Infinity - The Network for Neurodivergent Public Servants / Infinité - Le Réseau des fonctionnaires neurodivergents/Infinity In Sum/EN: July 26, 2023

Picture: Purple and blue accent shapes Text: Infinity In Sum - Infinité En Somme Picture: Rainbow circle with a white infinity inside in the centre Text: Your update from Infinity - The Network for Neurodivergent Public Servants / Votre mise à jour de l'Infinité - Le Réseau des fonctionnaires neurodivergents

**English version – La version française suit**

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Infinity news

Call for information about department-level neurodiversity groups

Infinity is looking to compile a list of existing department-level networks or affinity groups dedicated to supporting neurodivergent employees. This includes any department-level accessibility networks that welcome neurodivergent employees as part of their membership.

Infinity continues to receive questions from members about department-specific neurodiversity groups. To ensure that the Network can direct its members to support groups closer and more accessible to them within their organizations, we are reaching out to everyone to ask for information about neurodiversity networks and groups at the departmental level they are aware of. Additionally, as the interdepartmental neurodiversity network, Infinity also hopes to support and collaborate with its department-level counterparts on pan-government initiatives.

If you lead or support a department-level neurodiversity employee group, or an accessibility network that welcomes neurodivergent employees, please complete the Call for information on department-level neurodiversity networks survey.

While we recognize there is interest in expanding the number of department-level neurodiversity networks in the future, our focus right now is to take stock of existing groups. Infinity hopes to provide support to new departmental-level neurodiversity groups in the near future.

Call for nominations to the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)’s National Executive Committee (2024-26)

The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), which represents many employees in the EC and TR classifications, as well as those working in the Library of Parliament and the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer, will elect a new National Executive Committee (NEC) this fall.

CAPE encourages employees from equity-deserving groups, including neurodivergent individuals, to run for a position on the NEC. This will allow them to contribute their unique perspectives to the national conversation and build a more diverse, inclusive leadership team at CAPE.

Nominations are due September 1, 2023. Questions can be directed to elections2023@acep-cape.ca

Infinity encourages members part of CAPE to consider pursuing this opportunity. Unions play an important role, along with employers, in fostering a more neuroinclusive workplace, and a role on the NEC will help ensure CAPE is equipped to advocate for its neurodivergent members. More information can be found on the CAPE website.

Micro-assignment opportunity: Public Service Pride Network (PSPN)

The PSPN is looking for micro-assignment candidates for the Fall of 2023 and winter 2024. We’re looking for dedicated individuals who are creative, independent and ready to advance the network’s mandate. We are looking for people from diverse communities, backgrounds and with different lived experiences, including those who identify as neurodivergent. Bring your unique layers and help make a difference.

We have full-time, six-month micro-assignments at level where you can work remotely from anywhere in Canada. You’d be part of a dynamic team that believes in teamwork and furthering inclusion in the public service. We will benefit from your skills, and you’ll have the opportunity to enhance yours, build networks and have access to senior leaders in the federal public service.

If interested, you should:

have full access to MS Teams;
receive approval from your manager prior to submitting interest, as your home department/agency will be required to cover your salary and benefits for the duration of the micro-assignment; and

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity and ready to make a meaningful difference for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and allies in the federal public service, send your expression of interest and resume to the PSPN inbox!

Join Infinity on Discord!

Our Discord server now has more than 70 members! Outside of working hours, it offers a welcoming space for neurodivergent public servants and their allies to connect and make new friends. Whether it is sharing a funny meme or playing games virtually with other neurodivergent people from across Canada, our Discord server is a great space for you to meet others!

Please read our Server Rules before continuing. If you are unfamiliar with Discord, consult this Beginner’s Guide. Please consult the GCcollab and GCxchange pages for details on joining the Discord server.

Government-wide celebrations

CORRECTION: Celebrating Disability Pride Month

We have received feedback from members on the use of the term ‘psychiatric disabilities’ in the description of the Disability Pride Flag in the July 12 edition of Infinity in Sum. We regret the use of this term as it can be perceived as offensive and does not align with current Government of Canada practice. Moving forward, we aim to use the term “mental health disability” as it is more respectful and precise. We apologize for any harm this previous message may have caused.