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, and amplify Black employment equity.

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.

⭐Context

• Discrimination and systemic barriers exist within the Defence Team that prevent the full participation of Black team members. These barriers limit career advancement, undermine mental health and well-being, while also creating unsafe workspaces for Black employees and CAF members.

• The experiences of Anti-Black Racism, as well as its impacts are varied with Black women, Black LGBTQ2+ persons and those with disabilities face further marginalization due to gender discrimination intersecting with racial discrimination.

• The United Nations Special Working Group to Canada acknowledged that within the visible minority category, Black people have the lowest levels of employment, the least opportunity for promotion, experience the most discrimination and harassment by race and have the highest rates of mental health issues; hence the recognition that people of African descent are to be categorized as a distinct group rather than be aggregated with other visible minorities/racialized groups.

• As the largest employer of Black employees in the federal public service, the Defence Team’s middle and senior leadership tables lack sufficient representation of Black executives.

• DTBEN is distinct from the Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group and is specifically focused on the needs of Black employees and is accountable to the collective interests of Black Defence Team members

Our Mission

Stronger Together 💪🏿
The singular goal of the DTBEN is to provide support to and solidarity with Black Defence Team members. It is DTBEN’s aspiration to positively contribute, where we can, to higher strategic goals. For instance, the Privy Council Office, outlines in the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion, clear direction for the federal public service, to commit to personally learning about racism, reconciliation, accessibility, equity and inclusion and fostering a safe, positive environment where these conversations are encouraged throughout our workplaces. DND provided an update to the continuous progress made in support of the Clerk’s Call to Action in Summer 2021. Moreover, the Prime Minister also announced in 2019, that Canada would recognize the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2014-2025) and committed to addressing systematic anti-Black racism in Canada. That said, DTBEN’s highest strategic priority is the wellbeing and prosperity of Black peoples within the DT who continue to encounter anti-black racism and who continue to navigate white supremacy.

Meet Our Co-Chairs

⭐Our Allies

We are thankful to our allies for supporting our efforts and standing with us as we continue to speak up against discrimination and carrying out our mission.

What We Provide

☑️Mentorship
☑️Career support and advice
☑️Assistance accessing and using rescources when mistreatment occurs
☑️Formal recognition of Black excellence
☑️A sense of community among Black Defence Team members
☑️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

❌A Defence Advisory Group (DAG)
❌Conflict Solutions and Services (CSS)
❌Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC)
❌Chain of Command (COC)

Be Seen Campaign

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.

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