By Gabrielle Bonifacio, Communications Assistant (Work-Learn), UBC Equity & Inclusion Office
Before we roar into 2020, let’s take a moment to reflect on this year’s highlights and thank everyone who helped make this year so bright.
From everyone at the office: thank you for your support, leadership and dedication to making UBC and wherever you go a more inclusive place. After all of the hard work you’ve done, we hope you have a happy and restful holiday!
UBC Vancouver’s year in review
Here are a few accomplishments we’re proud of:
- Working with Dr. Minelle Mahtani, the newly appointed Senior Advisor to the Provost on Racialized Facuty, to launch several ongoing series for racialized staff and faculty. The IGNITE Book Club’s first session featured celebrated author, David Chariandy. The Provost’s Distinguished Lecture Series on Race and Leadership welcomed acclaimed EDI scholar and educator, Dr. Damon A. Williams.
- Supporting Dr. Mahtani with Equity & Justice Work in the Canadian University, a three-part panel series at Congress 2019 which united scholars, practitioners and experts to explore equity work and institutional transformation at Canadian Universities.
- This month we had our first BIPOC Connections lunch, where racialized staff and faculty were given a space to share stories and break bread.
- Hosting an even bigger UBC Pride with an amazing turnout that demonstrated our commitment to celebrating diverse sexual orientations and gender identities on campus. We were also proud to see UBC community members marching at the Vancouver Pride Parade.
- Launching Through the Lens workshops, an engaging series on diverse issues led by experienced community leaders. The series will continue exploring how different identities navigate UBC while teaching participants how to create a more inclusive campus in the new year.
- Encouraging student engagement through Equity Ambassadors and the newly formed Equity Student Advisory Council (ESAC). Led by diverse students at UBC, ESAC works with the student community and the EIO on student issues, policies, decisions, and practices.
- Awarding $95,000 to community-led equity, diversity and inclusion projects through the Equity Enhancement Fund. Projects span different areas of equity and inclusion, like Indigeneity, accessibility, race, culture, sexual orientation and gender diversity.
- Supporting students, staff, and faculty through human rights advising and conflict resolution services.
- Drafting an Inclusion Action Plan with community members to ensure the university’s systems and policies create a welcoming campus where those historically, persistently or systemically marginalized can thrive.
- An International Women’s Day Reception at the President’s House hosted by University Ambassador, Wendy Yip, which honoured Indigenous and racialized women at UBC.
- Hosting Game Changers: How Are Assistive Technologies Making Sport Accessible?, a panel of athletes and leaders who shared their stories and discussed how people and technology are making sports more accessible.
UBC Okanagan’s year in review
Here are a few accomplishments we’re proud of:
- Unveiling our Pride Staircase with Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Deborah Buszard and Pride Resource Centre (PRC) Coordinator Devin Gaine as a symbol of our dedication to creating a visibly inclusive campus. We celebrated with music, refreshments, and conversation.
- Hosting UBCO’s First Pride Picnic, a festive celebration of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community with games, music, and performances by DJ Slim Tyme, Leila Neverland, Madeline, and Post Modern Connection.
- Hosting a reception and livestreaming of Dr. Damon A. Williams’ From Awareness to Action to Innovation to stimulate discussion on leadership and inclusive action.
- Honouring Transgender Day of Remembrance with guest speakers Jewel Giles and Tor Broughton sharing stories and poetry, performances from members of the community, and an intuitive art workshop.
What’s next?
Here’s what to look forward to in the next few months:
- Examining more diverse issues Through the Lens. Register now for our next workshop Finding Artful Activism at the Intersection of Race and Sexuality on January 15th with artists Jen Sungshine & David Ng.
- Stay tuned for the launch of the Inclusion Action Plan.
- Have a bright idea to advance inclusion on campus? Consider applying for the annual Equity Enhancement Fund. Applications open mid to late January.
- Are you a student looking for experience of community engagement around equity, diversity and inclusion? Stay tuned for our Equity Ambassadors Peer Program recruitment call and help lead positive social change.
- Missed out on BIPOC Connections? Get ready for round two coming at you in February!
- Inclusive UBC newsletter for the folks in the Okanagan.
…and more! Stay connected with us by signing up for our Inclusive UBC newsletter.
Have a happy holiday season and we’ll see you in the new year!