We are deeply committed!
The process of strategic planning has allowed us the opportunity to explore and ultimately to reimagine our foundational statements which guide everything we do. Like many others, we have been tested in these pandemic times and this pressure has added an urgency to re-evaluate our vision, mission and values deeply. We discussed and debated who we are as an essential service provider in the context of local, provincial, national and global movements fighting for the human rights of women, girls and gender diverse people. We are deeply committed to dismantling and ending structural inequities that render women, girls and gender diverse people vulnerable to violence, poverty and homelessness. It is in this spirit that we move forward with a shared understanding of purpose and a collective determination to live our values and deliver on our mission in service of our critical vision.
Our New
Foundational Statements:
INTERSECTIONAL FEMINISM:
We support the strength of women, girls and gender diverse people, with boldness, creativity and passion. We acknowledge the profound and differential impact of racism, oppression and colonialism across the diversity of our participant population and our staff teams. We work to promote a climate that is welcoming and responsive to all women and gender diverse people. We strive to provide participants and staff of all races, religions, classes, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities and immigration statuses with programs, services and work environments that are culturally responsive, culturally safe, equitable and accountable.
COMMUNITY VOICES:
We centre the voices and experiences of all participants in establishing our advocacy priorities and in developing and evaluating our programs.
SOCIAL JUSTICE:
We work tenaciously to create meaningful social change and equity for women, girls and gender diverse people. We specifically call out and work towards eradicating anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism. We acknowledge the Indigenous land on which the Association works, and we are committed to meaningful acts of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP:
We seek opportunities to strengthen our capacity and the capacity of allied and sister service organizations, to expand service offerings for participants and to strengthen advocacy and movement building initiatives.
SERVICE EXCELLENCE:
We hold ourselves accountable to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed services and provide programs that reflect the self-identified priorities of our communities.
SUSTAINABILITY:
We work to ensure that the resources and strategies of the Association will allow us to evolve and thrive.