EDSC-ESDC/English/Black People
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Why choose ESDC? We offer:
Black Engagement and Advancement Team (BEAT)
Established in January 2021, under the Human Resources Services Branch, BEAT’s goal is to identify and implement tangible and sustainable solutions to change the existing landscape for all Black employees at ESDC.
BEAT’s Mantra- Ubuntu- I am because we are, is a philosophy that we adopted from our African ancestors and guides our work. At its root, Ubuntu can be translated as “human kindness,” but its meaning is much larger in scope. In the Zulu language, Ubuntu translates to "a person can only be a person through others". Our hope in adopting this philosophy is to harness the collective unity and group solidarity to foster a sense of belonging for all.
The team focuses on:
- Outreach, recruitment, retention and career advancement to increase representation and reduce attrition;
- Engagement and partnerships with key stakeholders to discuss community related challenges, opportunities, and co-develop solutions; and
- Providing tools and resources to allies to build awareness, intercultural competencies and empathy to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Virtual Spaces
Black United
Black United is an independent and employee-led space that supports the broader diversity and inclusion mandate of ESDC. The safe space offers a platform for members to virtually connect and collaborate with each other, share tools and resources, and promote mutually beneficial opportunities with one another. To promote a healthy and inclusive work environment, members meet weekly for introspection and discussions regarding various topics of interest, specialty topics delivered by guest speakers, and historical and current events on importance to the community.
Black United Allies
Black United Allies, is a safe space that welcomes allies who support a positive and inclusive workplace for Black employees. This space offers resources and tools to provide context and a window into the Black employee experience. This space promotes learning, builds awareness and a sense of community so that we can help each other to positively influence ESDC’s culture – one where we all belong and are all proud to be a part of.
The ESDC Black Employee Network (BEN) provides a safe forum for Black employees and their allies to connect and discuss issues related to promoting a healthy and inclusive work environment. The ESDC BEN will raise awareness and serve as an advisory body on issues that impact Black employees in the department, and will help the department meet its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The ESDC BEN is accountable to its members, with the activities of the network supporting the broader diversity mandate within ESDC. This page is managed by the Diversity Outreach, Recruitment, Retention and Advancement (DORRA) team of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
