About the Positive Space Program
The Defence Team Positive Space Program aims to foster a safe and inclusive work environment for everyone. Specifically, it focuses on work-related matters and issues experienced by members of the Two-Spirit, Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (2SLGBTQI+) communities.
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The Program reflects the Defence Team’s unique organizational ethics, policies, regulations and work environment, which includes both military and civilian members working across Canada and around the world in various environments.
The Program is delivered by Defence Team volunteers who serve as Positive Space Ambassadors. These Ambassadors actively promote inclusiveness in the workplace by leading by example and providing networking opportunities, information and resources.
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What is Positive Space?
A Positive Space is a welcoming and respectful place for everyone. A place where people who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ feel safe and able to be themselves. A place where normative assumptions are challenged, and gender and sexual diversity are celebrated. Key elements of the Positive Space Program are training, awareness building, and ongoing support to the Positive Space Community, whether they are 2SLGBTQI+ Defence Team members and allies, leaders, Positive Space ambassadors, or just looking for a space to ask questions without judgment.
Why does the Defence Team have a Positive Space Program?
While much progress has been made, the 2SLGBTQI+ communities still face challenges with heterosexism, genderism, transphobia and homophobia, which can lead to individuals feeling unsafe at work.
The Positive Space Program helps the Defence Team to:
- Increase inclusion and respect for 2SLGBTQI+ identified people;
- Provide support to persons who are dealing with 2SLGBTQI+ related issues;
- Promote and strengthen Defence Team values with regards to inclusion and diversity;
- Encourage the recruitment and retention of a diverse and representative workforce.
Who is involved in the Positive Space Program?
The Defence Team’s Pride Advisory Organization (DTPAO) and the Defence Team’s functional authorities: Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources-Civilian) (HR-Civ) and Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) co-lead on the Positive Space Program in DND/ CAF. These organizations provide support by:
- Arranging awareness and training sessions to build awareness on gender and sexual diversity;
- Establishing a network of Positive Space Ambassadors throughout the Defence Team;
- Helping to respond to ad hoc requests for information about the initiative; and,
- Networking across the Government of Canada to help encourage a sense of community.
The following information outlines the stakeholders involved in delivering the Defence Team’s Positive Space program and their roles:
Positive Space Ambassadors
Positive Space Ambassadors
Role
- Promote diversity awareness and inclusion with a focus on the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
- Self-identify as a Positive Space Ambassador by wearing and/or posting identifiers to provide visibility.
- Speak openly and positively about gender and sexual diversity in general.
- Provide assistance* to others who are dealing with 2SLGBTQI+ related issues. For example, by helping to answer specific questions when they come up in the workplace.
*Note: Positive Space Ambassadors are not expected to be counsellors or experts. They are peers committed to making the Defence Team a safe and inclusive place for everyone. Ambassadors will need to balance their ambassador role with their work duties.
Training Requirements
- Positive Space Ambassador Training;
- A commitment to fulfilling the role of a Positive Space Ambassador.
Training and support materials are available on the Positive Space SharePoint site (link accessible only on the National Defence network). These materials are typically developed and made in collaboration with the DTPAO and in consultation with other government of Canada departments.
Positive Space Facilitators
Positive Space Facilitators
Role
- Deliver Positive Space Ambassador training under the direction of the Defence Team’s functional authorities: ADM(HR-Civ) and CPCC.
Training Requirements
- In-depth knowledge of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities (including its context, challenges, and history);
- Positive Space Ambassador training:
- Positive Space Facilitator training;
- Demonstrated facilitation and presentation skills;
- A commitment to completing a mentorship process under the guidance of an experienced Positive Space Facilitator (co-delivering sessions with a mentor prior to running sessions independently, etc.).
Training and support materials are available on the Positive Space SharePoint site
Base/Wing/Formation Commander, Employment Equity Officers & Diversity Champions
Base/Wing/Formation Commander, Employment Equity Officers & Diversity Champions
Role
- Coordinate training sessions with assistance from the Directorate of Inclusion, CPCC and Directorate of Workplace Programs and Services, HR-Civ.
- Create a network of Positive Space Ambassadors and Facilitators.
- Create awareness of the Positive Space Program within their area of responsibility.
Training Requirements
No requirements but all Defence Team members are strongly encouraged to take Positive Space Awareness training.
Strategic Partners: Directorate of Inclusion, CPCC & Directorate of Workplace Programs and Services, HR-Civ
Strategic Partners: Directorate of Inclusion, CPCC & Directorate of Workplace Programs and Services, HR-Civ
Role
- Support the expansion of Positive Space Program awareness within the Defence Team.
- Oversee the delivery of Positive Space Program across the Defence Team.
- Work closely with the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization to support the Positive Space Program within and across the Defence Team (intradepartmental collaboration, support materials, etc.).
Training Requirements
No requirements but all Defence Team members are strongly encouraged to take Positive Space Awareness training.
Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization
Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization
Role
- Support the expansion of the Positive Space Program within the Defence Team.
- Network across the Federal Government to help avoid duplication of efforts and encourage consistency.
- Work closely and collaboratively with the Directorate of Inclusion, CPCC and the Directorate of Workplace Programs and Services, HR-Civ to support the Positive Space Program.
- Respond to ad hoc requests for information about the Defence Team’s Positive Space Program.
- Support the Defence Team’s Positive Space Program by providing consistent messaging and materials.
Training Requirements
No requirements but all Defence Team members are strongly encouraged to take Positive Space Awareness training.
All Defence Team members
All Defence Team members
Role
While not everyone might be participating in the Positive Space Program, all members of the Defence Team have a role to play in creating an inclusive work environment:
- Increase inclusion and respect for 2SLGBTQI+ identified people.
- Encourage the recruitment and retention of a diverse and representative workforce.
- Enhance understanding and integration of Defence Team values with regards to inclusion and diversity.
Training Requirements
No requirements but all Defence Team members are strongly encouraged to take Positive Space Awareness training.
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