VLIP: From a Seed of Vision to a Living Ecosystem
By Koyali Burman, Director, VLIP
I was reflecting recently on the journey VLIP has taken since 2022, and I felt a deep sense of satisfaction in how far we’ve come. What began as a small seed of a vision has grown into a living ecosystem—one where relationships have been nurtured, trust has been built, and collaboration has become our strongest foundation.
In the early days, VLIP was like a seedling finding its place within a complex service ecosystem. Our work was foundational, focused on building trust with partners and creating a shared understanding of what newcomer inclusion means in Vancouver. We spent time mapping the settlement landscape, identifying gaps, and creating spaces where service providers, community organizations, institutions, and systems leaders could come together to listen and be heard. These early conversations were not always easy, but they were essential—because they laid the groundwork of relationships and trust that would carry us forward.
As VLIP grew, the work began to change shape. We moved from simply convening conversations to being more intentional about impact. Strategic working groups formed, priorities became clearer, and initiatives started to take root. Knowledge-sharing forums, community- and research-informed discussions, and collaborative planning became part of our daily practice. During this phase, VLIP began to evolve from a convener of conversations to a co-creator of solutions—guided not only by data, but by the lived experiences of newcomers and the communities we serve.
Now, as VLIP enters a more mature stage, it feels as though we have moved into a new season of growth. VLIP is no longer just a platform for dialogue; it has become a meaningful space for cross-sector collaboration. Our focus has expanded beyond identifying challenges to sustaining partnerships, embedding equity-informed approaches such as GBA Plus, and supporting innovative models that respond to the changing realities of newcomers.
At the heart of this evolution is VLIP’s Co-Lab learning model, which brings together:newcomers and community leaders
settlement service providers and partners beyond the sector
institutional partners
researchers and policy-makersLooking back, what stands out most is how VLIP has grown from vision into practice. We began with relationships and listening, and through shared learning and collaboration, we have built something enduring.
And as we look ahead, I feel confident that our work will continue to evolve, deepen, and strengthen the collective impact we can achieve—together.
:: UPCOMING EVENTS ::
COLLABORATION FOR IMPACT:
ADVANCING VANCOUVER’S ECOSYSTEM
OF SERVICES FOR NEWCOMERS
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: 3102 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G7
The Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership (VLIP) invites you to our annual forum,
bringing together leaders, professionals, and newcomers from across sectors to strengthen collaboration
and advance newcomer integration in Vancouver.
This full-day forum will feature highlights by panel, artistic expressions by newcomers,
interactive workshops, mapping, networking and a Co-Lab session.
Together, participants will explore innovative practices, build meaningful connections,
and access to resources from organizations across sectors.
Cross-sector collaboration and a GBA+ lens will be embedded throughout the event,
supporting inclusive, equitable, and impactful solutions for newcomers.
For registration click here
We look forward to welcoming you to a day of shared learning, collaboration, and collective impact
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You're invited to join us for the VLIP Lunch & Learn Webinar Series !
Zoom link
:: VLIP HIGHLIGHTS ::
2026 Stakholder Gathering & Appreciation
“VLIP Gender Network Launch – Together for Gender Equity”
On September 5, VLIP officially launched the Gender Network
The launch event brought Anglophone and Francophone agencies /institutions and newcomers coming together to exchange ideas, build connections, and strengthen our shared commitment to gender equity.
It was an inspiring gathering filled with meaningful conversations and collective energy for positive change.
The event highlighted VLIP’s strategic priorities and Gender Network Framework, Newcomer panel discussion, Community Care workshop and dialogue, networking.
As the Gender Network continues to hold space for critical dialogue while adapting to the realities communities are experiencing and building bridges across sectors, languages, and identities it has the potential to be truly transformative.
We’re excited to see the Network grow and create lasting impact.
The event was co hosted by VLIP and VCC . Thank you IRCC for funding Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership!
Take a look back at some of the special moments from the day in this photo collection!
Le 5 septembre, le VLIP a officiellement lancé le Réseau sur l’égalité des genres. L’événement rassembla des organismes, des institutions et des nouveaux arrivants anglophones et francophones afin d’échanger des idées, de tisser des liens et de renforcer notre engagement commun en faveur de l’égalité des genres.
Le lancement a été un rassemblement inspirant, riche en conversations constructives, animé par un esprit de collaboration et un désir collectif de changement positif. Parmi les moments forts, citons la présentation des priorités stratégiques du VLIP et du cadre du réseau sur l’égalité des genres, une table ronde avec des nouveaux arrivants, un atelier et un dialogue sur les soins communautaires, ainsi que de nombreuses occasions de réseautage.
En favorisant un dialogue constructif, en s’adaptant aux réalités auxquelles les communautés sont confrontées et en créant des ponts entre les secteurs, les langues et les identités; le Réseau sur l’égalité des genres a le potentiel de devenir une véritable force de transformation. Nous sommes impatients de voir le réseau prospérer et avoir un impact durable.
L'événement était co-organisé par le VLIP et le VCC. Nous remercions l'IRCC qui a rendu cet événement possible grâce à son financement.
Revivez certains des moments forts de la journée dans cette galerie de photos !
Passionate about supporting newcomers in Vancouver?
We're looking for you.
The Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership (VLIP) is group of like-minded organizations and individuals, from diverse experiences and a variety of sectors, that come together to:
- Collaborate, innovate, and implement strategies aimed at improving access to resources and services.
- Help newcomers to thrive in Vancouver.
Territorial Land Acknowledgement with Gratitude:
In the spirit of Truth & Reconciliation, the Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership recognizes that our collective work is carried out on the traditional, ancestral, unceded and occupied territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership values and respects the history and legacy of Coast Salish peoples’ knowledge through ongoing contributions towards building our futures together.