Join the Restorative Engagement Program to help make a difference
November 20, 2023 - Defence Stories
Now is your chance to help make a difference. Join us as a Defence representative in the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC)’s Restorative Engagement Program. Together we can create a more inclusive and respectful work environment.
Many of you might have heard about this program called “RE”. Well, simply put, it is to:
- Learn about sexual misconduct and its impacts on people
- Acknowledge the harm done and that we need to do better
- Support leaders at all levels to be agents of change
Why join?
When you join the program, you get to engage with different levels of leadership in ways that build your knowledge, skills, and capacities to lead differently and to work restoratively with people around you.
Culture change doesn’t happen overnight. It also doesn’t happen with one policy change or a few senior leaders who make commitments. Change happens at all levels of the Defence Team. It starts with each and every one of you who is willing and open to learn and unlearn, to engage in difficult conversations, and to take what you learn and share it with others.
The time commitment
As you start the program, you meet your cohort colleagues which is usually a group of 6 to 8 Defence Team members ranging from CAF members of all ranks and DND public service employees of various backgrounds and levels. The commitment is 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 people affected by sexual misconduct.
Still not sure? 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.”
Submit your nomination today
For more information on how to apply or how to support nomination of a Defence Team member contact DR-RD@forces.gc.ca. Step by step instructions for CAF members and DND staff and link to the nomination form d4792 are available online at Join the Restorative Engagement program. Approval from your CO or Manager is required for participation. Nominations should be submitted 30 to 60 days prior to the cohort start date. CAF members are required to go through a pre-screening with CF Health Services before submitted their nomination forms.
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.