CHALLENGING / OVERCOMING SYSTEMIC BARRIERS. SYSTEMIC BARRIERS STEM FROM… SYSTEMIC DISCRIMINATION /...

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

ALLIES

STAKEHOLDERS

SOCIAL ACTIVISTS

OTHER

EXPERTS

GRASSROOTS MOBILIZATION

UTILIZING A

MULTI-TIERED APPROACH

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