CHALLENGING / OVERCOMING SYSTEMIC BARRIERS

SYSTEMIC BARRIERS STEM FROM… SYSTEMIC DISCRIMINATION / RACISM DEFINED AS… “The institutionalization of discrimination through policies and practices which may appear neutral on the surface but which have an exclusionary impact on particular groups, such that various minority groups are discriminated against intentionally or unintentionally.” Source: Canadian Race Relations

CONSEQUENTLY… The process in reinforced in operating systems of society resulting in ‘SYSTEMIC BARRIERS’. DEFINED AS… “Barriers that restrict or limit access to resources or opportunities in various spheres and sectors within society such as employment, education, health, social services etc. Source: HCCI Training Manual

EXAMPLES OF SYSTEMIC BARRIERS  Hiring Practices  Promotion Procedures  Job Requirements  Unequal ACCESS to…

CHALLENGING / OVERCOMING SYSTEMIC BARRIERS  Utilizing a Multi-Tiered Approach…  Top-down  Stakeholders  Allies  Grassroots Mobilization  Public Education and Awareness  Active Civic Engagement  Advocacy  Empowerment

UTILIZING A MULTI- TIERED APPROACH ALLIES STAKEHOLDERSSOCIAL ACTIVISTSOTHER EXPERTS GRASSROOTS MOBILIZATION

PUBLIC EDUCATION AND AWARENESS  Promote Equitable Practices  Foster Inclusive, Integrated and Diverse Workplaces  Conduct Public Forums to Address Pertinent Issues  Advocate for Diversity Scans and Equity Scorecards  Develop an Inclusivity Radar  Become a Catalyst and Advocate for Change  Promote Active Civic Engagement

EMPOWERMENT “The process by which individuals and communities gain mastery of their lives.” Meredith Minkler An intentional, ongoing process centered in the local community, involving mutual respect, critical reflection, caring and group participation through which people lacking an equal share of valued resources gain greater access to and control those resources.” Cornell Empowerment Group

SELF EMPOWERMENT  Key Steps… Education, learning, cultural awareness, cultural acceptance etc.  Be aware of your own attitudes, stereotypes and expectations.  Actively listen to and learn from other’s experiences.  Use language and behaviour that is non-biased and inclusive of all people.

SELF EMPOWERMENT  Project a feeling of understanding, love and support when confronting individuals.  Establish standards of responsibility and behaviour and hold yourself and others accountable.  Be a role model and be willing to take risks that leadership demands.  Work collectively with others, organize and support efforts that combat prejudice and oppression in all its forms.  Acknowledge diversity and avoid stereotypical thinking.

EMPOWERING OTHERS  Educate others…teachable moments.  Finding Allies  Building diverse relationships

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT “No one community is untouched by or isolated from the challenges / problems in an adjoining community.” HCCI Training Manual

When Approaching Potential Allies…  Address issues of economic disparity, inequality, quality of life and opportunity.  Focus on issues which impacts all citizens such as safety, healthcare, employment etc.

 Who else cares (or should)?  Who is able to help?  Who has the power?  Who benefits (or doesn’t)?  What can I offer to my ally? WHAT TO LOOK FOR?

 Within spheres of influence  Like-minded acquaintances and colleagues  Within the student body  For parents and community groups NOTE: It depends upon the issue where the most appropriate ally may be found WHERE TO LOOK ?

Q & A