TAIBU, in partnership with University of Toronto Scarborough, East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club, and Alpha Alpha Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., have devised a method of dismantling anti- black racist barriers hindering the participation of Black Canadians at imperative decision-making tables. To that end, the BGLP has created a Black focused curriculum for a governance and leadership project, funded by the City of Toronto.
Whether you are Black or of another ethnicity, the fundamentals of governing over a non for-profit organization in Toronto remains the same. The responsibilities associated with being a Board Director has been easily categorized under the following:
Working in, and representing the needs of, the Black Community requires an understanding of the inherently anti-black racist challenges that exist. Black Leaders require knowledge of how they can be allies to other Black leaders as they join decision making tables and the Black community at large. BGLP participants are exposed to the intersectionalities of the Black community and learn to remain supportive of those with specific needs for equitable access. The program discusses opportunities for Black Directors and Leaders to prioritize the healing of historical trauma and manage current exposures to racial challenges. Providing assurance that boards are curating space for their directors to practice self governance and care which should add to an equity-based board culture.
When working in the Black community, as a non Black organization, Directors ought to incorporate Afrocentric principles to provide services, explore recruitment, best practices of engagement, and retention. An anti- Black racist lense is necessary to support the intended services these organizations seek to provide. As a participant of the BGLP, organizations can receive training as well as ongoing support in their capacity building. The BGLP acknowledges the need to increase the intentionality behind doing work in Black communities and with its intersectionalities and are equipped to support that journey.
Exclusive to the participants of the BGLP access is granted to interactive and facilitated mentorship. You would benefit from the extensive, lived experience of Black Leaders who have sat as Board Directors across the city. Sessions will include an opportunity for organizations and individuals to work with their mentors on their development checklist created with assistance from our assessment.
