DT BEN

FR

Who We Are

The Defence Team Black Employees Network (DTBEN) is a newly launched grassroots network focused on serving the well-being of the Black civilian and military members within the Defence Team. Our efforts are in large part dedicated to providing peer support by bringing Black employees and members together to share their experiences, explore, discuss and create meaningful actions to support the dismantling of persistent anti-Black racism in the Defence Team, and to build a vibrant community of Black DT members.

DTBEN is here to provide a safe space for all Black Defence employees to connect, to discuss barriers, and challenges they face in the workplace and to support one another most importantly. We provide tools, guidance and a venue to help bridge those gaps through lunch and learns by bringing in experts to help alleviate the areas of concern.

While respecting the perspectives and needs of other marginalized groups and segments, DTBEN is in itself a diverse and representative network fully committed to work with Senior Leaders, Functional Authorities and all Defence Advisory Groups (DAGs) to contributing to mitigating within the DND and CAF, systemic racism and discrimination, including anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism, gender bias, prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirited people and others (LGBTQ2+), and white supremacy.

Our Mission

Stronger Together 💪🏿
The singular goal of the DTBEN is to provide support to and solidarity with Black Defence Team members.

Meet Our Co-Chairs

Our Allies

What We Provide

☑️mentorship
☑️career support and advice
☑️assistance accessing and utilizing recourses when mistreatment has occurred
☑️formal recognition of Black excellence
☑️building a sense of community among Black Defence Team members
☑️providing feedback on departmental initiatives that support the betterment of Black Defence Team members within National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.

What DTBEN is NOT

🗙DAG
🗙CCMS
🗙SMRC
🗙EE advocacy group
🗙CoC

Becoming a Member

Membership is open to all Black Defence Team members (military, civilian, and NPF).

DTBEN members are committed to improving the experience of Black people who are impacted by the effects of individual and systemic racism. The DTBEN is a national network based currently in the NCR. That said Black DT members from all corners of Canada are encouraged to join. DTBEN is also part of the Interdepartmental Black Employees Network which connects BENs from across government.

Contact Us

📧Interested in becoming a member? Questions? Would you like more information? Send us an e-mail.