Celebrating Progress: Exciting Updates on our IDEA Work
Over the past several months, YWCA Metro Vancouver has hosted numerous events and initiatives celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives within our organization. We’ve also made strides in advancing our IDEA goals, which are inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. Our dedicated staff, including our three Equity Committees, have been instrumental in these initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment for our YWCA community.
The Gender Inclusion Committee recently launched a Gender Inclusion Toolkit which stands as an important resource on how to support trans, non-binary, gender diverse and Two-Spirit people. This toolkit is designed in an engaging and easily readable format and provides actionable strategies to create more gender-inclusive spaces, systems and policies. This committee also organized an informative panel event on dispelling myths about gender affirming care, that was open to the public.
Asian Heritage Month in May offered an opportunity for reflection and celebration of the cultural diversity of the Asian diaspora. The Racial Equity Committee organized a staff event that featured a screening of the short film, Have You Eaten? by Lina Lee and the group had an engaging dialogue on food and its deep connections to cultural identity. This committee also hosted their annual Cultural Feast, providing a delicious experience that celebrates a variety of cultural traditions.
The Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s storytelling event, "Weaving Stories of Strength," was a moving reminder of the power of storytelling in bridging gaps and fostering empathy in a culturally sensitive way. By focusing on the narratives and experiences of Indigenous people, this event highlighted the strength and resilience found in community.
These initiatives and events underscore a vibrant, multifaceted approach to advancing our YWCA IDEA priorities. We are proud of our collective efforts in these initiatives that combine learning opportunities, celebratory events and open dialogues.
For more information on YWCA IDEA policies and work, contact Tamara Robertson-Fry at trobertsonfry@ywcavan.org or 604 895 5860.
