The Advancing Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEAS) committee identified the need to evolve our approach to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity (EDII). This sentiment is shared by the Advancement Leadershop Team (ALT). We know that as a leadership team, we need to develop and lead an EDII strategy that identifies both our short- and long-term EDII goals for the organization, as well as specific actions and tactics. We also realize that to move the dial in this space, ALT needs additional expertise and resources. As a result, ALT has committed to creating a new temporary role that will act as an EDII advisor for our team. This position will work with the entire Advancement office and report directly to Karen. It is our hope to have the position filled and active by the new year.
Giving Tuesday: Together we accomplish more
By Lisa Riley, Director, Annual Giving & Young Alumni
Giving Tuesday is a global movement for giving and volunteering, taking place each year after Black Friday. The "Opening day of the giving season" is when charities, companies, and individuals join together and rally for favourite causes. It also brings together the power of the collective energy to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness. Across Canada and worldwide, Giving Tuesday unites communities by sharing our capacity to care for and empower one another.
Rico Garcia, Artsci'13 President, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Alumni Association (QUAA) and 2021 Homecoming co-host, will encourage ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ alumni and donors to give back this Giving Tuesday. This message will include a video capturing ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ student messages/reactions from around campus as they receive random small gifts. We want to convey that any small token of kindness impacts people every day and remind alumni that every little bit can make a difference in students' lives. Gifts will be encouraged in support of student need (faculty-specific funds/¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Fund, Promise Scholars).
If you have any questions, please direct them to Lisa Riley.
Colonized Classrooms book talk
ALT wants to thank everyone who has signed up for the book session on by Sheila Cote-Meek, facilitated by Elder in Residence Al Doxtator. We are going to postpone this session until winter 2022, to give everyone more time to read and process the book.
Participation is optional, but if you have not yet signed up and were interested, please reach out to Kate Bearse and she will be happy to get you a copy of the book from the publisher in December.
Thrive Week
For the seventh consecutive year, Queen’s is preparing for Thrive. Thrive is about building positive mental health and wellness through discussion, learning, skill development, and resource sharing.
Historically, we have marked Thrive in early November with a week of events and learning opportunities. We are pleased to announce that in 2021, we’re shifting the conversation to a year-round, 365 focus, with events kicking off the week of Nov. 1 to 5. We recognize that mental health and wellness are more critical than ever and want to be able to provide additional resources and support year-round.
We are fortunate to welcome Janice Brant from the Ratinenhayén:thos Kenhte:ke Seed Sanctuary and Learning Centre as our keynote speaker this year. Ratinenhayén:thos is a non-profit organization in the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory dedicated to growing heirloom and Indigenous seeds, including those specific to the Rotinonshyon:ni, and ensuring the availability of healthy, local seeds for the next seven generations. The keynote will host a 60-minute webinar on Nov. 2 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the traditional ways of knowing and doing as it relates to seed saving and planting activities, and also how these activities promote and contribute to wellness.
Some additional featured events include:
- Shoot, Snap, and Thrive - Photo Contest
- Let’s watch the Stars Together - A Virtual Tour of the Sky hosted by the Queen’s Observatory
- Deep Looking for Thrive – Enjoy artwork at Agnes Etherington Art Centre
- Inside the Castle – A Virtual Tour of the Bader International Study Centre
More information is available online, including other events, dates, and registration. Events will continue to be offered virtually for 2021.
We encourage everyone to participate the week of Nov. 1 to 5 as we officially kickoff Thrive 365.
December staff events moved virtual
ALT has made the decision to move the staff holiday party, scheduled for Dec. 2, from in-person to virtual, due to pandemic space constraints. Our first Advancement In-Person Week will now take place on campus the week of Mar. 21, 2022.
If you have any questions about previously scheduled plans for the week of Dec. 2, please reach out to your manager or ALT member.
Employee Spotlight
The Employee Spotlight celebrates the arrival of our new staff by profiling responses they share through a fun and informal survey that will help us get to know them better. Be sure to review these profiles and use these fun facts and tidbits to find commonalities, embrace differences and spark a conversation!
This week's current Advancement staff feature is Kate Bearse, in the position of Executive Assistant, Office of the Vice-Principal (Advancement). Learn more about Kate and find out what she can't live without.