Midhurst/February 6, 2024 – In anticipation of #ITSTARTS month in March, the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership (SCLIP) is advancing awareness through Diversity Ambassador Training sessions throughout our region. Sign up for free and take part in virtual or in-person education sessions and receive valuable tools that support with leading diversity awareness in the workplace and throughout our communities.
In addition to introductory Diversity Ambassador Training 1.0 hosted by the SCLIP, Equity 2.0 sessions facilitated by the Simcoe County District School Board are available to provide a deeper learning experience for individuals with previous EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) experience. Registration is limited. Click on one of the sessions listed below to sign up today.
Introductory Diversity Ambassador Training 1.0 training sessions are available:
- Wednesday, February 7: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Monday, February 12: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, February 20: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Friday, February 23: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, February 27: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Equity 2.0 sessions are available:
Online
In-person
- Wednesday, February 14: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Simcoe County Administration Centre, Conference Room, Midhurst, Ontario.
The Diversity Ambassador sessions will also provide an overview of the #ITSTARTS social media campaign running throughout March. #ITSTARTS aims to raise awareness about multiculturalism and reduce racism and discrimination in our communities. The annual social movement encourages Simcoe County residents to complete an #ITSTARTS card and share a photo or video through social media using the hashtag #ITSTARTS. Residents are also asked to tag @simcoecounty (Twitter), @CountyofSimcoe (Facebook) and @CountyofSimcoe (Instagram) in their messages.
The initiative, in its eighth year, is supported by the Local Immigration Partnership including the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Barrie Persian Association, Barrie Police Services, Barrie Public Library, Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County, Catulpa Community Services, City of Barrie, CLASS, College Boreal, E3, Ethnic Mosaic Alliance, Georgian College, Lakehead University, Making Change, Ontario Provincial Police, Orillia Public Library, Simcoe County District School Board, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, South Simcoe Police, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, Georgian Bay General Hospital, Huronia Transition Homes, Innisfil ideaLAB and Library, New Tecumseth Public Library, Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, CONTACT Community Services, County of Simcoe EDO (Economic Development Office), and Empower Simcoe.
#ITSTARTS cards, in multiple languages, can be downloaded through simcoe.ca/itstarts, which hosts resources, tips, and tools on taking safe and purposeful action against racism and discrimination. Videos and photos throughout the month will be shared and promoted through the County’s website and social media channels.
About the County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.