Inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and justice are important core values at Macaulay. As an organization serving diverse populations, our commitment to these values is reflected in our policies, practices, and the way we engage with our community and deliver services. Macaulay is also committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for our staff.
To further our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, we contracted an equity consultant to work toward an organization-wide equity framework. This framework will include all levels of the organization and will focus on policy, practice, data collection, training and education.
As an organization that has been serving diverse and low-income populations for 90 years, we understand the needs of diverse populations, and we are committed to providing an inclusive environment for children and families from all backgrounds. By promoting diversity and inclusion, we are helping to build a strong and more cohesive community.
Standing against racism: building a brighter future
Macaulay Centres for Children is founded on principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. For more than 90 years, we have been committed to building a brighter future for all children and families, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical and mental disabilities.
As an agency, we welcome, celebrate and value the unique contributions of our staff, providers and volunteers, as well as the families we serve. We recognize that systemic anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism is deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Racialized populations in Toronto are facing significant disparities across all quality-of-life issues, including income, housing, health, wellness and safety. We also know that these factors are critically important indicators of child well-being.
At Macaulay, we are reaching out, every day, to those who are underserved and/or experiencing barriers to accessing support. All of our programs and services share a common commitment to early learning, nurturing strong families, supporting children with special needs, respecting diversity and building community. Now, more than ever, we are reminded of our vision: for all children to achieve their greatest potential within caring, responsive families and communities. We truly hope that communities can also share this vision and come together to achieve it.
Now is a time for leadership and a time for action. As leaders in early learning and child development, we will continue to listen, learn and collaborate with racialized communities and will continue to work hard to right inequalities in our city so that all children can participate and thrive.
Charles Abayomi
Chief Executive Officer
Motion
The Board of Directors for Macaulay Centres for Children fully, and without reservation, support the statement issued by the organization in June of 2020 where the Executive Director of the organization outlined why and how Macaulay Centres for Children will stand against racism.
The Board has made a decision to make a further statement of its commitment to stand against racism in all its forms. The Board recognizes that systemic racism has impacted Black, Indigenous and people of colour for a very long time. It is not limited to particular places and countries but is pervasive throughout the world. In the northwest region of Toronto that Macaulay operates in, racism is multidimensional, intersecting with poverty as well as socioeconomic, immigration and refugee status.
As such, Macaulay serves a highly marginalized demographic of children and families. Macaulay’s mission is to foster the optimal development of children, in partnership with their family and community. If those families and/or communities are suffering from the ravages of racism, systemic or otherwise, then the mission will be hindered.
The Board of Directors for Macaulay Centres for Children is therefore committed to standing against racism and will:
- ensure that actions and decisions from the Board will consider the impact those actions and decisions have in the fight against racism.
- ask tough questions to one another to ensure all opportunities have been explored to right inequalities.
- be advocates, whenever possible, in righting the wrongs of racism.
- ensure efforts are in place to have Macaulay and the Board of Directors for Macaulay reflect the communities they serve.
Statement on undocumented service users
Unless specifically required by funders or legislation, Macaulay neither requires nor collects proof of citizenship or immigration status in order to participate in a Macaulay program.
Macaulay communicates this commitment to the community and to potential service users. Macaulay supports Toronto’s declaration that it is a sanctuary city.
Procedure
Macaulay registration forms, applications, websites and promotional materials clearly state eligibility requirements for participation; wherever applicable, they clearly convey that proof of citizenship or immigration status is not required.
All staff and volunteers are informed of this policy.
Professional development is provided to support the full implementation of this policy.
Where appropriate, Macaulay advocates increasing access for individuals who are undocumented to other community and government services.
Equity policy
At Macaulay, we’re committed to enhancing equity in every aspect of our organization. Our equity policy spells out in detail exactly how we treat every person with respect and without discrimination.