Unlocking Engagement
July 31, 2024
By Theresa Vidal, EDI Coordinator at Woodview
When the decision was made to share office space between Nicki Straza, Engagement Lead and myself, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator, a unique opportunity for collaboration was born. Nicki seized the chance to apply for a grant from the Knowledge Institute. As we worked side by side, we discovered that engagement without a meaningful EDI lens lacks authenticity and compassion, while EDI without genuine engagement remains superficial.
Our Journey with the EDI/Engagement Grant
A recent evaluation shed light on critical barriers hindering the implementation of quality standards. Funding gaps and the seismic shift caused by the Covid-19 pandemic left us grappling with how to effectively engage with young people and their families facing mental health struggles within our communities. The Knowledge Institute’s Engagement Grant emerged as a beacon of hope—a chance to address these barriers head-on with up to $15,000 in funding.
As we delved into strategic priorities, the path became clear. Equity, diversity, and inclusion intersected seamlessly with engagement. So, we joined forces, sparking bold and transformative ideas.
Our community resembled a vibrant mosaic of colors, cultures, and stories. However, we noticed that our client demographics at Woodview didn’t fully mirror this diversity. Who was missing, and why? These questions echoed in our minds, driving us to seek answers.
Finding Traction in Unexpected Places
With traditional town halls, we saw minimal engagement. So, we stepped out of our comfort zones. Instead of waiting for people to come to us, we went to where they were—their neighborhoods, gatherings, and festivals.
Woodview became a sponsor of the Brantford International Villages Cultural Festival and actively participated in the Brantford Immigration Partnership (BIP) Newcomers Event. One-on-one meetings with community leaders forged connections. And then came the key event—the International Students Information Exchange Event—where we learned firsthand about the struggles international students faced, including food insecurity and lack of awareness about available services.
On September 25, 2024th we will be running the event for a second year at the Brantford Public Library. We’re excited to partner with community stakeholders such as the Workforce Planning Board of the Grand Erie and Laurier University, along with the Brantford Public Library. We look forward to continued engagement with the community through an EDI framework.
We are excited as we continue this journey to unlock engagement, redefine our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and create a Woodview where everyone’s voice matters.