Arrival Advisor is created by PeaceGeeks, a nonprofit organization based in Vancouver, Canada that builds digital tools to empower communities in the pursuit of peace.
Wherever we operate, our approach is driven by community needs. We believe that when communities affected by conflict and displacement have the tools to effect change on the ground, we can collectively respond to some of the world’s biggest humanitarian challenges.
Learn more about PeaceGeeks and how you can support our projects here.
The story behind Arrival Advisor
In 2017, PeaceGeeks entered the Google.org Impact Challenge Canada, and became one of five nonprofits to be awarded $750,000 to bring our idea to life. Our entry pitched an app that would make it easier for newcomers to Canada to access their most relevant settlement services and information.
PeaceGeeks partnered with Metro Vancouver Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs), municipal and provincial governments, settlement service providers, and immigrants and refugees, to bring the Arrival Advisor app to British Columbia.
In 2021, PeaceGeeks partnered with Manitoba Start. with support from Manitoba 211 to expand Arrival Advisor to Manitoba. We look forward to expanding to more regions in the future!
PeaceGeeks gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Google.org Canada in partnership with LEAP | Pecaut Centre for Social Impact, the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology, and individual donors, for making Arrival Advisor possible.
If you would like to donate to support this project, visit: peacegeeks.org/donate
We would also like to sincerely thank our technical partner, Affinity Bridge, for helping bring this app to life.
Our Community-Driven Approach
At PeaceGeeks, we believe that change starts from listening to and learning from the communities we’re striving to help.
To design and develop the Arrival Advisor app, PeaceGeeks partnered with settlement service providers, newcomers, and key local stakeholders to understand the challenges faced by immigrants and refugees in British Columbia.
We brought these diverse community voices to the table through Advisory Committees. The Committees come together regularly to seek solutions to the shared problem within the settlement sector of access to information and services. The Committees also provide meaningful feedback and direction, helping PeaceGeeks optimize Arrival Advisor to successfully meet newcomers’ needs.
Newcomer Committee
Immigrants and refugees of diverse backgrounds who help us understand user needs, test the app, and reach the broader newcomer community.
Frontline Committee
Settlement workers and practitioners who shed insight on sector and newcomer challenges, and test the app for potential use with their clients.
Strategic Advisory Committee
Leaders of settlement organizations in Metro Vancouver, government, Local Immigration Partnerships, and service database partner BC211, who shape the project's direction.
Tech Committee
Advisors and leaders from the technology sector who provide their insights to help our team build and launch positive product experiences.
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