Submitted by Steven Lorenzo Baileys, Community Development Coordinator

What biases do we bump up against when we interact with others who are different? How do our biases impact our interactions with others? These and other key questions were explored on November 29 at a Community Partnership Network (CPN) education event hosted in collaboration with the Francophone Society of Victoria and the B.C. Francophone Immigration Program. Showcasing the video DiverCity Victoria, the CPN event invited participants to view the video and, with a panel discussion, to explore our biases and perceptions related to diversity in our community.

“DiverCity Victoria” is a recently produced Leadership Victoria video designed to enhance our awareness and understanding around biases and diversity. The personal stories of five persons from the immigrant, refugee, transgender, Aboriginal and homelessness communities are highlighted in the video. The DiverCity Victoria video was recently produced by the team Bellatonia of Leadership Victoria as part of a project to broaden awareness about diversity and inclusion. A panel presentation with guest speakers featured from the video included:

• Derrick Forsyth – former member of homelessness and brain injury community
• Sandra Glendale – a Kwakwakawakw women born in Alert Bay, BC
• Ximena Londono and Maria Soriano – members of Leadership Victoria Team Bellatonia

The video and panel discussion that followed sparked strong emotions, shared personal views and offered ideas about tangible steps each of us can take to be aware of and address our biases while fostering a more diverse and inclusive community.

Ximena Londono and Maria Soriano, two of the video project team members, explained: “The DiverCity Victoria video may not change the world, but we hope that it will provide food for thought for those who see it, whether they agree with it or not. Perhaps the video will instigate discussion or a second thought when someone encounters a person they don’t know or don’t understand…”

A growing network of more than 260 members, the CPN is coordinated by ICA, and promotes diversity and inclusion by organizing education seminars, training workshops, and sharing of resources.

To learn more about the CPN or to become a member click here: http://www.icavictoria.org/community/cpn/become-cpn-member/

To view the DiverCity video click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vctLudwDHzA

The Community Partnership Network appreciates the generous funding from the United Way of Greater Victoria.