SOCAN has launched a six-month diversity review with Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario, a leader in organizational equity audits and change programs for arts organizations, as part of its goal to create and foster an even more equitable company.
Inspired to action by Black Out Tuesday, SOCAN responded with the creation of an employee-led team to consider equity issues and make recommendations for equitable hiring and opportunity practices, training and awareness, and support for SOCAN members from diverse communities.
“The goal of our diversity review is to establish the baseline from which SOCAN can improve as an employer and leader in Canada’s creative landscape,” said Interim CEO Jennifer Brown. “By tapping even further into both operational and creative talent in Canada’s racialized and marginalized communities, SOCAN will become a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Making meaningful and positive changes requires a willingness to take an honest look at past processes.”
The review includes the comprehensive study of equity and inclusion standards in all aspects of SOCAN’s governance and operations, and the development of a corresponding diversity, inclusion, and equity action plan.
The action plan will comprise a framework that will cultivate a workplace culture that inspires and fosters diversity and inclusion, placing attention on the particular needs of each equity-seeking group.