Transcript Slide 1

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.”
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
ALLIES
GRASSROOTS
MOBILIZATION
STAKEHOLDERS
UTILIZING
A
MULTI-TIERED APPROACH
EXPERTS
SOCIAL ACTIVISTS
OTHER
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
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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.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR?
 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?
WHERE TO LOOK ?
 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
Q&A