Positive changes for the Positive Space Program
April 17, 2023 - Defence Stories
Evolution of the Positive Space Program continues with the support of Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC). The primary ethical principle of the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is to "respect the dignity of all persons". The Positive Space Program helps foster the creation of a safe, inclusive and positive atmosphere based on mutual respect and an appreciation of each person’s "unique identity, skillset, perspective, history and experiences".
The Defence Team (DT) Positive Space Program promotes awareness of 2SLGBTQI+ (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional sexually- and gender-diverse identities) perspectives and issues, encourages dialogue, and helps to build trust and belonging for all members of the DT. Positive Space Ambassadors and Facilitators (PSA and PSF) are trained to help and hold space for their colleagues. The Program, which has been a formal part of the DT since 2018, includes a network of volunteers who provide education, empathy, and resources to their peers, helping to make the DT a more cohesive team of teams.
On 31 March 2023, International Transgender Day of Visibility, the DT Positive Space Program launched new and expanded programming to provide additional training opportunities, awareness activities, and support greater community engagement. This date was chosen as it is a day of raising awareness and celebrating the value and contributions of transgender and gender diverse people.
The 2022 Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, tasked DND/CAF with fostering "a respectful, inclusive, and diverse Defence Team." Throughout 2022, volunteers from across the Defence Team worked to renew the Program, based on a GBA Plus analysis of the existing program and stakeholder consultations. Updates include improvements to the administration of the program and networking, new Qualification Standards and Plans and Master Lesson Plans, enhanced training for ambassadors and facilitators, and micro-credential courses hosted on the Defence Learning Network (DLN 3.0).
In October 2022, the Positive Space Program introduced the following resources:
- Positive Space Program website on Canada.ca – The site provides an overview of the Program and links to information and resources.
- Positive Space Program SharePoint site (only accessible on the National Defence D365 network) – The site provides training materials and resources for community members.
- Microsoft Teams channel (only accessible on the National Defence D365 network) – The channel where Defence Team members can connect and discuss with Positive Space Program community members and ambassadors.
- Centralized online booking and administration tool (only accessible on the Defence Wide Area Network) – The tool can be used to search and sign up for Positive Space training, manage profiles, and locate local PSAs and PSFs.
The GBA Plus analysis also highlighted the need for targeted Positive Space training for specific groups, including chaplains, instructors, and senior leaders. In December 2022, the Positive Space team delivered a pilot of the Positive Space Executive Experience to CPCC senior leaders. This half-day session is intended to familiarize CWO/CPO1 and EX-01/Col/Capt (N) and above with their roles in creating a Positive Space. Enhanced by participant feedback, this module will be available beginning in Spring 2023. Modules for chaplains and instructors are in development and will be launched over the coming year.
Through a partnership with the Canadian Defence Academy, the Positive Space Program is also developing six micro-learning courses on a variety of Positive Space topics. Introductory modules for two of the courses: "Beginner History of the 2SLGBTQI+ Community in Canada and the CAF" and "Beginner Terminology" are now available on DLN 3.0. They can be located by searching for "Positive Space" or "2SLGBTQI+."
Production of promotional materials for the Positive Space Program kit shop is also underway and will be available through CANEX, online and in select stores, beginning in Spring 2023. Materials will include Positive Space identifying patches that will be authorized for wear on CAF operational dress.
We encourage all Defence Team members to learn more about the Positive Space Program, to expand their learning by taking course and to volunteer to become a Positive Space Ambassador. If you have any questions or would like support in organizing a Positive Space Program learning session, please contact the Positive Space Program.