Who We Are

The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region is a non-profit organization serving Waterloo Region’s Caribbean community.

Organized in 1975, we are committed to strengthening and enhancing the quality of life of families and individuals by providing culturally sensitive programs, support, resources, education and training.

The CCAWR aims to promote the social, cultural and economic interests of, and advocate for, the Caribbean community in the Region of Waterloo.

Our Mission & Vision

MISSION: To promote the social, cultural and economic interests of, and advocate for, the Caribbean community in the Region of Waterloo

VISION: An empowered, collaborative Caribbean community that is fully engaged and equitably represented in the Region of Waterloo

Our Values

Diversity, Inclusion & Respect

We believe that all persons, regardless of area(s) of diversity, are created equal, are inherently valuable and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

We further affirm that all are equally entitled to full access to all societal transactions.
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Transparency, Integrity & Accountability

We are committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity in our conduct, transacting business in an open and transparent manner.

We take personal responsibility for our actions and/or inactions and their outcomes.
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Equity, Sustainability & Responsible Stewardship

We believe that resources should be equitably available to everyone in society.

We are called on to be responsible stewards of such resources, utilizing them in such a manner as to ensure they are also available to generations to come.

Social Justice, Social Change & Anti-Oppression

We believe in the rights of communities to organize and advocate for social change.

We support the empowerment and strengthening of the voices of disenfranchised communities in their call for the dismantling of all systems of oppression and racism and the promotion of human dignity and a more just society.

Solidarity and Cultural & Heritage Preservation

We stand in solidarity with all cultural/heritage groups, especially those that are disenfranchised and are either under or un-represented in society.

We encourage the preservation of their norms and cultural traditions, which adds to the rich and diverse cultural mosaic of our society.
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Our Strategic Pillars

In order to enhance its viability and relevance, the CCAWR has adopted five key elements referred to as  strategic priorities or platforms.

These are intended to ensure the organization meets its objectives, operates in accordance with its mission statement and seeks to fulfil its vision while holding true to its core values and principles.

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Strategy One

Strategy one

AWARENESS & VISIBILITY

Leverage all forms of media (social and traditional), technological and communication tools, as well as strategic partnership and alliances, to build brand capabilities and recognition within our heritage community and the wider community.

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Strategy Two

Strategy two

Governance & Processes

Establish and continuously monitor the proper implementation of policies and processes, thus ensuring accountability, fairness and transparency in the organization’s relationship with all its stakeholders (members, sponsors, donors, customers, employees and the community) and enhancing the long-term prosperity and viability of the organization.

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Strategy Three

Strategy three

Events Execution

Deliver strategic and well-executed events, programs and services that allows us to build a reputation as an organization that is committed to the delivery of quality user experience and customer value.

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Strategy Four

Strategy four

Education & Advocacy

Provide educational opportunities and service offerings that build capacity for members of our heritage community and advocating for their right to exist as equals in a free, fair, safe and just society.

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Strategy Five

Strategy five

Resource Management

Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the efficient and effective use of the resources (physical & human) entrusted to our care by our members, partners, donors, sponsors and volunteers; always utilizing such resources with the best interest of our heritage community, as well as the wider community, in mind.

Our Objectives

The objectives of the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) are as follows:

  • To celebrate, promote and support the positive values and traditions of our diverse heritage, and to improve the quality of life of constituents, as well as for others who subscribe to our goals.
  • To provide social, cultural and educational programs, including the awarding of scholarships that meet the needs of the membership and the community.
  • To offer a wide range of culturally sensitive services which support the diverse needs of our constituents.
  • To advocate on behalf of the diverse communities on various economic, social, political, educational and other relevant issues.
  • To foster cultural integration and to help to develop a society in Canada built on the principle of racial justice.
  • To collaborate with agencies and organizations that share similar values and goals.
  • To acquire and hold real and personal property by purchase, bequest, lease or otherwise for the purposes of the Association.

To invest the funds of the Association in any securities in which, under the Ontario Trustee Act, the Board may invest funds, at its discretion.