Off the Bookshelf: Conflict is not Abuse

Sarah Schulman’s Conflict is not Abuse urges individuals and communities to distinguish between conflict and abuse, advocating for accountability, direct communication, and repair rather than punitive or avoidant responses. She critiques the overuse of victimhood narratives, warning against binary thinking that leads to unnecessary escalations in personal relationships, social dynamics, and state violence. 

Associate Spotlight: Q&A with Adam Benn

What actions do you take to create inclusive environments in your own life? 

In my life, I focus on making inclusion a daily practice, and living these values day to day. That means being intentional about making space at the table, understanding the environmental impact of my actions, aligning with businesses and organizations that share my values, and focusing on supporting my communities. For me, it is about taking actions to create a world that I would like to see when I am teaching about inclusion. It also means actively listening, learning, and being willing to change — whether that’s rethinking a decision, acknowledging my own biases, or creating opportunities for others to lead. I also try to build relationships across differences…

The Power and Disempowering of Language in the Trump Era

James Baldwin viewed language as deeply tied to power, identity and historical reality, particularly for marginalized communities. Language, he wrote is “meant to define the other – and in this indispensable, cruelly dishonest role, it can be employed to obscure the truth.” Writers like Baldwin remind us that language is more than just a tool for communication—it shapes thought, reinforces power structures, and influences the way individuals perceive reality.

Faith on the Margins: Christianity’s Evolving Role in a Diverse and Inclusive Canada

Her name was Debbie. I cannot recall her last name, and I have only the vaguest recollection of what she looked like. But I still recall vividly how she was the one person who stepped out of the classroom every morning while the rest of us recited the Lord’s Prayer. 

DEI Backlash and Canadian Organizations

How Canadian Organizations Should Respond to the Backlash Against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

For many years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become a cornerstone of workplace culture in Canada. Many organizations recognize that these initiatives contribute to creativity, talent recruitment, and growth.  But recent court decisions in the United States, actions taken by the Trump administration, and political misinformation about DEI in the US and Canada have all added to increasing resistance to diversity, equity and inclusion. Even some organizations that prioritized these initiatives a mere five years ago (after a White police officer killed Black American George Floyd, which led to widespread protests) have pulled back or softened their approach. 

Is DEI on Its Way Out?

Over the past few weeks, I have felt the southerly cold wind creeping up on The Great White North, bringing doubt amongst equity-deserving groups and their allies. Even our pending elections seem to signal a seismic shift from the commitment to build representative organizations – none more so than within the Federal Public Service (FPS).  It begs the question: Is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) on its way out?

Revenge of the Tipping Point

Article by Hamlin Grange C.M., DiversiPro‘s Founder & Principal Consultant,
Hamlin Grange is DiversiPro’s Founder and Principal Consultant. He is a diversity and inclusion strategist qualified to assess the level of intercultural competence of individuals and organizations. He works with leaders and their organizations to improve productivity through better navigation of cultural differences.

A Challenging Year for DEI, But a Hopeful One Ahead

The diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) sector had a challenging year, here in Canada but especially in the United States. It was a combination of social, economic, political, and organizational pressures. 

Inclusive City Planning: Q&A with Alexandra Lambropoulos

Inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism (IDEA) are foundational to my work in urban planning because cities thrive when they reflect and serve the diverse populations that inhabit them. IDEA informs my personal research interests in community economic development because it focuses on building strong, resilient local economies that benefit all residents.

Resiliencing Habits for Changemakers

You read that right, resiliencing is not a typo! Resiliencing is what I call the habits and actions that help us move through life’s challenges.
I have supported people and organizations with change for much of my career. In the past few years, I have noticed things feel different.
People talk about facing many changes all at once, needing to keep on top of shifting expectations, experiencing tensions and friction, and feeling an overall sense of pressure to accomplish more, faster.