Overview
EDI Action Network participants are invited to our first in-person gathering! This will be an opportunity to connect with like-minded faculty, staff, and students across campus doing EDI work, over rich food and discussions.
We are navigating unprecedented times in the field of EDI as we contend with an intensification of backlash against EDI efforts from some quarters within Canada coinciding with an attack by the current US administration on DEI (as it is called south of the border), which includes its dismantling and de-funding. During this difficult period, it is important to come together and build mutually supportive networks and strategies to meet the challenges and reassert our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion amongst our campus community.
What to expect
- Welcome & Presentation:
Dr. Arig al Shaibah (she/her), Associate Vice-President, Equity & Inclusion (AVPEI)
Dr. al Shaibah will open the gathering by sharing some thoughts and insights from her perspective as the senior leader overseeing and championing EDI initiatives at UBC.
- Q&A / Discussion:
EIO staff who lead and support various EDI initiatives across campus will lead a discussion on strategies and approaches to addressing resistance and backlash to EDI work.
- EDI Action Network Dialogue & Brainstorming Session:
Attendees will be invited to participate in break-out sessions on themes related to responding to the challenges of furthering EDI work during the tumultuous times of the current moment.
- Connecting with Colleagues & Strengthening Collaborative Networks:
Participants will have the opportunity to share tips and strategies, hear stories of resistance and build collaborative networks for mutual support and solidarity across departments, faculties, and offices.
Who can join
This network is open to all who fit the participation criteria:
- Working to advance an EDI initiative at UBC, including for example, creating an EDI strategy or plan or developing or changing existing programming with an EDI lens. The initiative may be within your immediate unit or connected to a broader effort such as a cross-portfolio working group or identity-based affinity group.
- In a position to influence the work of your EDI initiative including but not necessarily in a formal leadership role.
- Engaged in the continuous process of deepening your learning about EDI and your personal relationship to issues of power, privilege, and marginalization. This type of individual learning is essential to our ability to effectively navigate EDI change efforts, but is not the focus of the EDI Action Network. As a result, we expect members to find opportunities for this learning, either through lived experience or from experts and programs with that explicit focus (for example courses, workshops, discussion groups, and readings).
Accessibility & Virtual Event
The EIO office is located on the 4th floor of the Brock Commons South Building located at 6180 Walter Gage Road. Touchless wave and push button door openers are installed at the front entrance of the ground floor, as well as at the 4th floor office entrance. Elevators to the 4th floor are accessible from the main lobby of the building and gender neutral bathrooms are available on every floor.
We are committed to hosting an inclusive, accessible event that enables all individuals to engage in-person if desired. If you require an accessibility-related measure please indicate in the registration form or contact our office.
For those who would prefer to connect virtually or who are unable to attend in person, please stay tuned for an online version of the event, which will be scheduled in the near future. For those based at the Okanagan campus, please stay tuned for the forthcoming EDI Action Network’s UBCO event.
Program lead
Silvia D’Addario
She, her, they
Director, Strategic Partnerships and Capacity-building
Questions?
Please contact Lily Han, Equity & Inclusion Strategist, at lily.han@ubc.ca.