FROM PRINCIPLE TO PRACTICE:
Co-Designing the Co-operative Sector of the Future
Principle 8 First Steps
Starting January 2023, our "From Principle to Practice: Co-Designing the Co-operative Sector of the Future" series explored some of the key systemic barriers that currently exist for those wanting to develop, or those currently operating a co-operative, and how we can collectively overcome them through the creation of practices and policies that will make our businesses and the co-operative sector more inclusive.
The interactive workshop series was developed and delivered in partnership with experts on the topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Throughout the series, we were challenged to look inward to re-discover our co-operative identity through a DEI lens, and work towards building a more inclusive future for the co-operative sector.
Principle 8 Update
Our work over the past year;
(June 2023- June 2024)
Our DEI work over the last year was focused on working collaboratively with a group of voices from across Canada who are involved in various capacities with the co-op sector. Members of the working group have shared both their expertise and lived experience, as we move towards our goal of a defined Principle 8 statement and accompanying toolkit to support our members in the co-creation of a more inclusive, diverse and equitable co-operative sector. We would like to recognize our incredible working group for their commitment to this project over the past year: Dana Ayotte, Michelle Chin-Dawe, Colin Clark, Tonya Earle, Esther Enyolu, Ayanna Innis, Juliet Kego Ume-Onyido, seeley quest, Pearl Quong and Maya Wei Yan Linsley.
Using reflections gathered from our P8 webinar series along with insights and guidance from the P8 working group, we have created the first draft of a Principle 8 Statement.
Where we are now;
(July 2024)
At this stage of the project, we are finalizing a survey designed to gather additional data and feedback from members of equity-deserving groups, particularly those with experiences within the co-operative sector. We will synthesize and combine results of the survey with our existing data, with the goal of releasing a DEI Toolkit designed to advance diversity, equity and inclusivity in the co-op sector in 2025.
About OCA
At the Ontario Co-operative Association, we believe that creating a workplace that is diverse, equitable and inclusive is integral to the future and success of the co-operative movement.
It is our hope that the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) will officially adopt Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as the 8th Co-operative Principle.
We encourage OCA Members, as well as your organization's leaders and decision-makers to join us on this journey to explore how we can collaborate to create a more inclusive, diverse and equitable co-operative sector.
Partners
We are thrilled to partner on this series with four incredible organizations that not only actively practice diversity, equity and inclusion in their own organizations, but are also working towards making co-operatives, communities and our world a better, safer, and more inclusive space for all. Their voices, expertise and experience is what brings our journey to life - we are just the platform that brings people together to share and learn.
Click on icons to learn more about these organizations!
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