Diversity & Social Inclusion Strategy

Transcription

1 Diversity & Social Inclusion Strategy

2 Diversity and social inclusion are at the heart of our YMCA and our commitment to building healthy and inclusive communities. Race Physical /Mental Ability Opinion Gender Mission: The YMCA of Greater Toronto Is a charity offering opportunities for personal growth, community Involvement and leadership. Vision: Our communities will be home to the healthiest children, teens and young adults. Age The Dimensions of Diversity Class Ethnicity Religion Values: Caring Health Honesty lndusiveness Respect Responsibility Sexual Image Orientation Sex At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, we value both visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity.

3 Our response to diversity and discrimination There is a range of responses to diversity and discrimination in our society. In our YMCA, we have intentionally chosen to use Diversity, Social Inclusion and Cultural Competence as our entry points for change.* Hatred Intolerance Dislike Tolerance Ally-Building Cultural Competence Multiculturalism Awareness Diversity Equity/Social Justice Anti Oppression Social Inclusion Diversity exists when every individual and all communities are able to access, participate in and benefit fully from programs and employment at the YMCA of Greater Toronto. It is valued when the diversity of people and communities are regarded as assets and their contribution to the social, political and cultural enrichment of the GTA and this Association are recognized. Cultural Competence is the integrity of behaviours, attitudes, and policies that come together in an organization and among individuals and enables that organization and those individuals to work effectively across many dimensions of difference. Social Inclusion ensures that diverse communities share in power, can give voice effectively to their issues, are involved in decision-making processes and have fair access to information and services. Inclusion is also promoted by challenging specific forms of exclusion including systemic barriers. *In 2006, a staff task force selected the dimensions of diversity that we prioritize at the YMCA GTA.

4 Our Approach to Diversity and Social Inclusion As a large employer and charity, it is critical that we understand and respond to issues that impact our volunteers, employees, and the communities we serve. That means our approach to diversity and social inclusion must be sensitive to our ever-changing environment both internally at the YMCA, and externally, in the GTA as a whole.

5 Internal Changes Since our last update to the Diversity & Social Inclusion Strategy, we have experienced substantial growth in the number of program locations and members served. This has been matched with increases in both full-time and part-time staff, who reflect the diversity of the GTA. Total Staff Full Time Part Time Seasonal 591 (2010) 1074 From 2005 to 2018 From 200 locations H to 438 locations 54% increase As our Association continues to grow, further knowledge and skills development on diversity and social inclusion is needed to ensure that program participants continue to experience a sense of belonging and well-being at our YMCA.

6 External Changes The GTA population is continuing to grow and change our attention to diversity and social inclusion has never been more important. Nine key social trends that indicate a need for a renewed approach: A growing population with visible minority status Increasing religious pluralism Greater recognition of diversity in sexual identity Changing patterns of immigration Evolving family structures An aging population Growing income inequality Urbanization of Indigenous populations Youth homelessness In addition to these trends, we see continued growth in ethnic and linguistic diversity in the GTA, and increased awareness of the prevalence of mental health challenges and the lack of systems and coordination in responding to these challenges.

7 Areas of Focus for Internal Systems, Culture and Policy Comply with legislation, gather staff feedback, and update policies and procedures to reflect best practices in diversity, human rights, and staff engagement 1 2 Internal Systems, Culture and Policy Program Priorities and Association Partnerships Develop and implement staff training and education Embed diversity and social inclusion in leadership development programs and create a diverse talent pipeline Enhance mental health supports in our workplaces

8 2. Program Priorities and Association Partnerships Mental Health Support staff working with participants and their families Identify partnerships to help us develop an appropriate and relevant role in fostering mental health Organize an Association Mental Health Task Force Anti-Black Racism Work with Black Experience Staff Advisory Committee to implement processes to enhance our staff members sense of inclusion Extend our outreach into African and Caribbean communities Develop program models that address needs of Black youth

9 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nations Work with YMCA Canada on Federation initiatives addressing Indigenous issues Organize an Association Work Group to support our GTA efforts Endorse YMCA Canada s recommended Statement of Reconciliation Special Needs Explore partnerships related to conditions such as Autism Develop resources to support staff working with children who have special needs and their families Adapt existing programs to enhance accessibility and inclusion

10 Immigrant Populations Continue Newcomer Youth Leadership Development programs Deliver wrap-around services to newcomers Work with funders to develop new models of work with children of refugees/immigrants LGBTQ2S+ Communities Support our PRIDE committee Deliver educational events for staff Explore further housing supports for LGBTQ2S+ young people Implement Gender Identity and Expression initiative

11 Our mission: The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity offering opportunities for personal growth, community involvement and leadership. Our vision: Our communities will be home to the healthiest children, teens and young adults. Our values: The YMCA of Greater Toronto is guided by values that inform the way we act and the decisions we make: caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect and responsibility.