We recognize that improving the lives of everyone in the communities we serve means we must explicitly focus on removing barriers for those most harmed by them. Harm has been done through our history of colonialism, systemic racism, and other intersecting oppressions. It has resulted in persistent barriers, exploitation, and limited access to opportunities for people identifying as Indigenous, Black, Racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, persons of differing abilities, and other marginalized groups causing long-term social, economic, and health disparities.
In our work, we listen deeply to the community and aspire to address belief systems, attitudes, policies, and practices that privilege some and oppress others. It is only through this intentional work that we can aspire to create the conditions that allow everyone the opportunity to thrive.
We are committed to doing the work that removes barriers, which means changing our organization’s policies, processes, and practices that systemically exclude or disadvantage these groups. And it means working in closer partnership with the people and communities that our work is intended to benefit.
We can and will use the principles of reconciliation and equity to make clear and measurable changes to eliminate systemic racism and discrimination from our work. In doing this, we will continue to demonstrate commitment to fighting poverty in all its forms.