Join the SMSRC’s Restorative Engagement Program to Help Address Sexual Misconduct
June 19, 2023 - Defence Stories
Author: By the Restorative Engagement program team at the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre
In their daily work, every Defence Team member plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural evolution of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)/Department of National Defence (DND).
Now is your chance to be a part of transforming the Defence community’s response to sexual misconduct. Join us as a Defence representative in the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC)’s Restorative Engagement program and make a lasting impact. Together we can create a more inclusive and respectful work environment.
What is the Restorative Engagement program?
A restorative approach is one that puts people and their relationships to one another, between groups, and with institutions and organizations, at the centre of the work of doing justice. The SMSRC’s Restorative Engagement program offers a unique opportunity for Defence Team members to learn from and acknowledge members of the CAF/DND Sexual Misconduct Class Action Settlement. Through this trauma-informed process, guided by professionals in the field, Defence Team members actively address sexual misconduct and become leaders of culture change within the institution.
Culture is the way we show up with each other, so culture change is about changing/evolving/improving how are with each other and as a collective. This program adopts a restorative approach, welcoming individuals affected by sexual misconduct to share their experiences, impacts and insights, as well as for Defence Team members to contribute towards fostering a culture that is both respectful and inclusive.
Why be a Defence representative?
Real change requires you to work for it! Engagement is about the work you will do to facilitate meaningful change – how you show up, how you engage in this work – to know better and do better!
By participating in the SMSRC’s Restorative Engagement program, you will have the opportunity to develop professional and personal skills such as leading through relationship building, listening and respecting diverse perspectives, learning about complex issues and how to deal with them, working as a team, holding difficult conversations, etc. Overall, you will contribute to the CAF/DND workplace transformation now and throughout your career.
As a Defence representative, you will have the opportunity to engage in a three-month full-time or six-month part-time work assignment that allows you to acknowledge, understand, and learn from the experiences shared by class members affected by sexual misconduct.
Here’s a testimonial from one of the Defence representatives that participated in the program:
“The ability to be part of such an amazing process is definitely worth the time and effort. I have learned so much and realized how much trauma we have in our community. The ability to reach out and acknowledge stories shared is humbling while empowering.”
Additional information on the role of a Defence representative (only available on the National Defence network) is available online. You can also join an information session to learn more and ask questions.
Submit your nomination today
Discuss this program with your Chain of Command or supervisor, fill out a nomination form d4792 (only available on the National Defence network) and submit it to DR-RD@forces.gc.ca 30 to 60 days before the beginning of your selected cohort. We will not turn away any nomination forms received within 30 days of the cohort start.
If you have any questions, please contact the SMSRC’s RE program team at RE-DR@forces.gc.ca or at 1-833-998-2048.