Featured Organization: The Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO)

The Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO) is a non-profit umbrella organization for more than 70 settlement service providers in Manitoba. MANSO acts as a voice for the Manitoba settlement and integration sector, as well as supporting its members through communication, networking and professional development activities. 

In recent years, MANSO examined how its own structures and practices as an umbrella organization can be improved to ensure an anti-oppressive approach, and how MANSO can support members in their work toward this goal. MANSO recognizes individual, institutional and systematic barriers, racism, and interlocking systems of social oppression, and it is committed to being a leader in supporting and valuing the diversity of the people, organizations, and communities it serves. MANSO’s staff regularly collaborate with its member agencies to support anti-racism campaigns, trainings, and meetings coordinated by organizations led by Indigenous and racialized persons, ethnocultural and community groups, Local Immigrations Partnerships (LIPs), and other umbrella organizations across Canada. 

Anti-Racism Framework for the Settlement Sector: 

In 2021, MANSO members unanimously passed the Anti-Racism Policy Resolution, and as a result, the MANSO Anti-Racism Committee was created. This committee involves immigrants and refugees from ethnic or racial groups who experience racism (and those who identify as coming from those communities) and allies, who works together to advise the development and implementation of the Anti-Racism Framework for the settlement sector.  

A call for proposals to invite MANSO members to sign up as Champions or Active Co-Learners has also been launched. Champions will implement all the calls for action listed in the framework, whereas Active Co-Learners will engage with Champions to learn how they can implement these and will ultimately become Champions the following year.  

Upcoming Events: 

MANSO offers many events through its Events Calendar. 

Group photo at Pride 2019 - photo provided by MANSO