#ITSTARTS with Diversity Ambassador Training

#ITSTARTS with Diversity Ambassador Training

Midhurst/January 8, 2025 – With #ITSTARTS month once again being recognized throughout March 2025, the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership (SCLIP) is setting the stage for awareness through Diversity Ambassador Training sessions throughout our region. Community members, organizations, business leaders, and residents across the region are invited to participate in these education sessions—offered both virtually and in-person—designed to equip participants to lead and champion diversity awareness in their workplaces and communities. 

The program features two distinct learning tracks, co-facilitated by the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership and the Simcoe County District School Board: foundational Diversity Ambassador Training 1.0 and advanced Equity 2.0 sessions for those with existing DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) experience. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Diversity Ambassador Training 1.0 (introductory) virtual training sessions:

·       Thursday, January 9, 2025; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

·       Friday, January 10, 2025; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

·       Thursday, January 23, 2025; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

·       Thursday, February 6, 2025; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

·       Thursday, February 13, 2025; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Equity 2.0 sessions:

Virtual:

·       Thursday, January 16, 2025; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

In-person:

·       Wednesday, January 15, 2025; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Midhurst, Ontario
Session is fully booked. Spaces are still available in the virtual Equity 2.0 session.

Participants will gain exclusive insights into the upcoming #ITSTARTS social media campaign, a powerful March initiative dedicated to celebrating multiculturalism and combating racism and discrimination. Join the movement by creating and sharing your own #ITSTARTS card, posting impactful content, or sharing photos and videos across social platforms. Connect with us by using #ITSTARTS and tagging @simcoecounty (X/Twitter) and @CountyofSimcoe (Facebook and Instagram).

Now in its ninth year, this initiative is supported through collaborative efforts by the Local Immigration Partnership including the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Barrie Persian Association, Barrie Police Services, Barrie Public Library, Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County, Catulpa Community Services, City of Barrie, CLASS, College Boreal, Collingwood Public Library, E3 Community Services, Ethnic Mosaic Alliance, Georgian College, Lakehead University, Making Change SC, Ontario Provincial Police, Simcoe County District School Board, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, South Simcoe Police, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, Georgian Bay General Hospital, Innisfil ideaLAB and Library, New Tecumseth Public Library, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, CONTACT Community Services, County of Simcoe EDO (Economic Development Office), Simcoe County Turkish Association, New Path Youth and Family Services, Hospice Simcoe, Midland Public Library, the Child, Youth, and Family Coalition of Simcoe County, and Empower Simcoe.

Take action today by downloading multilingual #ITSTARTS cards at simcoe.ca/itstarts. The website offers comprehensive resources and practical guidance for taking meaningful action against racism and discrimination. Follow our journey throughout March on the County’s website and social media channels, where we’ll showcase inspiring stories of change and community unity.

Together, we’re building a more inclusive Simcoe County—one conversation at a time.

About the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership

The Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership (SCLIP) was established in 2011 and leads community-based planning intended to improve social and economic outcomes for immigrant residents. SCLIP is funded in-part by Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In 2023, the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership published a new Community Settlement Strategy with recommendations to support the development of welcoming communities. 

About the County of Simcoe
The 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.