Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Connective

At Connective we are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive space for all.

We believe that the diverse characteristics of individuals enrich our communities, and we strive to create spaces where these differences are valued and celebrated. Throughout all aspects of our organization, we implement inclusive, person-centered, collaborative, determined, and accountable approaches. Our values are at the foundation of everything we do.

  • We provide compassionate services to any individual regardless of characteristics and background
  • We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming organization where our staff and service users can be their authentic self
  • We aim to achieve best practices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and work together to continuously reflect, learn, and improve

Our Commitments to DEI

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PEOPLE &
CULTURE

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PROGRAMS

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FINANCE & INFRASTRUCTURE

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COMMUNICATIONS

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CEO STATEMENT

At Connective, our organizational goals can only be achieved by creating a truly diverse, inclusive, and equitable team where we cultivate a culture of belonging – an environment where every person feels they have a voice, where every person feels valued, and where every person is engaged in the work that we do.
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OUR APPROACH

We celebrate differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, nationality, ability, age, and any qualification that makes everyone unique. We recognize that building a strong, diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization is an ongoing process, and we are committed to continuously improving.

As a first step, we created a staff-led committee to assess our organization using the internationally recognized Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion Benchmark (GDEIB) tool. This assessment allowed us to reflect not only on where we are, but on what we need to do in order to be a better employer for our staff and a better service provider for our community.

OUR STRATEGIC PLAN

In line with the recommendation of our GDEIB committee, we incorporated DEI into our organization’s strategic plan. As a key initiative under the SUSTAIN pillar, we solidified our commitment to Integrate DEI in all of our organizational practices. We believe that DEI is at the core of sustainability, and that perspectives from diverse teams not only broaden our efficiency, innovation, positive influence, and reach, but also support us in our mission to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.

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DEI AUDIT

To further the work of our GDEIB assessment and committee, we engaged with Bakau Consulting. The team at Bakau provided Fundamentals of Anti-Oppression training to our teams, and undertook an independent DEI audit. Our audit consisted of a number of components, including a survey of all of our staff, focus group sessions with staff, management, and senior leadership, and an in-depth review of organizational documents. The outcome of the audit, along with the GDEIB Committee’s recommendations created the foundation for our full DEI strategic plan.

HIGHLIGHTS AND INITIATIVES

We invite you to explore below to learn more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts as we strive to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.

  • A business case, strategic plan, and DEI statement have been created for the organization
  • DEI has been added to the organizational strategic plan and a senior leader has been assigned to support and oversee the initiative
  • Implementation and continuous review of DEI initiatives has been added to leadership accountabilities and job descriptions

  • With the support of local Indigenous partners and First Nations Indigenous Studies student support, we have started the first steps in the creation of an Indigenous Advisory Committee to guide the organization in service delivery and governance
  • Through our partnership with Council of Yukon First Nations, we strive to ensure that all of our programs in the Yukon provide culturally appropriate programming and supports
  • We continue to build program partnerships with Elders in our communities, including through our Indigenous-focused Community-Based Residential Facility, Miyáq’elhá:wetawt

  • Continuous program focus on accessibility and inclusion for diverse populations, including fully accessible housing options and gender neutral bathrooms across program locations
  • Renovations to property locations to increase accessibility, including major renovations to our Elliott House program to provide full wheelchair accessibility
  • Accessibility has been a focus for all organization communications, including the use of plain language and a commitment to full website accessibility

  • Where possible, we have flexible work arrangements in place to accommodate the needs of our staff
  • We continuously revisit our policies, procedures, job descriptions and job postings to be more inclusive
  • Recruitment practices are redesigned to attract diverse candidates and be inclusive of all individuals.

BECOME PART OF THE CONNECTIVE COMMUNITY

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Creating a workplace that reflects our wider community and encourages diverse collaboration through inclusive and person-centered hiring practices. We recognize that our team will bring a wide variety of skills to our organization. We endeavour to draw on these strengths, and commit to supporting employees in further developing their skills. We will seek to do so through equal training and opportunities to support employees across the organization in achieving their career goals, while also supporting the communities we serve. It is our intention to foster a positive and open workplace in which our employees feel that their unique talents, competencies, and experiences are respected, valued and celebrated.

Encouraging diverse and inclusive teams who provide person-centered supports to individuals who, regardless of identity or circumstances, can live healthy and safely in their community. We strive to work collaboratively with our communities and empower everyone to be their full, authentic selves.

Incorporating broad perspectives in decision-making, seeking to ensure Connective’s operations positively impact as many individuals as possible. We will continue to integrate DEI in all communications and provision of information to engage the Society and those we serve. We recognize that service accessibility is a priority and will use a DEI lens for decision-making around asset acquisitions and renewals.

Sharing our stories in ways that are accessible to all readers, are authentic in their delivery, and respect the dignity, lived realities and experiences of the storyteller. We seek to uplift and amplify voices of all members of the Connective community, ensure the public has opportunities to learn about the supports available through us, the work we do in community, and how every person can play a role in building a safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all. We integrate accessible, inclusive, decolonial, and empowering principles into our communications and community engagement practices wherever we can and see this as an ongoing process as we continue to learn, challenge ourselves, and do better by our community.

At Connective, our organizational goals can only be achieved by creating a truly diverse, inclusive, and equitable team where we cultivate a culture of belonging – an environment where every person feels they have a voice, where every person feels valued, and where every person is engaged in the work that we do.

Inclusion, diversity, and equity are more than just words; they are part of our culture and essential to our future. We must aspire to boldly embrace the power of inclusion, diversity, and equity to enrich the lives of our staff and service users, and to strengthen the vital services that we provide in communities across BC and Yukon.

Creating a better future for our organization will never be accomplished by a single person or a singular mindset. Through diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, we gain the benefit of different ways of looking at our organization and the communities we work in.

Our commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity begins with me and our entire leadership team. We must all strive to continue to learn and grow, and we must each encourage each other to expand our knowledge and gain new experiences. Inclusion comes from a sincere willingness to embrace open interactions with people who think differently than us, who come from different backgrounds, and who bring diverse experiences that we can all learn from.

I am so proud of the work our organization is doing to become more equitable, diverse, and inclusive and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to contribute to creating a better future for us all.

 

Mark's Signature

Mark Miller, CEO