This week, in the wake of the shocking shoe description found on one of Amazon’s sellers, I’m thinking about how policy translates to practice. When a shoe is not just a shoe... Last week a friend of mine sent me a screenshot of a shoe found on Amazon (in the UK). I glanced at the image of a … [Continue reading] D&I: More Than Just Policy
Diversity & Inclusion
Changing Behaviour
As you may recall (if you read last week’s blogpost) I changed the password on my cellphone two weeks ago. I’m reporting back on my progress, and I’m happy to report that it’s been a couple of days that I’m finally getting it. Link to D&I What does this have to do with D&I you may … [Continue reading] Changing Behaviour
Canada Geese, Diversity, and Inclusion
Spring is in the air in Toronto. Today at least. But there are other signs – last week my daughter and I saw snowdrops – small white flowers – on our way home. And for the past week we have spotted a few Canada Geese Vs. So today I’m taking a bit of a departure from the ordinary, and I’m going to … [Continue reading] Canada Geese, Diversity, and Inclusion
Connection, not Division
The past 12 months or so have been a whirlwind of insights, new learnings, discoveries, and growth for me in my work. It’s been exciting and scary all wrapped up together as I step more and more into the work I feel I am meant to be doing in the world. Years ago my business coach Lisa Marie … [Continue reading] Connection, not Division
Reflections on D&I…at the Spa
This past weekend I had the fortune of spending some time at the spa. It was lovely and relaxing and I made a concerted effort to not think about work - but as I finished one of the hydrotherapy circuits, I wondered about the cycle and the link to D&I. Hydrotherapy The spa I was at … [Continue reading] Reflections on D&I…at the Spa
Happy Pride – this is what inclusion looks like
If you live in Toronto, June is Pride month, and this weekend coming up is Pride weekend. Rainbows abound. It’s nice to see the outwards signs of support. It wasn’t always like this. And it isn’t like this everywhere. In fact you don’t have to drive far to experience that. And we are also … [Continue reading] Happy Pride – this is what inclusion looks like
The Importance of Asking Questions
Last week I had an experience that reminded me how important it is to ask questions so we can see more. I was at Paramount Restaurant for dinner. Paramount is owned by a man who is Muslim and I have seen a prayer room in one location. I would not be surprised if that is standard: another example … [Continue reading] The Importance of Asking Questions
Voice of Women for Peace
Last weekend I accompanied my mother to the 2019 Awards Gala for Voice of Women for Peace, held at the 519 Community Centre in Toronto. Voice of Women for Peace (VOW) is a grassroots organization that next year will turn 60. That’s quite something for an NGO. And it is the oldest women’s … [Continue reading] Voice of Women for Peace
Exploring Resistance – Part 3
Over the last two weeks I’ve been exploring resistance – specifically to immigration and to the accommodations we make (and/or are asked to make) for individuals who are new to Canada and who are bringing different beliefs and customs with them. If you missed them, here are Part 1 and Part 2. The … [Continue reading] Exploring Resistance – Part 3
Exploring Resistance – Part 2
Last week I started this series with a common argument: that people who come to Canada should be prepared to become Canadian and “leave their ways at home”. If you missed it, you can read about the irony I highlighted last week here. This week I’m going to explore another phrase I heard recently: … [Continue reading] Exploring Resistance – Part 2