By Matthew Collis
Matthew Collis shares his volunteer experience with IABC Toronto’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.
Last year, I joined IABC Toronto’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee when I saw a call out for volunteers in the chapter’s e-Lert newsletter. Around this time, the chapter’s leadership and members began having discussions on how we could better meet and champion the needs of our diverse membership. The Board, along with a number of talented chapter members, had the foresight and vision to help establish this Committee.
I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer some of my time and communications expertise in a meaningful way while making an impact in an area important to me. I’ve always been passionate about diversity, inclusion, and social justice. While I didn’t have extensive experience in the DEI space, I knew that my communications background and lived experience would allow me to make a significant contribution.
Since then, I’ve greatly enjoyed being part of the Committee, collaborating with the other members to develop an actionable strategy that is now serving as the basis for much of the great work happening now and that we’ll continue to make headway in 2022. It’s been enriching learning the unique experiences and viewpoints of my fellow committee members and the IABC Toronto community. And I’ve enjoyed the process of combining our talents and lived experiences to craft a series of strategic recommendations that I know, will be very impactful, even if they take some time to fully implement,
If you’re passionate about diversity and inclusion or want to help make a difference, I encourage you to consider joining the Committee. It was formed to drive strategic recommendations to the IABC Toronto Board to further inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility for the chapter and the communications profession in the GTA. As we move into next year, we’ll be focused on building upon and implementing these key recommendations. There are a ton of exciting projects and initiatives on the horizon, including events, advocacy, awards, partnerships, and much more.
As well, I’m very pleased that for the first time in our chapter’s history we’ve initiated a new Board role in 2021-2022 – a Vice President of Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) – to help drive further change.
Please email toronto-idea@iabc.to if you’re interested in volunteering your time in this important area. Like me, I’m sure you’ll find the experience to be fulfilling and an opportunity to both learn and make a difference at the same time.
Matthew Collis is a creative and analytical communications leader with a successful track record of managing strategic communications plans and programs and driving key business results. He has over a decade of marketing and communications experience and has won a number of awards for his work in the digital space. He’s also passionate about social justice, DEI, health, and technology, and considers himself to be a global citizen, having spent time around the globe from Maui to Munich to Madrid and many cities in between. You can connect with Matthew on LinkedIn or send him an email. By Matisse Hamel-Nelis Matisse Hamel-Nelis reminds us that IDEA are more than just buzzwords; they are vital principles that can transform the world of communications. In the ever-evolving world of communications, the principles IDEA are gaining increasing significance. When applied effectively, they help foster a more enriched, engaging and impactful communication environment – enhancing meaningful internal […] By Amanda Cosentino Amanda Cosentino poses the question: When you think about the word “accessibility,” what images pop up in your head? When you think about the word “accessibility,” what images pop up in your head? Perhaps a person in a wheelchair, or a reserved parking spot? But those are only small pieces of accessibility. […] By Loretta Lam Loretta Lam poses the question: What does it mean to Canadian businesses when 1 in 4 Canadians are foreign-born? Many corporate business leaders and business owners of all sizes are experiencing a shortage of employees and workers despite a soft economy after the three-year global pandemic. The worst is yet to come, when […] By Caterina Valentino Caterina Valentino provides a view at diversity through fresh eyes; charting a different course to achieve organizational DEI goals. Professional communicators, you know the drill. It’s the end of the quarter and you need to assess how successfully the organization achieved its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals. What objectives remain unfulfilled, and more […] By Matisse Hamel-Nelis, VP, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility | toronto-idea@iabc.to We’re incredibly excited to welcome you to this special issue of the Communicator, dedicated entirely to the crucial themes of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). Communications lie at the heart of our shared human experience, shaping the narratives that define our societies and […]
Return to the Fall 2021 Issue of Communicator
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