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.

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.