As we step into February, I'm excited to embark on a month of reflection, celebration, and learning. Black History Month is upon us, providing an opportunity to recognize the remarkable achievements and contributions of the Black community throughout Canadian history. Let's come together to honor our shared past and work towards building an inclusive Canada for everyone.
On February 10, we'll welcome the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon. I'm looking forward to the vibrant traditions, delicious Vietnamese cuisine shared with family and friends, and the exchange of red envelopes for good luck. Join in the festivities at your local Lunar New Year events, markets, and cultivate connections within your community.
Our upcoming Leader Talks podcast in mid-February features Dr. Nketti Johnston-Taylor, Executive Director of the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC). Her inspiring journey from Nigeria to Canada, overcoming obstacles and earning a PhD, is an inspiring testament of resilience and determination, and embodies the spirit of Black History Month. We delve into her insights on immigration, integration, and success in the face of barriers, and explore CRIEC's vision and values in promoting DEI in the workplace.
Don't forget to mark your calendars for our annual flagship event, CCDI UnConference 2024. In the dynamic landscape of DEI, we will be addressing challenges head-on. This year, we'll focus on the growing resistance to DEI initiatives, bringing together thought leaders to foster understanding and advocate for progress. Save the date!
Thank you for your continued support in shaping Canada into a more inclusive and equitable society. Together, let's celebrate the strength that diversity brings to our communities.
Warm regards,
Anne-Marie Pham
CEO
CCDI UnConference registration is now open
We are thrilled to announce registration is now open for CCDI UnConference 2024 - the immersive virtual event for individuals passionate about driving positive change in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Join us on February 28 and 29 for two half-day sessions where you will engage with DEI thought leaders, change-makers, and advocates in a collaborative environment.
In the face of increased global polarization, the need for innovative approaches to foster inclusivity has never been more pressing. At CCDI UnConference 2024, we are assembling DEI leaders to provide strategies for addressing resistance to DEI initiatives and tools to enhance empathy and emotional intelligence within your organization. You'll also delve into the intricacies of cultivating a culture of belonging in your workplace and explore the powerful concept of intersectionality, emphasizing the unification of identities to create a more inclusive Canada.
This is your chance to be part of the premier DEI event of 2024, dedicated to transforming workplaces into thriving, inclusive environments. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge insights and industry leaders.
Save the date, March 27, to attend the open house for See Different — CCDI's national youth education initiative. Youth, educators, parents, and community leaders are invited to speak directly with the program's lead facilitator, ask questions, and learn about the free DEI certification program dedicated to training and supporting a new generation of compassionate leaders who recognize and seek to address systemic barriers to inclusion in Canadian society.
Workshops for youth (15-24) are offered online and in person in English and French, covering DEI language and terminology, Canada's history of systemic racism and discrimination, unconscious bias, allyship, cultural humility, youth activism, and more.
As a final assignment, participants develop their change-maker project, a theoretical community-based initiative that will enable them to affect change in their communities and schools. Plus, they can apply for one of our change-maker scholarships to implement their project in real life.
Racism and anti-Black racism guide: This guide contains a broad range of resources for individuals to learn about racism and how we can build anti-racist workplaces and communities.
Black History Month commemoration guide: CCDI has created a commemoration guide for Black History Month that you can use in your organization to celebrate and recognize the diverse experiences of Black Canadians. Access to the CCDI Knowledge Repository is required to download this guide.
International Women’s Day guide: The guide offers valuable insights on the current state of women's experiences in the workplace and provide guidance on how to support women's advancement. Additionally, the resources aim to help you make your IWD celebrations and gender equity efforts inclusive of all women.
International Women’s Day commemoration guide: CCDI has created a 2024 version of our commemoration guide to help your organization understand and observe this important date. Access to the CCDI Knowledge Repository is required to download this guide.
International Day of Pink / Pink Shirt Day guide: The 2024 version of this educational resource guide contains webinars and resources to help workplaces tackle bullying and harassment, including harassment and discrimination directed at 2SLGBTQI+ individuals
Together we are shaping more equitable workplaces, schools and communities through our Employer Partners, moving towards a truly inclusive Canada. Join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest Employer Partners.