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The non-profit sector has long talked about the importance of making diversity, inclusion, and equity a priority. Research has proven, time and again, that diverse and inclusive boards are more successful. Yet, the lack of diversity in some of the highest levels of non-profit organizations in Canada is appalling. While one may believe that organizations working in the non-profit sector, especially those that support underserved communities and minorities, would prioritize diversity and inclusion, that is not the case in reality.
As a non-profit organization that believes in improving the quality of life of individuals and strengthening communities across the country, Capacity Canada understands the importance of creating an inclusive and diverse organization accessible to all. This year at Capacity Canada’s annual celebration held on April 23, 2021, we were honoured with the presence of Olumide (Mide) Akerewusi, Founder and CEO of AgentsC, and Nneka Allen, Philanthropist and Founder of The Empathy Agency.
The duo shared their personal experiences of racism and read excerpts from their stories published in the book Collecting Courage, a collection of life stories of Black people that elevates the voices of Black fundraisers and professionals in the non-profit sector in Canada. The two speakers offered insight into the world of racism and the barriers faced by Black and Indigenous people and People of Colour in the non-profit world.
Nneka, also one of the book editors, stressed the importance of environments where everyone belongs. “One cannot learn about diversity, inclusion and equity in one session. It requires a greater investment and a lifelong commitment to change. Advancing equity is a powerful way of advancing environments since it addresses the disproport
ionality experienced by marginalized people. Equity is how we achieve justice, and racial equity should be our goal,” Nneka said. While highlighting the importance of stories in our world, Nneka further added, “Stories create our views of the world. We also tell stories to build connections, make relationships and bolster communities.”
Mide, on the other hand, shed light on the different kinds of racism people face. He pointed out that racism faced by Black people is not the same as that faced by Indigenous people and People of Colour and shared his own experiences. Mide offered three pieces of advice to end systemic anti-black racism in the non-profit sector.
- He requested everyone to suppress any urge to deny the impact, the relevance and the poignancy of the stories of injustice that Black and Indigenous people and People of Colour may share. “There is no need to defend yourself, and there’s certainly no need to justify your position. Just simply listen and reflect,” he said.
- Mide urged those in the meeting to speak up whenever they see injustice at play through an overt act of racism. “Let your thoughts be known and challenge that situation.”
- And finally, be an ally, a friend and an advocate for Black and Indigenous people and People of Colour as they traverse this world of social justice. “We are partners in this world, but sometimes it may feel we are totally on the opposite ends of the spectrum. So be a friend and be an ally.”
The focus of the annual meeting was celebrating Capacity Canada’s accomplishments through the past year and highlighting how crucial it is to advance workplace diversity. The meeting, which opened with the land acknowledgement, saw around 100 participants come together virtually from across the country and beyond.
“We are here to celebrate our achievements that could not have been possible without the support of all those who make Capacity Canada. We are grateful to all of you for your support,” said Cathy Brothers, CEO, Capacity Canada.
Reiterating the significance of being a diverse organization, Joanna Lohrenz, Board Chair, Capacity Canada, said, “In 2020, we really hit on the topic of diversity, inclusion and equity. We continue to talk about diversity and inclusion and look forward to some great changes.”
Capacity Canada’s Annual Report was also launched during the meeting. It gives its readers a detailed picture of the organization’s work and the milestones it has achieved in the past year. The report can be accessed here.
