The last two years have seen an increase in racism and hate reports, the B.C. government has previously stated.
But one Port Moody-based organization is looking to teach the next generation the value of diversity and inclusion in their community, and are looking to share local residents' first-hand experiences.
The Asian Impact Society (AIS) has launched a contest entitled "Your Stories, Your Voice" that calls for testimonies of either racist incidents, hate attacks or acts of discrimination against local residents.
It can be about a recent experience or something that happened during childhood, organizers explained, or even a positive story that celebrates or encourages multiculturalism.
Following the submission deadline, Sept. 19, AIS is set to pick a story its members will use to develop a children's book that hopes to encourage acceptance, respect and the tribulations associated with racism.
In April, the novel received a $5,000 boost from the province after the non-profit applied for funding through the BC Multiculturalism Grant program.
AIS was the only Tri-Cities organization to earn cash from the latest round.
According to Rachna Singh, B.C.'s parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, the funding hopes to tackle discrimination head on, build trust between communities and celebrate the province's diversity.
"Over the past two years, we’ve seen a staggering increase in racism and hate incidents in B.C.," said Rachna Singh, B.C.'s parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, in an earlier statement.
She noted the grant funding is aimed to build trust between communities.
"These grants are one of many steps in our fight against racism, helping organizations on the ground address systemic racism. This is important work, and I am grateful to everyone stepping up to build anti-racist workplaces and communities."
Contest
AIS' target audience for the book is elementary- and middle-school kids in learning how to embrace diversity from a young age.
The author of the story selected to be published will also receive an acknowledgement in the novel.
They, along with the first and second runner-ups in the contest, will also get a copy of the final product and a $25 gift card.
AIS is asking for written submissions up to 500 words, or video stories no longer than two minutes by the Sept. 19 deadline.
For more information on "Your Stories, Your Voice", you can visit the Asian Impact Society's website.
