Inclusion, equitY, diversity and Accessibility (IDEA)
The AWCS is committed to creating a community that is reflective of the diversity of Canadian writers. We recognize that various historic and structural inequities, due to discrimination based on age, class, cultural or linguistic background, disability, economic status, gender, gender identity, race, religion, and sexual orientation have created barriers to access and consequently, equity measures are required to promote full participation of our membership in AWCS activities.
AWCS will integrate equity principles into its decision-making regarding policies, practices, programs, partnerships and services and will continue to address systemic barriers and historic challenges. Equity and diversity should inform strategic planning discussions, AGM and conference planning, and all other AWCS programming activities.
AWCS will foster a welcoming, barrier-free environment, and build and nurture relationships with communities not traditionally involved with AWCS through targeted outreach activities.
AWCS programs and services aim to meet and respond to the varied needs of the diversity of Canadian writers. We are continually staying informed and looking at new and more inclusive ways to explore craft and writing.
AWCS will strive to ensure that it reflects the diversity of Canadian writers and writing. This includes: staff, members and volunteers, including committees, events speakers, instructors, and other representatives. From time to time, AWCS will survey its membership and leadership on equity and diversity issues to evaluate its progress in this regard.
AWCS makes every effort to ensure that all programmed events are held in wheelchair-accessible spaces, which include those with wheelchair-accessible washroom facilities. Whenever possible, AWCS will use venues with gender-inclusive washrooms. Seats at the front of the room will be reserved upon request for those who require them. We will work to ensure that free WiFi is available at venues. Information about venue accessibility will be included in the event information on the AWCS website.
Services for Persons Who are Deaf & Hard of Hearing
The AWCS provides live captioning for all online events. Those requiring an ASL interpreter are asked to contact the AWCS office in advance of the event. In addition, we will ask speakers and others to use best practices (e.g., speaking clearly into a microphone, repeating questions from the audience) to provide a positive and productive environment for all attendees.
Support Workers
Caregivers and support workers accompanying an attendee who requires support may attend any in-person AWCS event or class for free. Please contact the AWCS office if you will be accompanied by a caregiver or support worker.
Service Animals
The AWCS welcomes service animals at in-person events. Every effort is made to ensure the AWCS chooses venues which allow service animals.
Allergies
AWCS asks attendees to refrain from wearing perfumes at in-person AWCS-programmed events. All attendees are asked to inform the AWCS office of allergies that may impact their attendance at the event.
Other Support
Please let us know if you have any requirements not noted above so that we can ensure that our event welcomes you and provides the accommodations you need.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out by email or phone 403.264.4730
AWCS will integrate equity principles into its decision-making regarding policies, practices, programs, partnerships and services and will continue to address systemic barriers and historic challenges. Equity and diversity should inform strategic planning discussions, AGM and conference planning, and all other AWCS programming activities.
AWCS will foster a welcoming, barrier-free environment, and build and nurture relationships with communities not traditionally involved with AWCS through targeted outreach activities.
AWCS programs and services aim to meet and respond to the varied needs of the diversity of Canadian writers. We are continually staying informed and looking at new and more inclusive ways to explore craft and writing.
AWCS will strive to ensure that it reflects the diversity of Canadian writers and writing. This includes: staff, members and volunteers, including committees, events speakers, instructors, and other representatives. From time to time, AWCS will survey its membership and leadership on equity and diversity issues to evaluate its progress in this regard.
AWCS makes every effort to ensure that all programmed events are held in wheelchair-accessible spaces, which include those with wheelchair-accessible washroom facilities. Whenever possible, AWCS will use venues with gender-inclusive washrooms. Seats at the front of the room will be reserved upon request for those who require them. We will work to ensure that free WiFi is available at venues. Information about venue accessibility will be included in the event information on the AWCS website.
Services for Persons Who are Deaf & Hard of Hearing
The AWCS provides live captioning for all online events. Those requiring an ASL interpreter are asked to contact the AWCS office in advance of the event. In addition, we will ask speakers and others to use best practices (e.g., speaking clearly into a microphone, repeating questions from the audience) to provide a positive and productive environment for all attendees.
Support Workers
Caregivers and support workers accompanying an attendee who requires support may attend any in-person AWCS event or class for free. Please contact the AWCS office if you will be accompanied by a caregiver or support worker.
Service Animals
The AWCS welcomes service animals at in-person events. Every effort is made to ensure the AWCS chooses venues which allow service animals.
Allergies
AWCS asks attendees to refrain from wearing perfumes at in-person AWCS-programmed events. All attendees are asked to inform the AWCS office of allergies that may impact their attendance at the event.
Other Support
Please let us know if you have any requirements not noted above so that we can ensure that our event welcomes you and provides the accommodations you need.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out by email or phone 403.264.4730
