The Toronto chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/Toronto) is a welcoming professional community that supports, develops and connects professional communicators, marketers and PR professionals from a wide range of lived experiences and dynamic backgrounds in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
As the IABC’s largest chapter worldwide, we recognize the value and power of a diverse community, and are committed to embracing accessibility, diversity, equity, equality and the inclusion of all people.
Regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, family status, age, physical and mental abilities and attributes, sexual orientation or identity, gender identity or expression, socio-economic status, occupational focus and all intersectionalities – all members are an equal and valued part of our vibrant community.
Our members’ unique perspectives, talents and experiences are the foundation of excellence in communications. The diversity of our membership allows for a broad range of ways to engage, identify challenges and deliver meaningful solutions.
IABC’s shared global values state: We are a diverse community. We welcome diverse communication professionals of all levels and practices. We embrace diverse viewpoints, encourage conversation and celebrate cultural differences. We believe these differences benefit our community and we are more enlightened, well-informed and successful when we honour our unique experiences and perspectives.
We approach our work as an association with the following Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) guiding principles:
- Equity: We acknowledge that the communications profession in the GTA is not a level playing field for the growth and advancement of marginalized, racialized and excluded professional communicators. This is due to institutional, individual and organizational biases.
- Centering: We commit to centering IDEA-related work on our marginalized, racialized and excluded members.
- Transparency: We commit to communicating openly with our members on our progress. We will receive and incorporate their feedback as our work continues and evolves.
- Accountability: We commit to holding ourselves responsible for failures and celebrate our successes.
- Realistic: We acknowledge that this process cannot address all the challenges that our association faces, while also recognizing that those challenges may affect our ability to meet IDEA goals.
- Acceptance: We acknowledge that the IABC/Toronto that exists throughout this process might be different from the one we had when we started. We accept that as we start this journey.
- Empathy: We give space and listen to the stories of those who have been marginalized, racialized and excluded, if they choose to disclose, and use what we’ve learned to do better as we move forward.
In an effort to raise the bar on representation, this important work is guided by IABC/Toronto’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Committee. The IDEA Committee is focused on driving strategic recommendations to the IABC/Toronto Board of Directors that will further inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
IABC/Toronto’s Board of Directors reaffirms the chapter’s commitment to create an environment that values diversity, promotes an inclusive culture and establishes a profound sense of belonging for each member of our community where they can thrive.
We recognize that work in this space is a journey, and not a destination. We understand we will make errors along the way and we aim to learn and grow from them – together. This commitment is a living document that will grow as we do.
All members of IABC/Toronto are required to abide by the IABC Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.
Related links:
- IDEA Resources
- Land Acknowledgement
- Calendar of Significant Events
- IABC/Toronto’s IDEAs for Belonging: Recommendation Report
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) at IABC/Toronto
- IABC’s Global Diversity, Equity, Equality & Inclusion Statement
- Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Ontario Human Rights Code
- Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)