Changes

<big>[[Diversity and Inclusion Office|Homepage]] | [[Ask Me Anything: Courageous Conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion|Ask Me Anything]] | [[Célébrer le service militaire passé et présent - Aperçu de la série « Demandez-moi n'importe quoi »|FR]]</big>

<big>[[Diversity and Inclusion Office|Homepage]] | [[Ask Me Anything: Courageous Conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion|Ask Me Anything]] | [[Célébrer l'inclusion : Journée internationale des personnes handicapées - Aperçu de la série Demandez-moi n'importe quoi|FR]]</big>

[[File:ENG November 2024 AMA Banner.png|alt=|center|frameless|1073x1073px]]

[[File:December 2024 - AMA ENG Banner.png|alt=|center|frameless|512x512px]]

== '''<big>Celebrating Military Service Past and Present – Insights from the Ask Me Anything Series</big>'''  ==

== '''<big>Celebrating Inclusion: International Day for Persons with Disabilities</big>'''  ==

[[File:ENG September 2024 Poster 2.png|alt=|right|frameless]]

[[File:ENG December 2024 Poster.png|alt=|right|frameless]]

<big>As a part of Remembrance Day commemorations, the Diversity and Inclusion Office at Materiel Group, National Defence held an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session to highlight the diverse voices of our service members.</big><big>Entitled “Military and Veterans: Celebrating Service Past and Present,” panelists Major Ryan Carter, Lieutenant-Colonel Adam Emond, and Major Jangmi Mboumba-Hervé shared a lively discussion that was thoughtfully moderated by Lieutenant-Colonel Jean-François Moreau and Sailor 3rd Class Victor Wilson.</big><big>This event was an opportunity for civilians and military members alike to pose questions to a diverse panel of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Panelists and hosts spoke about service, inclusive leadership, and diversity in the CAF, illuminating aspects of life in the military service that are often under-discussed.</big>

<big>On December 11th, 2024, the Ask Me Anything event celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing that inclusion means everyone. Co-hosted by Samantha Moonsammy and Sarah Francescutti from the Diversity and Inclusion Office, Materiel Group, National Defence, the event featured heartfelt stories from Michel Marcelin and Jeffrey Stark, leaders in the public service. Michel, a Health Canada employee with 20 years of service, and Jeffrey, the principal advisor for the Accessibility Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology Program at Shared Services Canada with 25 years of service, were key presenters.</big>

<big>Throughout the AMA, the speakers emphasized the importance of service as a way of contributing to one’s community. LCol Adam Emond explained that “we can each serve our community in our own way. My co-panelists and I chose to join the military, but it’s just another form of service to our community.” S3 Victor Wilson expanded on LCol Emond’s comments, sharing that he joined the military as a “profound commitment to serving humanity and to serving my country.”</big>

<big>The panel discussed their experiences and explored ways to create a more inclusive workplace, focusing on accessibility, inclusion, and advocacy for people with disabilities. Key messages included the importance of asking, "Is this accessible?" and listening to understand others' realities.</big>

<big>This commitment to service is a key facet of inclusive leadership. LCol Jean-François Moreau shared that, early in his career, he sometimes made mistakes and was punished for them—until, one day, one of his leaders practiced inclusive principles by taking the time to explain why his actions were a problem and suggesting an alternative. This small act, LCol Jean-François Moreau explained, put him on a new trajectory and his career flourished from there.</big>

<big>Participants were encouraged to take actions to make workplaces more inclusive, such as asking about accessibility in daily tasks and fostering open communication. Jeffrey highlighted the role of technology and community initiatives, such as the Lending Library Service pilot from Treasury Board, in creating inclusive environments. He emphasized the critical role of engaged management and communication, sharing his experiences as a manager accommodating a wide variety of disabilities.</big>

<big>Panelists and hosts highlighted the need for empathy, acknowledging mistakes, and embracing people in their full diversity to foster inclusion. They stressed the importance of community, self-care, and a support system. Maj Ryan Carter, a chaplain, explained, “Every chaplain needs a chaplain. Everybody needs somebody. We can’t make it alone.” Maj Jangmi Mboumba-Hervé added that overcoming imposter syndrome involves recognizing everyone’s importance and including all team members, especially those unsure of their place.</big>

<big>'''Advice for Managers'''</big>

<big>As the event concluded, building community and fostering belonging emerged as key themes. S3 Victor Wilson encouraged joining networks like the [[Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program 2024|Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program]] to enhance your personal and professional growth.</big>

<big>Managers were advised to balance person-centric and task-centric ideologies, practice active listening, and engage in one-on-one discussions. Employees were encouraged to support managers with disabilities through participation and feedback. Jeffrey also stressed the importance of networking and mentoring for career success and sharing best practices.</big>

<big>Creating diverse, inclusive communities is essential to the future of the CAF because it drives innovation, strengthens teamwork, and ensures every individual feels valued and empowered. As LCol Adam Emond so insightfully stated, “leadership really is not just about taking space. It’s about giving space to others.” By fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, we’re not just building a better workplace—we’re shaping a better, more united world.</big>

<big>'''Promoting Understanding of Accommodations'''</big>

 

<big>Sarah discussed the shift from a medical model to a social model for accommodations, emphasizing open communication and sensitivity to individual needs. She explained that the accessibility passport facilitates conversations about accommodations without necessarily needing a medical note. The need for new medical documentation depends on the nature of the disability, the manager's comfort level, and departmental policies.</big>

 

 

<big>Resources for accommodation assistance were provided, including contacts at the Department of National Defence and Health Canada. Managers at the Department of National Defence can reach out to the Office of Disability Management for civilian employees or a Transition Center for military employees. At Health Canada, the Accessibility Service Center provides caseworkers to assist with disability management and function as intermediaries in discussions with management. Employees are encouraged to reach out to their HR departments to explore available support.</big>

 

<big>Michel stressed the importance of creating an environment of trust and collaboration between managers and employees. He highlighted the need for self-compassion and continuous learning from mistakes to foster a supportive and inclusive environment. Michel also shared his use of the WorkRave tool to manage stress and maintain mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse accommodations and the barriers created by assumptions and preconceptions.</big>

 

<big>The event underscored the collective effort needed to create more inclusive and accessible work environments across departments, reminding us that inclusion truly means everyone.</big>

==<big>'''Recording'''</big>==

==<big>'''Recording'''</big>==

{{Special:IframePage/YouTube|path=waxGqOVaIn4}}

{{Special:IframePage/YouTube|path=XqPlIIlMskA}}