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EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION POLICY

Glowing Hearts Charity is committed to ensuring equitable and inclusive service and
environments and will adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for
Ontarians for Disabilities Act at all times. We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion is a
foundation of excellence, meets individual needs, identifies and eliminates barriers,
promotes a sense of belonging, involves the broader community, builds on and enhances
previous and existing initiatives, and is demonstrated throughout the system.


The purpose of this policy is to outline Glowing Hearts Charity’s expectations when it comes
to equity, diversity and inclusion.

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GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Glowing Hearts Charity is committed to meeting its current and ongoing obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code respecting non-discrimination.

 

Glowing Hearts Charity understands that obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law.

 

Glowing Hearts Charity is committed to excellence in serving all participants.

 

SCOPE

This policy applies to all Glowing Hearts Charity directors, officers, volunteers, students, employees, participants, service providers, and contractors.

 

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions have been sourced directly from the Ontario Human Rights Code: 

 

Culturally Competent Organization

An organization that displays cultural competence, in both its systems and individual behaviour.

 

Diversity

The presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes within an individual, group or organization. Diversity includes such factors as age, sex, race, ethnicity, physical and intellectual ability, religion, sexual orientation, educational background and expertise.

 

Discrimination
Treating someone unfairly by either imposing a burden on them, or denying them a privilege, benefit or opportunity enjoyed by others, because of their race, citizenship, family status, disability, sex or other personal characteristics (note: this is not a legal definition).

 

Duty to Accommodate

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, people identified by Code grounds are entitled to the same opportunities and benefits as everybody else. In some cases, they may need special arrangements or “accommodations” to take part equally in the social areas the Code covers, such as employment, housing and education. 

 

Equal Opportunity 

Aims to ensure that all people have equal access, free of barriers, equal participation and equal benefit from whatever an organization has to offer. Note that equal opportunity extends beyond employment.

 

Equity 

Fairness, impartiality, even-handedness. A distinct process of recognizing differences within groups of individuals, and using this understanding to achieve substantive equality in all aspects of a person’s life.

 

Inclusion
Appreciating and using our unique differences – strengths, talents, weaknesses and frailties – in a way that shows respect for the individual and ultimately creates a dynamic multi-dimensional organization.

 

POLICY

At Glowing Hearts Charity we strive to ensure all people are treated equitably and to be a culturally competent organization. We value diversity and will continue to actively work to build a diverse team which is inclusive of persons of various groups in terms of age, sex, race, ethnicity, physical and intellectual ability, religion, sexual orientation, educational background and expertise.

 

We believe in equal treatment and opportunity for employees and volunteers. We will ensure the right to equal treatment is upheld in the areas of rate of pay, hours of work, holidays, benefits, discipline, performance evaluations, and advancement opportunities. Discrimination will not be tolerated. 

 

Every person who works or volunteers for Glowing Hearts Charity has a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect, and to make sure all people feel included and have access to the same opportunities. We must actively strive to create an environment where all persons are able to share their ideas, beliefs, and skills. 

 

Glowing Hearts Charity will: 

  • Promote a culture of respect and inclusion

  • Examine its team and the various barriers that are in place that work against equity, diversity, and inclusion and implementing strategies to overcome them such as:

    • Revising policies and procedures annually

    • Examining language and available supports 

    • Creating diversity committees/groups

    • Asking for employee/volunteer feedback through various channels

  • Train team members about the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and our policies 

  • Provide continuous learning opportunities to team members

  • Encourage applications from persons of various backgrounds

  • Provide accommodation, upon request, at all stages of employment

  • Use gender neutral language within interactions, meeting, and communications (unless pronouns are known) and introduce yourself using the pronouns you prefer to be addressed by and include pronouns in email signatures and website profiles

  • Understand the sensitive nature of information that may be shared during conversations about equity and diversity and will respect the privacy and confidentiality of board member, employee, volunteer, and client information, at all times. 

  • Refer to the following policies for more details: Privacy of Information Anti-Harassment, AODA, Code of Conduct, Ethical Conduct, and Hiring.

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