Moving from Diversity to Inclusion: Exploring …...Diversity and inclusion are two related but different conversations. Often, we stop at diversity, but diversity without inclusion

Friday, November 2, 2018 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road

2018 City of Richmond Diversity Symposium

Moving from Diversity to Inclusion:

Exploring Pathways to Inclusion for Diverse Communities

A FREE one-day Diversity Symposiumpresented by the City of Richmond

1 | 2018 City of Richmond Diversity Symposium

Greetings from the Mayor On behalf of City Council, I would like to extend greetings and a warm welcome to all participants of the fourth annual City of Richmond Diversity Symposium.

With the theme, Moving from Diversity to Inclusion: Exploring Pathways to Inclusion for Diverse Communities, this year’s Symposium is an opportunity to share best and emerging practices in building harmonious communities.

A few years ago, the City’s Social Development Strategy was created as a guide to the City’s approach to social issues in the community. The strategy envisions the City of Richmond as an inclusive, engaged, and caring community – one that considers the needs of the present and future generations, values and builds on its diversity, nurtures its social capital, and treats its citizens with fairness and respect. Events like today move us closer to that vision.

I welcome you to an inspirational, educational, and enjoyable program in vibrant and multicultural Richmond. I know you will engage in inspiring discussions and will gain valuable tools on how to move towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

Malcolm D. Brodie

Mayor, City of Richmond

2018 City of Richmond Diversity Symposium | 2

Thank You to our Volunteers

We would like to acknowledge the planning and on-site contributions of our volunteers. Thank you to all who donated their time and expertise to develop the program for the 2018 Diversity Symposium. Special thanks goes to the Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee (RIAC) and Richmond Multicultural Community Services (RMCS) for their long-standing support of the Diversity Symposium.

2018 Diversity Symposium Advisory Committee

Sarah Carlson, Educational Programs Coordinator, City of Richmond

Naresh Chopra, Member, Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee

Dr. Meena Dawar, Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Coastal Health

Michaela Fengstad, Mentorship Coach, Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants, Back in Motion

Joanne Ha, Assistant Branch Manager, Vancity

Dorothy Jo, Inclusion Coordinator, City of Richmond

Mahi Khalaf, Settlement Site Manager, ISSofBC

Loryn Legear, Arts Programmer, City of Richmond


Diversity Symposium at a Glance

8:00 a.m. – Registration and Networking (Coffee and tea served in M.1.003)

8:30 a.m. – Welcome (Council Chambers)

• Opening Remarks Mayor Malcolm Brodie, City of Richmond

• Traditional Welcome Terry Point, Musqueam First Nation

9:00 a.m. – Keynote Presentation (Council Chambers)

• We are Agents of Change: Managing Diversity and Inclusion in Today’s World Cicely Blain

10:00 a.m. – Break (Coffee and tea served in M.1.003)

10:15 a.m. – Time Band One Presentations

• Education as a Pathway to Inclusion: First Nation Views on Diversity (Council Chambers) Terry Point

• An Exploration of Trans, Gender Diverse, and Two-Spirit Inclusion within the Vancouver Park Board (M.2.002) Josie Pearce, Dakota Shelby and Paul Czene

• An Anti-Racism Protocol for Richmond: Exploring Organizational Approaches to Tackling Racism (M.2.004) Alan Hill

11:30 a.m. – Networking Lunch (M.1.003)

12:30 p.m. – Time Band Two Presentations

• Embracing Inclusive Language (Council Chambers) Cicely Blain

• The Newcomer Bike Host Program: An ISSofBC and HUB Cycling Collaboration Promoting Social Inclusion (M.2.002) Alyshia Burak, Mahi Khalaf and Elmir Ismayilov

• Ready, Willing and Able: The Business Case for Inclusive Hiring (M.2.004) Kwaku Yeboah, Suzanne Jackson and Lisa Cowell

1:45 p.m. – Break (Coffee and tea served in M.1.003)

2:00 p.m. – Time Band Three Presentations

• Raising Awareness and Reflection for Navigating Intercultural Spaces (Council Chambers) Linda Davies and Matthias Klenk

• Stories of Youth Refugees (M.2.002) Mssko Wakil, Mustafa Kemal Sen and Nahide Busra Ertekin

• Equity, Inclusion and Liberation: Arts Leading the Way (M.2.004) Naomi Cromwell

3:15 p.m. – Q & A Panel and Closing Session (Council Chambers)

• Cicely Blain


Opening Keynote: We are Agents of Change: Managing Diversity and Inclusion in Today’s World 9:00 a.m. | Council Chambers

Diversity and inclusion are two related but different conversations. Often, we stop at diversity, but diversity without inclusion privileges a few while excluding the rest from fully participating in our communities. We all have a part to play in moving towards communities that are dynamic in their inclusion and radical in their diversity. How do we come together to ensure no one is left out of the conversation? How can we inspire people to join us on this journey? How can we bridge social and cultural divides to empower and activate social justice? We have a responsibility to take action so we can achieve the richness and reward of having diverse and inclusive communities.

Closing Keynote: Q & A Panel and Closing Session 3:15 p.m. | Council Chambers

At the conclusion of the Symposium, participants will come back together to reflect on the keynote, the workshop sessions, and the lessons learned. Some of the presenters will answer any burning questions as part of a Q & A panel. We will discuss how key learnings from workshop discussions can be translated into meaningful actions for individuals, neighbourhoods and organizations.

Keynote Presentations

Keynote Speaker: Cicely Blain

Cicely Belle Blain is an award-winning activist and writer, and the CEO of Cicely Blain Consulting. After graduating from the University of British Columbia with a major in Modern European Studies and a minor in Russian language, Cicely took a small business loan and used her wealth of knowledge in social justice issues to develop transformative diversity and inclusion training and services. Cicely’s work in diversity, inclusion and social justice now extends across North America, Europe and Asia.

Cicely was listed as one of CBC’s 150 Black Women Making Change in Canada and named as one of the 50 most influential people in the city by Vancouver magazine. She was invited to speak on LGBTQ inclusion at the United Nations Summit in Ecuador in 2016 on behalf of the Canadian delegation, and is the 2017 winner of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Award in Social Movement building for her work in Black civil rights activism. Cicely is also a published poet and a regular columnist for Daily Xtra magazine and The Body is Not an Apology.


TIME BAND ONE 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.

1. Education as a Pathway to Inclusion: First Nation Views on Diversity

In this session, Terry Point will share how First Nations embrace diversity in their environment and within their communities, and discuss the importance of education in building bridges of understanding across diverse cultures. He will also discuss how this concept of diversity is being used within the Richmond School District to build a strong community to support the success of students with Aboriginal ancestry in Richmond.

Terry Point, Aboriginal Education Teacher, Richmond School District No. 38

2. An Exploration of Trans, Gender Diverse, and Two-Spirit Inclusion within the Vancouver Park Board

The Vancouver Park Board is committed to creating safe environments for trans, gender diverse, and Two-Spirit (TGD2S) communities. Their Gender Diversity Inclusion Team includes staff members with lived experience who are able to authentically bridge the gaps in direct community dialogue, government policy, and staff education, to ensure members of TGD2S communities can independently and safely navigate and participate in public spaces and activities. They will share their approach, experience, and successes in achieving the collective goal of inclusion and acceptance.

Josie Pearce, Trans, Gender Diverse, and Two-Spirit Inclusion Facilitator, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

Dakota Shelby, Trans, Gender Diverse, and Two-Spirit Inclusion Facilitator, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

Paul Czene, Coordinator of Access and Inclusion, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

3. An Anti-Racism Protocol for Richmond: Exploring Organizational Approaches to Tackling Racism

When there is a hate crime or racist incident in our community, how can organizations respond to that incident in an appropriate, consistent and timely manner? This workshop will introduce the Richmond Community Protocol, which has been developed by the Richmond Organizing Against Racism and Hate (OARH) coalition, to support a coordinated community approach to counter racism and hate activity in the community. We will use this as a starting point to hold an interactive discussion on the different approaches used by Richmond-based organizations in tackling racism in the community.

Alan Hill, Inclusive Communities Coordinator, Richmond Multicultural Community Services

TIME BAND TWO 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

1. Ready, Willing and Able: The Business Case for Inclusive Hiring

This workshop will introduce the scope of inclusion and diversity in the workplace in BC and across Canada, using the Ready, Willing and Able initiative as a case study. It will discuss the true value of inclusion in the workplace – how it improves organizational bottom line, diversity, and culture while improving the quality of life of people with different abilities. Presenters will highlight the benefits of inclusion and diversity not just as a social service, but as an important part of community and organizational development in Canada. Customized employment supports offered by the Richmond Society for Community Living (RSCL) will be introduced in addition to highlighting partnership success stories, particularly with the City of Richmond.

Kwaku Yeboah, Director of Employment Initiatives, Inclusion BC

Suzanne Jackson, Manager of Employment Services, Richmond Society for Community Living

Lisa Cowell, Manager of Fund and Community Development, Richmond Society for Community Living

2. The Newcomer Bike Host Program: An ISSof BC and HUB Cycling Collaboration Promoting Social Inclusion

Learn how a successful collaboration between a cycling non-profit and settlement organization promote social inclusion in the community. The Newcomer Bike Host Program is a collaborative program between HUB Cycling and ISSof BC (Immigrant Services Society of BC). The first of its kind in Western Canada, the program matches recently arrived immigrants and refugees with local “host” volunteers for companionship and cultural orientation to Vancouver’s cycling transportation lifestyle. This workshop will encourage participants to reflect on effective collaborations they have witnessed, and other equity programs in their community.

Alyshia Burak, Bike Education Program Manager, HUB Cycling

Mahi Khalaf, Settlement Site Manager, ISSofBC

Elmir Ismayilov, Volunteer and Community Connections Worker, ISSofBC

Educational Sessions


3. Embracing Inclusive Language

As our communities become more and more diverse, it is essential that we make an effort to build programs and spaces that are inclusive and accessible for people of all backgrounds and identities. This workshop is an introduction to inclusive language and how to actively respect, honour and celebrate how people show up in our worlds. Simply shifting the way we think about addressing people, or the language we use in event promotion, or the signage we have in our spaces, can radically transform how people experience our communities. Join this interactive and creatively facilitated workshop to enhance your learning, build your allyship and begin the path to meaningful change.

Cicely Blain, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Cicely Blain Consulting

TIME BAND THREE 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.

1. Stories of Youth Refugees

Do you wonder how it feels to be a refugee? Do you want to understand their lives in Canada and hear about their dreams for the future? Youth refugees from Turkey will share their experiences on why and how they came to Canada. They will also discuss the challenges that they are facing and most importantly, their vision of diversity and inclusion and how we as a community can help.Note: In order to provide an atmosphere of safety and support for the youth refugees who will be sharing their personal stories, participants will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to the start of the session.

Mssko Wakil, Youth Outreach Case Manager, MOSAIC

Mustafa Kemal Sen, Member of the Youth Leadership Project, MOSAIC

Nahide Busra Ertekin, Member of the Youth Leadership Project, MOSAIC

2. Raising Awareness and Reflection for Navigating Intercultural Spaces

This session will give participants the opportunity to develop their cultural awareness and skills in order to navigate through complex intercultural interactions more efficiently and effectively. Starting from being aware of their own cultural identity and intersectionality (Cultural Onion), participants will investigate their own inherent hidden biases to further their understanding of how power and privilege operate in their daily interactions. Tools and strategies will be shared to enable participants to navigate more consciously through intercultural situations.

Linda Davies, Instructional Developer and Intercultural Facilitator, MOSAIC

Matthias Klenk, Manager of MOSAIC Works, MOSAIC

3. Equity, Inclusion and Liberation: Arts Leading the Way

How do the arts in BC include or exclude persons of varying identities? What can we do to ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are heard, respected and celebrated? And finally, how can we move from “diversity” to authentic inclusion? In this session, participants will learn and discuss the concepts of culture, diversity versus decolonization, equity, inclusion, identity, intersectionality and cultural competency. Through activities and conversation, participants will be invited to explore their own cultural identities, deconstruct their cultural biases, and critically examine systemic barriers to gain a deeper understanding of issues faced by people of underrepresented identities.

Naomi Cromwell, Performing Artist and Arts Consultant


Alyshia BurakBike Education Program Manager, HUB Cycling

Alyshia enjoys working with community organizations such as ISSofBC to bring accessible bike programs to newcomers in Canada. She is passionate about fostering healthy living, social equity, and thriving communities and has worked with non-profit organizations both locally and globally to achieve these goals. She holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia.

Lisa CowellManager of Fund and Community Development, Richmond Society for Community Living

Lisa is passionate about building a community of inclusion that sees beyond disability to ability. She joined the team at Richmond Society for Community Living during the early years of employment services delivery and has been instrumental in securing program funding and promoting diversity hiring practices in Richmond.

Naomi CromwellPerforming Artist and Arts Consultant

Naomi (pronouns she/her/hers) is a woman of Afro-Caribbean and European descent born on unceded Coast Salish territory (Vancouver). A musician, actor and social justice activist, she is an advocate of community building and youth empowerment through the arts. Throughout her professional career, Naomi has developed and led initiatives with The National Music Centre, UNITY Charity, BC Alliance for Arts & Culture, Selkirk College and BC Touring Council.

Paul CzeneCoordinator of Access and Inclusion, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

Paul is mainly responsible for economic access, gender diversity, adapted and integrated recreation, and accessible spaces at the Vancouver Park Board. The gender diversity program focuses on customer service, staff training, and facility design. Paul finds it a challenging and worthwhile experience to learn how to be an effective ally with the TGD2S community.

Linda DaviesInstructional Developer and Intercultural Facilitator, MOSAIC

Linda is a certified Intercultural Specialist (Norquest College, 2014) and an Instructional Developer at MOSAIC Vancouver English Language Centre. She has facilitated MOSAIC Intercultural Competency workshops in a variety of settings, as well as professional development workshops for MOSAIC ESL teachers since 2012. Linda holds a Master of Arts degree in TESOL Teacher Education.

Speakers


Nahide Busra ErtekinMember of the Youth Leadership Project, MOSAIC

Nahide is passionate about working with children in their early childhood years and unlocking their hidden potentials. This moved her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education at Bogazici University in Istanbul. She is currently working as an Early Childhood Educator at SFU Childcare Society while pursuing her Infant & Toddler and Special Needs Educator Certificate.

Alan HillInclusive Communities Coordinator, Richmond Multicultural Community Services

Alan has been involved in community development work across three continents for over 25 years. He holds a master’s degree in International Development from the University of Leeds. Alan is also involved in the Metro Vancouver writing and literacy community and is the Poet Laureate for the City of New Westminster.

Elmir IsmayilovVolunteer and Community Connections Worker, ISSofBC

Elmir has over 15 years of experience working in the non-profit sector in Eastern Europe, USA and Canada, where he managed and coordinated a wide variety of projects and programs focusing on refugees and displaced populations. He coordinates community connections-related programming and training of volunteer settlement mentors at ISSofBC. Elmir holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Liverpool.

Suzanne JacksonManager of Employment Services, Richmond Society for Community Living

Suzanne strongly believes that there is “employment for all,” and has worked tirelessly to make it a reality. With over 15 years of experience in human resources, counselling, specialized training and certification in Employment Supports, she has helped countless individuals and employers navigate the road to inclusive workplaces.

Mahi KhalafSettlement Site Manager, ISSofBC

Mahi manages the ISSofBC Vancouver and Richmond settlement teams and oversees the implementation of the Bike Host Program partnership with HUB Cycling. She is also the BC coordinator for the Syrian Refugees Health Outcomes Study. Mahi has over 15 years of experience in international development in Africa and the Middle East and holds a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs from Carleton University. She is a proud Richmond resident.

Speakers Continued


Matthias KlenkManager of MOSAIC Works, MOSAIC

Matthias is the Manager of the Intercultural Competency Training at MOSAIC and is on his way to becoming a certified Intercultural Specialist with NorQuest College. He has facilitated anti-racism and anti-oppression workshops in Germany. He holds a master’s degree in InterAmerican Studies and a Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology from the University of Guadalajara.

Josie PearceTrans, Gender Diverse, and Two-Spirit Inclusion Facilitator, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

Josie has lived experience as a gender diverse individual and has been a major contributor to the Vancouver Park Board’s TGD2S inclusion initiative since July 2017. Through consultations with the TGD2S community and community partners, Josie works to identify barriers and develop programming and system changes that will make Park Board services more accessible and welcoming to everyone.

Terry PointAboriginal Education Teacher, Richmond School District No. 38

Terry is from the Musqueam First Nation and is entering his third year working as an Aboriginal Support Worker with the Richmond School District. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in First Nations Studies. Terry has worked for the Musqueam Indian Band in the Treaty Lands and Resources Department and with the Museum of Anthropology over the last 10 years.

Mustafa Kemal SenMember of the Youth Leadership Project, MOSAIC

Kemal is a first-year commerce student at the University of British Columbia and a facilitator at MOSAIC helping young newcomers integrate into society through technology. He loves programming artificial intelligence (AI) and using computer-aided design (CAD) tools and 3D printers for his projects. Originally from Turkey, Kemal speaks fluent English and Turkish, some Russian and Mandarin. He dreams of opening a business where it can be a place of hope for many people. He is also a passionate kickboxer.

Dakota ShelbyTrans, Gender Diverse, and Two-Spirit Inclusion Facilitator, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

Dakota (pronouns they/them) has worked with the Vancouver Park Board since May 2018. In this role they have had the opportunity to connect the lived experiences of themselves and others with tangible initiatives. They are excited to create welcoming and inclusive spaces for all trans, gender diverse, and Two-Spirit folks and foster a culture of respect and understanding within all Park Board facilities.

Speakers Continued


Mssko WakilYouth Outreach Case Manager, MOSAIC

Mssko graduated with Honours from Kyrgyz State Academy of Law while she was an Afghan refugee in Kyrgyz Republic. She is currently helping newcomer youth integrate into Canada in her role as Youth Outreach Case Manager at MOSAIC. Her goal is to become a lawyer in Canada. Mssko enjoys reading books, writing, travelling, and learning about different cultures. She speaks six languages and is planning to learn French.

Kwaku YeboahDirector of Employment Initiatives, Inclusion BC

Kwaku is the Provincial Facilitator of the Ready, Willing and Able initiative. He has worked for over 10 years in the community health and services sector across three provinces. Kwaku has worked with multiple communities and government agencies to develop strategic initiatives, projects, and transitional programs for vulnerable populations. He has degrees in Global Health and Human Development and in Human Resources. His favourite football team is Chelsea and he enjoys travelling the world with his family.

Speakers Continued

City of Richmond6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1

Telephone: 604-276-4000www.richmond.ca

Documents

Moving from Diversity to Inclusion: Exploring …...Diversity and inclusion are two related but different conversations. Often, we stop at diversity, but diversity without inclusion