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OICS's Commitment to Equity
OICS is a multicultural organization committed to equity, and employs staff who are reflective of the communities that it serves.
OICS is committed to creating a community where there is respect and equity for all.
The integration of non-discriminatory and anti-racist principles and practices is fundamental to operating principles of social justice and support of OICS's Vision and Values. OICS's investment in anti-racism organizational change is an extension of the agency's leadership and commitment to providing high quality services to immigrants.
Non-Discrimination Policy
OICS's Non-Discrimination Policy states that the organization prohibits discrimination and harassment, and protects the right to be free of hate activity, based on age, ancestry, citizenship, religion, color, disability, ethnic origin, family status, gender identity, level of literacy, marital status, place of origin, membership in a union or staff association, political affiliation, race, receipt of pubic assistance, record of offences, sex, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristics by or within the organization.
Antiracism Goals and Action Plans
GOAL 1: To ensure that programs and services of OICS are accessible as possible to delivers community groups without any discrimination.
ACTION PLAN:
o Identify divers multicultural composition of OICS community
o Discuss needs of community with staff and create a service plan.
o Establish links with other organization in the community to expand the opportunities for serving all groups and to promote anti-racism work in the communities
o Ensure umbrella organizations are updated on OICS services to facilitate appropriate referrals
o Communicate widely information concerning range of services by:
o advertising in ethnic media concerning range of services and hours of services, as well as special events
o a publish newsletters and distribute brochures in languages in which OICS provides services
GOAL 2: To ensure that Board of Directors and volunteer positions are accessible to the diverse population of OICS target communities
ACTION PLANS:
o Conduct broad advertisement of all volunteer positions including vacancies on committee and Board of Directors on ethnic print media
o Post in waiting room advertisement of board vacancies in the languages of the communities OICS serves
o Ensure that all Board and volunteer recruitment is reflective of ethno-racial community we serve
GOAL 3: To make access to staff positions, staff development and promotions fair and equitable
ACTIONS PLANS:
o All positions must be advertised and open to all, eligible to work in Canada
o At least on member of the hiring committee must be reflective of ethno-racial communities that OICS serves
o OICS will develop an employment equity policy in accordance with Employment Equity Act
GOAL 4: To provide ongoing training and educational opportunities for staff, volunteers and students to maximize awareness and learning about Anti-Racism
ACTIONS PLANS:
o All staff, volunteers and students must verbally indicate their understanding and acceptance of the Anti-Racism policy as part of their recruitment
o All staff, volunteers and students should participate in at least one Anti –Racism training workshop each year
GOAL 5: To play an active part in the community in combating racism and discrimination
ACTION PLAN:
o Communicate OICS’s commitment to Anti-Racism
o Distribute policy to all OICS’s volunteer (including Board members) and students
o Provide advocacy and support to groups, individuals and agencies experiencing racism
o Participate in community action to combat Racism, including Anti-Semitism
o OICS will recognize cultural and religious days that are of significance to the various target communities
o Post Human Rights Code and OICS’s Anti Racism Policy
o Develop a resource library at OICS centre on Anti Racism
o Pursue grants of funding to increase training and projects concerning Anti-Racism
o Develop and implement comprehensive procedures for dealing with racist incidents at OICS |
