World Goa Day - 2004
This year World Goa
Day (www.goaday.com) is
being celebrated Aug 21, 22 or at times convenient to Goan
organizations based on their calendars.
This
year's main theme is "JOBS FOR GOANS" - not just
in Goa but around the world. One of the most significant issues
facing the world-wide Goan community is jobs and our economic
future. There are other important issues too. However, we
should focus on this theme during the WORLD GOA DAY celebrations.
In the past, Rene and I have been pleased with the events,
but sometimes they did not have a serious, meaningful element.
This year's celebrations
on Aug 21, 22, can be left to each individual organization.
However, the celebrations should include the theme: Jobs for
Goans. We would recommend that whatever the celebration, there
should be time set aside called JOBS AND CAREERS.
1. Invite speakers from various business organizations.
2. Invite employers to discuss their companies, especially
Goan employers.
3. Invite Goans seeking jobs to come to the event and network.
4. Provide career advice.
The future
success of Goans is based on our economic well-being. We have
many Goan unemployed in Goa. In addition, Goans around the
world do not know necessarily know the various opportunities
available to them and do not necessarily seek the top jobs
or the highest
positions. They need encouragement, support and information.
They need to see and hear other successful Goans.
In addition to the
"JOBS FOR GOANS" theme, if you have time consider
adding the following to the agenda:
1. FINANCIAL
LITERACY. Invite money management speakers. The can talk about
investing, retirement planning, insurance, children savings
accounts, elder care management, etc. There is a critical
financial literacy gap in the Goan community which needs to
be addressed.
2. POLITICAL INVOLMENT. Invite political activists, even if
you disagree with their views. Have them discuss the political
process locally and how one can be involved. Ultimately, without
being involved in the political process, we will continue
to be marginalized and sidelined while others dictate our
future and make the rules we live under. No point in complaining
if we do not become active politically. Through political
power, most of our other goals can be achieved.
3. HEALTH FAIR. Invite doctors/nurses and have them speak
about prevention and cures of common diseases and ailments.
Diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, cancers, children
heath issues, senior citizen issues, etc. There are a number
of topics which can be covered.
Goan
Organization of America is organizing the 7th biennial GOA
convention in Toronto from July 3-5, 2004.
Convention venue
in Toronto: Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conf Center.
Call the hotel at
905-639-4443 before June 1, 2004 to get the reduced rate of
$US74 per night for standard room - up to 4 adults. To get
the reduced rate mention "Goan Organization of America".
Cost to attend convention, including meals but not
hotel:
BEFORE May 15, 2004, US$139 for ages 13 & over: US$69
for ages 5-12; under 5 free.
AFTER May 15, 2004, US$150 for ages 13 & over: US$69 for
ages 5-12; under 5 free.
Contact: Guirish Sardesai at 905-639-7369
or email: sardesai@sympatico.ca
for more information and to register.
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