GLOCAL Foundation of Canada

#Serving the #Underserved: A Call to Action In recent years, the term "#underserved populations" has gained prominence in government policies, community programs, and societal discourse. It is often used to describe groups such as #Indigenous Peoples, #women, #youth, #seniors, #newcomers/ #immigrants/ #refugees, #2SLGBTQI+ individuals, people with #disabilities, people in #remote or #rural regions, #visible minorities, #low-income individuals, and individuals experiencing #homelessness, and official language #minority communities, etc." #Underserved" highlights a gap in equity—communities not receiving the resources, representation, or opportunities they need to thrive. Yet, there is an inherent irony in the frequent use of this term. If we already know these populations are underserved, what is preventing us from #serving them? I. What Does “#Underserved” Mean? To be underserved goes beyond lacking access to resources. Fundamentally, it reflects three systemic failures: (1) Not Being #Seen as Equal: Underserved populations often face invisibility in decision-making spaces. (2) Not Being #Heard as Equal: Even when present, their voices are ignored, dismissed, or tokenized. (3) Not Being Given #Opportunities to Thrive: While providing basic needs is essential, true equity means enabling people to not just #survive, but #thrive—to access education, work that matches their experience, expertise and passion, and pathways to #self-fulfillment. II. Why Are They Still Underserved? 1. Systemic Barriers: Persistent inequities in policies, practices, and societal structures often keep these groups at a disadvantage. From credential recognition for newcomers to healthcare deserts in rural areas, these barriers are entrenched and require intentional dismantling. 2. Tokenism Over Inclusion: Efforts often stop at representation—checking boxes without addressing the root causes of exclusion. This window dressing creates the appearance of progress but leaves communities in the same underserved state. 3. Short-Term Fixes: Many programs aim for immediate results without building long-term capacity or addressing structural inequalities. Real change demands sustainable investments and systemic reform. #Conclusion: Redefining #Service Serving the underserved is not about #charity; it’s about #opportunity. It means seeing people as equals, amplifying their voices, and ensuring they have the chance to thrive. If a society continues to produce underserved populations, it signals a failure or inadequacy in the existing system. These communities do not need symbolic gestures or tokens of goodwill—they need real #access to decision-making: who gets what, when, and how. The question isn’t whether we can serve the #underserved—it’s whether we will, and whether we will commit to truly redefining what it means to #serve. GLOCAL Foundation of Canada At #GLOCAL, our mission is to #see you, #hear you, and create #opportunities for you to thrive.

It’s been five and a half years since GLOCAL was launched—a journey filled with purpose, challenges, and immense growth. I am profoundly grateful to the colleagues who have shared this journey with me. The biggest takeaway? CANADA GOT TALENT! Every day, I am inspired by my colleagues’ experience, expertise, resilience, and unwavering dedication. They are the reason #GLOCAL has become a place where the potential is unleashed, perspectives are heard and opportunities are abundant without judgment or bias—a space where we don’t just work, but create meaning together. Yes, funding cuts have brought difficult decisions, but the GLOCAL Team has also reminded me why we do this work. The mission we share is bigger than any setback. It’s about empowering others, fostering belonging, and adapting our work daily to address inclusivity and accessibility. Over the coming days, I’ll be sending kudos to each of my colleagues individually, because their impact is not just professional—it’s deeply personal. They’ve taught me what strength, grace, and collaboration truly look like. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’ll continue to grow, adapt, and push forward. #Gratitude #Leadership #Resilience #CanadaGotTalent GLOCAL Foundation of Canada

#CareerMentorshipReflection Youth and young professionals need support as they navigate their career journeys, but here’s the #catch: it’s not that they don’t know the classic advice—be prepared, embrace constructive feedback, have a learning mindset, respect others, network, solve problems, etc. Most of them may have heard it all before. The real challenge is how they interpret and apply these concepts compared to how seasoned professionals do. For example: #Networking isn’t just attending events, collecting contacts and sending out messages for advice—it’s building real, lasting relationships. #Problemsolving isn’t just fixing something—it’s learning to think critically and manage uncertainty. #Respect isn’t just about being polite—it’s about listening and valuing diverse perspectives to preparation and collaboration. #Effective mentorship bridges this gap, translating abstract advice into actionable steps youth can apply. When we meet them where they are and guide them with context, we unlock their potential to lead with purpose and confidence. What’s one piece of advice you’ve seen misunderstood, and how did you help clarify it? Join #GLOCAL, work on your passion civic project, and let’s discuss as you work! #YouthMentorship #Leadership #CareerAdvice GLOCAL Foundation of Canada