world. This campaign began in 1991 by a group of activists at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute. Violence against women and girls presents itself in a variety of forms including domestic abuse (be it phyically, verbally, or psychologically), sexual...Continue reading

TRIGGER WARNING: TRANSPHOBIC AND RACIST VIOLENCE Today marks the Transgender Day of Remembrance. A day dedicated to remembering the lost lives of those from the transgender community due to transphobic violence. This day began in 1999 by a trans woman and transgender advocate, Gwendolyn Ann Smith. She created an online memorial project, sparked by the 1998 death of an African American transgender woman named Rita Hester, after she was found stabbed in her Boston apartment. Ri...ta’s death was one of three murders of black transgender women in Boston within a couple of years, including Chanelle Pickett and Monique Thomas. Her death brought a community together and founded a new political movement. What started as an advocacy project eventually led to an internationally recognized day for the transgender community. According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, In 2018, the US saw at least 26 deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, many of which were black trans women. However, keep in mind that these are only incidents that were reported. The Transgender Day of Remembrance raises awareness for the continuous violence faced by the trans community, especially black trans women - something we do not see much of in the media. Every year, people across the world hold a vigil to commemorate transgender individuals whose lives were lost to transphobic hate crimes.

A video of a Laurier student making vicious racist comments recently made waves across social media. The student appears to be intoxicated and is singing along to a song, eventually leading to her use of racial slurs - with the n-word stated several times. An incident involving the use of this derogatory language also occurred with a professor at Western University, his reason being that he wanted to incite a reaction from the class. RAISE is drawing your attention to a much ...deeper underlying issue far beyond the use of the word itself that needs to be addressed within our community. The n-word is attached to a long history of extreme tortue and abuse. It is that word many black slaves heard while they were punished at the hands of their oppressor and right before their death. The habitual use of this word, during a time in which black people were considered lesser than and literal property under the law served as a vicious insult to entrench the mental enslavement and internalized oppression among black people. This led to them being convinced of their inferiority by their oppressors, a notion that is still deeply ingrained in the daily lives of black people. Such incidents must not be overlooked and free passes should not be given. Whether one is in a drunken state or looking to incite a specific reaction, the use of the n-word by white and non-black people of colour is utterly inappropriate due to the real life blood, sweat, and tears of black people that the term stands on. Yes, all racialized individuals are oppressed by the white man, however our stories are not identical. Incidents like this are the reason why RAISE exists and is essential to the inclusivity of our community. Ignorance or lack of information does not suffice as an excuse. This is why we prioritize the need for a safe space for marginalized students and are fully committed to racial justice education. We cannot claim an environment as safe or inclusive if incidents like this are taking place and no action is put in place to condemn and stop this behaviour. https://twitter.com/SpottedLauri/status/1194719696265854981

Waterloo Indigenous Student Center (@WaterlooIndigenousStudentCentre) is hosting the Bridge Project to commemorate 16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence. In preparation for this event, WISC has a list of names and red ties at the center. People are welcome to drop by and work on writing the names on the ties which are available until November 25. RAISE also encourages everyone to come out the day of and assist with putting the ties on the bridge.

Today marks Remembrance Day. A day dedicated to commemorate the end of the First World War (1914 - 1918) and acknowledge the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives for the country, allowing us the rights and freedoms all Canadians enjoy today. At the beginning of the war many young men were eager to enlist in the army, however not all Canadians were given the same opportunity. Several black Canadians and Indigenous peoples were exempt from enlisting. They were also face...d with unjust barriers within the Canadian army, all due to the existing prejudices among the individuals responsible for military enlistment at the time. Indigenous people were denied entry into the army as they were not considered Canadian citizens and did not possess the right to vote. At the time the Canadian government implemented a restriction preventing individuals of non-European descent from joining the army. This restriction was completely lifted in 1943 Indigenous people who joined the army experienced conflicts between their culture and military regulations. For example, some Indigenous soldiers were forced to leave the army after refusing to cut their hair. Conflicts also existed within Indigenous communities as most men were going against cultural norms to join the army, thus creating a divide. The Indigenous soldiers also experienced hardships after the war. For example, the Veterans benefits put in place by the Canadian government was not implemented fairly across Canada, with Indigenous reserves taking the most hits. Many Indigenous men who returned to Canada from war were unable to take advantage of the Veterans Benefits because under the Indian Act, Indigenous people who were away from the reserve for 4 years lost their Indian status. The No.2 Construction Battalion, also known as the Black Battalion, was the first and only black military unit in Canadian history and provided a pathway for them to join the Canadian army. It was formed in Nova Scotia on July 5th 1916. Over 600 men across Canada were accepted into the army through this unit and they were tasked with non-combative roles such as maintaining the trenches as well as building railways and roads. The men in this unit were treated poorly in comparison to their white counterparts on the frontlines. Their clothing and equipment were below decent and many men fell sick for this reason. They were also made to perform dangerous tasks involving artillery fire and poisonous gas. Reverend William White was the chaplain of the battalion and played a key role in its formation. He was eventually given the title of Honorary Captain and became one of the few black commissioned officers to serve in the Canadian army. Today RAISE is encouraging everyone to remember those who paid the ultimate price as well as the marginalized individuals who faced unjust treatment and may not have been fully recognized for their contributions in the war.

Check out this very cool beading workshop happening next Wednesday in WISC, hosted for free by the ISA!

RAISE x UWASA x UWBASE have teamed up for this awesome networking event! Come check us out tomorrow in SLC Great Hall from 6:30 to 9 PM!

Reminder: coordinator applications are due this Sunday, November 10! Executive applications are also open until November 17! Go to leads.uwaterloo.ca to apply!

Cultural appropriation refers to the inappropriate adoption of elements of a culture without any acknowledgement or understanding of its history and cultural origins by persons who are not associated with the culture typically persons of a dominant society. This ranges anywhere from hairstyles to attire that promotes false cultural or religious stereotypes. Some of the most common examples include blackface, or non-Indigenous people dressing up as a person from that community. This Halloween, RAISE would like to encourage everyone to take this into account when wearing costumes, as we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all students. RAISE wishes everyone celebrating a Happy Halloween!

Applications close: Coordinator - November 10 Executive - November 17 Volunteer - January 10 Apply at leads.uwaterloo.ca to be a part of the RAISE team for Winter 2020!

Make sure to come out tomorrow at 5pm on MC Comfy for an exciting panel put together in collaboration with UW MathSoc on diversity in entrepreneurship, racial bias in artificial intelligence, and so much more! Snacks provided. See you there!

Today marks Diwali, the festival of lights. This holiday originated in India and is now celebrated by millions of Hindus worldwide. During this festival, lamps are lit inside and outside buildings as well as along the streets. The lights symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. RAISE would like to wish all those who observe this holiday a happy Diwali full of fun, joy, and laughter. Happy Diwali!!

Check out this social hosted by QTPOC KW as part of the Rainbow Reels Queer and Trans Film Festival! Come out for wonderful performances and amazing people tomorrow at the Walper Hotel in Kitchener!

https://uwaterloo.ca/renison/conversaction-registration-2019

Happy Reading Week! We hope you can relax and get some during the week. The RAISE office will be closed from October 14-18.