Create Culture Change by Becoming a Defence Representative in the SMSRC’s Restorative Engagement Program

August 6, 2024 - Defence Stories

You can contribute to positive culture change within the wider Defence community by becoming a Defence Representative (DR) in the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC)’s  Restorative Engagement (RE) program.

As a Defence Representative, you will learn about the impacts of sexual misconduct through what members of the CAF-DND Sexual Misconduct Class Action Settlement share. You will challenge your own assumptions and biases and engage in reflective learning. You will also start understanding what enables sexual misconduct to happen in our workplace and what needs to change to eliminate it. In this role, you will take steps to help address sexual misconduct, support culture change and inspire others within the Defence Team to do the same.

The program offers flexible options for participation that allow a wide range of Defence Team members, like you, to join. You can help us make the program a success by listening and learning from people affected by sexual misconduct who have asked to share their experiences, impacts and insights.

These options will be available on 9 September 2024 and can accommodate different schedules and include different ranks/levels within the Defence Team. The goal is to ensure all cohorts are filled so that class members can start engaging with Defence representatives as per the Class Action Settlement.

Participation Options

1. Full-Time Participation: This option involves full-time participation over eight consecutive weeks. It is open to CAF members and DND public service employees of all ranks and levels, providing an intensive immersion in the principles of restorative engagement and culture change.
2. Intermittent Sessions: This option involves full-time participation for two weeks. Then, there are approximately six hours of intermittent reflective learning sessions and up to six days of engagements with class members over five to six months. Finally, there are two weeks of full-time participation at the end of the program. It allows for a balanced approach, integrating learning and practical engagement with ongoing responsibilities. It is open to CAF members and DND public service employees of all ranks and levels.
3. Virtual Reflective Learning Sessions: This option consists of six virtual reflective learning sessions, class member engagement sessions, debriefs, and two virtual action planning sessions over six to eight months. It is targeted at Colonels/Captains(N), Lieutenant-Colonels /Commanders, Chief Warrant Officers/Chief Petty Officers 1st class, EX-01s, EXs minus 1 and middle managers (e.g., AS-08, EC-07, AS-07 and equivalent), focusing on the role of leadership in culture change.
4. Virtual Reflective Learning Circles: This option includes three virtual reflective learning sessions, participation in either a learning circle with a small group of class members over several sessions and/or a dialogue of two hours with other DRs, and a final action planning session. It is designed for participants of General Officer/Flag Officer rank/EX-02 level and above, emphasizing the role of executive leaders and the cascading effect of culture change.

You can expect to participate in small groups with other DRs (six to eight per cohort) which are facilitated by restorative practitioners. Cohorts start on various dates to accommodate different schedules and needs. All are virtual and some are in English, French or both languages. Visit the Intranet page to find out when the cohorts start and if they can fit your schedule.

By becoming a DR in the RE program, you will become part of a community who plays a crucial role in transforming the organizational culture, promoting a more respectful and inclusive environment. For more information on how to apply or support the nomination of a Defence Team member, visit the Intranet page or contact DR-RD@forces.gc.ca.