Our Commitment
Diversity &
Inclusion Policy
Great Lakes Networking Society of BC is committed to building spaces where every person — regardless of background, identity, or circumstance — is welcomed, respected, and valued.
Foundation
Policy Statement
Great Lakes Networking Society of BC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work — from our board to our programs, our partnerships, and every community space we create.
Our collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our members, volunteers, staff, and community participants invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and organisation's achievement as well.
We embrace and encourage our employees' and community members' differences in age, colour, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our community unique.
✓ This Policy Applies To
What Guides Us
Core Principles
These principles underpin every decision, every program, and every space we create.
Equity Over Equality
We recognise that equal treatment is not enough. We actively work to address systemic barriers and provide additional support to those who face historical disadvantage — giving everyone what they need to thrive, not simply the same thing.
Inclusion & Belonging
Diversity without inclusion is just representation. We go further — working to create an environment where every person feels they truly belong, their voice is heard, and their contribution is valued.
Anti-Racism
We are explicitly anti-racist. We do not accept passive non-racism — we actively name, challenge, and work to dismantle racist structures, attitudes, and behaviours wherever they appear, including within our own organisation.
LGBTQ+ Affirmation
We affirm and celebrate the full humanity and dignity of LGBTQ+ community members. Our events and spaces are explicitly welcoming of all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations.
Accessibility
We are committed to making our programs, events, communications, and spaces accessible to people with disabilities. We work continuously to identify and remove physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers.
Cultural Humility
We approach cultural differences with humility, curiosity, and respect. We recognise that learning is ongoing, that we do not always get it right, and that we commit to listening and growing when we fall short.
We Are
Anti-Racist
Not simply non-racist. Actively, explicitly, and loudly anti-racist. There is no neutral ground.
Anti-Racism
Our Anti-Racism Stance
Great Lakes Networking Society of BC takes an explicit anti-racist position. We do not merely tolerate diversity — we actively work to dismantle the systems, structures, and behaviours that perpetuate racism against Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC).
Racism — whether interpersonal, institutional, or systemic — causes measurable harm to individuals and communities. We acknowledge that anti-Black racism is a particular and pervasive form of racism in Canada, and we are committed to addressing it directly in all our work.
Being anti-racist means recognising and naming racism when we see it. It means being willing to have uncomfortable conversations, to examine our own biases, and to hold ourselves and others accountable. It means centring the voices and experiences of those most impacted by racism in our decision-making.
What This Looks Like in Practice
We collect anti-racism and discrimination data to document experiences and inform advocacy efforts on behalf of affected community members.
We integrate anti-racism education into our programs, workshops, and organisational training for board, staff, and volunteers.
We regularly review our own policies, programs, and partnerships for racial bias — and commit to making changes when we identify them.
We use our platform to amplify the voices of BIPOC community members and to speak publicly against acts of racism and racial injustice.
We partner with organisations that share our anti-racism values and we decline partnerships that contradict them.
Action, Not Words
Our Commitments
We hold ourselves to specific, measurable commitments across every part of our organisation.
Diverse Leadership
We actively recruit board members and staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, with intentional representation of Black, Indigenous, women, and LGBTQ+ leaders.
Inclusive Programming
Our programs are designed with and for the communities they serve. We conduct community consultations, use culturally appropriate approaches, and continuously gather feedback.
Equitable Hiring
Our hiring practices are designed to eliminate bias. We use structured interviews, diverse hiring panels, and we welcome applications from people with lived experience of marginalisation.
Safe & Welcoming Spaces
All our events and spaces have clear codes of conduct, trained staff and volunteers, and accessible reporting mechanisms for discrimination, harassment, or misconduct.
Language & Communication
We strive to communicate in plain, inclusive language. We avoid jargon and we provide materials in multiple languages where resources allow, including Swahili and French.
Ongoing Education
We invest in diversity, equity, and inclusion training for our board, staff, and volunteers — recognising that this is ongoing work, not a one-time checkbox.
Accountability & Transparency
We report on our DEI commitments in our annual report and are open to community feedback. We acknowledge when we fall short and commit to doing better.
Trauma-Informed Practice
We recognise that many community members carry the weight of trauma. We train our team in trauma-informed approaches to ensure our spaces do not cause further harm.
Intersectionality
We understand that people hold multiple identities that intersect in complex ways. Our approach addresses the compounded disadvantage faced by people with overlapping marginalised identities.
Access for All
Accessibility Commitment
We believe that disability is a social construct — it is barriers in our environments and systems that disable people, not individuals' bodies or minds. We are committed to removing those barriers.
We work to ensure that our events, offices, communications, and digital presence are accessible to people with a full range of disabilities — including physical, sensory, cognitive, and mental health-related disabilities.
Physical Accessibility
Accessible venue selection, wheelchair access, accessible washrooms, and seating at all events.
Sensory Accessibility
ASL interpretation on request, hearing loop systems, and quiet rooms at larger events.
Visual Accessibility
Large-print materials, high-contrast design, and screen reader-friendly digital content.
Digital Accessibility
Our website is designed with WCAG 2.1 accessibility guidelines as our standard.
Scent-Free Environments
We request scent-free participation at our events to support community members with chemical sensitivities.
Request an Accommodation
If you require any accessibility accommodation to participate in our programs or events, please let us know. We are committed to meeting your needs and will work with you directly.
Requests can be made at the time of event registration, or by contacting us at least 7 days before the event. We treat all accommodation requests with full confidentiality.
Contact Us About Accessibility💡 We Are Always Learning
Accessibility is a journey, not a destination. If you notice a barrier we've missed, or have a suggestion for how we can do better, please tell us. We genuinely want to know.
Code of Conduct
Safe Space Policy
All our events, programs, and spaces operate under this Code of Conduct. Participation constitutes acceptance of these terms.
✓
Expected Behaviours
-
Treat all participants with dignity, respect, and kindness
-
Use welcoming and inclusive language at all times
-
Respect different viewpoints, experiences, and identities
-
Accept constructive feedback gracefully and learn from it
-
Show empathy and compassion toward fellow community members
-
Respect personal boundaries — physical, emotional, and digital
-
Be mindful of your privilege and how it affects others
-
Honour the cultural and spiritual practices of others
✕
Unacceptable Behaviours
-
Racism, racial slurs, or racially discriminatory language or behaviour
-
Sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or ableism in any form
-
Sexual harassment, unwanted touching, or inappropriate advances
-
Bullying, intimidation, threats, or aggressive behaviour
-
Discrimination based on religion, national origin, or immigration status
-
Deliberately misgendering or dead-naming anyone
-
Photographing or recording people without their explicit consent
-
Disrupting events or programs in a way that harms other participants
⚖️ Consequences of Policy Violations
We take all reports of policy violations seriously. Depending on the nature and severity of the incident, consequences may include:
Warning
A formal verbal or written warning with explanation of the violation.
Removal
Immediate removal from the event, space, or program without refund.
Suspension
Temporary ban from future events and programs for a defined period.
Permanent Ban
Permanent exclusion from all Great Lakes Society spaces and events.
In cases involving criminal behaviour, we will not hesitate to involve law enforcement. The safety of our community always takes precedence.
We're Here For You
Reporting & Support
If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or a violation of this policy, please report it. We take every report seriously.
Online Form
Use our contact form — select "Discrimination/Complaint" as subject.
Submit a Report →What Happens When You Report
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge receipt of your report within 48 hours.
Confidentiality
Your identity is protected unless you choose to share it.
Investigation
We investigate all reports thoroughly and impartially.
Follow-Up
We inform you of the outcome and action taken.
We do not tolerate retaliation. Anyone who retaliates against a person for making a good-faith report of a policy violation will face immediate disciplinary action, up to and including permanent removal from our organisation.
Together We Build
Belonging
Diversity and inclusion is not a program — it is how we exist. It is in our DNA, our mandate, and our daily practice. We invite you to hold us to it.