National Anti-Racism Initiative

For over a century, BGC Canada has been removing barriers and creating
opportunities for millions of Canadian kids and teens. As Canada’s largest
charitable organization serving children and youth, our Clubs open their doors and
provide safe, inclusive spaces for young people of all backgrounds in 736 diverse
communities across the country.

We serve young people who are facing barriers of all types and we see firsthand the
effects of serious systemic issues. Our core values—Belonging, Respect,
Encouragement and Support, Working Together, Speaking Out—are built around
inclusion and we firmly stand against systemic racism, prejudice, discrimination,
and injustice.

With the support of our incredible partners, BGC Canada is proud to have taken
significant steps to embed Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and anti-racism
practices into our organizational culture, national initiatives and programs, and
staff training, including the following commitments:

National Statement on Racism and Discrimination

Truth and Reconciliation Commitment Statement: Developed with Club
leadership across the country, in consultation with Elders, Knowledge Keepers,
and youth leaders

Black North Initiative Pledge: We have committed to the 7 goals to move
Canada toward ending anti-Black systemic racism and creating opportunities
for underrepresented groups

National Youth Council Statement on Anti-Racism: Through our For Youth By
Youth model, we will continue to provide opportunities and support for BIPOC
(Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) youth to lead initiatives and inspire
change

We have also hired a Manager of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and are in the
process of hiring an Indigenous Advisor. Together, they will support our EDI
work in the following ways:

• Auditing internal processes, policies, and procedures to reflect an EDI and Indigenized lens
• Identifying key EDI priorities from our Clubs and youth and taking a firm public stance on these issues
• Developing and rolling out sustainable, long-term data collecting strategies that will provide insights into EDI-specific work
• Developing and maintaining a network of partner stakeholders who focus on various EDI communities, and being a leader for sector-wide
  
  EDI efforts:

• Identifying sustainable funding for EDI programs, projects, and initiatives
• Developing trainings and resources for staff regarding our four priority pillars: Racialized communities and anti-racism, Indigenization and FNIM communities, 2S & LGBTQIA+, People with disabilities

Addionally, BGC Canada has rolled out many anti racism and diversity training, resources, programs, intitiatives to date. 

Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada remains commited to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We stand against racism and discrimination of any kind. 

As part of our commitment, our national youth council recently awared10 Anti Racism Initiative Micorgrants (AIM) to 38 youth between 13-24 years old who are passionate about anti-racism within their communities.

Anti-Racism Initiative Microgrants (AIM), aims to support youth-led initiatives from Club members across Canada. It elevates youth voices around anti-racism, especially within BIPOC communities (Black, Indigenous or People of Colour).

Youth applied from various Clubs across Canada and grant recipients were from:
Alberta
British Columbia
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Manitoba

Various initiatives will be one-day workshops, weekly programming as well as educational videos. Here are some of the amazing initiatives being run:

"Arts and Activism": An art show made by the arts and activism participants to create awareness and encourage dialogue around diversity and expression.

"Let the Silence be Heard": 10-week workshops surrounding racism with Ryerson University Social Work Department

Educational video about anti-racism: Create an educational video about the community and why anti-racism is so important to this group of youth. It will include education about immigrants and people of colour.

"I Stand Against… ": A one-time workshop hosting BIPOC speakers aiming to combat Anti-Indigenous sentiments from the community and education around allyship and provide actionable steps.

"No Room for Racism Day": An anti-racism day at the Club including conversations about anti-racism, food from various cultures, poster contests, and much more. 30 youth and 4 staff to help instill the importance of fighting against racism through education on matters.

Black History Month Video Project: Interviews will be held asking about different generations about their past, and present experiences and hope for the future for an equitable and inclusive society.

"Not All Brown People Are the Same": Virtual event to appreciate brown people and explore stereotypes.

"MGTI Anti-Racism Group": This group will talk about racism such as those against Asians during the start of COVID-19 and within various marginalized groups.

"Wilderness Immersion and Leadership Development (W.I.L.D.)": The Lead Up Youth purchase materials written by BIPOC authors and artists for 5 BGC school aged after-school programs to benefit 100 children which have youth from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds that would benefit from the literature.

"How to Talk About Racism": This webinar will speak on anti-racism efforts in the community.

This great work was made possible thanks to your support. As we work to make an even larger impact, your onoing support is neccesary and vital.

Let's continue our work together to improve the lives of children and youth.