Racial Equity & Intersectional Understanding
This page includes highlights about what actions are happening now, our hopes for the future and roles involved in this stream.
Racial equity is a process of eliminating racial disparities and improving outcomes for everyone. It is the intentional and continual practice of changing policies, practices, systems and structures by prioritizing measurable change in the lives of Black, Indigenous and racially diverse people with the intention to create racial equity for all.
Intersectional understanding refers to the way in which we work to learn and understand the intersections of different identities (cultural practices, ideologies, faith-based perspectives, lived experiences) of others and how those identities affect a person's experience.
The underlying assumption is that different identities can coexist peacefully and enrich our community.
What Evidence Tells Us
Our 2023 JAIDE Survey demonstrated:
Representation matters.
24% of employees speak a language other than English most often at home.
Belonging matters.
9% feel that culture and heritage are not recognized at the YMCA of Three Rivers.
Stopping harm matters.
9% feel like the YMCA of Three Rivers does not challenge systemic racial discrimination.
The Impact We Hope to Achieve
By fostering racial equity and intersectional understanding, we can build a thriving workplace where individuals can be themselves as we work towards reducing incidents of hate and harm, while spreading love.
By being an organization that challenges and confronts racism, discrimination, and oppression, - we will make 'just' change to break down systemic barriers to potential and belonging. This in turn will help us build stronger partnerships, attract top talent, reduce turnover and enhance employee engagement and well-being, and build stronger and more resilient communities.
Click into the sections below to see the steps we are currently taking to make an impact in this stream. This section is updated frequently and a part of our ongoing commitment and accountability towards action.
IN ACTION
One Year Update
Resources & Evaluation
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JAIDE Leading Change Module 1-3 Toolkits completed.
- In person training for all three modules continuing in Spring and Fall 2026.
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Potential training sessions with Child Care supervisors to be orchestrated on how to use these tools.
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The third JAIDE Employee Survey is set to launch in May 2026.
Programs
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Youth Team partnership with the Black History Month event.
Communications
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The People Team Newsletter has expanded its JAIDE section to highlight learning around the various days of recognition.
Partnerships & Commitments
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In partnership with the Region of Waterloo and their Access and Inclusion Plan, our Child Care and EarlyON teams have established an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) commitment. Aligned with our JAIDE priorities, such as EDI, the intention is to highlight current commitment within these areas as it pertains to these services and recognize areas of growth.
Access & Integration
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Our organization has dedicated resources to co-locate Immigration Services and EarlyON programs at Roger St., creating a partnership that provides accessible EarlyON supports for newcomers.
JAIDE Roadmap Streams
Racial Equity & Intersectional Understanding
