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The Panel Pledge is a commitment taken by public sector panelists, facilitators and event organizers to affirm their commitment to diversity, inclusivity and Anti-Racism and anti-discrimination. Upholders of the Pledge will ensure they only support events whose speakers, moderators and facilitators are representative of the true diversity of Canada. The Panel Pledge aims to promote the representation of systemically marginalized and underrepresented  groups in response to the [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/corporate/clerk/call-to-action-anti-racism-equity-inclusion-federal-public-service.html Clerk’s Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion] and in support of the areas of focus of [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/topics/blueprint-2020-public-service-renewal.html Beyond 2020]  and the [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/programs/appointments/governor-council-appointments/performance-management/dm-commitments.html 2020/2021 Deputy Minister Commitments on Diversity and Inclusion]

The Panel Pledge is a commitment taken by public sector panelists, facilitators and event organizers to affirm their commitment to diversity, inclusivity and Anti-Racism and anti-discrimination. Upholders of the Pledge will ensure they only support events whose speakers, moderators and facilitators are representative of the true diversity of Canada. The Panel Pledge aims to promote the representation of systemically marginalized and underrepresented  groups in response to the [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/corporate/clerk/call-to-action-anti-racism-equity-inclusion-federal-public-service.html Clerk’s Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion] and in support of the areas of focus of [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/topics/blueprint-2020-public-service-renewal.html Beyond 2020]  and the [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/programs/appointments/governor-council-appointments/performance-management/dm-commitments.html 2020/2021 Deputy Minister Commitments on Diversity and Inclusion]

'''History'''

=== '''History''' ===

 

The [[Panel_Pledge]] was adapted from work done by three Australian organizations, in effort of increasing gender parity on panels.  Launched at Shared Services Canada in 2019, the initial GC Panel Pledge required pledges to commit to not speaking on male-only panels. Those who took the panel pledge also committed to advocating for women’s representation on panels by asking the following questions:

The [[Panel_Pledge]] was adapted from work done by three Australian organizations, in effort of increasing gender parity on panels.  Launched at Shared Services Canada in 2019, the initial GC Panel Pledge required pledges to commit to not speaking on male-only panels. Those who took the panel pledge also committed to advocating for women’s representation on panels by asking the following questions:

Taking the '''#GCPanelPledge''' represented a commitment to advancing the profile of women across the Government of Canada- both in and out of the STEM space. For more information please see: [[Panel Pledge/About the pledge|https://wiki.gccollab.ca/Panel_Pledge/About_the_pledge]]

Taking the '''#GCPanelPledge''' represented a commitment to advancing the profile of women across the Government of Canada- both in and out of the STEM space. For more information please see: [[Panel Pledge/About the pledge|https://wiki.gccollab.ca/Panel_Pledge/About_the_pledge]]

'''Amending the Pledge to Promote Inclusivity, Diversity and Anti-Racism'''

=== '''Amending the Pledge to Promote Inclusivity, Diversity and Anti-Racism''' ===

 

In taking the Panel Pledge, pledges demonstrate committed action to promoting inclusivity for Indigenous Employees, Black Employees and Racialized Employees, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Employees, Persons with a Disability, Women and Religious Minorities in all GC events while combatting all forms of discrimination and amplifying the voices of systemically marginalized persons globally.

In taking the Panel Pledge, pledges demonstrate committed action to promoting inclusivity for Indigenous Employees, Black Employees and Racialized Employees, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Employees, Persons with a Disability, Women and Religious Minorities in all GC events while combatting all forms of discrimination and amplifying the voices of systemically marginalized persons globally.

* Promoting employment equity, diversity, inclusion, equality and Anti-Racism in their own organizations

* Promoting employment equity, diversity, inclusion, equality and Anti-Racism in their own organizations

 

=== '''Speakers List:''' ===

'''Speakers List:'''  

 

The Panel Pledge aims to support individuals, networks and organizations who create events by making accessible a list of diverse speakers, panelists and moderators. Event organizers at the local, regional or national level will be able to use the Speakers List to connect with diverse Canadian public sector talent. The Speakers list will contain information on prospective speakers, including the topics they are passionate about, their contact information and their department or agency. It will also allow them to indicate which equity or equity-deserving group they belong to. Event planners will use this information to ensure that they book diverse guests for their events. Employees interested in signing up to be a guest speaker can complete the following form: https://forms.gle/GHoQSbPehKiX3WWw7

The Panel Pledge aims to support individuals, networks and organizations who create events by making accessible a list of diverse speakers, panelists and moderators. Event organizers at the local, regional or national level will be able to use the Speakers List to connect with diverse Canadian public sector talent. The Speakers list will contain information on prospective speakers, including the topics they are passionate about, their contact information and their department or agency. It will also allow them to indicate which equity or equity-deserving group they belong to. Event planners will use this information to ensure that they book diverse guests for their events. Employees interested in signing up to be a guest speaker can complete the following form: https://forms.gle/GHoQSbPehKiX3WWw7

Aside from the Speakers List, Event organizers can also connect with one of the many [[GC Diversity Networks - Réseaux de la-diversité-du GC|GC Diversity Networks]] that operate across the Government of Canada in order to select a panelist from a diverse background.

Aside from the Speakers List, Event organizers can also connect with one of the many [[GC Diversity Networks - Réseaux de la-diversité-du GC|GC Diversity Networks]] that operate across the Government of Canada in order to select a panelist from a diverse background.

'''Important Considerations:'''

=== '''Important Considerations:''' ===

 

'''Tokenism:''' Speakers do not want to be viewed as tokens or check marks. Event organizers should ensure there is real diversity in their events. Multiple panelists must be from diverse groups to ensure there is real representation and their event doesn't only have one token participant from an underrepresented group.  

'''Tokenism:''' Speakers do not want to be viewed as tokens or check marks. Event organizers should ensure there is real diversity in their events. Multiple panelists must be from diverse groups to ensure there is real representation and their event doesn't only have one token participant from an underrepresented group.  

* subsidizing the cost to ensure that no cultural, economic or other barriers to participation exist

* subsidizing the cost to ensure that no cultural, economic or other barriers to participation exist

'''Frequently Asked Questions:'''

=== '''Frequently Asked Questions:''' ===

 

''Does this mean that you cannot have white males at your panel events?''

''Does this mean that you cannot have white males at your panel events?''

No. Sometimes panels will consist of only two people. It is impossible to represent every marginalized group in every panel. Instead the aim is to strive to ensure diverse perspectives are reflected in virtual and in person events that feature public servants.  

No. Sometimes panels will consist of only two people. It is impossible to represent every marginalized group in every panel. Instead the aim is to strive to ensure diverse perspectives are reflected in virtual and in person events that feature public servants.  

'''Benefits of the Panel Pledge'''

=== '''Benefits of the Panel Pledge''' ===

 

* Can be used to connect event organizers with networks from equity or equity seeking groups.  

* Can be used to connect event organizers with networks from equity or equity seeking groups.  

* Would increase diversity, inclusion and Anti-Racism within the public service

* Would increase diversity, inclusion and Anti-Racism within the public service

* Increase the representation of underrepresented groups thereby allowing members of systemically marginalized to build their profile through GC speaking engagements

* Increase the representation of underrepresented groups thereby allowing members of systemically marginalized to build their profile through GC speaking engagements

* Diversity on Panels allows for more robust dialogues from taking place and encourages the sharing of unique perspectives that may otherwise be missed in homogenous panels.  

* Diversity on Panels allows for more robust dialogues from taking place and encourages the sharing of unique perspectives that may otherwise be missed in homogenous panels.  

In the words of the Clerk of the Privy Council in his [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/corporate/clerk/call-to-action-anti-racism-equity-inclusion-federal-public-service.html Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion]…

In the words of the Clerk of the Privy Council in his [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/corporate/clerk/call-to-action-anti-racism-equity-inclusion-federal-public-service.html Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion]…

“We must encourage and support the voices that have long been marginalized in our organizations. We must create opportunities where they have long been absent. We must take direct, practical actions to invoke change. This is a true test of leadership, and one we must meet head on. '''Now'''.”

“We must encourage and support the voices that have long been marginalized in our organizations. We must create opportunities where they have long been absent. We must take direct, practical actions to invoke change. This is a true test of leadership, and one we must meet head on. '''Now'''.”