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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-24Clarftwn Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee Thursday, June 22, 2021, 7:00 PM — 9:00 PM Via Microsoft Teams If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext 2131 Present: Sajida Kadri Meera McDonald Lyndsay Riddoch Rajeshwari Saharan Laila Shafi Yasmin Shafi Councillor Ron Hooper Also Present: Erica Mittag — Community Development Coordinator Brad Sensabaugh — HR Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, Public Speaker Regrets: Rachel Traore Dione Valentine The meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m. 1. Land Acknowledgement Statement Meera McDonald read the Land Acknowledgement Statement. A moment of silence was observed by meeting participants in recognition of the recent discoveries of mass graves at former residential schools across Canada, as well as for the Muslim family killed in a hate attack in London, Ontario. Councillor Hooper shared a message of support from Mayor Foster. 2. Review and Approval of Agenda Moved by Sajida Kadri, seconded by Lyndsay Riddoch. That the agenda of the June 22, 2021 meeting be approved. Carried 3. Review and Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes Moved by Laila Shafi, seconded by Yasmin Shafi. That the minutes of the meeting of May 27, 2021 be approved. Carried Page 11 4. Gender Diversity — Pronouns and Inclusive Language • Brad Sensabaugh, Public Speaker, HR Manager — Diversity and Inclusion joined the group to discuss the use of pronouns related to a proposed initiative and inclusive language. • Brad spoke to the group about the term 2SLGBTQ, it is progressive to lead with the Indigenous Two Spirit as the original keepers of this land. • There are various honorifics including Mr. Mrs. Ms. Mx (pronounced Mix), Dr. Prof. • Brad shared that honorifics could be eliminated wherever possible or included as optional for those who choose to include them. In speech, it is always best to use someone's name. • Wherever possible, Brad suggested adding fields to capture preferred name (vs. legal name). A possible work around would be to use an individual's first initial only. Look at your systems to develop a work around to legal name so that an individual's preferred name is used / referenced. • Asking someone how they would like to be addressed is the most inclusive practice. "How would you like me to address you?" • If someone asks you to stop misgendering them, you must stop. If you make a mistake don't dwell on it. "I'm sorry" and move on. Recover quickly. Don't assume someone's gender based on their physical characteristics (voice, appearance) • He recommends every workplace reviews their practices, facilities, gender markers to ensure they are inclusive. • Sharing pronouns is an inclusive language tool and is a signal to the broader queer community that you are inclusive. When you offer your pronouns, you invite others to share their own. • Have ambassadors and leaders to share the message and role model for your team. • Meera thanked Brad for his presentation and for the valuable insight he provided. 5. Outstanding Business Gender Pronoun and Inclusive Language recommendations Moved by Laila Shafi, seconded by Sajida Kadri. That Clarington's Diversity Advisory Committee supports the Clarington Diversity and Inclusion Staff Team's proposal of an optional gender pronoun initiative as an inclusive language tool for Clarington staff and Council where gender pronouns are shared in a variety of ways and is supported with training and education. This optional initiative should be reviewed after one year to assess utilisation and adoption. The Committee also supports the concept of an inclusive language resource for Clarington staff. Carried Page 12 Moved by Lyndsay Riddoch, seconded by Laila Shafi That Clarington's Diversity Advisory Committee recommends that Clarington staff continue to investigate the use of honorifics in various situations and where possible include additional honorifics or make it an optional field. Carried Durham Regional Police Services — Community Safety Advisory Council Moved by Laila Shafi, seconded by Sajida Kadri That Clarington's Diversity Advisory Committee and Anti -Black Racism Subcommittee accept a position for one of their members on the new Community Safety Advisory Council as proposed by Durham Regional Police Services and that this position apply through the advertised recruitment process. Carried Moved by Meera McDonald, seconded by Yasmin Shafi That Clarington's Diversity Advisory Committee appoint one Committee Member to be a member of the Candidate Review & Selection Panel for the Durham Regional Police Services' new Community Safety Advisory Council. Carried 6. Council and Community Updates Councillor Hooper shared: • June 24, 2021 — Roadmap to re -open Ontario Government moving to step 2 on Wed, June 30t", 2021. Moving into Step 2 ahead of expected as guided by health experts, 70% one dose of vaccine, and 20% second doses. • Durham Region Pfizer or Moderna 18 and up eligible for second dose as of June 21, 2021. Durham Region identified as Delta hotspot. Delay of Pfizer as of June 22, 2021 will be booked with Moderna. Shipment of Pfizer announced June 24, 2021. • Examine calls to action, staff will provide advice and steps to address legacy of Residential schools to advance reconciliation. Ratified July 5t", 2021 and consult with Indigenous Committees, and Diversity Municipality Advisory committees. • Rejigged funding application process for small businesses to apply for COVID relief funding. Erica Mittag shared: Diversity Update Report went to General Government Committee on June 21, 2021 shared by Meera McDonald. Shared with Council, presented and approved. Livestream recording can be assessed through the Municipality of Clarington website. Page 13 Community Funding Program for local not for profit, opening July 1 and closes August 31, 2021. National Indigenous Peoples Day takeover Facebook page for Municipality of Clarington shared updates and information, great level of engagement and well received collaboration Participaction contest pits communities against each other to achieve movement by June 30, 2021. Clarington is in 28 place currently. 7. Update on Anti -Black Racism Subcommittee New Co -Chair Rochelle Thomas was voted in as the Co -Chair of the Anti -Black Racism Subcommittee, along with Meera McDonald as Co -Chair. Congratulations Rochelle! Resident concern re: racism in the community Councillor Anderson shared concern from resident in Port of Newcastle involving racism directed at the resident by an alleged member of the Port of Newcastle Neighbourhood Watch group. Members felt it was courageous for the individual to share but very saddened that this incident occurred. Demonstrates need for diversity work to promote inclusion and support within our community. Action items were recommended to Councillor Anderson and a recommendation was made to raise this concern to Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) review the process for volunteer and training in selection and recruitment of members of this program. 8. Collaboration Initiative Review of previous discussion to connect with partners and have Members reach out to community partners to build relationships and collaboration. Meera will provide template introductory email and Erica will develop a one -page flyer to introduce the Committee and its work with potential partners. Opportunities of partnerships or joint efforts for members to reach out and form new or build upon existing partnerships — Visual Arts Centre, PFLAG, Bowmanville Older Adults Association, local Indigenous groups and more. 9. Other Business Summer Meeting schedule • Members discussed the need to meet through the summer months. Action items and ongoing initiatives will continue throughout the summer and the Committee will meet again at their September meeting date; unless at the call of the Chair. Moved by Meera McDonald, seconded by Lyndsay Riddoch. That the meeting be adjourned. Page 14 Next meeting: Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Virtually — via Microsoft Teams Page 15