Embracing Change Together:
Our Journey Towards an Inclusive Community
Our Anti-Racism Initiative
At Calgary Housing Company, we are committed to fostering a community where everyone feels valued and respected. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our residents, we are excited to introduce our new anti-racism initiative, designed to better serve you and create a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for all.
Understanding Through Experience
We acknowledge that many of our residents, particularly those from racialized communities, have faced challenges and injustices due to racism. These experiences shape not only individual lives but our community as a whole. Our program is a step towards understanding and addressing these experiences, with the goal of building a more empathetic and inclusive living environment for everyone.
A Journey of Learning and Growth
As we embark on this journey, we do so with humility and an open mind. We recognize that we do not have all the answers, and our understanding will grow with time and through shared experiences. Our aim is to listen, learn, and evolve, ensuring that our actions and policies genuinely reflect the needs and voices of our community.
Your Voice Matters
Central to our program is the belief that the best insights come from those who live the experiences. Early next year, we will conduct a comprehensive survey to gather perspectives, experiences, needs, and guidance from the lived experience of our residents. Your participation will help to shape our approach and ensure that our efforts are genuinely reflective of the community we serve.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
This initiative is more than a program; it’s a commitment to change, understanding, and mutual respect. We invite you to join us in this important effort, contributing your voice and experience to create a community where everyone belongs and thrives.
We Want to Hear from You
Your Voice Matters
CHC is working with Western Management Consultants (WMC) to learn about your experiences with racism and racial discrimination during your time as a CHC resident.
There are two ways to participate:
- Complete the online survey being sent out the week of January 29. The survey will remain open until February 12. If you require a paper copy of the survey, kindly contact Shannon (WMC) either through email info@wmc.ca or call (403) 531-8201.
- Volunteer (through the survey) to be a part of a WMC-led focus group conversation. If you wish to be part of the focus group but do not want to complete the online survey kindly contact Shannon (WMC) either through email info@wmc.ca or call (403) 531-8201.
Your voice is the key to positive change, and we want to hear what you have to say.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding this survey, please reach out to Paul Boakye through email paul.boakye@calgary.ca or call (825) 431-6548.
What is Racism?
Racism is a social construct that individuals belonging to a specific race are inherently superior to other races. This is often reflected in power dominance, unequal privilege, and how people treat each other. This racially inspired unequal treatment is sustained by individual behaviours and attitudes as well as systems of governance that work together to maintain the status quo.
What is Anti-Racism?
Anti-Racism is recognizing the existence of racism and taking steps to name, challenge, and eliminate it at all levels (individual and structural) and spheres of life.
A person who practices anti-racism is someone who works to become aware of:
- How racism affects the lived experience of Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized Peoples.
- How racism is systemic, and has been part of many foundational aspects of society throughout history, and can be manifested in both individual attitudes and behaviours as well as formal (and “unspoken”) policies and practices within institutions.
- How people participate, often unknowingly, in racism.
