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about US
The Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable (HEDR) is a community-wide initiative and collaboration of organizations, institutions, groups, businesses, and individual community members that are committed to building systemic inclusion and equity in Halton.
We are the community resource in Halton for sharing information and coordinating training on how to develop more inclusive and equitable policies, practices, and services.
We are dedicated to developing a community where individuals are valued for their diversity, respected, and empowered to realize their full potential. We want to develop a welcoming and inclusive Halton community where everyone wants to live, work, and play.
OUR MISSION
To develop the capacity of human service organizations to advance equity and inclusion in Halton through knowledge, skill and relationship building.
OUR VISION
An inclusive community where individuals are valued, respected and empowered.
OUR Objectives
The purpose of the Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable is to provide the leadership and structure to achieve the following objectives:
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To identify and highlight examples of excellence in diversity and equity related practices in Halton.
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To promote public awareness and education strategies to address equity and diversity issues in our community.
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To collect information on promising practices and activities in other communities and customize them for use and implementation in Halton.
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To advocate for inclusive practices throughout Halton.
In all the Roundtable’s activities we will be collaborative and inclusive in all of our efforts.
OUR VALUES & PRINCIPLES
Values and principles are the key to HEDR’s work in the community. The Roundtable has committed to reviewing these values at least annually, as they will guide the work and direction of the Roundtable.
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Diversity
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Equity
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Inclusion
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We believe in promoting diversity and equal access to achieve equity for marginalized groups as a key human right within Halton.
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We believe in using intersectional anti-oppression practices to promote social inclusion and meaningful engagement to achieve equity.
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We believe in working towards health and social equity and challenging any inequities, which are based in social constructs that are unfair, unjust and avoidable.
OUR HISTORY
The Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable (HEDR) was officially formed in March 2013 as a result of multiple community consultations. A conference sponsored by the Knowledge Transfer Committee of the Children’s Mental Health and Developmental Service agencies of Halton in March 2012 highlighted the community’s request for more resources, training, and support on how to address the needs of the growing diverse populations in Halton and sparked the creation of a diversity committee.
The activities of the diversity committee culminated in a community forum being arranged in 2013. The result was that 65 people representing service agencies, diversity groups and individuals across Halton answered the call to action and formed the Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable.