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AbstractConceptually, this paper relies on the asset accumulation framework and identifies its relevance to work on Argentine migrants to Spain and returnees. The asset accumulation framework represents an innovative approach to understanding the complexities of migratory flows in a transnational context. In order to comprehend and tackle migration, this framework pays particular attention to investment and savings in various domains, including the financial, social, human, civic and political fields. Responding to gaps in current studies, the objective of this paper is twofold. First, it expands the asset accumulation framework by differentiating between civic and political assets. Second, using data drawn from interviews conducted among Argentine migrants and returnees in the cities of Barcelona and Buenos Aires, this paper fleshes out the definition of civic assets. The findings indicate that, for interviewees, moving to Spain implied the accumulation of civic assets that enhanced the development of a more equitable and democratic society. Respondents incorporated new civic capabilities in several areas, including increased environmental awareness and tolerance for minority groups, as well as the acquisition of knowledge about equity and labour rights. In addition, results suggest that, as a result of the migratory experience, many interviewees went through reflective processes that made them question their old presumptions about both the receiving and sending societies.

Framed by the debate on the decline of party politics and the rise of grass-roots participation, this article explores the civic and political involvement of a group of Latin American immigrants in the city of Toronto. The data were drawn from 100 interviews and two focus groups, one composed of participants who, in Canada, participated at the grass-roots level, and another focused on interviewees who were engaged in political parties. Overall results indicate that, compared to Latin America, in Canada there was a decline in the levels of engagement in formal politics, particularly in political parties, and a slight increase in the levels of participation in grass-roots politics. Associated with grass-roots politics is the perception that it is possible to transform the social reality. Disappointment with the traditional forms of political representation accompanied by a sense of distrust of political parties dominated both focus groups. Limited command of English, low socio-economic status and lack of knowledge of the 'dynamics of Canadian politics' were identified as factors that reduced the opportunities for this community to become more politically active. Interestingly, these obstacles seem to be more prevalent in electoral than in grass-roots politics. Adapted from the source document.

Framed by the debate on the decline of party politics and the rise of grass-roots participation, this article explores the civic and political involvement of a group of Latin American immigrants in the city of Toronto. The data were drawn from 100 interviews and two focus groups, one composed of participants who, in Canada, participated at the grass-roots level, and another focused on interviewees who were engaged in political parties. Overall results indicate that, compared to Latin America, in Canada there was a decline in the levels of engagement in formal politics, particularly in political parties, and a slight increase in the levels of participation in grass-roots politics. Associated with grass-roots politics is the perception that it is possible to transform the social reality. Disappointment with the traditional forms of political representation accompanied by a sense of distrust of political parties dominated both focus groups. Limited command of English, low socio-economic status and lack of knowledge of the 'dynamics of Canadian politics' were identified as factors that reduced the opportunities for this community to become more politically active. Interestingly, these obstacles seem to be more prevalent in electoral than in grassroots politics.

Background:Latin Americans represent one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations in Canada. But very little is known about their mental health.Aims:This paper reviews the literature on the mental health of Latin American immigrants to Canada. The paper also identifies potential areas to expand the research agenda.Method:Twenty-five papers were identified by a comprehensive electronic search undertaken in medical- and humanities-related databases.Results:Results are reported in three sections: (1) the rates of mental illness; (2) the risk factors that affect mental health; and (3) the access and barriers to care and services. Findings indicate that despite the diversity of immigration from Latin America to Canada, much of the information on mental health focuses on Central American refugees. The most frequently examined risk factor is displacement as a consequence of political persecution and torture in the home country. Access to mental health services in this population seems to be limited by cultural differences and language barriers.Conclusion:New research on this topic should reflect the growing diversity and heterogeneity of the Latin American population in Canada.

Although research indicates that volunteer labor is of significant value to many nonprofit organizations, this value is generally not included in the organization's financial accounting statements. This study discusses the value added to nonprofit membership organizations of the volunteering done by its members. It uses an exploratory case study of the Association for Research on Nonprofits Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) to demonstrate how volunteer labor is valued and presented within a social accounting framework by utilizing the Expanded Value Added Statement. This is followed by discussion of some of the benefits and limitations of such a method and policy implications.