Case Study
Collective Learning Project
Built a shared understanding and approach to decolonization, justice equity and diversity in the settlement sector workplace
Project Details
Client: Options Community Services
Location: Surrey
Who we were working with: Managers and and frontline staff; indigenous partners, EDI specialists
What we were addressing
Options engaged Flow to co-create a training and resource development strategy that could support their Settlement and Integration program staff and managers in providing strength-based, anti-opppresion service delivery. While staff had received various trainings in equity-based services and indigenous approaches, senior management wanted training to be more hands-on and accessible. Staff felt that training they had received in the past was “one-offs”, and there was no time or space to experiment with new approaches. They felt overwhelmed by the expectations placed on them, especially under heavy work loads, and with an understanding that adopting equity-based approaches in a genuine and effective way would take more time and resources.
How we were addressing it?
Flow set up consultation sessions with Options Settlement and Integration Program (SIP) leadership, and conducted surveys with all members of the SIP team. We heard a need to explore a shared understanding of these important and challenging topics in a safe and respectful way. We developed and delivered a Learning and Development Program including 2 workshops with Managers, and 2 workshops for all SIP staff. Engaging Managers allowed us to offer methodologies and co-develop concepts and learning sessions that were accessible and most meaningful for staff. Workshop with the whole SIP team allowed for group learning activities, sharing, and included an indigenous guest speaker and EDI specialist.
Expanding on the concepts and learning of the sessions, Flow developed a manual to be used by staff and management for ongoing learning. Before the final manual was complete a pilot workshop session was delivered with the staff to explore and generate feedback on the current level of understanding of the topics covered in JEDI and decolonization and any further challenges or concerns that could help improve the content of the manual.
Outcomes
Awareness
Staff gained awareness in how they can build an inclusive and strength-based approach to their practice.
Tools for JEDI
Options seniors leadership gained knowledge, skills, and tools to support collective and ongoing learning for their teams on JEDI and decolonization.
Online Platform
A manual for the Options online platform: RELIAS, including ten topics to be incorporated by either a manager or a staff member into their monthly staff meetings.
Testimonials
