Make an Impact in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

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.