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Equity and Inclusion Office

McMaster Launching an Employee Resource Group for Black, Indigenous and Racialized Staff

The Equity and Inclusion Office and Human Resources Services are collaborating to sponsor and expand an initiative inspired by the ongoing efforts of the Race, Racism and Racialization (R3) Working Group of the President’s Advisory Committee on Building an Inclusive Community (PACBIC).

2021-2022 Employee Resource Group (ERG) Annual Report

The initiative is an institutionally supported Employee Resource Group (ERG) for Black, Indigenous and Racialized staff, which aims to “enhance opportunities for meaningful consultation with, engagement of, and provision of support” to groups historically under-represented and under-served in higher education – a key objectives in McMaster’s EDI Strategy and Action Plan.

This next ERG meeting is scheduled on Thursday May 6, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.. Individuals interested in attending this event should email jdjohnson@mcmaster.ca with the subject title: ERG to receive an invitation with a Zoom link to enter the meeting.

This ERG will focus on facilitating:

  • Social health and well-being through community and coalition building
  • Career growth and leadership development through networking and skill-building

For more information on the purpose, benefits and time requirements, please review the
ERG Terms of Reference or contact the Equity and Inclusion Office (equity@mcmaster.ca) for more information.

We are also inviting statements of interests from any Black, Indigenous and Racialized staff members who are interested in an opportunity to expand their skill set and develop professionally by taking on one of three new positions – we are looking for one Vice-Chair to help shape the activities of the ERG. Each Chair will receive an honorarium for their contributions.

This team of three chairs will be joined by two liaisons (a member from the PACBIC Race, Racialization, and Racism (R3) Working Group and a member from the PACBIC First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) Priorities Group), and supported by the Manager of Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EIO) and the Employment Equity Specialist (HRS).

Together, this team group will be responsible to:

  • Determine the schedule of group meetings and set the agenda
  • Plan and organize social activities and professional development events
  • Allocate and manage budget for activities and events

Staff who wish to be considered for these roles should complete a brief statement of interest through this
Online ERG Statement of Interest.

Please circulate this notice widely and encourage Black, Indigenous and Racialized staff to consider joining the ERG. Managers and Supervisors are expected to accommodate staff, where reasonably possible, should they wish to participate in the meetings and activities of the ERG.