Related image



DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, EQUITY & ACCESSIBILITY (DIEA)

The Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) is committed to breaking down barriers and strengthening DIEA within the informal science learning and public engagement sector.

    From 2016 through 2021 CASC actively sought opportunities to challenge our operations and offerings in the areas of:

    • Truth and Reconciliation: Implement actions to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada recommendations by working to transform existing relationships to emphasize open dialogue, mutual understanding and respectful collaborations.
    • Gender in STEM: Combat gender (identity & expression) barriers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by deepening learning and empowering collective action.
    • Combating Systemic Racism: Educate and build awareness of racism, anti-Black racism and anti-Blackness within our sector, STEM and throughout systems across society. 
    • Inclusive and Accessible Events: Deliver an inclusive & equitable event and conference experience that reflects a diversity of perspectives and identities from across our sector and country.
    • Leadership and DIEA: Increase representation of diverse talent while strengthening leadership and critical roles with development programs.

    View the CASC 2016-2021 DIEA Progress Report (PDF).

    DIEA DEFINED

    The definitions CASC uses for the words diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility (DIEA).

    Diversity: The variety of unique dimensions, qualities and characteristics each individual possesses.

    Inclusion: Creating a culture that strives for equity and accepts, embraces, respects and values differences of a collective.

    Equity: Fair treatment of everyone and ensuring all have equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of society and its benefits.

    Accessibility: A measure of how simply a person can participate in an activity.

    In the 2020-2022 Strategic Plan, CASC identified three objectives centered around DIEA:

    • 1.2 Advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility within the informal science learning sector.
    • 1.3 Addressing Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada recommendations within the informal science learning sector.
    • 3.2 Be a platform for inclusive approaches and innovative thinking. Include fresh, new ideas and perspectives in our annual national conference.

    In 2022 CASC is in a pivotal position to take a proactive approach to integrate DIEA practices into a DIEA Strategy that will guide and influence the associations day-to-day operations. We will begin the process with an internal focus and then expand into external influences in five (5) steps as follows:

        • Internal Capacity Building & Resource Allocation
        • Membership and Stakeholder Engagement
        • Protocol, Policy and Procedure Development
        • Development of our DIEA Strategy
        • DIEA Strategy Implementation and Performance

    To help guide us we’ve joined the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) as an Employer Partner and are a partner of the Diversity Leads 50 – 30 project, led by TMU’s Diversity Institute. The Diversity Leads 50 – 30 project will support and strengthen the participants of the 50 – 30 Challenge with access to cutting edge research, databases of best practices, and recruitment and training of diverse board-ready candidates. 





    Canadian Association of Science Centres

    #1203-130 Albert St. 

    Ottawa, ON. K1P 5G4

    info@casc-accs.com

    The CASC office is situated in Robinson Huron Treaty territory and the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. We pay respect to their traditions, ways of knowing and acknowledge their many contributions to the innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Clearly and overtly this gratitude must be demonstrated in our collective commitment to truth and reconciliation, by working to transform existing relationships, with open dialogue, mutual understanding and respectful collaborations

    ©2022 Canadian Association of Science Centres