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Vernon Belongs Background.png
Vernon Belongs Background.png

Vernon Belongs to All of Us

Community Action Coalition

About the Vernon Belongs Project

The Vernon Belongs project is a federal initiative by the Government of Canada designed to support community-led projects that reduce racism, discrimination, and hate incidents. It empowers marginalized communities to lead change from within.

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Vernon Immigrant Services is proud to lead the Vernon Belongs Community Action Project in Vernon — a 12-month initiative running from April 2026 to March 2027. This project brings together diverse community members to reduce racism and hate incidents by building a Community Action Coalition (CAC) that leads real, community-driven anti-racism action.

What is the Community Action Coalition (CAC)?

The CAC is the heart of this project. It is a group of up to 20 community members — drawn from Indigenous, IBPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer, and youth communities — who will meet regularly to guide and lead anti-racism work in Vernon.

CAC members are not just participants; they are leaders and decision-makers.

  • Represent the voices of marginalized communities in local decision-making

  • Co-create a Community Action Plan identifying needs and solutions for Vernon

  • Help design and lead community events, workshops, and awareness activities

  • Coordinate with local organizations to improve services for marginalized people

What we offer

Community Action Coalition

Monthly meetings · Free training · Honoraria provided

Youth Mentorship (15–25)

Monthly meetings · Goal setting · Leadership skills

Youth Support Groups

Safe spaces for youth · Facilitated · Confidential

Free Workshops

Bystander action · Intercultural understanding · Open to all

Mental Health Supports

Free counselling · CAC members get priority access

Community Events

Intercultural celebration

Who can join?

This project is open to everyone in Vernon — especially:

Indigenous peoples

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit community members

IBPOC / racialized

Indigenous, Black, People of Colour

2SLGBTQIA+

Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, and gender-diverse individuals

Newcomers & immigrants

Refugees, recent arrivals, and immigrant families

Youth aged 15–25

Young people who want to lead community change

Time commitment and support

  • CAC core group meets monthly (approximately 2 hours per meeting)

  • Full CAC meets bi-monthly — all 20 members together

  • Estimated time commitment: 3–5 hours per month

  • Honoraria are available for regular CAC participants

  • Virtual attendance options are available for those who cannot always attend in person

Get started

If you are interested in getting involved with the Community Action Coalition, please fill out the form below:

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