[Alex Evanshen, from North Vancouver, helped create a new Vice Chair position on CLBC’s Provincial Advisory Committee. He was also the first person to be voted into that position. He has been the Chair of the North Shore Sunshine Coast Community Council and has helped lead many community events. CLBC Community Councils are local volunteer groups where people supported by CLBC, family and community members share their experiences and work to build more inclusive communities.]
Alex Evanshen, past Chair of the North Shore Sunshine Coast Community Council.
I’m proud of my accomplishments so far, especially with CLBC and with being the first Vice Chair of the CLBC Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC).
The PAC is made up individuals and family members from each of CLBC’s 12 Community Councils, appointed by the CLBC Board. Together, they make suggestions to the Board and staff about how to improve the quality of life for people supported by CLBC. The PAC meets four times a year, and once a year with CLBCs Executive, Board and Indigenous Advisory Committee.
If things arise in our Community Council, I can bring those to the PAC. Like, for instance, when we talk about ageing, or inclusive housing or for example a new project in Squamish about mixed housing, then we can discuss this at PAC. I’ve helped emcee community events on cultural awareness, ageing and inclusive housing.
We didn’t used to have a Vice Chair. I told CLBC I wanted to help lead the PAC, and so they created the role, and we had to get approval from the Board. It’s always important to have a Vice Chair in case something happens to the Chair. One day I hope to see someone in the Chair role who has a diverse ability.
My background is that I speak Spanish, first of all, because my mom is Mexican. Before I served at CLBC, I was the diversity liaison at Capilano College when I was taking courses there.
It’s important to just build an understanding of each other in a respectful manner, and to be open to all sorts of cultures and differences. No matter the gender, culture, or race, we’ve all got to be one.
And it’s important for people to understand the experiences of people with diverse abilities. For example, there are still too many stories of people with a wheelchair, or support dog facing barriers in businesses and restaurants. There needs to be more education, because it feels awful when you experience this.
I’d like to encourage others to try leading. I know it is going to be hard. But you have to grab the bull by the horns. It will be an adventure, but it will be a worthwhile adventure. There should be a lot more people with diverse abilities doing this.