This year marks the 10th anniversary of Journey to Diversity Workplaces (J2DW), a non-profit organization that aims to create a better work environment for everyone. We believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, and safety are not only moral imperatives but also strategic advantages that foster creativity, innovation, and connectedness. We are not just an organization but a movement.
Our History
We were founded in December 2013 by a group of passionate individuals who wanted to reform the workplace and introduce progressive policies that promote harmony and growth. Since then, we have grown into a network of members, partners, and supporters who share our vision and mission. We are also a media platform that showcases diverse voices and perspectives on various topics related to the workplace. We produce a volunteer-run podcast called Diversity on Air, where we interview experts, leaders, and activists who share their insights and experiences on diversity, equity, inclusion, and safety. We also publish a blog called Voices of our Nation, featuring articles contributed by volunteers and summer students who write about their opinions, stories, and research on workplace issues.
Our Achievements
We are proud of our achievements and recognition. We are or have been a member of OnGood, Charity Village, CIRA, and the Ontario Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. We also partner with VolunteerMatch. We have been featured in various media outlets, such as The Toronto Star, Barrie Today, and InDurham. We have also hosted several events and workshops to raise awareness and educate our community on the benefits and challenges of diversity in the workplace. Some of our notable events include:
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- We have had numerous diverse speakers over the years at our Annual General Meeting including the Hon. Peter Bevan-Baker, Paralymic athlete Zak Madell, and the Department of National Defence.
- We changed our structure re-naming our Board of Directors to the Board of Justice Journeymakers to better reflect the journey we’re on for social justice and the Board Chair is now our Speaker.
Our Goals
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we also look forward to the future and the goals we want to achieve. Some of our goals include:
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- Expanding our membership and partnership base to reach more people and organizations who share our values and vision.
- Increasing our media presence and influence to amplify our message and advocate for change.
- Developing more programs and services to support our members and partners in their diversity and inclusion efforts.
- Develop a new, modern website to reach more people and deliver our message.
- Enhancing our internal governance and operations to ensure our sustainability and effectiveness.
Our Invitation
We invite you to join us on our journey to a diversity workplace. Whether you are an employer, an employee, or a supporter, you can make a difference by becoming a member, a partner, or a donor. You can also listen to our podcast episodes and read our blog posts to learn more about our work and our community. You can also follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on our news and events. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.
Thank you for being part of our journey!
