1. Professional Immigrant Networks (PINs) Initiative #CdnImm #14 18 Apr 2013 Yves Danteu, TRIEC

2. Outline Introduction to the PINs initiative What we do at PINs Ways you can engage

3. What are professional immigrant associations? Volunteer-run, member-led immigrant associations made up of skilled immigrants Established leadership with articulated mission & objectives Employment element

4. Associations by the numbers 40 networks on the PINs website 50% are organized by ethno-cultural group 30% of networks reported that over half of their members are newcomers Top 3 professions represented: Engineering, Business & IT 60% do not charge membership fees Over 50% have 100 – 500 members

5. What is PINs? A network of associations building connections for immigrant employment Goal: To work collaboratively with associations and partners to build the capacity of the networks to connect their members to employment

6. PINs initiative objectives & activities Build capacity: Strengthen the individual and collective organizational capacity of the associations Capacity Building workshops PINs website

7. PINs initiative objectives & activities Develop and empower leaders: Create a network of leaders and support their development External learning opportunities Immigrant voice - consultations Media opportunities Speaking opportunities

8. PINs initiative objectives & activities Make connections: Create effective working relationships between the networks & other stakeholders Pilot programs or activities (e.g. Group Mentoring) Awareness-building and referrals (including job postings, connections to employment programs and supports) Partnership opportunities

9. PINs initiative objectives & activities www.NetworksForImmigrants.ca

10. Ways to engage Refer leaders of immigrant groups to the PINs initiative Help promote the directory to immigrants Become a PINs partner & establish relationships with the associations Help strengthen the voice of immigrant leaders through consultations & profiling opportunities (e.g. As speakers, mentors)

11. Yves Danteu Manager, PINs Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) ydanteu@triec.ca www.NetworksForImmigrants.ca