This is a follow up to the update on October 2, 2020 (found here) regarding the work of the Anti-Racism Task Force. We want to understand, address, and change any behaviour or systems within Christian Horizons where Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour experience racism. We know racism happens in society at large, and while we’ve hoped it doesn’t happen within Christian Horizons, we know it is that very attitude that inhibits change.
We are committed to doing better. Our initial activities are:
Recruitment
- Our Recruitment Action Plan will include a “Diversity and Inclusion Working Group”.
- For all new leadership hires, we will deliberately advertise to Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour. It is important that our leaders represent not just the demographic of the employees and people supported within Christian Horizons, but also our communities more broadly.
Education
- “Workplaces of Belonging” will be reviewed and updated to embed anti-racism education.
- More broadly, we will contract with an external company to provide education on anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion.
Policy
- We will review and more fully develop formal policies regarding racism and discrimination.
Demographic Survey
- We will work with an outside company to learn about the racial and ethnic demographics of the employees of Christian Horizons.
While the above items focus on our employees, we’re also mindful that it must extend to the people who use the services of Christian Horizons, to be able to better identify, call out, and work against racism in all its forms.
Looking at this list, there are many items but it’s necessary, and it’s not all that we’ll do. This is our starting point. Presently, we’re identifying leaders for this work, ensuring that the leadership actively engages with Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour.
If you have any questions or suggestions about this work, please feel free to contact me at dmilley@christian-horizons.org or 647-204-7914.
Sincerely,
Dwayne Milley
Vice President of Operations