The sobering events that have taken place these last few weeks have shown us that we have an under-utilized platform that should be more inclusive and used to help amplify the voices of those affected by racism and discrimination. We also have an opportunity to provide a platform for more discussion and more education, in order to support communicators in the GTA in having necessary conversations about inclusion and anti-racism, and to take action within their organizations.
So, how are we using this opportunity to grow and increase support for GTA communicators?
Finding ways to support our membership
We’re exploring the possibility of hosting a panel discussion about your experiences as a Black communicator in the GTA. If you’d like to participate in or collaborate on what this would look like, connect with me @ toronto-president@iabc.to or respond HERE.
Inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) – June 22
Current events have demonstrated the importance of events such as our upcoming “We are all humans first” professional development webinar. Therefore, IABC/Toronto will offer this event free to both members and non-members. If you’d like to attend, register HERE.
Jefferson Darrell is a skilled presenter, who uses pop culture to help illustrate how IDEA can and should impact our duties as communicators. Learn more about his agency, Breakfast Culture @ www.breakfastculture.org.
IDEA Committee
We need to develop an actionable strategy around diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility based on feedback from our membership and our community. If you’re an IABC/Toronto member, a member of an under-represented group and you’d like to join IABC/Toronto’s IDEA Committee , please respond HERE.
#GlobalProfession
IABC represents communications professionals from around the world and “are committed to embracing the diversity and inclusion of all people.” The IABC International Diversity & Inclusion task force has been tasked with developing “recommendations for how to integrate D&I into the fabric of our organization and culture”.
For the full Diversity and Inclusion Statement and for more information, click HERE.
#BlackLivesMatter – A simple message, yet somehow, still controversial.
Written by Lindsay Grillet, IABC/Toronto President