Midhurst/January 12, 2026 – The #ITSTARTS campaign returns at the beginning of March 2026. The Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership (SCLIP) is proud to mark the campaign’s tenth year by expanding opportunities for residents to learn, lead, and champion inclusion across the region.
Leading up to the awareness month, SCLIP is once again offering a series of Diversity Ambassador Training sessions available both virtually and in person, to empower community members, organizations, business leaders, and residents to foster welcoming and equitable spaces.
This year’s program includes a suite of learning opportunities, co‑facilitated by the Simcoe County District School Board. Participants can choose from three targeted training streams designed to build capacity and strengthen inclusion across our communities:
· Introductory Sessions: A foundational introduction to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) and the #ITSTARTS campaign.
· Ambassador 2.0 Sessions: An advanced session for participants with prior IDEA experience, offering deeper learning and practical application.
· Train the Trainer Session: Prepares participants to deliver Introductory Ambassador Information Sessions within their own organizations or communities.
| Introductory Sessions The sessions provide an overview of the #ITSTARTS campaign and introduce key concepts related to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA). | ||
| Wednesday, January 14 | 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. | Simcoe County Administration Centre, Conference Room 1110 Highway 26, Midhurst ON |
| Thursday, January 15 | 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. | Virtual – Microsoft Teams Webinar |
| Wednesday, January 21 | 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. | Virtual – Microsoft Teams Webinar |
| Thursday, January 22 | 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. | Barrie Common Roof 165 Ferris Lane, Barrie, L4M 2Y1 |
| Wednesday, January 28 | 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. | Virtual – Microsoft Teams Webinar |
| Ambassador 2.0 Sessions These sessions will provide a deeper learning opportunity for community members who have previous experience with inclusion, equity, diversity, and accessibility (IDEA). | ||
| Thursday, February 5 | 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. | Simcoe County Administration Centre, Conference Room 1110 Highway 26, Midhurst ON |
| Wednesday, February 11 | 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. | Virtual – Microsoft Teams Webinar |
| Train the Trainer Session These sessions will prepare you to host an Introductory Ambassador Information Session in your organization or community. | ||
| Wednesday, February 18 | 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. | Virtual – Microsoft Teams Webinar |
Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
To learn more about the 2026 #ITSTARTS campaign and access tools and resources that support local anti-racism and anti-oppression efforts, visit simcoe.ca/itstarts.
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.
