City of Toronto LGBTQIA+ ERG Co-Chair Wraps Term Highlighting Impactful Inclusion Initiatives

Programming example

It was my last week as co-chair of the City of Toronto's 2SLGBTQ+ Community of Inclusion (commonly called an Employee Resource Group elsewhere). I took the helm as co-chair in 2021 and I am so proud of the great work our steering committee did:-We supported 2SLGBTQ+ employees through the pandemic and continued to put on professional development and educational events- We formed new partnerships with our agencies, boards and corporations, including the Toronto Public Library, Toronto Parking Authority, Toronto Community Housing - We advocated on behalf of staff with our partners in People & Equity- We worked with our colleagues in the Ambe Maamowisdaa Employee Circle, Black Staff network, Toronto Network of Women, and Employee Disability Network to put on events with an intersectional lens- In times where political and social hate continue against 2SLGBTQ+ people around the world and right here in Canada, we worked with Strategic Protocol to ensure City Council and the Mayor's Office proclaimed 2SLGBTQ+ Days of Significance and to show that the City stands proud with its 2SLGBTQ+ residents- We returned to marching in the Pride Parade in 2022- And the list goes on...I'm always asked why give up your time to work on an ERG? Simply, just to give back; I take to heart the City of Toronto's motto of “Diversity, Our Strength.” Our employees need to reflect the public we serve -- not only in entry level positions, but at all levels of the organization. When you have a diverse workplace, you create a breadth of knowledge, diverse perspective and impart lived experiences in the policies written which impact residents and businesses on a daily basis. Whatever I can do to remove those systemic barriers in the organization and help the growth of our 2SLGBTQ+ employees is something I would step up to the plate anytime to do. Thank you to the steering committee members and executive sponsors over the last few years who were instrumental in our work!Thank you to our partners in People & Equity for making the City of Toronto a great place to work and taking steps to improve the 2SLGBTQ+ employee experience. If you're looking to join the City, I'd highly encourage you check out our job board: https://lnkd.in/gsH4qyZfYou can view all of our Community of Inclusions here: https://lnkd.in/gg4PMzxehashtag#diversity

Communities

• LGBTQIA+

Formats

• ERG Interest Meeting & Info Session
• Internal Event
• Virtual Event

Goals

• Connect