Port Coquitlam is seeking new members for its equity, diversity and inclusion roundtable after a busy year that saw several new initiatives launched in the city.
Community members can apply to join the Roundtable on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) by Sept. 7, according to a press release.
“Over the past year, the members of our Roundtable on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion have provided the city with valuable insights based on their lived experience or knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion matters,” said Mayor Brad West.
“Their input has helped trigger important conversations, reflection and actions as we work to become a more equitable and inclusive city and community. We’re now welcoming new voices for the upcoming year, and if you are someone who is committed and passionate about bringing about change in our community, we encourage you to apply.”
PoCo is seeking volunteers who represent a broad range of under-served and equity-seeking groups including Indigenous, Black, people of colour, LGBT2SQ+ and gender-diverse people, immigrants and newcomers, people living in poverty, people with disabilities, seniors, women, youth and others.
Experience working in teams or with community groups, boards or organizations is an asset.
The roundtable meets about six times per year.
Those interested in a one-year term may apply online at portcoquitlam.ca/edi by noon on Sept. 7.
As well, previous members may also put their name forward to be considered for re-appointment.
With the EDI Roundtable acting as a resource to staff on city priorities concerning diversity, equity and inclusion, a number of new initiatives were launched, including:
- Training and education for city employees to provide staff with tools to create and uphold a respectful, safe and inclusive workplace and community
- Developing of the city’s first anti-racism policy
- Initiating the Little Library Read in Colour Program, which encourages neighbourhoods to read and share books reflecting diversity and inclusion
- Having a greater breadth of diverse voices in events such as May Days and Canada Day
- Starting Port Coquitlam’s first Pride in PoCo event
The selection process for the coming term will seek a well-rounded group of individuals who represent the community’s diversity and live, work or go to school in Port Coquitlam.
The selected members will be announced by the end of September.
For more information about this and other citizen roundtables in Port Coquitlam, visit portcoquitlam.ca/roundtable.
