OCASI - The Positive Spaces Initiative (PSI) is pleased to announce the upcoming self-directed online training on:
Creating Positive Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Newcomers Level 1
- Course launch date: September 8 - November 3, 2025
About the course:
Creating Positive Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Newcomers Level 1 focuses on building the knowledge and skills of front-line practitioners working with immigrant and refugee communities to better understand issues that LGBTQIA+ newcomers are facing. This course provides participants with an interactive way of learning and discussing ways to address oppressive incidents occurring against LGBTQIA+ service-users and service-providers, and enables participants to do so alongside fellow service providers from across Ontario.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Apply the principles of an anti-racism/anti-oppression framework to support LGBTQIA+ immigrants, refugees, and newcomers
- Demonstrate an understanding of the various barriers and issues surrounding 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in their access to services
- Situate yourself in the context of systemic oppressions faced by LGBTQIA+ newcomers in order to better serve LGBTQIA+ immigrants and refugees living in Ontario by engaging in allyship
- Demonstrate an understanding of your responsibilities as a service provider in the settlement sector by implementing best practices to create and maintain a positive space for LGBTQIA+ newcomers in your agency
Criteria for Participation
This course is open to settlement workers and service providers who are working in or with the immigrant and refugee-serving sector across the province who are willing to:
- Commit to approximately 2-4 hours of learning per week
- Practice active participation through the program
- Complete assignments within the given timeframe
At the successful completion of the entire e-course, you will receive a certification of completion from OCASI.
* Please note that registration for this course requires a Learn At Work account. Click the registration link below and log in using your existing account or create an account if you do not already have one to proceed to self-enrollment. You can begin the course once you have self-enrolled, anytime before the closing date of the course. We suggest giving yourself 4-5 weeks to complete all modules.
Registration date: August 11 - September 7, 2025
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Onar Usar (she/her) at: ousar@ocasi.org