Mission
Our mission is to honour and preserve the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Ethiopia while embracing multiculturalism. We strive to support the settlement and integration of immigrants into Canadian society, advocate for meaningful representation of our members in social, political, and economic spheres, and cultivate a sense of belonging and collaboration among community members to enhance their well-being.
Vision
We envision a vibrant and inclusive community where members are supported, cultural heritage is celebrated, connections are forged, and a profound sense of belonging flourishes.
Values
Caring Service: We are dedicated to providing compassionate and attentive service to all individuals within our community, demonstrating empathy and support in every interaction.
Respect: We honor and respect the dignity, worth, and autonomy of every individual, fostering an environment of mutual respect and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Openness: We maintain an environment of openness and transparency, fostering honest communication, collaboration, and trust among all members of our organization and community.
Enlightenment: We promote enlightenment through awareness, education, and enlightenment, empowering individuals to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
Courage: We embrace courage in facing challenges and advocating for what is right, standing firm in our convictions and principles to effect positive change.
Strategic Focus 2024 to 2027
To effectively serve our current members and accommodate the growing Ethiopian population in Waterloo Region, the association aims to:
- Hire a full-time Executive Director focused on:
- Building community relationships
- Ensuring association involvement in key decision-making
- Identifying and cultivating partnerships with funders for sustainability
- Establish a board structure with committees to streamline operations.
- Secure adequate funding and staffing.
- Encourage civic engagement among members.
- Expand outreach efforts to train other organizations and systems on Ethiopian culture and needs.
- Maintain a consistent presence on social media platforms.
- Strengthen community partnerships to better serve our membership.
- Explore the possibility of acquiring a physical space for enhanced services.
- Develop the capacity and processes to implement innovative ideas effectively.
- Enhance communication strategies to articulate association needs to the community clearly.
