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
Diversity & Inclusion
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
Proud Boys – when private views make it into the public domain
I'm watching an interview with a leader from the Maritime Forces Atlantic (the Navy) about the Proud Boys "interruption" of an Indigenous ceremony in Nova Scotia on Canada Day. You can google the footage of the disturbance and the troubling comments made by the Proud Boys. I'm not going to link … [Continue reading] Proud Boys – when private views make it into the public domain
Being Open to Learning – Part 3 of ‘How to be an Ally’
Welcome to week 3! If you missed the last two weeks, you can find them here: - A general overview, but with a focus on Ramadan - The first R in ROAR – Recognize Privilege O = Openness to Learning The whole point of the O is that as allies, there will be many things that you don’t know, don’t … [Continue reading] Being Open to Learning – Part 3 of ‘How to be an Ally’
Seeing Ourselves in Media Matters
A TV Commercial Yesterday I saw a commercial on TV that made me smile. Picture this: It starts with a close up of little feet running through mud, and into the house. At which point we see that the little girl (4 years old? 5?) – complete with skirt and crown - is chasing a frog. Around the … [Continue reading] Seeing Ourselves in Media Matters
Kendall Jenner Pepsi Commercial
Well. I’ve finally seen the Pepsi commercial. So many things wrong with it, and so many things to say. But first, one or two positives (yes, I found some): There is cultural diversity. Lots of it. And we see some people in roles we may not usually – a cellist of colour, a photographer who … [Continue reading] Kendall Jenner Pepsi Commercial
Islamophobia at a School Board meeting
This is what Islamophobia looks like This is what Islamophobia looks like: A policy that has been in place for 20 years, allowing Muslim students the opportunity to pray at schools on Fridays, being violently opposed. This is what Islamophobia looks like: Tearing pages out of the Qu’ran. This … [Continue reading] Islamophobia at a School Board meeting
Learning Sign Language in School
I’ve been thinking a lot about belonging and connection lately - thanks to Simon Sinek and his book Leaders Eat Last. And then I came across an article questioning if children should learn sign language in school. Which hit me for two reasons, one of which is that my latest preoccupation has been … [Continue reading] Learning Sign Language in School