Inaugural Arab Cultural Day Poster IOM Presentation and EMF Information and Fun Evening 20th September 2010, 6pm-8:30pm, The Credo Centre, John Street, Aberdeen The International Organization for Migration (IOM) explains its role and how it can help anyone who has had contact with the asylum system, families who have overstayed their visa, or who have been smuggled or trafficked into the UK and wish to return home. This will be followed by the EMF Information and Fun Evening. Free creche by prior booking. Tenants Open Day 2010 Following the huge success of last year's event we are pleased to confirm that this year's Tenants Open Day will be on Saturday 28 August from 10am – 1pm. Given the feedback received following last year's event we will be returning to the Music Hall. Aberdeen City Council Officer's will be on hand to provide advice and information about your tenancy as well as a variety of other council services which includes Waste Aware, Community Planning and Adult Learning to name but a few.Along with staff, council tenants can also meet representatives from a number of organisations who offer useful advice and information including Aberdeen Heat & Power, SCARF, NHS Grampian, Grampian Police and Grampian Fire and Rescue Service.There will also be children's activities, including face painting, throughout the day. The Tenants Open Day is an informal event where you can drop in at anytime and get information about a number of matters relating to your tenancy as well as other services within the city.Tenant Participation Officer's and Tenant Representatives will also be available to answer any questions you may have about getting involved in tenant participation.  We look forward to seeing you there. If you would like more information please visit http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/HousingAdvice/tpa/hoa_tp_tenants_open_day.asp

Past Events The Ethnic Minority Forum (EMF) organised a family fun day at the Lemon Tree on Saturday 21st March 2009. It was opened by the Lord Provost and the programme  included dance, music, stalls, henna, face painting and free food tasters. Saturday 21st March 2009 has been designated as the International Day Against Racism and the event aims to promote understanding of different cultures, bridging the gap between different minority groups and celebrating diversity in Aberdeen.  It is a Family Fun Day….. Everybody is Welcome!  Ethnic Minority Family Fun Day 21st March 2009 11.30am - 4pm Lemon Tree, Aberdeen  Ethnic Minority Forum Family Fun Day - Saturday 21st March 2009    Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2009: Stand up to Hatred  Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2009: Stand up to hatred Tuesday 27th January 2009, The Cowdray Hall, Aberdeen

The aim of this event was to promote equality and diversity for the public benefit and in particular to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of race, disability, sexual orientation or religion. The theme for the HMD 2009 was 'Stand up to Hatred' and explored the expression of hatred in speech and propaganda. Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is the international day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust.  It takes place on 27th January each year – the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz- Birkenau concentration camp in 1945 by Soviet troops. HMD was established in the UK in 2000 with the first commemoration taking place in January 2001.Since then councils, schools, youth, faith and community groups have developed their own programmes of remembrance.HMD is distinct from Yom HaShoah which is the Jewish day of remembrance for Jewish victims of the Holocaust. HMD aims to educate, to commemorate and to prompt action against discrimination and hatred in our own communities today. Commemorating HMD is not just about remembering history, it is a chance to consider how we can work together to prevent discrimination. We may not be living in Nazi Germany in the 1930s, but we still may face discrimination, or have views founded on prejudice or choose not to act when someone else is attacked or abused. HMD encourages us all to learn the lessons of the past to ensure that similar events do not happen in the future. The programme included: School children performances, poetry reading, presentations, reflections as well as an exhibition. For more information on HMD, please contact Roddy MacTaggart, Strategic Leadership on (01224) 523014, or 07753277657, or e-mail him at rmactaggart@aberdeencity.gov.uk   'Promoting Good Relations' - Community Event 21st June 2008 Issues Raised and taken forward by Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Councils. They come under six different headings; Education, Employment, Housing, Health and Social Care, Safety and the Voluntary Sector EMF Event 2008 - Community Engagement, Have Your Say - Community Safety Summary   Photos from the 'Promoting Good Relations' Event in June 2008 EMF Event - 21st June 2008   EMF Event - 21st June 2008  EMF Event - 21st June 2008

Comments from the Scottish Romanian Society

Ethnic Minority Forum - Monday, 23rd June 2008

"Along with a long series of ethnic minority representatives, Romanians in the North-East of Scotland were for the first time present at the Ethnic Minority Forum discussions in Peterhead, on the 21st of June. The objective of the gathering was to set the equality agenda for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, with a focus on community safety, housing, and education, as well as health, housing and the voluntary sector - in partnership with city and shire authorities.

The event attracted high profile speakers such as the Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Anne Robertson, and the Director of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Ros Micklem, who travelled for the event from Glasgow. However, the most important part of the day was spent in group discussions on the priorities and challenges perceived by members of the communities in the North-East of Scotland, with respect to the different headings of the equality agenda. It was highly interesting to see how the various views and experiences so often converged, but also, how individual and varied experiences informed and reshaped priorities. In general terms, a strong component of the discussions was the need to educate all communities in our local areas to respect one another, to support young people towards socialisation and achievement, to increase the availability of affordable housing and support the voluntary sector through direct involvement by individuals from all backgrounds and ages, as well as through easier access through funding.  However, beyond the opportunity for all to express their views and concerns, this excellently organised event gave participants a chance to share their experiences with one another, and make new friends from an impressive array of diverse backgrounds."

Ethnic Minority Forum