The City of St. Albert’s Social Master Plan is a blueprint for “Cultivating a Community for All.” One of its core values is focused on diversity and inclusion. It defines “diversity” as encompassing acceptance and respect, understanding the uniqueness of individuals and recognizing differences in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, or other ideologies.
Diversity is much more than the visible differences in terms of race or ethnicity. Some folks who are facing challenges with income and/or housing may be marginalized. Folks without secure, appropriate housing may be looked at through a different lens than those securely housed. Diversity and Inclusion also means that residents are able to live free from bullying, have a home, have accessibility to all they need and are welcomed into the community
To simplify; diversity can just happen – like a group of diverse individuals sitting together at a table. Inclusion requires action and occurs when we ask those individuals to speak or to “eat.” The City of St. Albert and supporting agencies are committed to ensuring that all residents feel welcomed “at the table.”
As stated in the city council policy, one of their values is that diversity and inclusion creates strong communities when they “bring together a diverse set of voices, perspectives and backgrounds.” The policy suggests that there are long-term impacts when people are excluded from participating in the community.
The City of St. Albert hosts many events and initiatives focused on addressing the core value of diversity and inclusion. The well-attended Pride Festival and the St. Albert National Aboriginal Day Festival are just two examples of how St. Albert is a welcoming community, there are more initiatives taking place in the city – one includes the “It Starts with Me” which can be viewed on the City of St. Albert website.
Block parties and Neighbourhood Connectors are another way to be inclusive and create a safe and caring community. Being made to feel welcome when moving into a new home – made to feel you are an important and valued part of your new community. A simple gesture such as a plate of cookies or a “Hi and welcome to the neighbourhood” can be cherished.
Another example of inclusion is the Mayor's Task Force to address homelessness. The city recognizes that homelessness is an issue and is working towards a dignified solution. Inclusion also means offering employment to residents who may face physical and or intellectual challenges.
As you can see, diversity and inclusion is a much larger subject encompassing many facets of living life in a community. The St. Albert Community Village is privileged to continue to have the opportunity to meet and interact with folks from diverse backgrounds at the Cultural Kitchen. The friendships that have grown from the core group have expanded to include a large supportive unit that welcomes new traditions, beliefs, challenges and perspectives.
Everyone deserves the right to speak and eat “at the table.”
Suzan Krecsy is the director of the St. Albert Food Bank.
