Purpose and Terms of Reference

Mission Statement

Diversity Thunder Bay works towards an equitable community free of racism and discrimination of any kind.

Guiding Principle

Diversity Thunder Bay is a welcoming organization for diverse groups representing concerns of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, same-sex partnership status, family status or disability.

Objectives

To develop partnerships with other community organizations to work on broader issues of diversity.
To ensure that Diversity Thunder Bay is a true reflection of Thunder Bay’s population.
To develop and provide feedback on policies, procedures and action plans that will further the interests of Diversity Thunder Bay.
To encourage Diversity Thunder Bay member organizations to become more inclusive of diverse groups in Thunder Bay.
To undertake initiatives that will improve diversity and inclusion in Thunder Bay.
To share information, network and offer mutual support to municipal, regional, provincial, national and international groups who are interested in the areas of diversity and inclusion.

Membership:

Membership in Diversity Thunder Bay will be payment of the membership fee as established by the Executive Committee and approved by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. Members can include, but is not exclusive to, individuals and community organizations, which shall designate a voting representative.

Executive Committee:

Diversity Thunder Bay will be co-chaired by two individuals elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting.

The Executive Committee will include the two Co-Chairs, Secretary/Treasurer as elected by the Membership at the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee has direct authority for the allocation of financial and human resources of the organization. The period of service for members of the Executive Committee shall be three years with one, three-year term option renewal.

Eligibility: Any member standing for election to the executive committee must have been a member for at least one full year prior to the nomination date.

March 21st – The international day for the elimination of racial discrimination

A Committee will be established to organize activities and media promotion of the day. The Chair will be chosen from within the membership and report directly to the membership. The committee will be struck in September of any given year with the expectation that the March 21st events will be organized by mid-January of the following year.

Fiscal Year:

January 1 to December 31.

Meetings:

Diversity Thunder Bay will meet at least six times per year with meetings scheduled by the Executive Committee or called by the staff support as needed. The agenda for each meeting will be set in collaboration with the Co-Chairs and staff support. An Annual General Meeting will be held in January. A quorum will consist of six members representing various member organizations.

Personnel:

As engaged by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may pursue additional human and financial resources to implement the projects of Diversity Thunder Bay as needed in consultation with the community organizations to be affected.

Specific Tasks:

1. To undertake diversity projects as identified by the membership and accepted by the community and/or community organizations.

2. To ensure that Diversity Thunder Bay is a true reflection of Thunder Bay’s population: an inclusive organization that proactively recruits volunteers.

3. To review the barriers within Diversity Thunder Bay that prevents diverse groups from participating.

4. To raise awareness of the issues affecting those who are under represented.

5. To annually review the Terms of Reference at the Annual General Meeting.

Approved November 2004

Revised January 2007 and June 2008