Thank you to everyone who attended our January network event! During the session Shafana Mitha, Owner of Akollage Consulting shared the importance of organizations' establishing EDI policy. Topics of discussion included:

Why is policy an important step?

· Establishes a commitment

· Accountability

· Employee engagement

· Community partner engagement

Global Diversity & Inclusion Model

What should my EDI policy include?

· Positive & supportive work environment

· Equitable opportunities

· Representative

Where do you find it easier or more difficult with policy implementation?

· Senior Leadership

· Beauracracy/Red tape

We look forward to connecting with you all again at our February Conversation Cafe.

Our sincere thanks for everyone that was able to make it out to our first session of the year - Looking Back/Moving Forward. These are often a highlight of the year as they provide us the opportunity to reflect on the meaningful sessions and discussions that were had over the last 18 months and the relationships that were developed. It was a year faced with many challenges including finding alternative ways in which we could connect and grow as a community, and on our journeys while at a distance. As a network we were tenacious, we were brave and we were resilient and we found a way to move forward, to encourage, debate, learn and inspire. We look forward to seeing how we can continue that growth over the next 12 months.

We used this first session as an opportunity for some of our members to participate in a panel discussion hosted by Janet Waltho to explore their respective organizations Diversity & Inclusion journeys over the past 18 months - the challenges faced, how they adapted, and the always present challenge of attaining leadership support.

Below are some tips, tricks and resources our panelists shared to aid you on your DEI journey:

• Get Brave - Get out of your comfort zone

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e6ZRfFeFByzfnTcBB-2S9YBgQQdDWG4zwGiw9x3CSIs/edit

• Start with yourself. Your social location - how does that impact your privilege?

• What does allyship mean?

• Research, Read and make Google your friend

• Follow people who are different than you.

• Leverage your networks and your company ERG groups

• Utilize the many resources shared by organizations specifically focused on diversity and inclusion

  • Canadian Center for Diversity and Inclusion - https://ccdi.ca/

  • Catalyst www.catalyst.org

  • Deloitte whitepapers

  • Edmonton Public Library

    • The library has a curated book and resource lists on topics relating to D&I

• Take the time to make sure that mental health is always part of the discussion. The City of Edmonton created a program called Working Minds which enables and encourages employees to have frank, real and supportive discussions.

• Create moments for your team to share openly. AHS hosts "People Moments" at all meetings. Creating a safe space to share them … from Exec Leaders to Maintenance workers on our teams. This approach has resulted in raw, real conversations that led to the integrity and authenticity of their work.

Stay tuned for information on our next EBDN Event….