Diversity & Inclusion Events

Dialogues on Diversity

The Region of Waterloo is an organization committed to improving access to regional programs and services for citizens from diverse backgrounds.  In order to understand the issues from specific community groups and develop solutions, the Region is partnering with community organizations to host a series of sessions called "Dialogues on Diversity". 

Dialogues are open to all members of the public, regional and city staff and community groups and organizations.

Upcoming Dialogues

People experiencing poverty and precarious employment

Waterloo Region will be a better place to live, work and play if we foster a community where individuals feel a sense of belonging and are able to achieve their full potential – a community where no one is left behind. The Region of Waterloo in partnership with several community organizations have partnered to host a Dialogue on Diversity that will focus on issues faced by People experiencing poverty and precarious employment.

When: Monday, June 24, 2013, 1 – 4 p.m.

Where:
Region of Waterloo,
150 Frederick St. 2nd floor
Council Chambers,
Kitchener ON N2G 4J3

This dialogue will cover questions such as:
 
- What barriers do you or others face living on low-incomes?
- How does unstable (precarious) employment affect people and our community?
- What role can each of us play to help reduce poverty?
- How can we create a more inclusive and supportive community?

This session will feature two keynote speakers:

1. Senator Art Eggleton: Co-Chair of the All Party Anti-Poverty Caucus. The Senator will share his views on income inequality and why it matters to our community
2. Stephanie Procyk: United Way of Greater Toronto. Stephanie will present on the report “It’s more than Poverty: Employment Precarity and Household Well-being”

To complement the key note speaker, there will be opportunities to discuss, understand and probe the role each of us plays in reducing poverty and how we can create a more supportive community.

You can RSVP by submitting a registration form or by calling Lorraine Bentley at 519-883-2397 or emailing at lbentley@regionofwaterloo.ca.

This is a free event and everyone is welcome.

Past Dialogues

Creating Age-Friendly Environments

This Dialogue on Diversity focused on issues facing adults 55 and older, including:

• Understanding ageism
• Living well with dementia
• Creating age-friendly communities
• Exploring demographic change: Ready or not, here come the 'Boomers'!

Documents and presentations from the dialogue:

Understanding ageism, Arlene Groh

Creating age-friendly communities, Dr. John Lewis

Exploring demographic change: Ready or not, here come the boomers!, Dr. Doug Norris

Moving forward: How to create more age-friendly environments, Arlene Groh

Participant Package: Creating age-friendly environments (pdf)

Participant Package: Creating age-friendly environments (rich-text)

Accessiblity Matters: It is all about us! A dialogue about achieving inclusion for everyone.

This Dialogue on Diversity focused on people with disabilities.  The objectives of the dialogue were to:

• Identify what gets in the way of providing inclusive services - the barriers.
• Identify practical concrete suggestions on how to improve inclusion in processes, policies, programs and services.
• Gain insights and discuss how to create inclusive environments for people with disabilities.

Documents from the dialogue:

Participant Package: Accessibility Matters: It is all about us!

Historical Timeline for People with Disabilities

Public Guide to Service Animals

Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)