OACETT strives to have a culture where all OACETT members feel valued, empowered and supported.  A tangible step in this direction was the establishment in 2023 of the Belonging and Inclusion Committee (BIC) (formerly known as the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee (DEIC). Guided by the Belonging and Inclusion Strategy developed in partnership with CultureAlly, BIC advances belonging through purposeful action and accountable leadership.

🎬 Watch Shelley’s Video Message: Hear directly from former BIC Chair Shelley Parker, A.Sc.T., about why belonging and inclusion matter, and how we are shaping a more equitable OACETT experience for all members.

Four Strategic Belonging and Inclusion Pillars

1. Belonging & Growth

   • Create mentorship, sponsorship, and peer groups to empower underrepresented members and diversify leadership pipelines.
   • Launch initiatives like "Inclusion Champions" and highlight member stories to promote visibility, belonging, and shared success.
2. Equitable Policies & Practices
   • Integrate Belonging and Inclusion standards across all governance instruments — from volunteer selection to certification protocols — ensuring fairness and transparency.
   • Audit existing policies to eliminate systemic barriers, enhance accessibility, and support diverse communication needs.
3. Education & Engagement
   • Provide Belonging and Inclusion learning opportunities (e.g., unconscious bias training, safe-space forums) to build community awareness and strengthen member connections.
   • Host events, webinars, and forums to foster dialogue and collective learning across the membership.
4. Community Impact & Relations
   • Cultivate partnerships with students, colleges, employers, and other organizations to advance Belonging and Inclusion best practices in the broader profession.
   • Support international and student members through accessible policies, certification clarity, and financial aid opportunities addressing socio-economic barriers.

Why It Matters

• Builds Better Leadership: Equipping members from all backgrounds to lead ensures our profession remains dynamic, diverse, and inclusive.
• Fosters Accountability: With clear KPIs and regular reporting, OACETT remains transparent, progressing and continually improving for our members.
• Strengthens Community: An inclusive OACETT means stronger connections, richer member experiences, and greater collective impact.

How You Can Get Involved

• Attend BI Events: Engage in webinars, discussions, and voice your perspectives.
• Share Your Story: Celebrate your experiences and be an Inclusion Champion.

Explore Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy Report

Interested in the details? Download the full 2024 Belonging and Inclusion Strategy report — an in-depth look at goals, tactics, and accountability measures that guide BIC's work.

Watch the CultureAlly's Foundations of Belonging and Inclusion Recording

On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, CultureAlly and Belonging and Inclusion Chair (BIC) LaraWiddifield, C.E.T., hosted a webinar on the Foundations of Belonging and Inclusion. This CPD-approved session explored key concepts and practical approaches to building a more inclusive environment.

Topics included:

• Understanding Key Definitions & Concepts
• Creating Safer Spaces & Understanding Identity
• Inclusive Communication and Everyday Inclusion
• Reflection and Commitment
• Feedback Survey and Q&A

Members had the opportunity to engage directly with our facilitator via the chat and bring forward their questions on these important topics. Following the webinar, participants received practical resources to help put the concepts and strategies discussed into practice.

WATCH RECORDING

Join Us in Making Inclusion Real

Whether through leadership, education, or community outreach, there’s a place for you in OACETT’s mission to enhance belonging and inclusion. Help us build a profession rooted in belonging — where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered to make a difference.

Get in Touch

Want to connect? Reach out to BIC at belonging@oacett.org.