You may have heard about the D&G advertising faux-pas last week. If you haven’t you may still be able to google the news reports. Here’s the high-level summary: China was offended and D&G may well have lost a big market. For something that could have been avoided. A simple truth... There … [Continue reading] Cultural Humility
Diversity & Inclusion
Diversity & Inclusion Training…mandatory or not?
I was recently asked about making a Diveristy & Inclusion (D&I) workshop mandatory. Before I tell you what I said, I have a few questions for you to consider. Questions for consideration: 1. What’s your criteria for making a training program optional? I’m sure there are many answers to … [Continue reading] Diversity & Inclusion Training…mandatory or not?
Diversity AND Inclusion
Diversity and Inclusion are lumped together (we even shorten it to D&I) but the reality I see as a consultant is that they aren’t often practised together. As our populations continue to diversify, and as organizations come under the spotlight for their commitment (or lack thereof) to … [Continue reading] Diversity AND Inclusion
It’s OK to Notice Difference
When you have children in your life, it’s bound to happen that they will say something that embarrasses you in public. Sometimes it’s more painful than other times. But likely every caregiver has had at least one experience where a child has noticed something about someone out loud. What does … [Continue reading] It’s OK to Notice Difference
Happy (?) Fall!
Fall Equinox happened this weekend and it has brought some cooler temperatures to Toronto (and likely elsewhere too!) While for some people this presents the opportunity to sport some new Fall fashion, change the furnace filters and consider turning up the heat, for others there are greater … [Continue reading] Happy (?) Fall!
Happy (?) First Day of School…
I’m writing this amid the screaming of airplanes over my head from Toronto’s Airshow. Why we still “celebrate” this tradition when we have thousands of people living here from war-torn countries is beyond me. But I already wrote about that. I wanted to write about Serena Williams’ catsuit … [Continue reading] Happy (?) First Day of School…
Perfect is Boring
The cover of my journal says Perfect is Boring. I was at a workshop when I picked it, and the message has spoken to me many times since, in different ways. Today, it struck me as an important point when talking about the work of diversity and inclusion. Sometimes we don't know what to … [Continue reading] Perfect is Boring
What Does Resistance Look Like?
This past week I have been thinking a lot about resistance, and how it manifests itself in both overt and covert ways. Often when we are afraid, we resist. It’s a defence mechanism designed to keep us safe. But the result is that we can miss opportunities for learning, growth and … [Continue reading] What Does Resistance Look Like?
Why D&I needs Bill C-25
In Canada, despite the fact that Visible Minorities make up 21.9% of the population (much more in some cities) the representation of people from “diverse” backgrounds (as well as female representation) is still abysmal. Bill C-25 (currently before the Senate) is aimed at changing that. It would … [Continue reading] Why D&I needs Bill C-25
Moving Beyond What We Know
To me, one of the most important parts of this work around diversity and inclusion and anti-racism/anti-oppression is to give people a chance to expand their awareness and broaden their thinking. Because generally speaking we all live in a pretty small orbit – our own. This works … [Continue reading] Moving Beyond What We Know