Ask Me Anything: Courageous Conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion Office | FR

About the Ask Me Anything Series

Ask Me Anything sessions is a platform to share stories, listen, ask respectful questions and continue on our journey to becoming more inclusive organizations. As individuals you can’t necessarily change where you live, you certainly can’t change your past, but you can adjust who influences you—through the authors you read, music you listen to, movies you watch and interactions with your community. The Ask Me Anything series provides you with an opportunity to increase your perspective—to learn from the lived-experiences of individuals who are bravely sharing their experiences to help educate and move the public service towards a culture where equity is embedded.

The series also provides an opportunity for you to know that you aren’t alone, these experiences, especially the negative ones are systemic and happen all too frequently throughout the public service. The objective by shining this light is to continually increase the network of public servants ready to take action and move forward towards a culture of inclusivity and belonging.

Mission - Ask Me Anything Series

We recognize that individuals are composed of a multitude of layers that make us who we are. We do not fit easily in one box or another and we can’t be neatly counted. We represent the mosaic of Canada.

It is important that we find value in each other’s experiences, differences and unique characteristics. When we build our cultural competencies, we are able to work better together in our teams and respond to each other with relevance, empathy and compassion. By celebrating and sharing our authentic selves, we gain greater appreciation of each other and the diversity that surrounds us.

We know through diversity, workplaces and communities are stronger, more successful and resilient. And most important, it creates spaces of inclusion and fosters a workplace of belonging where people feel valued.

AMA Calendar

UPCOMING EVENTS

	2023
May 10	Celebrating Jewish Voices in the Public Service
June 28	Celebrating Indigenous Voices in the Public Service

PAST EVENTS

	2023
March 22	International Women`s Day: Representation Matters
February 15	Black History Month: Celebrating Black Voices across the Diaspora
January 25	Workplace Harassment
	2022
December 14	Neuro-Diversity is Diversity
November 16	Honoring Veterans
October 12	Canadian Islamic History Month
September 14	Bilingualism
August	- summer break -
July 13	Pride: Self-Discovery and Difficult Journeys
June 22	National Indigenous History Month
May 18	Asian Heritage Month.
April 20	Sikh Heritage Month
March 9	Women in STEM
February 9	Black History Month
January 12	Microaggressions and Mental Health
	2021
December 15	White Fragility
December 8	Accessibility: Thriving vs. Surviving
November 24	Institutional Influence: Exploring Anti-Racism Secretariats
October 20	Women’s History Month: Building Resiliency
September 22	Representation in Leadership Matters: The Time to Act Now
July 14	Pride Season - Public Service Pride Week
June 29	National Indigenous History Month
May 26	Asian Heritage Month
May 5	Inclusion and Belonging: Recap
March 23	Women Leadership - Gender Equality
February 16	Black History Month: Anti-Black Racism
	2020
November 13	Abilities in the Workplace

#AMAChallenge

We encourage others to have courageous conversations with their peers. Use the monthly Ask Me Anything sessions as an opportunity to have brave conversations in your workplaces with your teams.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Invite your leaders and colleagues in your organization to an Ask Me Anything watch party, tune in live and watch the session together. Make sure it’s in their calendars.
• Before the watch party, book a “After the AMA – Team Session” with your immediate team for the day after the event for 30-60mins. Share the resource guide and have these questions for discussion.

After the AMA – Team Session Discussion Questions

1. What was my main takeaway – expand and share an amazing quote, story or moment
2. What made me uncomfortable/ what was one of my blind spots?
3. What is an example of a systemic discrimination that I am aware of in my life?
4. What am I not going to do anymore?
5. How can I use my voice/ influence – both overtly/covertly
6. Where am I going to dig in and learn more?
7. How will I continue this conversation?

It is important that we find value in the experiences, the unique characteristics of each other. When we develop our cultural competence, we are able to work better together within our teams and respond to each other with relevant empathy and compassion. By celebrating and sharing our authentic selves, we gain a greater appreciation for each other and the diversity that surrounds us.It is important that we find value in the experiences, the unique characteristics of each other. When we develop our cultural competence, we are able to work better together within our teams and respond to each other with relevant empathy and compassion. By celebrating and sharing our authentic selves, we gain a greater appreciation for each other and the diversity that surrounds us.

Interested in Becoming a Speaker?

We are always looking for new speakers to share their stories and help others to be heard. If you are interested in coming on stage or know a public servant with topic relevant public experience, send us a message at DiversityandInclusion-Diversiteetinclusion@forces.gc.ca