About the Diversity X Change Program
This annual program provides valuable opportunities for individuals to delve into the essential topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through engaging art, educational resources, and effective programming initiatives. It is designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge around various intersectionalities and personal experiences within the community. It creates a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and fosters a deeper understanding of these critical concepts.
Diversity X Change facilitates community learning, reflection, and adaptation in the face of complex and diverse challenges. It achieves this goal by fostering relationships and addressing systemic barriers such as biases and prejudices hindering civic engagement. By prioritizing the development of inclusive and equitable communities, this platform aims to create a space where individuals from all walks of life can come together to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and work towards a common goal of mutual understanding and social progress.
The primary objective of Diversity X Change is to enhance the level of knowledge and understanding among the residents of Ajax and neighbouring communities, with a particular focus on promoting civic resiliency. Our top priority is to ensure that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the forefront of our community's growth and development. By prioritizing these values, we can foster a more vibrant and inclusive environment that benefits everyone in our community.
Diversity X Change 2024
This year we are conducting a series of monthly special programs/events from September to December presented by the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force (AARTF). Each month will have its own unique theme that aims to encourage discussion on essential topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Stay tuned to this page and the Town's social media channels for updates on Diversity X Change events and engagement opportunities. Upcoming themes include: celebrating Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous heritage (Roots & Rhythms), and recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
You can also let us know your thoughts on the programming using the feedback tool below.
Celebrating Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous Heritage - Roots & Rhythms
Join the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force for an evening of art, expression and advocacy at Roots & Rhythms, an event that celebrates the strength and beauty of diversity through powerful performances, spoken word and interactive engagement followed by a guided community conversation. This event amplifies multicultural voices and delves into critical themes of race, identity, gender, and the immigrant experience.
The free event features live performances, music, refreshments and opportunities to connect and network.
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: Ajax Community Centre, HMS Room (75 Centennial Rd., Ajax, ON L1S 4S4)
No registration is required.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities Film Screening
In partnership with the Ajax Public Library, join the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force (AARTF) to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a special film screening of "A New Story" and a panel discussion. "A New Story" is a three-part mini-series featuring some incredible people with intellectual disabilities who’ve crafted fulfilling lives thanks to vital support from their community. You’ll meet local Ajax resident, Elliott, an international rugby player; Lily, a fashion runway model; and Kirby, who lives independently with the support of his amazing neighbours.
What to expect:
Discussion led by the AARTF highlighting the intersectionality of race and disabilities and exploring how overlapping identities shape lived experiences and amplify barriers. As one of the event’s key partners, they will also host a table before the film screening, offering resources, fostering dialogue and encouraging community engagement on these crucial topics.
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: 6 - 9 p.m.
Location: St. Francis Centre (78 Church St. S.)
Registration is required, to register please visit the Ajax Public Library webpage.
Previous 2024 DXC Programming
Combatting Islamophobia Workshop
The Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force, in collaboration with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), presented Diversity X Change: Combatting Islamophobia Workshop. This free event was designed to educate and empower community members by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to become effective allies in the fight against Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination.
The event featured a workshop offering a foundational understanding of allyship for those who are new to the concept. Participants learned practical steps they can take to support marginalized communities, challenge harmful biases and create a more inclusive community. Following the workshop, a panel discussion provided additional insights and perspectives from community leaders, including our Task Force.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The significant day honours the memory of the thousands of children who were lost to the Canadian Residential School system and acknowledges the generational traumas experienced by Canada's Indigenous Peoples.
As the first program part of the 2024 Diversity X Change series, this year’s Truth and Reconciliation events were presented by the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force (AARTF). The programming included a community healing circle, guided by Grandmother Kim Wheatly at the Ajax Indigenous Community & Healing Garden, interactive activities and refreshments, followed with a special flag raising at Pat Bayly Square to bring the community together and provide an opportunity for learning, dialogue and healing.
About Indigenous Healing Circles:
An Indigenous healing circle is a sacred space designed to foster healing, connection and community among its participants. At the heart of the healing circle is the practice of speaking from the heart, guided by respect for one another and the traditions of the community.
Ceremonial elements, such as prayer, song, drumming or the use of sacred herbs like sage or sweetgrass, may be incorporated in healing circles to invoke spiritual guidance and cleanse the space.
The healing circle is not just a place for personal healing but also a venue for collective healing and problem-solving.
About the Diversity X Change Program
This annual program provides valuable opportunities for individuals to delve into the essential topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through engaging art, educational resources, and effective programming initiatives. It is designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge around various intersectionalities and personal experiences within the community. It creates a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and fosters a deeper understanding of these critical concepts.
Diversity X Change facilitates community learning, reflection, and adaptation in the face of complex and diverse challenges. It achieves this goal by fostering relationships and addressing systemic barriers such as biases and prejudices hindering civic engagement. By prioritizing the development of inclusive and equitable communities, this platform aims to create a space where individuals from all walks of life can come together to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and work towards a common goal of mutual understanding and social progress.
The primary objective of Diversity X Change is to enhance the level of knowledge and understanding among the residents of Ajax and neighbouring communities, with a particular focus on promoting civic resiliency. Our top priority is to ensure that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the forefront of our community's growth and development. By prioritizing these values, we can foster a more vibrant and inclusive environment that benefits everyone in our community.
Diversity X Change 2024
This year we are conducting a series of monthly special programs/events from September to December presented by the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force (AARTF). Each month will have its own unique theme that aims to encourage discussion on essential topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Stay tuned to this page and the Town's social media channels for updates on Diversity X Change events and engagement opportunities. Upcoming themes include: celebrating Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous heritage (Roots & Rhythms), and recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
You can also let us know your thoughts on the programming using the feedback tool below.
Celebrating Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous Heritage - Roots & Rhythms
Join the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force for an evening of art, expression and advocacy at Roots & Rhythms, an event that celebrates the strength and beauty of diversity through powerful performances, spoken word and interactive engagement followed by a guided community conversation. This event amplifies multicultural voices and delves into critical themes of race, identity, gender, and the immigrant experience.
The free event features live performances, music, refreshments and opportunities to connect and network.
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: Ajax Community Centre, HMS Room (75 Centennial Rd., Ajax, ON L1S 4S4)
No registration is required.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities Film Screening
In partnership with the Ajax Public Library, join the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force (AARTF) to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a special film screening of "A New Story" and a panel discussion. "A New Story" is a three-part mini-series featuring some incredible people with intellectual disabilities who’ve crafted fulfilling lives thanks to vital support from their community. You’ll meet local Ajax resident, Elliott, an international rugby player; Lily, a fashion runway model; and Kirby, who lives independently with the support of his amazing neighbours.
What to expect:
Discussion led by the AARTF highlighting the intersectionality of race and disabilities and exploring how overlapping identities shape lived experiences and amplify barriers. As one of the event’s key partners, they will also host a table before the film screening, offering resources, fostering dialogue and encouraging community engagement on these crucial topics.
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: 6 - 9 p.m.
Location: St. Francis Centre (78 Church St. S.)
Registration is required, to register please visit the Ajax Public Library webpage.
Previous 2024 DXC Programming
Combatting Islamophobia Workshop
The Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force, in collaboration with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), presented Diversity X Change: Combatting Islamophobia Workshop. This free event was designed to educate and empower community members by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to become effective allies in the fight against Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination.
The event featured a workshop offering a foundational understanding of allyship for those who are new to the concept. Participants learned practical steps they can take to support marginalized communities, challenge harmful biases and create a more inclusive community. Following the workshop, a panel discussion provided additional insights and perspectives from community leaders, including our Task Force.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The significant day honours the memory of the thousands of children who were lost to the Canadian Residential School system and acknowledges the generational traumas experienced by Canada's Indigenous Peoples.
As the first program part of the 2024 Diversity X Change series, this year’s Truth and Reconciliation events were presented by the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force (AARTF). The programming included a community healing circle, guided by Grandmother Kim Wheatly at the Ajax Indigenous Community & Healing Garden, interactive activities and refreshments, followed with a special flag raising at Pat Bayly Square to bring the community together and provide an opportunity for learning, dialogue and healing.
About Indigenous Healing Circles:
An Indigenous healing circle is a sacred space designed to foster healing, connection and community among its participants. At the heart of the healing circle is the practice of speaking from the heart, guided by respect for one another and the traditions of the community.
Ceremonial elements, such as prayer, song, drumming or the use of sacred herbs like sage or sweetgrass, may be incorporated in healing circles to invoke spiritual guidance and cleanse the space.
The healing circle is not just a place for personal healing but also a venue for collective healing and problem-solving.
