John Howard Society of Canada’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Creating an effective, just, and humane response to confronting crime requires a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.  We are committed to building an organization that provides a respectful and equitable environment for all.

Diversity
Diversity means valuing the presence of differences within our organization, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic situations, religion, abilities, and lived experiences.

Equity
Equity is ensuring fair, respectful, and just treatment of every individual. We recognize that systemic barriers exist and are committed to redistributing resources and adapting policies and practices to create fair opportunities for all.

Inclusion
Inclusion is about building a community where every individual feels respected, valued, and included. It requires ongoing, active efforts to address imbalances in power and privilege, and promoting a culture where everyone’s voice is heard.

Goals
Our aim is to break down barriers and create a welcoming environment that promotes access, opportunity, and a sense of safety and belonging.

To achieve these goals, we commit to:

  1. Providing ongoing education on equity, diversity, and inclusion for Board and staff, ensuring alignment with best practices and continuous improvement.
  2. Working to reflect Canada’s diversity within our Board and staff to better serve our communities.
  3. Regularly consulting and incorporating feedback from our Board, staff, clients, and community to guide our DEI efforts.
  4. Bringing attention to and addressing systemic discrimination, particularly in social and criminal justice systems, and sharing best practices for reform, rehabilitation and reconciliation.
  5. Seeking funding and partnerships to support DEI initiatives, and furthering advocacy efforts with a DEI lens.
  6. Reviewing our DEI statement and organizational practices regularly to ensure they reflect our evolving commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.