CSI’s mission is to catalyze, support and inspire social innovation and social inclusion is a key part of that mission

We strive to create a welcoming space for everyone putting people and planet first because we want to model the world that we want to see.

And, we also know that social innovations thrive in diversity. If new perspectives and experiences aren’t shaping the new systems we are creating, how different will they really be?

We’ve spent years building shared spaces for social innovation and we’ve learned that ecosystems are more resilient when they are diverse, innovation happens at the intersections of different experiences, and healthy cultures are built on respectful relationships.

We’ve also learned that ensuring diversity is not always easy, and we can always do better. So in late 2016, we launched our first demographic survey to our Staff, nonprofit Board of Directors, DECAs and our members. We wanted to know who was here and who was not, so we could better lean into our strengths and learn from our gaps.

On May 22nd, we are not only sharing the results of this survey. We will also be sharing our learnings, and sharing our next steps. We want to make sure we are accountable, and provide you with the data so you can engage if you wish. We have a lot to be proud of but we also have a lot of work to do and we cannot do it alone.

Part of that process includes hosting an open table conversation to create space to unpack what the report tells us and talk and learn about inclusion, diversity, equity and access at CSI. This open table will be hosted by CSI Toronto Executive Director Adil Dhalla and Artist, Antioppression, Liberation + Meaningful Inclusion Consultant Rania El Mugammar.

The types of questions and conversations we expect to have include, but are not limited to:

1. What did the data from the report tell us?

2. What can we learn from our strengths?

3. What are our gaps and how have they reinforced oppressive culture in our community?

4. What did we learn from the How to be an Ally program?

5. Insert your question here!

We are excited to hold the space for these questions, and the questions we know our community and the public will bring to the discussion.

About the Format

We will invite a handful of people from the community to sit at a open table in the middle of the room. This table will be surrounded by chairs organized in circles around the table, so the audience can observe the conversation. There will be at least one empty seat at the table so that anyone from the audience can join. This available chair will not only allow for audience participation and unscripted conversation, it will also embody the idea that there is a space and role at the table for everyone who wants to be involved.

This format draws from the Kitchen Table Conversation tool and the Fishbowl facilitation method. We haven’t tried this format before, but we’ve always said revolutions start in the open. We’re excited to see what comes of these discussions.

Access and About the Space

• For those using mobility devices, there is a lift via our south doors off Bathurst.

• For those observing Ramadan, a prayer space and Iftar will be organized.

• Please let us know of any specific requirements needed in advance of visiting any of our spaces when registering. We will be happy to work with you to accommodate any accessibility requests as best we can!

Contact

Please email Adil Dhalla (adil@socialinnovation.ca) with any questions.