Our vision is to foster and nurture an inclusive Foundation that celebrates individuality, respects and embraces diversity, and promotes equity so everyone can achieve their full potential and contribute to the success of our organization.
One way we do this is through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These groups provide team members with a formal structure to support their unique needs related to specific personal identities. ERGs build community and create opportunities for professional development, networking, recruitment, feedback, and positive organizational change by deepening understanding of diverse groups. Our ERGs include:
Allyship
This ERG provides a space for SKF staff to learn and grow their allyship practice. We value empathy, respect, curiosity, and accountability, and foster an environment where we are comfortable confronting our flaws and mistakes. Our goal is to deepen our understanding of our privilege and biases so we can engage proactively and gain the confidence to advocate for others.
Our activities include:
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Monthly member-led meetings about various EDI-related topics and current events
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Facilitating activities around International Allyship Day in August
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Supporting other ERGs with their initiatives
We seek to promote inclusivity, empowerment, and positive change, both within and beyond SickKids Foundation.
#BlackinSKF
This ERG is for staff members who identify as Black. Black people and culture are diverse with many layers of intricacies that go beyond a shared complexion. Our root aspiration is to create a sense of community—a village, building connections and a sense of belonging. We look to learn from each other’s unique cultures and lived experiences while celebrating our similarities. Our safe, welcoming, and empowering space allows our members to:
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Share their stories, voice concerns, and discuss poignant events happening within the African and Caribbean diaspora;
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Educate and advise other staff members on how to best deal with issues, needs and policies related to our community.
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Highlighting celebrations such as Black History Month
Shalom SKF
Shalom SKF is our ERG for members of staff who identify with the Jewish community. This could range from having grown up culturally or religiously Jewish, celebrating Jewish customs or high holy days, to having a Jewish partner or children. Anyone with a connection to the Jewish religion or culture is encouraged to reach out. Shalom SKF aims to do the following, outside of work commitments:
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Provide a safe space for members to come together and interact;
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Encourage members to share stories and experiences;
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Provide a support network for members;
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Celebrate our rich culture;
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Support the wider Foundation with training and education
Spectrum
This ERG is for people who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Our name reflects the diversity of gender and sexual identities across a wide spectrum. Our purpose is to:
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Build a community within SickKids Foundation to share experiences and stories
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Foster a safe and inclusive workplace for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees
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Celebrate and commemorate Pride month each June with fun and educational events open to the whole Foundation
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Raise awareness around issues and significant days, such as International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
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Creating an environment where issues and concerns that matter to us can be openly discussed and addressed;
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Providing mentorship and sponsorship within our community;
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Celebrating rich cultures and meaningful milestones of our diverse community and using these moments as opportunities to learn from one another and connect.
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Partnering with the EDI Committee and other allies to better enable equity, diversity and inclusion across our Foundation.
The 30%+
This ERG aims to provide a safe space for racialized employees at the Foundation to share their authentic voices and learn from each other's lived experiences. The goal is to support each other by:
Contact Us
Questions, concerns or compliments. We’d love to hear from you.
