This interactive workshop for managers and directors will provide tools and skills to lead and inspire staff in effectively addressing issues of anti-Black racism in all aspects of the agency’s operations.

We will utilize an anti-oppression, equity-focused, asset-driven, trauma-informed framework, centering the lens of anti-Black racism, violence, and poverty.

The workshop will provide definitions, concepts, and the contextual realities of Black lives in Toronto- especially in relation to income, housing, violence, mental health, and homelessness. Additionally, the complexities and dynamics of the community will be examined. This includes the emerging related issues in the Somali and East African parts of the community.

Additionally, the workshop will identify the dimensions of trauma (as they impact on African Canadians- especially in the context of anti-Black racism, violence, and poverty).

Finally, participants will build leadership and management skills of decision-making, ABR-related organizational change management and planning and strategies to build promote and sustain safer space for all staff, service users and other stakeholders.

Learning Objectives:

• Build knowledge and awareness of critical issues, trends, and changes in the African Canadian community in Toronto and the relevance and implications for the shelter system and sector
• Enhance understanding and skills to lead and direct staff and to make effective management decisions regarding the needs and issues related to African Canadian- staff and clients/service users
• Increase leadership skill level to effectively support and promote organizational changes that address anti Black racism, to support all staff and to promote anti-oppressive practices in the workplace.
• Provide participants with relevant resources and tools to enhance work in the area.