The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Peer Learning Network (EDI PLN) is a space for recreation, parks, and wellness professionals to come together to share their ideas, skills, and experiences on how to support equity, diversity, and inclusion within their communities, workplaces, and work that they do.
How Can I Join?
Are you a ready to become part of the movement?
What is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and why is it important?
Before we define EDI, it is essential to remember that these words are not static descriptions but terms requiring action. Here are the actions that we associate with each word:
- Equity: The Goal
- Diversity: Recognizing and celebrating difference
- Inclusion: Choosing to take action
With those actions in mind, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (2022), defines Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as:
- Equity: Where everyone is treated according to their diverse needs in a way that enables all people to participate, perform and engage to the same extent
- Diversity: Considers the variety of unique dimensions, qualities, and characteristics we all possess, and the mix that occurs in any group of people. Race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, economic status, physical abilities, life experiences, and other perspectives can make up individual diversity. Diversity is a fact, and inclusion is a choice.
- Inclusion: Inclusion is creating a culture that embraces, respects, accepts and values diversity. It is a mindful and equitable effort to meet individual needs so everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute to their fullest potential.
Enhancing the EDI of all individuals is vital to reducing health inequities and ensuring the benefits of recreation are universal and available to all!
Check out other resources by Communities ChooseWell to learn more:
Why Should I Join?
As part of the EDI PLN you get access to:
- Virtual meet-ups over zoom every 3-4 months
- Resources shared by participants
- YourMembership online group and discussion board
- Opportunities to connect with other passionate and curious individuals
Who Can Join?
Anyone! Whether you work in the recreation and parks sector, are on the ground staff, or community partners and allies – everyone has a role to play in supporting EDI in the work that they do.
How Can I Join?
Are you a ready to become part of the movement?
Our Role
The Alberta Recreation & Parks Association would like to acknowledge that our role in exploring Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is one of allyship and not expertise. As an organization, we recognize that we must continually improve to serve Albertans as best we can. Therefore, we are committed to continuing our EDI learning journey and putting our learnings into action. As part of our commitment to action, we are making EDI information in a recreation context more accessible to our members, champions and partners. We hope that sharing our learnings will inspire others to join us on their allyship journeys.
Questions? Please contact:
Maddison Drader
Program Officer, Education & Allyship
Communities ChooseWell | Alberta Recreation and Parks Association
780-415-1745 ext. 204
mdrader@arpaonline.ca