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
Diversity & 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
Exploring Resistance – Part 1
You’ve likely heard the argument, or perhaps made it yourself. It goes something like this: "When you come to Canada you should be prepared to be Canadian. Do whatever you want to do from 'your own culture' at home, but otherwise this is how we do things here." Often in this argument someone … [Continue reading] Exploring Resistance – Part 1
Cultural Competency vs Cultural Humility
Over the weekend I was considering cultural competency versus cultural humility. If you’ve been to one of my workshops, chances are you’ve heard me talk about the latter as a new (and more appropriate) point of reference than the former in terms of D&I work. Cultural Humility Cultural … [Continue reading] Cultural Competency vs Cultural Humility