Working Group

The South Etobicoke Anti-Black Racism Community of Practice (SE ABR CoP) is a collection of individuals from member organizations of the SE Cluster who are interested in personal and organizational learning and action through: 

• Focused learning
• Action planning
• Mutual accountability. 

The SE ABR CoP will collectively support an increase in knowledge and capacity through collaborative interagency work and expert-led workshops to implement ABR policies, practices, and actions within local organizations. 

We will collectively source, share information, tools, and resources and conduct an annual survey to inform the work and enhance organizational strategies to make a substantive change regarding ABR. 

The South Etobicoke Cluster Anti-Black Racism Community of Practice launched in August 2021 to disrupt systemic racism. On April 26th, 28 people attended our second gathering to continue the work of addressing ABR within South Etobicoke. During the gathering participants worked in small groups to explore actions related to 4 priority areas to support organizations in developing their own ABR strategic frameworks/action plans. 

The SE ABR CoP is steered by the SE ABR working group composed of members of community based agencies located in South Etobicoke. 

Principles: The SE ABR CoP works under the following principles:

• To be willing to hold space for dialogue with compassion and clarity.
• To be fully present; to understand that attention is the currency of change. 
• To stay true to our highest intentions of listening openly, deeply, and with respect for others, to speak from the heart, and to engage with courage and openness. 

Practices 

• Black and non-Black Affinity Groups
• Community of Practice Gatherings
• Workshop and Training

Members

• Arts Etobicoke
• ESS Support Services
• Jean Augustine Centre
• John Howard Society
• LAMP
• ACCT

Working Group Lead - Kshama Patel, Arts Etobicoke