From the Board of Directors re DEI Committee
Woodsworth Housing Coop DEI Committee: Getting Started Playbook
1. Introduction
Welcome to the Woodsworth Housing Coop Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee! This playbook serves as an unofficial guide to help the initial committee members establish a strong foundation, recruit new members, and engage the cooperative community in meaningful DEI work.
2. Committee Purpose and Goals
The DEI Committee aims to promote a culture of respect, fairness, and inclusion within Woodsworth. The initial focus will be:
• Establishing the committee and developing operational norms.
• Recruiting additional committee members.
• Raising awareness about DEI topics within the coop.
• Identifying initial priorities and projects.
3. Building the Committee
A. Informal Recruitment Strategies
Growing the committee is a priority in the early stages. Since elections are not yet required, the following informal recruitment approaches should be used:
• Personal Outreach: Talk to members who may have an interest in DEI topics and invite them to join.
• Community Events: Host casual gatherings, such as coffee chats or social hours, to discuss DEI and encourage participation.
• Committee Collaboration: Connect with other committees, such as Strategies for Staying (S4S), to find members interested in related work.
• Newsletter & Bulletin Board Posts: Share information about the committee and invite members to get involved.
• Word of Mouth: Leverage existing networks and personal relationships within Woodsworth.
B. Addressing Common Challenges
• Lack of Interest: Frame DEI as relevant to all members and highlight its benefits for community well-being.
• Misunderstanding of DEI: Offer clear, accessible explanations of what DEI means and how it impacts Woodsworth.
4. Operational Structure
A. Decision-Making Process
• The committee may consider making decisions by consensus, ensuring all voices are heard before finalizing actions.
B. Board Liaison Role
• The Board Liaison serves as a voting member and helps connect committee activities to the Board.
C. Confidentiality and Ethical Considerations
• All committee members must sign a Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Agreement within ten days of officially joining.
• The committee will not handle specific grievances but can guide members toward appropriate resolution channels, or use information to plan initiatives.
5. Planning and Resource Allocation
A. Setting Priorities
• Reviewing Woodsworth’s Human Rights Bylaw and Accommodation Policy is recommended as a first step.
• The committee should start by discussing and identifying key areas for action, with a focus on anti-Black racism and psychological safety for racialized members.
B. Requesting Resources
• The committee does not yet have an allocated budget but can request funding by presenting a business case to the Board.
• Business case proposals do not need to be formal, they should outline the purpose, expected impact, and cost of proposed events, training, or communication efforts.
6. Engaging the Broader Membership
A. Early Engagement Activities
Since broad community participation is a later goal, the initial focus should be on awareness-building and relationship-building:
• Listening Sessions: Create safe spaces for members to share their thoughts on DEI issues.
• Educational Initiatives: Distribute resources or hold informal discussions about DEI topics.
• Collaborative Efforts: Work with other committees on joint initiatives.
B. Communication Strategies
• Keep members informed, potentially through The Weekly, flyers, and informal discussions.
• Use clear, simple language to explain DEI concepts and their relevance to Woodsworth.
7. Reporting and Accountability
• The committee will report progress to the Board on a timeline it determines.
• An annual report will be presented to the cooperative membership.
8. Next Steps
1. Hold the first committee meeting to establish roles and responsibilities.
2. Sign a Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Agreement and send it to the coop office.
• Schedule B within Woodsworth’s Organizational By-law.
3. Develop an outreach plan for recruitment.
4. Begin informal engagement efforts with the community.
5. Identify potential initial projects.
Thank you for your commitment to making Woodsworth a more inclusive community!